Fall 2020 Vol. 5
The “wow I didn’t think quarantine would last this long”
Fall Edition
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Letter from the editor, Welcome back to school, Ducks! Times are crazy, but college students are some of the most resilient folks around, and if we all stick together (metaphorically), we can get through the craziness. Check out this issue for upto-speed information on voting, maintaining indoor air quality, and even some fun ideas on how to celebrate Halloween social-distancing style. Stay safe out there,wash your hands, and don’t forget to VOTE!
Skyla Patton
Summer
2020 Vol.
Staff List
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Making the most of i t r apa Even if you
like this sn’t look rtment doe
since done your dishes and you haven’t
PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Bill Kunerth
VP OF OPERATIONS Kathy Carbone
DIRECTOR OF SALES & DIGITAL MARKETING
photo
the beginning of
quarantine
Shelly Rondestvedt
ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Stella Kalomiris Lily Teague Amy Menendez Fritz Hergenhan Patrick McCumber
For all of our up to dates publications visit: dailyemerald.com
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Skyla Patton
WRITERS
Siena Dorman Skyla Patton Shannon Enriquez
PHOTOGRAPHERS Isaac Wasserman Isaac Wu
ART DIRECTOR Emma Nolan
DESIGNERS CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sam Rudkin
Isaac Morris Kate Bossi Vanessa Marach Daniel Avina ˜
Cover Photo by Olia Danilevich/Pexels
Hey, your mic isn’t muted How to be sucessful when trading in your classroom for your couch Written by Shannon Enriquez Photographed by Issac Wu
Although back-to-school may look a little different this year, it doesn’t mean that your back-to-school traditions have to be. Coming back to school after months of quarantine can be a hard adjustment, especially attending classes via Zoom. Making this adjustment as seamless as possible is on everyone's agenda. Here are some suggestions on how to be prepared and bring home the W from online school this fall.
Stay Organized This term is going to push your boundaries, test your productivity, and get messy. Through organization, we can avoid this as best we can. Getting a planner to schedule each day’s classes, homework to do, and downtime to have is best suited for a student wanting to succeed. Planners give you a sense of what needs to be done each day, helping to avoid stress and anxiety towards upcoming deadlines. Find a format that aids you into seeing your schedule in a clean, simple way.
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Forming a Routine Use the first few weeks of school as the time to create routine for yourself. A routine helps you to stay on top of your classes, betters your mental health, and creates a sense of certainty in this time of much uncertainty. Routines will look different for everyone, but it’s imperative to find what works best for you. Whether it be leaving the house to watch Zoom on a bench on campus, finding a socially-distanced cafe to watch lectures, or even watching your classes from the living room rather than your bed. Routine helps to establish yourself; make it a priority this fall. Finding a routine to better your grades and overall mental health is pivotal, but so is socializing—even during a pandemic (with the right precautions). Friends are the ones who make campus less lonely and make challenging classes more accessible. Make an effort to find friends in your classes and create a Zoom study group or even a Zoom support group to just talk and virtually socialize. Be sure to schedule socializing into your routine so your regimented day doesn’t feel so
Readily Available Resources Be sure to search for already available resources to help you achieve your goals. Counseling at the UO is available for those who need it, or those who just want to talk. Living through a pandemic whilst being expected to work towards your degree online is mentally tough. For counseling through the UO, visit https://counseling.uoregon.edu to schedule an appointment or to find more information. Academic advising is also readily accessible to help plan next term’s courses and to ensure you’re not falling behind on your degree. To access this resource, be sure to visit your major’s homepage through the UO website. Lastly, understand that professors are here to help you learn. In fact, many hold virtual office hours or have a tutor for their class to benefit you. Be sure to read the syllabus or reach out to a professor to access their virtual office hours to better your understanding of their course.
Self-Care Self-care looks different for everyone, depending on each individual's needs. Ensuring you recognize when you need some self-care, and what activities will help to best relax you is crucial. Remembering to take time to “unplug” from social media and Zoom meetings is a form of self-care that many look past. Taking time away from your screen to unplug, stretch, go for a walk, and reconnect with yourself is necessary for maintaining balanced mental health. Whether you’re returning to campus this fall or WFHing remotely, online school can be a hard adjustment. Finding a routine that works best for you, friends to encourage you along the way, and keeping your mental health in check will all help to ensure you acclimate to this new way of learning. Fall 2020
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Campus and Covid? Protecting The Community & Enjoying Campus During COVID-19 Written by Siena Dorman Photography by Isaac Wasserman The responsibility we share to keep our university community safe is our primary duty this fall. Practicing safe habits and following all COVID-19 guidelines is essential. Due to the many new faces that enter Lane County with fall term, everyone is uniquely accountable for the health of countless people. The spread of COVID, while inevitable, can be controlled and contained with our participation. So, how do we do it? The first thing to remember is social distancing (as we know, that means at least six feet). Especially while on campus, it can be painfully tempting to meet with many old friends who are back in town. Let’s be clear: parties are not the move, but with some modifications to our social lives, we can still see those we care about. Socially distanced and mask-worn (outdoor is a bonus!) gatherings allow for the in-person connection we crave but significantly lessen the risk of spreading the coronavirus.
Campus is open! It’s always best to stay home if at all possible, but there are facilities available for those moments where you need them. Locations like campus libraries, the EMU, the Rec Center, dining halls, and several other buildings are accessible. Most buildings require a student ID for entrance, but take advantage of the resources still made available. Check out your department’s hall for reservations on rooms and labs. Peek at the Covid Building Status Map on the UO website for an updated and interactive map of operating buildings. The Rec has done a great job at altering the layout of their machines and providing regulations that avoid crowded and unsanitary spaces. If you’re looking to workout but would rather do it outdoors, all the fields just outside the Rec are now open. After quite a few seasons of construction on Hayward field, the grass is finally available. There you can toss the frisbee, play a bit of soccer, or maybe practice your ball throwing – also wedged amongst those fields is an outdoor track.
However, before you consider participating in distanced gatherings it’s essential to monitor your own health. Don’t lie to yourself or brush off any symptoms. Any fatigue, fever, chills, cough, or sore throat may distinguish an infection of COVID-19. A sudden loss of smell or taste are also strong indicators that you may be infected. Stay home if you have any symptoms or suspicions you may be sick.
Fortunately, the University of Oregon is prepared to help students with any questions or concerns regarding COVID-19. If you suspect you have become infected, just call University Health Services at 541-346-2770 and you will be assessed before coming into the Health Services building. There, you can be screened if necessary and receive the information you need to keep yourself and others as safe as possible.
We’ve done a great job at wearing masks but don’t forget about washing your hands (for 20 seconds or more), cleaning your face coverings and diligently monitoring who and what you come into contact with. The university has several extra hand washing locations on campus to ensure cleanliness.
Stepping onto campus is a privilege we all must work diligently to maintain. There are unique pleasures offered from the UO that can still be enjoyed, just with a bit more caution. It’s crucial to remember how we interact with others off campus will determine how thousands of others experience this term.
Written by Siena Dorman Photography by Isaac Wasserman
How to Vote in 2020 The How, Where, and What for Lane County Elections
Practicing our right to vote feels more valuable than ever. With issues ranging from cybersecurity, immigration, natural resources, taxes, police reform and of course COVID-19 (just to name a few) there is a lot to consider. Finding what is important to you and understanding your stance is crucial for the future of our democracy. Voting should be clear and simple to understand, so everyone can have their voice heard. A hidden gem I’ve discovered is the organization Know Your Vote. They are a fact-based, non-partisan webpage that values primary sources. This page is great because they work to bring voters simple answers to the vast range of questions they may have. One feature I find particularly helpful on the Know Your Vote webpage (knowyourvote.io) is the Build Your Ballot tab. There, you can select the issues that matter the most to you and see what policies candidates endorse and even what they’re tweeting on the matter. If you find a candidate you’d like to vote for, whether it be for President, senate, the house of representatives, or local officials, you can add them to your “ballot” and be able to keep track of who you’d like to vote for. I’ve found Know Your Vote to be a great place to begin with for discovering what I truly care about. Easily digestible information is key to navigating your core values. Want the exhaustive list of the Lane County candidates? Simply go onto the Secretary of State government webpage (sos.oregon.gov/voting) and select the Current Election button. There, you can find options to Download Voters' Pamphlets for the General Election by County. Also on that page there is a ballot box locator to find the closest drop-off point near you. Some measures that will be on the ballot include Measure 108, which is officially regarded as a measure that increases cigarette and cigar taxes and establishes a tax on e-cigarettes and nicotine vaping devices. It also funds health programs. Measure 109 is on the manufacturing, delivery and administration of psilocybin (psychoactive mushroom) at supervised, licensed facilities. Measure 110 would reclassify
“personal non-commercial possession of certain drugs under specified amounts from misdemeanor or felony (depending on person’s criminal history) to Class E violation subject to either $100 fine or a completed health assessment…” from the Secretary of State webpage. Above are only a handful of measures that will be on the ballot. Others include further measures on taxation and the regulation of campaign expenditures in Oregon. More information is available on the Secretary of State website Voter’s Guide. So, how does the voting process work? The general elections take place on November 3rd. This year, however, things are a bit different. Due to the special circumstances caused by COVID-19 the Lane County Elections office is closed to walkins. This still allows for plenty of options for voters to get their vote counted. First, voters will receive their ballot two to three weeks before the election. Once the ballot is filled out, a secrecy sleeve will be available to insert the ballot into. It’s important only one ballot is placed in each secrecy sleeve. Finally, the return envelope must be signed and returned before 8pm on November 3rd. Turn your ballots in as early as you can to ensure your vote is counted with ease! Once voters drop-off or mail-in their ballots, they are collected by employees of Lane County Elections and enter the process of being counted. The most accessible ballot box for University of Oregon students is the box located at the EMU, on the south side of the circular plaza. For south Eugene, there is a ballot box located at the Amazon Pool on 2600 Hillyard street.
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Renovating Your Own Home Office Where to study when coffee shops and the library are out of order? Written by Shannon Enriquez Photography by Isaac Wu Adjusting to the new normal means, for a lot of us, adapting to online schooling. Many of us find difficulty in creating a space that allows us to concentrate and simulate how “regular� classes used to be. Curating a makeshift WFH office space to help make the transition from in-person class to Zoom lectures is crucial, no matter your living situation.
Noisy Neighbors? Try a UVB lamp if you keep your curtains closed all day
Dorm Living:
The dorms are great, but you lack any capacity and personal space, which after a while can make your dorm seem even smaller. The dorms provide desks which are great for late night work or studying on occasion, but finding a safe and spaced-out place in a common room, at your favorite cafe, or even outside on campus will make your dorm seem much bigger. Using your dorm as a place to relax, sleep, and for late-night studying will help to divide your work from rest. For those in a dorm, redefine what a WFH office is by creating various safe and private study spots that will keep you from staying in your dorm for days on end. If the weather takes a turn or you’re otherwise not able to escape the dorm room all the time, try creating a schedule with your roommate to go on walks together or take turns having alone time in your dorm.
Private Spaces: The freedom of your own apartment or living space means you have more leeway on how you want your home office to look. Purchasing a desk is the first and most crucial step to creating a WFH space. This way, you have a valid reason for not doing Zoom classes from bed in your PJs or in front of the television on the couch. Another way to make your WFH space feel less like a cubicle is to organize arts and crafts to do with your quarantine-mates (or by yourself, no judgement). Whether it be watercolor, acrylic paint, or just crayon drawings, having these pieces hung up beside your workspace helps to brighten your area. Creating artwork or even a whiteboard calendar to hang above your desk can also help you stay inspired and give you something to stare at, other than the blank wall. Having a functional space that feels like home and has decorative pieces of yourself and personality give your WFH area a unique and more comfortable feel.
Shared Spaces:
Living in a shared space can be challenging because you are dealing with multiple people at all times. When decisions need to be made, every roommate needs to be consulted. Talking with your roommates to create a schedule on who goes where during the day can help to eliminate overlapping lectures and chaos in the house. One roommate in the living room from 10:00am-11:00am, another on the balcony from 12:00pm-1:00pm, and so on. This rotation motivates the house to leave their room and have a change of scenery while being respectful of everyone’s time and needs. You can also organize a shared office space between housemates, where each person has their own file box or drawer to keep their school-related supplies and more. Labels will be your friend this year!
Although nobody expected this as our new reality, we adapt. No matter the space you’re stuck in, the most important lesson is to ensure you have room to breathe and focus, but to still feel connected and get things done. A large part of this includes communicating. Talk to your roommates, to your dog, or to your friend across the country. It’s crucial to feel connected during these times, but also have space to yourself.
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s s e n i k o o p S d e c n a t s i D y l Soci a l y Writ ten b
n Sk yla Patto
Andrew Beattie’s Candy Ch
COVID-19 may have canceled typical Halloween celebrations, but it can’t cancel our Halloween spirit. For the 2020 spooky season, it’s time to put away the party invites and communal snack bowls and whip out the face-covering ghost costumes and embrace spooky movie marathons. Check out this list of creative and creepy ideas to celebrate the spookiest time of year, with social-distancing friendly twists.
Trick-Or-Treating If quarantine has done anything, it’s brought out the best and brightest creative thinkers on the internet. Thanks to folks like Andrew Beattie and dozens of other innovative ghouls, there is a plethora of ways to get the thrills of a classic trick-ortreating experience without opening your door to germs every few minutes. Candy Chute: Invented by spooky mastermind Andrew Beattie, the Halloween candy-chute flooded the internet with huzzahs of sugar-induced delight. If your home setup allows, fashioning a PVC pipe to a railing (decorating optional) makes for a thrilling candy slide as you shoot the treats down to prospective shoppers, where they can catch the candies in bags or buckets at the bottom. Masks required for this outdoor project, but you’ll get to see the costumes and have the closest replica of classic trick-or-treating. In-House Trick or Treating: If you’re living at home with family or roommates, try dressing up and commencing a candy raid in your own quarantine household. Going door-to-door in your own house is a fun way to celebrate Halloween and allows you to spice up the candy hand-outs to your own personal preference. Standalone Baskets: This is arguably the least involved project, but we’re not judging. A fun bucket or basket filled to the brim with individually wrapped candies and treats set out on a table is a quick and easy way to fulfill a commitment to neighbourhood kiddos while remaining a no-contact activity.
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Movie Marathon (Duh) Now is the time to unleash the ultimate scary movie marathon you’ve always dreamed of but never had the time or energy to pull off. Pick a roster of your favorite spooky films, line up your favorite movie theatre snacks (InstaCart offers nocontact delivery!) and spend some time creating a zen space. Clearing furniture out of the room and making a cozy bed on the floor with pillows and blankets is a classic move; bonus points if you can use a sheet and projector for a makeshift XL screen. If you want to marathon with folks outside of your household, NetflixParty is free and synchronizes screens so you can watch with friends from a distance.
Zoom Costume Party This one is pretty self explanatory, but super fun nevertheless. Pick out your favorite Halloween costume from previous years, order something online (shop local if applicable!) or invent the spookiest thing you can DIY from your current closet and set up a time to have Zoom-based festivities with friends!
Haunted Yards, Balconies and Windows If nothing else, we can always rely on the comfort of decorating to boost our spooky spirits. Front porch decor is a highlight of the fall season, along with motion-activated animation spooks on walks and carved pumpkin contests between neighbors. Depending on your personal set up, this is the year to go all-out when it comes to haunted houses, yards, front doors, windows or whatever it is you’re working with. Window clings, spiderwebs, carved pumpkins, eeek! Don’t hold back when you’re decking the haunted halls this year and listen to some spooky tunes while you’re at it to really get into the mood. Fall 2020
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Written by Skyla Patton Photography by Isaac Wu
Purifying Your Space Whether it’s smoke-filled skies, seasonal allergies or just being cooped up more than usual, I think we’ve all felt a little congested and claustrophobic the last few months. While the air quality indoors has arguably been better than outside in a lot of cases the last few weeks, it’s easy to forget that the air inside our homes can be polluted as well. Just like the space can start to feel a bit stagnant on an airplane (even with the “air” on), the air in your own home needs to be rejuvenated like anything else. Here are some tips and tricks on how to refresh the air quality inside your room or house, now and throughout the year.
Air filters, purifiers The fastest and most effective way to make sure the air you’re breathing is as fresh as it can be is to invest in an air purifier or filter for your space. Air purifiers work to eliminate harmful particles in the air such as dust, smoke and pollen. Keep in mind that these products are often designed to filter the air in only a designated amount of space; usually one room or a small sq. footage amount, so it’s best to put them in rooms you’re in most often like bedrooms or kitchens. Not looking to break the bank on a new product? DIY an air filter yourself by strapping a HEPA filter (found at most hardware stores) to the front of a fan for a similar effect. Note: Air conditioners do have filter systems in place, but are not designed to actually purify or cleanse the air. If you’d like to use your AC anyway, make sure that the filters are cleaned regularly to ensure you’re not adding pollutants to the air.
Plants are your friends! Whether you’re a self-identified houseplant addict or not, it’s a little known fact that your leafy indoor friends are putting in work to keep your air quality clean and fresh. Just like the big beautiful trees outside, many houseplants serve a lowkeybut-valiant purpose in purifying the air and brightening up the space. User-friendly indoor plants that have been rumored to have air-purifying qualities include spider and snake plants, aloe vera, climbing ivy and several types of indoor palms. While indoor plants are not a solution for air pollution and should not be used as a sole form of purification, they are a great way to beautify your home and help keep the AQI healthy at the same time.
Candles: Do’s & Don’ts Nothing relaxes or sets an ambiance quite like a slow-burning, beautifully scented candle. They’re a pinnacle of the fall season and help us all relax into our zen spaces—but wait! There’s more to these sweet-smelling candles than you may think. Candles can be made with a multitude of different products, some more harmful to your lungs than others, and while they’re an excellent mood-booster, they contribute to indoor air quality as well. Avoid paraffin or petroleum based waxes in favor of more natural substances like beeswax or soy and bonus points are added for cotton or wood wicks rather than the ones with metal bases. As with most products, it’s also a good idea to avoid artificial “fragrance” in favor of naturallyderived scents and essential oils. Along with being a conscious consumer through labelreading and shopping local when possible, burning cleaner candles will keep your indoor space as healthy as possible without losing your favorite witchy passtime.
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