Duck Living 2021

Spring 2021 Vol. 8

Summer is coming! ifting

Making the most of summer thr

Classic and unconventio

nal ways to get through

finals week

Summer 2021 | Ducks Living | 1

YOUR “GO TO” FOR CAMPUS HOUSING

BEST OF CAMPUS WINNER 2018

2 | Ducks Living | Summer 2021

Readers Choice

2019 & 2020

Letter from the editor, We made it, folks! The end of the strange world we've been living in for the last year is finally nearby and the unfolding of a progressive and healthy new future is within our grasp. Now it's up to us more than ever as a society to band together, show our neighbors some extra love and work together to push out of a time of darkness and into one of light.

Wash those hands, get your vaccine and soak in the sunshine.The season of BBQs, gardening, and friendship is here. Enjoy the summer, and stay safe out there Ducks!

Skyla Patton

Staff List PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Bill Kunerth

VP OF OPERATIONS Kathy Carbone

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Skyla Patton

WRITERS

Shelly Rondestvedt

Siena Dorman Kelsie Heffernan Asha Abrams Skyla Patton Paige Avagliano

SALES MANAGER

PHOTOGRAPHERS

DIRECTOR OF SALES & DIGITAL MARKETING

Stella Kalomiris Keaton Roberts Amy Menendez Patrick McCumber

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sam Rudkin

For all of our up to dates publications visit: dailyemerald.com/duckshousing/

Isaac Wasserman Isaac Wu

ART DIRECTOR Emma Nolan

DESIGNERS Isaac Morris Kate Bossi Vanessa Marach Zoe Hardister Emily Fox

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GARDENING F OR

ANY

home N

eed a new summer hobby? With the limited indoor and outdoor space typical of college living, planting your own vegetable garden likely isn’t high on your list of possibilities. You may not have access to a large sunny yard to transform into a lavish garden bed, but on a smaller scale, growing something fresh and edible is within reach for anyone whether you only have a dorm windowsill to work with, an apartment balcony, or small patio space.

Written by Asha Abrams Photography By Isaac Wu

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Leafy greens and herbs such as lettuce, mint, and basil are great options for indoor or small space gardening, since they usually do okay with partial sunlight and they have shallow roots, not requiring deep bulky pots. Plus, in a pretty pot they look like decorative houseplants. So this summer, try out some of these tips and grow your own fresh summer salad, basil to blend in delicious pasta sauces, or mint to muddle in refreshing cocktails, to name only a few possibilities.

General Tips for Perky Plants In general, happy vegetables want three things: good soil, good sunlight, and water. When gardening out of pots, it’s important to buy potting soil in particular so that water can drain properly and avoid root rot. It’s also a good idea to pick up an organic plant food to enrich the soil and give baby plants an extra boost when adjusting to a new home---one of the most highly recommended brands is Espoma’s Organic Plant-tone.

When you buy a new plant, always check the label to see how many hours of sunlight per day and water per week it needs. Start to notice what windows or areas of your outdoors space get the most sun throughout the day, and try to create a space for pots in that location. If you are gardening indoors and your window-side setup doesn’t seem to be getting enough sunlight, you can also purchase a grow light, or even cheaper, a grow light bulb by itself, which can be installed in a lamp that goes with your decor style.

An additional potential problem with indoor growing is in apartments that lack humidity, but this can be rectified by occasionally misting plants using a spray bottle.

Regrowing Veggies from Scraps

Potting Advice for Beginners At this point in the season, a small-space gardener will probably have more success with potting pre-grown starter plants than with growing from seeds. The most inexpensive places to purchase these starters are the garden centers at grocery or hardware stores like Fred Meyer and Home Depot.

Transfer them to larger pots of soil and watch them grow bigger over the summer.

Replanting purchased vegetable or herb starts into pots is simple. Cover the bottom of a pot, which must be large enough to accommodate eventual root growth, with potting soil, then fill the rest with a hole left in the center for where the plant will go. For great results, sprinkle some organic plant food at the bottom of the hole.

Carefully remove the plant and the soil packed around its roots from its flimsy plastic container, and gently pull the roots and soil apart to loosen them. Drop the plant with loosened roots into the hole, and smooth out the surrounding soil. Drench with water and allow it to drain.

Get crafty! Your window-side or small outdoor potted garden isn’t only a source for fresh veggies and herbs, it also can be a beautiful way to bring life and personality to your space. Thrift unique ceramic pots to garden in, or DIY your own to match your personal style by painting terracotta pots with acrylics or mod-podging fabric or tissue paper to the outside. Just remember to not cover the inside of the pot where the soil will touch, and don’t cover up the drainage hole on the bottom.

If you’ve bought heads of romaine lettuce for a salad, don’t immediately compost the stumpy ends of them. They are actually regrowable, and you can renew your lettuce supply for free! Simply place the stump leaf-side up in a bowl near a window, submerged half-way in water, and new baby leaves should begin to grow from it. Once the baby leaves have been given time to grow for a few days, transfer your new lettuce plant to a pot of soil. This same method can be attempted with the base scraps of celery, cabbage, and bok choy.

Green onions, my stir-fry musthave, can also be easily regrown indoors from end scraps. Stand the usually discarded rooted ends of green onion stalks in a glass of water, with the base submerged but the top dry, and replant in soil when the roots are a few inches long. You can use this same strategy to propagate clippings of mint or basil leaves, just make sure that the leaf has a good 2-3 inches of stem under the waterline. Transfer to soil when their roots are a few inches long. In my experience trying this method, I have found varying degrees of success and disappointing failure, but regardless it’s an entertaining and free experiment.

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Spaces filling fast for Fall 2021!

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You’ve never lived like this.

Walk or bike to class

Amenities for a fit and healthy lifestyle

Private bedrooms and bathrooms available

Academically oriented environments

Fully furnished apartments

Swimming pools with sun decks

Hardwood-style flooring

Individual liability leases and roommate matching available

Washer and dryer included

APPLY TODAY AT AMERICANCAMPUS.COM/EUGENE

Amenities are subject to change. See office for details.

Summer 2021 | Ducks Living | 7

#PFIZER

GANG

VS.

Written by Paige Avagliano Photographed by Isaac Wasserman

#MODERNA 8 | Ducks Living | Summer 2021

SQUAD

“Did you get Pfizer or Moderna?” ...has become a common icebreaker for the incoming summer 2021. Most people will answer with one of the two, some people will answer with “Johnson and Johnson,” and a fraction of people will answer with, “I haven’t gotten it”. Let’s be real: you don’t wanna be in the last squad.

And not to mention the obvious benefits of the vaccine, like how it will prevent the virus from mutating, how it keeps you and people around you safe, and how we can eventually stop wearing masks and quarantining. Restrictions are in the process of being eased and lifted for vaccinated people, but life won’t be completely back to normal unless everybody does their part and takes these #shots.

Although that last one is the least common answer, the fact that it exists at all is somewhat interesting. After all, the vaccine is widely available in Eugene and pretty much everywhere else in the country. I mean, sure, I can see why there was hesitancy at first. A bit of uncertainty of a brand new vaccine seemed normal and healthy in such ‘unprecedented times’. Is anyone else stoked to be living in precedented times again? But with that being said, I sincerely doubt that any of us are qualified to question the credibility of the vaccine unless we’re medically and scientifically trained to make one ourselves.

If you’re still not convinced to get vaccinated, reminisce on these scenarios and questions as food for thought: Remember the frustration that filled your body when you drove all the way to the store just to realize you forgot a mask?

Remember the acne on your chin that never disappeared from constantly wearing a mask in public?

Remember the disappointment you felt when you wanted to go to your favorite restaurant for dinner, only to discover it’s temporarily closed because of COVID restrictions?

Or everything being closed on your birthday?

Shall I go on? I don’t think so.

Nonetheless, as we move forward and more vaccines are being distributed, it’s clear that the pros outweigh the cons (and by cons I mean the fear of what’s in the vaccine). Think about it.

With the roll out of the vaccines, there is an end in sight.

Let’s speed it up and get back to normal!

The point is, that if we want these disappointments and restrictions to end, there IS something we can do about it. We determine the future of COVID-19. Do you want it to end or do you want it to continue? It’s a pretty simple choice.

I can picture it now: music festivals. Sports games. Getting a job. Traveling anywhere in the world. (Insert heart eyes here).

Big gatherings with people you haven’t been able to see in a year. Big gatherings with people you don’t even know. The list goes on.

So next time someone asks you, “Did you get Pfizer or Moderna?” flex that #pfizergang or #modernasquad proudly.

You’re helping save the world! (Johnson and Johnson, you’re OK too. I guess. Just kidding. Kinda.)

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A How-To Guide

Seasonal Thrifting

With the school year coming to a close and quarantine restrictions being lifted left and right, everyone is starting to exercise those social muscles and step back out into the real world again. You know what that means: thrifting season is officially open, big time. Gear up in your favorite mask (per store rules), strap that sanitizer to your side and stretch your rack-pushing fingers to prep for the ultimate summer of thrift-store scoring that is ahead of us. Not sure how to jump back in? Here’s some tips and tricks on making the most of a secondhand adventure.

Unlikely summertime scores There are a few things that you may not think of snagging as a thrift but are great hacks to enjoying the ultimate summer while sticking to your secondhand habits.

• Most thrifts have a swim section, but a total lack of matching pieces, so it’s the perfect time to find a mismatch-made-inheaven to go with those bottoms you don’t have a top for.

• Garden or glass and ceramic sections inside St. Vincents are often riddled with containers just waiting to be made into a planter or propagation station.

•Looking for DIYs or games to entertain little ones out of school? Check out the board games and craft or miscellaneous sections at Goodwills for classic forms of entertainment and a load of affordable and unique craft supplies.

Tip: Thrift pre-made paintings in frames and have kids (or enthusiastic adults) draw their own additions over the top!

Keeping it accessible Finally, let’s remember that thrifting is not only a fun and trendy way to avoid fast fashion and score some treasure, but it’s also a resource that thousands of people from low income communities rely on. Keep in mind that thrift stores have long been an accessible way for folks of all backgrounds to have access to necessities (and then some), and it’s important that we keep our thrifting intersectional and accessible for everyone involved to prevent gentrification. Remember to donate your own clothing and items when you’re ready, avoid over-consuming needlessly or exhausting one product/genre (thinking of all the videos of thrift “hauls’’ that are inevitably never used) and do your best to shop in your own accessibility range when applicable. For example, if you can afford to pay a few extra dollars for shipping, try sourcing online resellers on Depop or Instagram for secondhand items while supporting a small business owner rather than exhausting local resources. Thrifting is for everyone, and we all have to put in the work to keep it that way!

Section things off

Try to shop for the opposite season

When you’re first entering a thrift store, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the packed shelves and row after row of goodies to scan through. To help tackle the stores efficiently and hone in on your goals, create a checklist of what you’re hunting for and what sections of the store you want to explore. For example, my personal scores are usually found in the sweater section and the candle/glassware isles, so I write a quick list of my thrifting fantasties (argyle print, silver candelabras, a vintage cigarette holder…) and then limit my search to those corners as best I can. This saves my wallet from burning a larger hole than intended and also helps me focus on what I need rather than ending up with a lot that I don’t need at all.

Okay, I know this is almost impossible to do, but I swear it will help you come out stronger in the end. Generally, secondhand stores are always seeking out clothing or items that are relevant for the coming season; if it’s summertime, shorts and tanks are in huge demand, whereas a winter thrift would have more sweaters and long johns type of energy. Switching up this tactic and scoping out the leather jackets during the heat of June could score you a killer deal and a legendary thrift find that others aren’t thinking to look for. This also has an added bonus of leaving seasonal items that may be recreational for you but vital for someone else while allowing you to enjoy your thrifting dreams.

It’s easy to get drawn into the appeal of what’s trending now, but if you step into the opposite season, you might be surprised by the things you find!

10 | Ducks Living | Summer 2021 Written

by Skyla Patton Photography by Isaac Wasserman

2 BLOCKS TO CAMPUS

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET

1772 HILYARD 8 UNITS AVAILABLE W/S/G INCLUDED

Newer, well maintained, 2 bedroom, 1 bath townhouse style apartment features kitchen appliances, carpet and blinds throughout, porch off of kitchen, extra storage area by the carport, and a washer/dryer in the unit.

(541) 688-2060

FREE PARKING!!

Near campus, on bus line, close to shopping and restaurants.

No Pets/No Smoking. Tenant(s) are responsible for Electric. One off street parking space available per unit.

BELL-REALTY.COM

630 RIVER ROAD EUGENE, OR 97404

Summer 2021 | Ducks Living | 11

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APPLY TODAY AT AMERICANCAMPUS.COM/EUGENE

You’ve never lived like this.

Walk or bike to class

Amenities for a fit and healthy lifestyle

Private bedrooms and bathrooms available

Academically oriented environments

Fully furnished apartments

Swimming pools with sun decks

Hardwood-style flooring

Individual liability leases and roommate matching available

Washer and dryer included

Amenities subject to change. See office for details.

Summer 2021 | Ducks Living | 13

P R O P E R T Y M A N AG E M E N T L LC

experienced adjective

(ik-speer-ee-uhnnst)

- Wise or skillfull in a particular field through experience - Having gained practical knowledge through direct participation example:

“Von Klein is known for its experienced, friendly, and helpful staff”

SEARCH. SEE. LIVE. vonkleinrentals.com 541-485-7776

Don’t be shy

FIND YOUR OWN HOME OVER 100 LISTINGS TO CHOOSE FROM. DAILYEMERALD.COM/DUCKSHOUSING

1301 Ferry St. #2

CALL US TO SEE WHAT WE HAVE AVAILABLE!

Contact us Today!

1400 High St C3  541-505-9906 AGCAMPUSHOUSING.COM

PROPERTY AMENITIES

UNIT AMENITIES

TWO Hot Tubs and Pools TWO Fitness Centers Garage Parking Pet Friendly

Private Bathrooms in EVERY Bedroom Washer and Dryer in EVERY Unit Roommate Matching Available Fully or Partially Furnished Units

13andOlive.com | 541.685.1300 | 1180 Willamette St. Eugene, OR 97401 14 | Ducks Living | Summer 2021

SPRING TERM EDITION

Written by Kelsie Heffernan Photographed by Isaac Wu

SURVIVING FINALS WEEK Finals seem to come by quicker and quicker every term, and it still feels like we just got done with last term! The key to not letting finals sneak up on you too fast is to have a game plan. Knowing exactly what the week will look like and how you’re going to handle the stress is the best way to make sure you don’t get overwhelmed.

Enhance Your Schedule Many of us are procrastinators, and if you are too, you know that a lot of stress builds up around the idea of studying or writing that final paper. If you make a schedule of doable tasks every day prior to finals week, you won’t feel so stressed and need to pull an all-nighter to be prepared. The key is making sure you stick to the schedule, which means making it as welcoming as possible. Surround your studying or essay writing with things you look forward to like an episode of a show on Netflix, Facetiming a friend, or getting outside and enjoying the sun.

Switch Up Your Workspace Online school has left us spending a lot of time in one place at our computer, and when it comes to finals week, that time increases even more. One way to make studying more enjoyable is taking advantage of the fact that it's spring term and getting outside. Not only will it feel good to get some fresh air, it’s been shown that studying in different places helps improve your comprehension of the material.

Don’t Change Your Sleep Schedule When the class schedule changes during finals week it's tempting to change your sleep schedule as well, like staying up extra late to study and sleeping in. Abruptly changing our sleep schedule can be stressful to our bodies, and with the added stress of finals week that’s the last thing students need.

As tempting as it is to use extra time at night to keep working, it’s more beneficial to get some extra sleep and you’ll wake up feeling better and with a better memory for your final.

Utilize Connections There are lots of resources available to help prepare you for your finals, andthey may vary class to class. Review sessions and study groups should be utilized as much as possible because the interactive nature will be one more learning method to help crystallize your knowledge. Office hours are another resource that are often overlooked in the last few weeks of the term when deadlines and schedules start getting busier, but taking advantage of one-on-one time to ask any last minute questions or just to listen to other student’s questions will help. Another connection to think about is your peers. Getting together to work through practice problems or go over concepts is another way to absorb the material more creatively, and it’s likely you’ll all come out having learned something new from each other.

Stay Active Spending 20-30 minutes doing a light workout can help relieve stress, boost your mood and help you sleep. A great way to spend one of your breaks between exams or studying is to go on a quick walk and clear your head of the endless computer hours. If you’re not used to any sort of exercise routine, finals week is not the time to start. However, it might be a good idea to do any sort of enjoyable and easy activity that can help you de-stress and energize. Light activities may be an evening stroll, short yoga video, or a bike ride. If exercising is not an available activity to you, meditating can also be a great way to get the same benefits and de-stress. Mindfulness practices such as meditation can help you stay focused during the busy week and beyond.

Do What Works For You and Enjoy It At the end of the day, sometimes you just have to get through finals any way you can. As much as everyone will advise against it, pulling all-nighters and having unproductive but unforgettable study sessions with friends is part of the college experience. Good luck and have a great summer!

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