Muleskinner
Famed Astronaut Visits UCM Campus
NICK CROWDER
Staff Reporter
On Oct. 9, the University of Central Missouri’s Center for Multiculturalism and Inclusivity invited astronaut Jose Hernández to speak about his life experiences, from his beginnings as a child migrant worker to becoming a NASA astronaut. Attendees gathered at Nahm Auditorium to listen to Hernández’s story and afterwards participated in a Q&A session.
“I think it’s important that students have the opportunity to hear from experts from across different academic disciplines. I also think it’s important that when we put those experts in front of students, that we are making sure to put a diversity of backgrounds in front of students,” Shari Bax, Vice President for Student Experience and Engagement, said. Senior Sydney Smith gave her thoughts on why the event was so important.
“[Hernández’s story] shows resilience, especially if you’re a first-
generation student. You don’t have to come from a big family to be able to do big things,” Smith said.
His experiences growing up as the child of migrant workers and the importance his father placed on education provided the foundation for his future endeavors.
“I think coming from a migrant farm working family helped me, in the sense of, I developed a very strong work ethic as a result,” Hernández said. “I always found that whatever job I got after working as a farm worker was never as hard. [My father] gave me a roadmap of how to reach my dream.”
After overcoming both a language barrier and the harsh environment of working in farm fields, Hernández was determined to continue his education. He eventually graduated from the University of California with a Master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering. JUMP TO PAGE 4.
Voting Registration Deadlines Approach for November Election
MALYNN PIERCE
News Editor
The 2024 General and State Elections will be held on Nov. 5. Political parties are hosting their final debates and sharing their final policy comments on disaster relief, immigration and abortion rights. Amendments in the Constitution grant United States citizens the right to vote.
The deadline to register to vote in the 2024 General Election in Missouri was Oct. 9. If a voter has not registered to vote, they will not be able to cast their ballot by mail or in-person on Nov. 5.
Absentee ballots are an exception to this deadline, as mail-in or faxed absentee ballot requests must be received by an election authority no later than 5 p.m. on Oct. 23. Voters can vote absentee in the office of the local election authority until 5 p.m. the night before the election.
There is a measurable difference in voter turnout between populations. Notably, the 18 to 24-year-old demographic has a lower turnout than those aged 30-79 years.
“Once someone votes, it becomes [a] habit,” Robynn Kuhlmann, professor of political science at the University of Central Missouri, said. “What we see are two things. We have historically seen younger folks 18 to 30-year-olds not voting, and not being involved in politics. We have older populations of course, who are frequent flyers through the polls and through their ballot.”
Many believe the importance of voting changes from person to person and generation to generation.
“A lot of people discount voting because we live in a politically defined state,” sophomore and political science major Jonathan Crispin said. “Voting is still one of the most central parts of democracy. There are many countries where people can’t vote. It's a national holiday, but many people don’t get it off. There is not just the president or the main top ticket. There are senate races and local ballots. It’s one of the only ways you have left to use your voice.”
Without information about political parties and upcoming policies, voting
for who and what is on the ballot can be challenging. State and federal resources are available online for voters.
“Go to Ballotpedia.org and type in your zip code, and it’ll summarize people on the ballot. These are the initiatives, petitions and propositions of whatever state you live in. So you can study that ahead of time and try to figure out which way you want to vote,” Gregory Streich, professor of political science and department chair of government, law and international affairs at UCM, said.
Former NASA Astronaut José Hernández recounts his life struggles and the tools he used to succeed during the reception before his presentation at Nahm Auditorium on Oct. 9. Hernández is also responsible for developing the first full-field digital mammography imaging system to help detect breast cancer. Photo by Braeden Sholes
Students Reduce Stigma Surrounding Mental Health
Advancement of Mental Health Lab Hosts First Mental Health Campaign
OLIVIA SIEFKER
Staff Reporter
The University of Central Missouri’s Department of Psychological Science’s Advancement of Mental Health Lab is hosting the first-ever Mental Health Campaign. The Advancement of Mental Health Lab is partnering with indie rock band Ramona Clay to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. The campaign is funded by the UCM Alumni Foundation Opportunity Grant and radio station 90.9 The Bridge.
The traveling exhibition with Ramona Clay kicks off at the Englewood Arts Center in Independence on Oct. 26. The exhibition includes portraits with the stories of those who have dealt with mental illness and the release of the music video of the song “Move” from Ramona Clay’s album “The Things We Don’t Talk About.”
The mental health campaign has spread across various departments at UCM, such as marketing and photography, creating the opportunity for many students to get involved. Students such as Junior Ellie Whitesell have used this opportunity to not only support a cause in which they believe but also to aid their professional careers. The UCM Alumni Foundation’s Opportunity Grant is paying for Whitsell’s portraits of those who shared their stories of mental illness to be professionally framed in the traveling art gallery.
“As a student, this has been such a great experience because I am learning all of this before I graduate which will help me afterward with clients,” Whitsell said. “I have never done a project that is going to be showcasing my work on a level like this. We are talking about a traveling exhibition with possible sponsors,” Whitesell said.
Whitesell’s portraits will include pictures of people along with their mental health stories, as well as research for treatment and resources on each mental health issue. Each portrait will correspond with one of Ramona Clay’s songs, touching on topics such as sexual assault, stalking, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, domestic abuse, personality disorder and suicide loss.
“Ramona Clay is looking to tour regionally and replicate this in other cities [outside of the Kansas City area]. Really, with whatever cities will partner with them,” Katie Jacobs, a professor of psychological science
203 East Clark St. Wood Room 312
who runs the Mental Health Lab, said.
UCM has donated space for the mental health campaign to add a permanent version of the exhibition on campus
“The main idea of the campaign is to share that mental health is for everyone… it should bring people together, not apart,” Jacobs said.
Three Final Provost Candidates Meet with Students
AARON BAX
Spot News Editor
Over the course of three weeks from Sept. 10 to 24, the University of Central Missouri hosted three finalists for the provost position, an administrative position over academic affairs. These candidates spoke on a wide variety of issues and fielded questions from students.
The three candidates were Patrick Hughes, the Dean of University Studies at Texas Tech University; Michelle Mayo, the Associate Provost for Student Success and Dean of Undergraduate Studies at California State University, Monterey Bay; and Timothy Crowley, the Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at UCM. These candidates each visited campus on backto-back weeks.
The first candidate to visit campus was Hughes. Hughes sees the role of the provost as a way to impact students’ lives to the greatest extent, which he finds “very fulfilling”. He also spoke about increasing the enrollment profile of UCM.
Hughes, who is also a Professor of Communication Studies alongside his post as Dean of University Studies, spoke of a particular interest in engaging with communities around campus. He said that he views interactions with students as extremely important and sees his relationship with student leaders as collegial.
The second candidate to visit was Michelle Mayo. Mayo, a St. Louis native, got her degree in political science from Truman State University. She focused on the importance of representation and visibility on campuses.
Mayo said she feels the provost role is a way to help expand opportunities and believes her biggest role is to be an advocate for students. Mayo, a first-generation college student who has since worked at five universities across the country, spoke of her work at previous institutions on issues such as social justice.
“I don’t believe in our students surviving because I want our students to thrive,” Mayo said.
The final candidate for the position was Timothy Crowley, the current Interim Provost at UCM. Crowley is a two-year veteran of UCM. According to Crowley, he seeks the provost position because he enjoys helping create an environment where learning can take place.
“I didn’t expect that I would be enjoying doing this at this point in my life, but I found that I’ve really enjoyed creating those conditions for learning to happen,” Crowley said.
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The Muleskinner is a student-led news lab in the communication department at the University of Central Missouri and operates in association with the digital media production program. All text, photography and other content are property of the Muleskinner and may not be reproduced without permission. The Muleskinner reserves the right to edit any submitted material or refuse to print such material. Letters to the editor are encouraged from students, faculty and alumni. Typed or legibly written letters can be submitted by email at muleskinner@ ucmo.edu or can be mailed or hand-delivered to the Muleskinner newsroom at 203 East Clark Street, Warrensburg, Missouri 64093, which is in Wood building, room 312. Include your legal name and phone number for verification. Letters should be brief, self-edited and must be received by Monday the week before publication. The Muleskinner prints once a month.
Graphic by Nate Sullens
FEATURES Muleskinner
Small Businesses Foster Community Connection
Muleskinner Backpack Journalists Explore Warrensburg
SADIE STAKER, LINDA ALVIAR & BRAEDEN SHOLES
Editor-in-Chief, Managing & Multimedia Managers
The University of Central Missouri’s Muleskinner student news outlet has relaunched the Backpack Journalism Project to cover Missouri by traveling the “Missouri River Runner”. Over the upcoming academic year, the Muleskinner will travel to cities across Missouri. The student journalists will use Amtrak’s “Missouri River Runner” route, spanning from Kansas City to St. Louis aiming to showcase the state’s history and perspectives.
The Muleskinner’s coverage began in Warrensburg. The historic downtown Warrensburg is two blocks away from the University of Central Missouri and home to many small businesses. Just a block away from the Amtrak station is Java Junction, a locally owned coffee shop on the corner of Pine and Holden Street.
“I tell people we have good coffee because I have to drink it. That’s priority number one,” Ozias said. Osiaz explains that over the years, he’s built connections with some of his regular customers.
“I’ve developed friendships with my customers. That’s part of the rewarding part of it,” Ozias said. Due to its location, Ozias believes the coffee shop often gets many customers from the Amtrak station.
Warrensburg has a variety of small businesses that gather downtown on the weekends. From 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday, from May to September, the Warrensburg Farmers Market is held outside of the Johnson County Courthouse. The Farmers Market is hosted by Warrensburg Main Street Inc., an organization aimed at supporting local
businesses and preserving the downtown Warrensburg community.
James Wilson, owner of Street Food and Catering, serves a variety of made-to-order American street food and uniquely flavored freshly squeezed lemonade.
In his time as a vendor, Wilson has gotten to know members of the community and has connected with a wide variety of people.
“If I have a repeat customer that’s been here several times, I know what they want before they even get to my booth. That’s pretty rewarding knowing that I have repeat customers almost every weekend,” Wilson said.
Downtown Warrensburg is also home to Retrograde Charitable Toy and Video Game Museum. The museum is a non-profit organization that partners with local organizations aimed at providing resources for children in the Warrensburg community. This museum holds a wide collection of retro toy exhibits and an arcade available for patrons to enjoy. The museum aims to connect the community around a common interest.
“Eight years ago we set out to create an arcade and a video game museum that was wrapped around a charitable center,” Chamberlain said. “We wanted to be able to make people happy and give them that space to hang out and rub elbows with one another, but also have an effect on our community.”
Java Junction Owner Art Ozias talks with UCM Professor John Check after preparing his drink. After running Java Junction for 27 years, Ozias has become a well-known member of the Warrensburg community. Photo by Braeden Sholes
Scan above to watch video coverage of Warrensburg on the Muleskinner website.
Above: Map of Missouri River Runner Graphic Submitted by Amtrack
Horror Movie Crossword
WYATT ZIRKLE
Illustrator
Across 1. Jordan Peele’s third film.
2. Alfred Hitchcock’s highest grossing film.
8. “In space, no one can hear you scream.”
10. Jamie Lee Curtis, Fay Wray, Jenna Ortega, Courtney Cox all considered a ______________.
11. This fearsome creature only comes back to feed every 27 years on the town of Derry, Maine.
12. This Christmas-themed film is a part of the reason the PG-13 rating exists.
13. The summer blockbuster that made Steven Speilberg a household name.
14. The cult classic franchise started by Sam Raimi originally starring Bruce Campbell.
15. Franchise where the antagonist puts his victims through life-threatening “tests” or “games”.
16. Universals’ 1941 classic “The ___________”, starring Lon Chaney Jr. as Larry Talbot.
Down
1. The first piece of media to depict a vampire perishing in sunlight.
3. M. Night Shyamalan’s 2002 sci-fi horror film.
4. The first film adaptation of a Stephen King story.
5. This 1995 David Fincher thriller stars Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman.
6. A teen coming-of-age film with a vampire twist.
7. This story is the basis for over 60 film adaptations, most famously in 1931 starring Borris Karloff.
9. The most prolific LGBTQ horror host, the Mistress of the Dark.
UCM Fashion Student Debuts Collection at KC Fashion Week
MEGAN WEAVER
Staff Reporter
On Sept. 25, Senior Fashion Student Lindsey Dobson debuted her full collection at Kansas City Fashion Week. Dobson submitted her portfolio to KCFW and had a meeting with a style board that later accepted her as a student designer.
Dobson’s original collection was created the previous semester for her senior seminar class. The collection was called “Sustainable Sitch” and focused on using upcycled denim. For the fashion show, she used several pieces from her senior collection but with a new concept.
“This year I kind of expanded that [concept] and added trendy elements,” Dobson said.
Dobson created eight looks for the runway, all from recycled denim. She also has an online business that creates custom pieces.
“I don’t want to be quite tied down to denim. I want to keep it as creative and as open-ended as I can. So, it’s basically just going to be custom looks for whatever anybody wants and that way I can stay creative and keep my mind going,” Dobson said.
UCM Fashion: Textiles and Clothing and Business students have been volunteering at KCFW for several years.
“We’ve done a fall and a spring volunteer UCM night since 2021,” Melissa Abner, Associate Professor and Program Coordinator in the Fashion Program, said.
Volunteers help in every way, from showing guests their seats and cleaning the runway, to helping backstage as design assistants. This year, 25 students attended KCFW as volunteers.
“It’s important to gain experience working alongside the KCFW team at such a prestigious event. This allows the students to make connections and open up possibilities for career opportunities,” Junior Avery Barr, president of the Fashion Business Association, said.
Abner also agrees that it’s useful for students to see what is available to them in their major. She says there is more to fashion than just designing and there are many ways students can get involved with the event. “Model agencies and public relations agencies are there, so they [students] can make contacts with other careers in the fashion industry that are not just design-based,” Abner said.
Dobson’s work can be found on her Instagram page, @lookett.e.
ASTRONAUT FROM PAGE 1
Drawing on his inspiration of seeing Gene Cernan walk on the moon at ten years old, Hernández further pursued his dream of becoming an astronaut.
“I think he [Gene Cernan] helped me conceive the dream. When I saw it happening for real, and a man walking on the moon, I said ‘yeah, this is real. this could happen.’ That’s when I said I want to be an astronaut,” Hernández said.
After working at Lawrence Livermore Laboratory and contributing to the development of mammographic technology, Hernández achieved his dreams. After multiple applications and 12 rejections from NASA, he was accepted into the astronaut program in 2004.
“It felt very good once I got certified, because now I knew I could be assigned a mission,” Hernández said.
He trained for years and, in 2009, flew as a mission specialist on the STS-128 Space Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station. On this 14-day mission, Hernández and his crew delivered critical supplies. The trip into space was pivotal in how it shaped his environmentalist views.
“Once you’re up there, it’s just looking at the Earth and seeing how fragile it is, the atmosphere, how thin it is, and thinking that’s the only thing that’s keeping us alive. That, you know, converted me to an instant environmentalist,” Hernández said.
Following his retirement from NASA in 2011, Hernández went on to run for congress and founded the José M. Hernández Reaching for the Stars Foundation. In 2023, a feature film starring Michael Peña was released about his life, titled “A Million Miles Away.” With all his later efforts, there has been a consistent focus for Hernández on reaching young people,
especially those of migrant worker backgrounds. Hernández said,“[Reaching young people] means a lot to me, because I like to think that I’m creating an empowering effect in them seeing me and saying, if he did it, I can do it.”
Lindsday Dobson stands with the models of her collection on the runway at Kansas City Fashion Week. Student designers are given the opportunity to share their skills at KCFW by applying and meeting with KCFW’s style board. Photo submitted by KCFW
On Oct. 9, former NASA Astronaut José Hernández gave a presentation in Nahm Auditorium detailing his journey to space. During Hernández’s presentation, he recounted the hardships he faced as a child of an immigrant family and the people who helped him succeed. Photo by Anthony Rey
“She Kills Monsters” Brings Action-Packed Adventure to the Stage
KATHERINE HAMILTON Staff Reporter
Dungeons and dragons and emotional devastation, oh my! From Oct. 4 to 6, the University of Central Missouri’s Division of Theatre and Dance produced the first mainstage show of their season, “She Kills Monsters.”
“She Kills Monsters” was written by Qui Nguyen and premiered in 2011. The show follows Agnes as she uses her sister, Tilly’s, game of “Dungeons and Dragons” to try and understand Tilly and heal after losing her, as well as the rest of her family, in a tragic car accident.
This show was directed by Aaron Scully. Scully is an assistant professor in UCM’s theater program.
“I had seen it before and I really liked it,” Scully said. “It’s a lot of fun and I wanted to do a show that people could really have fun at.”
During this show, Scully also took the position of fight choreographer. He described the directing process for the show as quite challenging.
“I knew that I wanted a lot of stage combat and most of the actors had little to no experience,” Scully said. “You have to be very strict with your time.”
He explained that there was a lot of problem-solving involved in the production process, which is evident even in the opening of the show. After a narrator gives a brief opening monologue, the intense action begins. Out bursts an armor-clad Tilly Evans surrounded by a hoard of four green monsters. Metal clanks as Tilly fends off the creatures. Tilly succeeds in vanquishing the beasts and a short animation shows Agnes, played by Alannah Trigg, growing up with her odd sister. This animation ends with a description of the car crash that killed Agnes’ family. This takes place entirely in the opening scene of the show. From there, a multitude of scenes requiring proper timing and trained stage fighting commenced.
Tilly Evans was played by Raegan Weber, a junior theatre performance major. This character means a lot to Weber.
“Tilly Evans actually means everything to me,” Weber said. “It’s the first character I’ve actually gotten to perform and just felt completely safe with. Every single thing I was doing was to represent her and everything she’s been through.”
Tilly Evans is a principal character in the show and she is shown to have endured a great deal. As a nerdy, teenage lesbian growing up in the 90’s, she was the subject of harsh bullying by her peers. She had attempted to form a relationship with a fellow female student but, because of the other girl’s fear of being ostracized by her community, nothing could come of their interactions.
Audiences had high praise for this show. One student in attendance was Senior Maddy Svaceck.
“My favorite thing actually was the attention to detail with the costumes,” Svacek said. The costumes for this show were an important part of the storytelling. The characters Agnes and Miles are meant to be real people and dress as such. Miles, played by Payton Lawrence, wore a blue flannel shirt and jeans. This was a stark contrast to the “Dungeons and Dragons” characters such as Kaliope and Lilith. Kaliope, played by Sophomore Kaia Trujillo, was styled in pleather pants with ties up the sides, paired with a pleated purple shirt and wrist cuffs. This difference allowed audiences to make a clear distinction between what is to be viewed as the real world and what is meant to be the fantasy world the characters visit while playing “Dungeons and Dragons.” While this fantasy show has come to an end, the division will be hosting several more shows over the year. For information on the rest of UCM’s theater and dance season, visit the UCM Theatre and Dance website.
Top: From left to right, Orcus (played by Quinn Allen), Kaliope (played by Kaia Trujillo), Lilith (played by Madison Keep) and Tilly (played by Rae Weber) react to a fight happening on stage. Photo submitted by Andrew Mathers Bottom: The character of Tilly Evans, played by Rae Weber, calls on the spell, “Magic Missle.” The play “She Kills Monsters” was performed by UCM’s Division of Theatre and Dance from Oct. 3-6 at the Highlander Theater. Photo submitted by Andrew Mathers
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024
12 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Student Rec. and Wellness Center
All are welcome to come enjoy this intertribal gathering that includes a drum group, traditional Native American dances and vendors offering arts, crafts and food. The full schedule is available at ucmo.edu/tradingmoon.
GROUP FITNESS CLASSES
PERSONAL TRAINING
Coming Full Circle: Finding a Home Away from Home
MISBAH QURESHI Staff Reporter
In Spring 2022, I arrived in the United States, full of excitement and nervous energy, to begin a semesterlong exchange program at the University of Central Missouri. I had no idea what to expect, but I had a heart full of hope and curiosity. Now, as I sit down to reflect on my journey, I realize that this place has become so much more than a stop along the way - it has become my second home.
When I first landed in Warrensburg, everything felt new and unfamiliar. The streets, the campus, and the people were all strangers to me. But somehow, within those few months, it all began to feel like home. I didn’t have my family by my side, but the friendships I made here were the family I never knew I needed. Whether it was sharing meals, studying late into the night, or simply sitting together in quiet moments, these people filled the spaces of my heart that longed for connection.
Leaving UCM in May 2022 was bittersweet. As I packed my bags and said my goodbyes, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude but also a deep sadness. I remember walking through the streets of Warrensburg on my last day, thinking, “If I ever get the chance to come back, I will.” I had made promises to my friends and to myself that somehow, someway, I would return. In Summer 2024, I did. It feels surreal that what was once just a distant hope has become my reality.
In the two years I spent away, I worked as a software developer in Pakistan. Life moved forward and I grew in ways I never imagined. Yet UCM never left my mind. I applied to several universities for my master’s, but deep down, I knew where I belonged. The pull of this place and the people I had met was too strong to ignore. It wasn’t just about the campus or the academics - it was about the memories, the friendships and the sense of belonging I had found here. Coming back here felt like stepping into a familiar dream. Some of my friends were still here, while others had moved on, chasing their dreams in different parts of the world. I often find myself walking down the same streets I once did, filled with a mixture of joy and nostalgia. Every corner holds a memory and every building a story. Though some friends are now far away, the bond we share remains as strong as ever. They stood by me in my toughest moments and celebrated with me in my happiest times.
Even across oceans, they are still with me.
One of the challenges of being an international student is being away from home during important cultural and religious events. I often find myself missing the hustle and bustle of celebrations back in Pakistan, the warmth of family, the sound of laughter and the joy of tradition. But here, with the friends I’ve made, we create our own sense of home. We cook the food that reminds us of where we come from and celebrate in ways that blend our traditions with the new ones we’ve formed here. It’s not quite the same but it’s special in its own way. The joy of sharing our culture with others, and in turn learning from them, has brought a new kind of richness to my life.
As I reflect on my journey, I feel incredibly blessed. UCM has given me more than just an education - it has given me a family, a community and memories I will carry with me forever. To anyone thinking about studying at UCM, my advice is simple - focus on your studies, but don’t forget to live. Build friendships, immerse yourself in new experiences, and embrace the unknown. You never know what, or who, might change your life forever.
As I settle back into life at UCM, I realize that what makes this place special isn’t just the buildings or the classes. It’s the people. It’s the friendships that feel like family, the moments that turn into memories and the sense of belonging that stays with you no matter where you go. In every sense of the word, I have found a home away from home.
“Inside Out 2”: My Emotions on the Emotions
MEGAN WEAVER Staff Reporter
In recent years, the topic of mental health has been a focal point in the media.
Over the summer, “Inside Out 2,” an animated children’s film that features themes of mental health, was released and became a major success. This review contains spoilers for “Inside Out 2.” If you managed to avoid the constant advertisements for “Inside Out 2” this summer and are unaware of the movie’s premise, it is as follows - Riley, the main character, has emotions that are represented as tiny humanoid creatures that live inside her head and help control her decisions. In “Inside Out 2,” Riley gains new emotions - Envy, Embarrassment, Ennui and Anxiety. Riley and her other emotions from the previous movie learn to navigate experiencing these new emotions.
I enjoyed the first “Inside Out” movie from 2015. I didn’t see it until I was already an adult but I still resonated with Riley’s character. So, I was excited with the announcement of “Inside Out 2,” especially given that one of Riley’s new emotions was anxiety. I thought it was a big topic for Disney to tackle in a kids’ movie but I had hope that the creators would handle it well. Overall, I thought “Inside Out 2” was good, as it handled mature themes of mental health in a way that is easy for children to understand. Emotions can be frightening and confusing, especially when they change with age, but these movies humanize emotions in a way that is approachable for children. Introducing the idea of anxiety in a movie like “Inside Out 2” can help children recognize and identify when they are feeling anxiety, which is a big step in any mental health journey. Many people complain about how the topic of mental health has pervaded so much media and public discourse nowadays but I believe that representation in the media is important. When you see yourself or a part of yourself represented on screen in a positive
way, it makes you feel validated and seen. A lack of representation can ostracize people and make them feel alone. Whether people want to admit it or not, mental health is a part of life and its representation in “Inside Out 2” is a good and healthy way to introduce the topic to kids.
There’s a very niche meme that circulated on Twitter a couple of years ago that poked fun at the frequent ‘realistic depictions of panic attacks’ in movies and TV shows, specifically in animated children’s movies. When it was announced that one of Riley’s new emotions would be anxiety, I could only think of this meme. I find this meme funny and accurate as there has been an increased amount of children’s media in which a character has a ‘realistic panic attack.’
In “Inside Out 2,” Riley experiences extreme anxiety and has a panic attack at the climax of the movie. I was disappointed that the panic attack Riley experiences is the same kind of panic attack that is always represented in films - the character’s eyes go wide, they start breathing heavily, their eyes dart back and forth, they grab their chest and pull at their shirt, they start to cry, they grab their head and they gasp for air. In reality, there isn’t one way to have a panic attack, yet every panic attack in the media seems to follow the same exact formula. I always feel uneasy criticizing representation when so little of it exists. However, if we only see the same kind of panic attack over and over, people may come to believe that all panic attacks must occur in a certain way. I also fear this kind of representation desensitizes people to how severe a panic attack can be. I wish we could’ve gotten new representations of anxiety and panic attacks in “Inside Out 2.” However, the one thing I appreciated about Riley’s panic attack is she appeared to have calmed herself down by using grounding techniques, a real technique that can help ease anxiety.
While I liked “Inside Out 2,” another criticism I have is that the whole movie takes place over the course of three days, in which Riley develops anxiety and learns how to live with it in that time frame. I would’ve preferred to see something more long-term, as it’s unrealistic that her anxiety manifests and peaks in a 72-hour period. Watching anxiety gradually consume Riley over the course of months or a school year would have been more accurate and suspenseful. For that reason, I think the first movie is better, though the second one was still good.
No one is surprised that I could write another 1,000 words on this topic, but I am already writing an apology letter to my editor for the length of this review. So, I will wrap up my review with the following information: If you are struggling with anxiety or your mental health, the University of Central Missouri Counseling Center is free for students. You can get an appointment by walking in or calling 660-543-4060. The center is located in the Administration Building, Suite 102.
Misbah Qureshi walks through the University of Central Missouri Campus. Qureshi attended UCM as an undergraduate student and returned to UCM to gain her master’s degree in 2024. Photo submitted by Mishbah Qureshi
Megan Weaver shares her cinema perspectives. Photo by Braeden Sholes
October’s Artist of the Month: Andrew Wilkie
DARBY MOSTAFFA Design Editor
Andrew Wilkie is a University of Central Missouri sophomore majoring in music technology. He has been creating art for the last five years. Wilkie believes he is furthering his artistic abilities by majoring in his artistic medium of interest. He finds inspiration to create his art through listening to 90’s rock groups, as well as his music professors and peers at UCM. Following his collegiate studies, he would like to either become a producer or release more of his original music. His most recent album is “Driving Age” by Moonray.
Scan the QR code to listen to Wilkie’s most recent album.
Want to be featured next month? Apply through our Instagram!
“The Federalist Puppet Show”
Cartoon by Jack Kelly
Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024
4 p.m. | Union Ballroom
Eric
Designed by Darby Mostaffa
UCM Home Game Highlights
The Mules’ defensive linemen get ready for the snap. Senior Cale Miller led the game in tackles and helped lead the Mules to victory over the University of Nebraska-Kearney on Sept. 28 at the Audrey J. Walton Stadium. Photo by Braeden Sholes
Freshman Brenna Kelly prepares to serve the ball for the Jennies. Kelly was a Colorado All-Star Team member and three-time Honorable Mention All-League performer at Grandview High School. Photo by Ryan Techau
Head Volleyball Coach Caitlin Peterson has a post-game huddle with her team on Sept. 27 at UCM. Peterson was named the ninth head coach in Jennies’ volleyball history in Jan. 2022.
Photo by Ryan Techau
Left: From left Senior Jake Lippe, Senior NyNy Davis, Senior Zach Patterson and Freshman LaAngelo Bell celebrate a successful touchdown. The Mules won 36-35 with Senior Zach Pat -
terson leading the game in receiving yards and Bell leading the game in rushing yards on Sept. 28 at the Audrey J. Walton Stadium. Photo by Braeden Sholes
Right: Senior Wide Receiver Cristian Dixon prepares to receive the ball from Senior Quarterback Zach Zebrowski. Dixon was responsible for one touchdown and gained 15 yards total throughout the game on Sept. 28 at the Audrey J. Walton Stadium. Photo by Braeden Sholes
Junior Rachel Ziesman celebrates with her teammates after scoring a point on Sept. 27 at UCM. Ziesman led her team with 124 total blocks and earned First Team All-MIAA honors in 2023. Photo by Ryan Techau
Above: Freshman Patsy O’Brien fights to maintain control over the ball. The Jennies finished with 10 shots on goal while allowing only four shots on their own goal during the game on Sept. 29 at the South Recreation Complex. Photo by Braeden Sholes Right: Freshman Izzy Joyce rushes forward, applying pressure to the opposing defenders. Joyce and Senior Andrea Orcutt were responsible for both goals in this game, leading the Jennies to a 2-0 victory over Rogers State University on Sept. 29 at the South Recreation Complex. Photo by Braeden Sholes