The Stylus- April 6, 2018

s u l y t S e h T

2017-18

A student publication of Park University since 1895

Volume 123

ISSUE

#4

Visit stylusonline.org for online news and student blogs FB: ParkUniversityStylus stylus@park.edu April 6, 2018

Alexa, what is new at Park University?

READ ABOUT PARK’S NEWEST TECH SERVICE ON PAGE 2

Together We Rise Story on Page 3

In This Issue: News................. 2-3 Culture...............4-5 Opinion........6-7, 12 Campus Life.....8-9 Sports.....10-11, 13 Entertainment....14 Features........15-16

NEWS

Page 2 April 6, 2018

University promotes innovation with “Ask Park” Dayana Plaisime Editor

Instructurecon last July in Keystone, Co. isn’t always the easiest thing in the world the LMS and the Information TechnoloInstructurecon is an annual Canvas con- to use to find what you need,” said Nel- gy Services receives a report saying this ference and last year the big reveal was son. “If we could take those formalities many student or faculty members asked Imagine having the ability to just ask the Alexa skill for the Canvas Platform. and make it voice enabled through Alexa, about this, so that they can work on addquestions such as, “what assignments are Since the beginning of his presiden- you don’t even need to be near a comput- ing the answer to that question in the fudue today?” or “what are the activities on cy at Park University, Greg Gunderson, er, you just need to ask Alexa.” ture. campus for this week?” or “what’s been Ph.D., put emphasis on innoThe “Ask Park” skill only requires recently published on the Stylus?” and vation. When Flaherty and students to have access to Amazon, have the answers available at your com- Nelson saw how Canvas was “... in the Midwest there are no other schools an Alexa or Echo device. Students can mand. Now imagine this being a reality. using voice computing tech- our size doing this.” download the free Alexa app for their Park University is launching a new nology, it led to the thought of Amy McIntosh, Director of Marketing phone or other devices. Students can program for Amazon Alexa called “Ask bringing the voice computing even use the Amazon shopping app Park”. Alexa is a personal voice assistant technology to Park to help faby clicking a button and talking to Althat enables users to voice-control prod- cilitate interactions between exa “Ask Park” and the shopping app ucts and services offered by a variety of students and faculty members more effiIn the future, the vision is for students will direct the to the answer. brands. With the “Ask Park” skill, stu- ciently, easily, and faster. The pilot for the to be able to register for classes through “You can use the Echo device or the dents can vocally communicate with “Ask Alexa” skill was created earlier this Alexa. Not only will Alexa be able to tell app,” said Nelson. “You just need internet Alexa to ask questions concerning their year. The pilot was essentially a proof of you your course requirements, it will also connection. It’s very easy to set up. The education as well as linking their Park ID concept just to see if the skill was obtain- be able to enroll you in sections available “Ask Park” skill is available to everyone, to the application to access their course able and the difficulty level of creating in those courses, so you don’t have to go you do not have to be a Park University schedule information, grades, and other such skill which led to the full feature of through the process of meeting with an student to utilize the app. Park students features offered through the app.

“Ask Park”. advisor if you don’t want to. have the ability to link their students acThe creation of the app was inspired Alexa will make it easier for students “We help make it easier for students to count and Canvas to the app to check when Jared Flaherty, director of LMS to have access to information rather than continue their education through Alexa their grades, class schedule, GPA and Support, and James Nelson, associate having to pick up a computer or cellular because they can go on and ask, “What’s much more. vice president of Information Technolo- device, log in to MyPark or Canvas then my degree audit?” and they can essentially gy Services at Park University’s Parkville have to search for the information them- go through that process without having to Continued on page 3 Campus, attended a conference called selves, which is often tricky or difficult to schedule an appointment with a counselfind. With the “Ask or and go through a bunch of paperwork,” Park” skill through said Amy McIntosh, director of marketSTAFF LIST Alexa students can ing at Park University. “They can be prejust voice their pared so when they do sit down with their EDITORS IN CHIEF: commands and Al- success coach to enroll they already know EMILIE HESTON exa does the work what they want to take, so when they do CICELY NGUYEN to provide them meet with their advisors it’s more about the information advising than ‘How do I enroll?’.”

EDITORS: LOGAN FREEMAN needed in a quick The development of the Park feature JON HOKENSON and timely fashion for Alexa was not a difficult one. There CONNOR JONES without the use of was time dedicated for the development MAX MOHR extra devices. You earlier this year and since then it has been DAYANA PLAISIME ARRON RIFFLE don’t have to know growing immensely. The complexity for where to go to ac- the feature comes from individual needs.

REPORTERS: cess the informa“Some of the easy asked questions SKYLAR BRITT tion. don’t take very long to develop. We can CARIN BUBLITZ ABBY JEANS “Our goal is to do that in a matter of seconds,” said NelCHRISTIAN MCFADDEN take interaction son, “whereas some of the more comZARTASHA SANI you have to do to- plex things like course needs are a lot KALIE STRAIN PHOTO/Dayana Plaisime day that are timely more complex, so they can take weeks FACULTY ADVISER: A Park University branded Amazon Echo Dot was provid- or lengthy or diffi- and months to develop.” Any questions KRISTIN SHAW cult, using MyPark that Alexa does not have a response to,

ed to full-time faculty members.

NEWS “There’s nothing in my mind that I would say we can’t do,” said Nelson. “It’s just a matter of what does it take to do it.” Both Nelson and Flaherty have been working with the student technology fee committee, a part of student government, to ask questions. They are looking at polling students and faculty members to find out what their expectations of Alexa are and look at what they are asking of Alexa, so they can build in those capabilities.

They hope the app will increase student engagement on campus through communication. Student will have the capability to ask Alexa of events on campus, or recently published Stylus articles. An email address will be created to make it easier for students to ask questions and send suggestions but for now students can send suggestions through the helpdesk.

“We want to know what everybody wants it to be able to do, so we can do that,” said Nelson. “We want to hear from students what they really want and that’s what we want to prioritize.”

Alexa will help draw prospective students and help improve retention rate by making accessing information easier, according to Nelson. Prospective students will have the ability to work with Alexa to find out all the information needed about financial aid, paying their tuition with or without help from a financial aid counselor.

“The goal is definitely to improve retention,” said Nelson, “to help new and prospective students to get the in-

Page 3 April 6, 2018

What are my grades?

What is in the Stylus? formation they need, to then wanting to enroll.”

A canvas skill is available for Alexa where students can engage with learning management through Alexa by

voice commands. The only difference between the “Ask Park” skill and the Canvas skill is that “Ask Park” is developed and branded by Park University and the Canvas skill is produced by the company which runs Canvas -- LMS. Both skills work specifically for Park University.

The Canvas feature allows students to do more such as checking for missing assignments, assignments that are due that day. Both are the same devices, the “Ask Park” skills share features like Canvas.

“We are looking to incorporate some of the Canvas features to the Park one,” said Flaherty.

Park University is the only school in the Midwest to use the Alexa Voice system. Other schools using the Alexa voice computing system include Arizona State University and MIT who uses it for their engineering students.

Park University is the first university of its size to use the Alexa app nationwide. “… in the Midwest there are no other schools our size doing this, even the schools that are doing it aren’t using it in the same way that we are looking to use it,” said Mcintosh. “They are using it in smaller directives while we are using it as an entire university system which is a little bit different.”

Alexa will help bridge the communication gap on campus and nationwide by making things easier. “Alexa is an amazing opportunity to connect with students one-onone,” said McIntosh.”

Activist brings inspiration to Park community Carin Bublitz Reporter

The women’s march on Washington D.C. on Jan. 21 was the largest single day protest in United States history and on March Park University hosted Paola Mendoza, art director for the women’s march on Washington D.C., Mendoza spoke on the role she took on at leading up to and during the march.

Before the program began Mendoza was seated at a table in front of the stage in the Chapel at Park University signing copies of her books and talking with anyone who walked by. During the program Mendoza talked about the Women’s March on Washington D.C., the immigration issues, and how art helped shape the movement.

Mendoza started the presentation by telling a story of where she was when she heard that President Donald J. Trump won the election, how upset she was, and how she promised two young women sitting on the floor that it was going to be okay. Then she told a story about Sofia Cruiz, a little five year old girl who wanted to meet the Pope, who she ran through the gates along the street and handed him a letter that she wrote herself. Sofia Cruz went on to speak at the women’s march with her entire family beside her.

Mendoza brought people from the community together and let them speak their stories and she took time to listen.

“I found it very inspiring how Paola Mendoza was able to interconnect with the people and was able to bring out the words that they did not have the ability to bring out in themselves and thus creating a visionary leadership path toward dedication,”

said Timothy Griffin, psychology senior.

The major take away from the presentation was this: “Do what you can, where you are, when you can do it. No matter how small, do something,” said Martin Rucker who is running for Missouri State Senate in district 34.

PHOTO/Carin Bublitz Mendoza signs copies of her books for members of the community after her speech at the Graham Tyler Memorial Chapel.

CULTURE

Page 4 April 6, 2018

NEW WORKS ART EXHIBIT Max Mohr Editor

The Campanella Art Gallery welcomed a new set of artists for New Works, an invitational art exhibition curated by Andrea Lee, Ph.D. The show consists of work from 10 Park University faculty members. Donna Bachmann, William Eickhorst, Ed.D., Frank Hamilton, Deb Hillen, Masoom Khawaja, Andrea Lee, Christopher Lowrance, Kim Luther, Lynn-Richardson-Ludwigs, and Jeffery Smith submitted work for the show and are part of the Fine Arts program, nearly all currently teaching classes here in Parkville.

There is a mixture of two and three-dimensional works, some displayed on the walls and some on pedestals. Many different mediums are utilized, from fiber, ceramic, photography to mixed and digital media, with a variety of styles being represented.

“I think it’s a really neat opportunity for students to see what their professors are creating,” said Lee of the exhibit.

If you haven’t ventured up to the second floor of Norrington in a while, it’s worth the trip. The mood lighting and beautiful artwork make for a great place to sit and escape. The exhibit runs through April 26, 2018.

Top: Kim Luther’s Seated Figure; Left: a section of Andrea Lee’s Pollinators from Missouri Triptych; Jeff Smith’s Perception.

CULTURE

Page 5 April 6, 2018

Clockwise from top: Lowrance’s Slouching; Male Nude, Seated; and Kate, Profile; Deb Hillen’s Interdependence; Donna Bachmann’s A Sewing Box; Lynn Richardson-Ludwigs’ Untitled.

PHOTOS/Max Mohr

OPINION

Page 6

Two Americas:

Trying to understand the divide

Sarah Zitter Special Contributor I was homeschooled all the way through high school in a politically and religiously conservative family.

Lunch was served with Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity in the background and during dinner we prayed to the Invisible Hand.

Now, four years into college, I have lived in a developing country, voted for a democrat, am bilingual, openly bisexual, do not identify with a religion, and have worked for the federal government. It is safe to say that I am not all that I was raised to be, but I will tell you up front that this is not my conversion story to liberalism.

My dad did not have a college degree and during the recession he lost his job in Michigan. We moved to Kansas City for him to work with my Grandpa’s company because it was the only job he was able to get.

There is a resounding sentiment in my family that if you decide to do something — you can do it.

Life will always be navigable in America with hard work and determination. So, when I was 14 I started working at a restaurant. Consequently, I spent most of my time with people 10 or 20 years older than me from all walks of life. In the mornings I served alongside my coworkers who were focused on survival — recovering

alcoholics, single moms who had kids too young and with the wrong guy, and high school dropouts who got nothing from the education system. More importantly, they were my friends.

In the evenings I sat around my dinner table and learned that poverty and misfortune were the fault of the individual and never the institutions— hard work and God save people. More importantly, they saved my family.

The pain I was confronted with in the mornings was never put to rest at night. The differences between me, the people I served, and my coworkers were due to an infinity of chance happenings in our lives. There was a fine line between privilege and luck and we all happened to lose balance onto one side of that line.

I have spent seven years working in customer service watching a diverse crowd of people. I volunteered for several years with youth of immigrants in Wyandotte County, the poorest county in Kansas, and with children in Johnson County, one of the wealthiest.

I am bilingual and now working on finishing my third language. I have lived in Peru, a developing country, and the United States, a country whose development sometimes gets the best of it. I sometimes have three jobs at a time and support myself but have also been given opportunities only made financially available to me by the generosity of organizations and individuals.

I grew up in the Midwest, caught in between the city and the country. I was raised by conservatives and spent all of my time with liberals. I have worked with the State Department on migration policies that affected the migrants I have deep relationships with in my home community. My whole life has been a tug of war between dichotomies. When I hear the phrase “two Americas” in the news, what I hear is “home”. It is in this division that I have grown up.

There is a common sentiment in the United States that we are currently more divided than ever. The disparity is for a handful of debated reasons: class differences, social media, alternative facts, etc. But, consciously or not, it seems that the most widely accepted theory is bigotry. Intolerance. Misunderstanding. They do not understand. They do not understand what you have been through, what you know, what the problem

April 6, 2018

is, what actually is going on. We are creatures of science.

There has to be a reason things are the way that they are and if it is not the individual’s fault then it is the fault of an institution.

If you do not understand something the answer is to educate yourself. In theory, the division in American society could be solved if we just sat down, listened, and learned how to empathize. If we put aside our biases and just thought rationally, we would reach the sweet spot, that middle ground.

By nature we are born into different realities and by nurture we could close the gaps. But there are some realities that you cannot reconcile. There is no compromise between pro-life and pro-choice — there is only argued murder or ignorance. It is not possible to convince someone who kept a job at GM or AIG that the Invisible Hand would have put food on their family’s table during the recession.

An immigrant who has fled death and poverty in their country has a hard time caring about the service industry jobs they are taking — just like some Americans have a hard time caring about where the hell they came from.

Because of my experiences I would like to say that I am understanding — that I get to stand in the middle ground and look at the different sides. After all, geographically I was raised in the middle ground of America; the Midwest’s “ope” is my filler word. But what I have found is that lifetimes exist in the differences between the two sides.

It is less of a middle ground and more of an infinite chasm between the Americas separated by different, all valid, experiences. We tweet out that they do not understand but never ask what would happen if they did understand. Would that make them wrong? Would that make us right? Is politics just two rights making a wrong?

So this is not my defense for my conservative upbringing or my passionate cry rallying my liberal friends. It is just my confession that even after coming to understand both sides of many debates, I still am unsure how to address this chasm. It is the attempt of someone studying politics to grapple with the irreconcilable realities that I am growing up with.

OPINION

Page 7 April 6, 2018

Sharing entertainment can bridge cultural divide Christian McFadden Reporter

like to watch or we may be able to grow toward.

I’m talking about anime. There are different forms of anime.

It goes from simple American cartoons that show What is culture? Culture is the social behavior and off the American dream such as Tom and Jerry, with norms found in human societies. But how can we learn the white picket fence with a cut lawn, full home and a about these societies? How can we explore in different couple of pets to stabilize the house from infestation and ways other than history books, classrooms and museoutside intruders.

Add in a BBQ to top it off, signifying ums? How can we learn how to solve issues and culture the norm of U.S. tradition of the clashes through simple, rational American people. Or if we switch comprehension of one another’s over to the traditional anime side understanding of why and what We can unite a lot of people of things, this simply translates to we can do to diffuse a really bad on a level that’s probably Japanese cartoons; Naruto (Naruto scenario? Or to sum all of these seShippuden) or Dragon Ball Z, for quential questions, how can we see unimaginable to the modern example. from the perspectives of different politician.

These two shows came out in the cultures how life should be? And, 80s and 90s and were praised for how can we do it without being their wonderful storytelling mixed bored reading a book? We could in with intriguing ways to convey their own messages. do it with manga or by invading someone’s space.

They projected their own morals and ethics toward the Park University has plenty of diversity throughout audience.

These shows went down to the basis of what a the halls and facilities of the campus. There are people person can be when facing villainy or heroism, when a from all over the world like Africa, Egypt, China, Euman or woman is weak in the face of failure. There are rope, Brazil, Mexico and other countries who bring so time periods, styles and traditions that are portrayed much variety to the table when it comes to an assortclosely in these extravagant shows. ment of cultural differences. They have their own lanA perfect example would be a character in the seguages and rituals reflected in their specific methods of ries of Dragon Ball (DBZ) known as Chi Chi. She is a entertainment. The kind of entertainment I would like hardworking, stay at home mother who makes sure her to discuss and study is a simple form of recreation we all children get the proper education and acceptance in the best scholarly programs anywhere. It doesn’t matter if the world is going to end or not, Gohan and Goten will be studying on a regular basis with a stable job and a promising future.

This implies how much the role of a family holds dear to the normal Japanese family heritage. They emphasize not being taunted by the lack of education or a husband without a supportive job.

To be honest, in American culture people usually try to find a way out, and their ways are not usually the education route. It’s usually through sports,

PHOTO COURTESY/Orzzzz.COM

PHOTO COURTESY/Pexels music, and joining the military at some point. That’s why we can observe the differences and research these cultures, comparing ourselves and everyone else around the world. We could figure out our differences and spark curious questions because of the cultural difference shown in these animations and loved around the globe.

Another example can be Naruto Shippuden, a boy who was bullied and tortured throughout school. He figured out how to break past this obstacle onto a new path of his dream to become Hokage of the village. The Hokage is basically the president of a whole country, earning the respect and honor from all of his friends and foes.

Some kids his age are in this predicament, sadly. This relatability builds up more than just pity or emotion within a person. It’s a connection that makes the audience want to learn more about Naruto and his surroundings. In this case the surroundings involve Japanese tradition like the formalities that follow when you walk in a dojo of Neji Hygua, a bow and why people used to call masters or sensei of art and jutsu, which was a reality in old times in the Asian culture. Opening a new door to these energies, called chakra, is another route of education and beliefs the Asian community has.

We can unite a lot of people on a level that’s probably unimaginable to the modern politician. Dissecting these shows can be like dissecting people. We can see what they really feel about life, philosophy, people or the system. Giving us a brand new look on things beyond the simple physicality and diplomacy from a prominent figure resulting in war or oppression about the similar

See Culture on page 12

CAMPUS LIFE

Page 8 April 6, 2018

Park ROTC unit salutes fallen veterans at Bataan Death March Carin Bublitz Reporter Imagine being led across a foreign land you have been charged with protecting for 65 miles to the Japanese prisoner of war camps-- with no breaks. If you collapsed from exhaustion, you were either killed or left for dead. That is how many American prisoners of war were treated during the Bataan Death March by the Japanese Army in the Philippines during World War II. On March 25, the Park University ROTC went to White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. They set out on the Bataan Memorial Death March, a 26 mile tribute to the soldiers who died while on the original march during World War II. Each member chose a soldier who died on the march to pin to their ruck sacks and carry with them for the entirety of the march.

“I actually found on Facebook the me- sense of reading about it,” said Darnell morial page for the guy I had,” said Caro- Spence, healthcare management junior. lyn Williams, sophomore nursing major. “They try to make you live the experience.

“I actually got to talk to his family and You can never truly duplicate what those sent pictures to them, so they were really soldiers went through, but you can at least thankful for that.” take a smidgen of that. When you’re going Along with having a soldier on their through that desert and going through ruck sacks during the march, there were the aches, it was kind of like living also survivors history.” of the original When the “It goes beyond just the academic sense of march present Park University reading about it. They try to make you live at the memoriROTC got back the experience.” al so both solto campus, they Darnell Spencer, were exhausted diers and civilJunior with sunburns ians could pay their respects to and blisters, but them and their several memfallen brothers. One thing every member bers said they were glad to have particof the Park ROTC agreed on was that it ipated in such a tribute to veterans and was humbling to see those soldiers at the fallen soldiers. memorial.

“It goes beyond just the academic

PHOTO/ Carin Bublitz Park’s ROTC members posed by the U.S. flag after the 26 mile tribute.

Park After Dark gets up close and personal with mentalist Abby Jeans Reporter

PHOTO/Abby Jeans Park students watched in awe of the mentalist’s reality-defying display.

Park Students opened their dorms to high school juniors on March 23 during Park After Dark, an annual event allowing high schoolers from all over the state of Missouri to get a taste of what college is all about.

With smiles, Park students waited in the Copley Quad lobby for their assigned high schooler for the night. Once students arrived, they got settled into their room. From there, students made their way to the McCoy Meetin’ House as they prepared for the unexpected mentalist to read their minds and trick their eyes.

“People had fun,” said Taela Ivory, senior nursing major. “They were shocked.

Everybody was intrigued.”

Ivory’s favorite part of the performance was when the mentalist was able to recite items from pieces of paper hidden in the audience that he had not seen

before. She was also impressed with his ability to know personal things about an individual without ever talking to them before and creating illusions of connections between people.

“He took two people from the crowd and told them that they knew each other from a past life,” said Ivory. “When he would touch one of them the other would feel the touch. When he would move one the other would automatically move.”

Although Taela’s host student did not show up she still wanted to attend the event to support the Park Student Activities Board, the organization responsible for bringing the mentalist to campus.

Adrianna McMullen, junior chemistry and criminal justice major, hosted a student from St. Louis. Both participated in the mentalists show.

“It was cool that he knew all the stuff that there was no way he could’ve known at all,” said McMullen.

The mentalist had McMullen flip through a book and pick a word on the page. He then asked her to picture the word in the sky and think about one of the letters. McMullen couldn’t decide on a letter to choose and the mentalist knew it.

“He knew I was thinking of the letter ‘M’ originally but then thought of the letter ‘B’,” said McMullen. “From there he guessed that my word was submarine.”

McMullen and her host student left in complete shock.

Park After Dark continues to be a campus favorite. It provides an opportunity for high school students to prepare for college while exemplifying the leadership qualities of the host Park students.

Many students, high school and college, say they leave the weekend with new long lasting friendships.

CAMPUS LIFE

Page 9 April 6, 2018

International Club’s unconventional meeting creates lasting memories for Park students Skylar Britt Reporter The smiles and laughs on the faces of those in attendance at the Park International Club first field trip to Main Event sent the clear message that students coming together outside of the classroom is great for a multitude of reasons.

President of the club, Ikem Eriobuna, senior and international business major, was happy with the turnout.

“The night turned out to be a very successful night,” said Eriobuna. “Our plan was to accommodate 60 students but we ended up with a total attendance of 73 students. It was definitely a better turn out than what we expected.”

While this was not the first event the club held, it was the first field trip. After hosting a successful back to school bash earlier this year and weekly club meetings, it was expected in a way, that the club would once again bring students together in a fun and memorable way.

This was one of the main goals of the club and was largely why the club was founded this school year. A main pillar of the club’s inauguration was the desire to make students, especially those whom are from foreign countries, feel at home.

“As the President of Park International Club, I’ve dedicated my time and effort into building a better community and envi-

PHOTO/Skylar Britt Park International Club member Ikem Eriobuna (left) and Phillip Kabuye (right) played basketball against one another at the event.

PHOTO/Skylar Britt Main Event’s bowling lanes are lined with TV screens and colorful lights, creating a fun atmosphere for the International Club’s meeting. ronment for not just Park international students, but also for Park domestic students,” said Eriobuna. “I am just trying to bring everyone together as one family to achieve all of our different goals.

“This bowling event was a part it. Lots of members in my club and even nonmembers have been complaining about the lack of many fun activities on campus. My executive board members took it on us to make sure their complaints are being listened to. Throughout the semester, Park International Club has used similar events to bring students together and I think this bowling event was just another successful one.”

Madisyn Degen, junior in psychology, attended the event and experienced this bringing of students together firsthand.

“It was so much fun,” said Degen. “Between bowling, the games, and the buffet, it was an awesome night! I think it’s important for Park students to participate in activities outside of school in order to form better connections.”

For those who were unable to attend the trip to Main Event, the club has many other fun activities to look forward to.

“We have quite some more events coming up in the future,” said Eriobuna.

SPORTS

Page 10 April 6, 2018

Park’s golf programs begin season with high expectations His pulled nerve and physical thera- ments they could have made.

Skylar Britt know we’ll improve.”

After a successful Fall season, the team py kept him from playing in the current “In golf, there are always putts you Reporter With men’s and women’s golf seasons underway, practices and tournaments are a common occurrence. Utilizing the National Golf Club of Kansas City as a home course, the players are greeted with alluring views at each practice.

The men’s team is new to the list of sports offered by the university. While a team comprised of new players from all around the world might present problems as any sports team would with the players learning how to work with one another, the men’s team has done a successful job thus far.

Fitness and wellness junior, Wesley Buntenbach, has a lot of experience playing golf, starting from his childhood. His father owns a golf course which played a large role in him becoming a golfer. Starting his collegiate career at Iowa Central, he was optimistic coming to Park to join the team.

“I knew we were going to have a good program coming in,” said Buntenbach.

“It’s been a great experience so far and with this being a first-year program, I

is only days into Spring season. With the few tournaments played this semester, the team has already proven they are a force to be reckoned with.

“We had a strong start,” said Buntenbach. “We got third place in our first tournament and in the second tournament, we won first. We also played well in our third tournament. We all played solid and we have gone undefeated in home tournaments.”

He sums up their early success with “We didn’t come to be mediocre,” said Buntenbach. “We came here to do what we needed to do, and that’s winning.”

Business management junior Christian Groumoutis has also been golfing a long time. His dad got him into golf when he was about seven and he has loved it ever since.

“Golf is relaxing,” said Groumoutis. “I love doing it. It’s my hobby and it’s been a great experience so far. The guys all get along well. The guys are great and are fun to play with which makes me a better player.”

tournament yet he has to practice every day.

“The season hasn’t gone how I wanted for me but I’ve been able to work on my short-game while I work back to a full golf swing,” said Groumoutis.

As he continues to train and heal his injury, he supports his team as they play in tournaments.

“Everyone has been playing well,” said Groumoutis. “The team looks awesome and we won a tournament by 30 strokes which is hard to do.”

The women’s team has also had a strong start.

Senior Rachel Hoffman earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting and is now working toward her MBA in finance.

Even with this full schedule, she still makes time to play the sport she loves.

“It’s nice to go out and play by myself or a few teammates to clear my mind,” said Hoffman. “Hitting a bucket of golf balls can also be a good stress reliever.”

While the women’s team has been playing well so far, they still see improve-

should have made, a different club you could have hit, or a safer option you should have taken,” said Hoffman. “We all have different ways we can improve every time we play. We have had our good days and our bad days but considering the conditions we have had to endure, I’m proud of the way we’ve played and fought through it.”

The men’s and women’s teams hope to go to Nationals and are working hard in practices and tournaments to end the season on a high note.

“We’ve also played against some really good teams which is a great experience,” said Hoffman. “We’re playing some good courses and a few that we know, so I think we have a chance to do really well with the rest of the season.”

With both of the Park golf teams remaining hopeful and performing well in the tournaments, it seems reasonable to assume that the teams will continue to be successful and only improve from here.

“The future is looking bright for the team,” said Groumoutis.

Softball splits double-header with Missouri Baptist Kalie Strain Reporter Park University softball split a double header last Saturday with Missouri Baptist University. The Pirates pulled out a victory in game one with a 4-3 win. The Pirates came up short in game two losing to the Spartans 11-6. This comes after a sweep of Harris-Stowe State University with two wins that lasted only five innings.

In the top of the first inning Missouri Baptist started the game with one run scored by Ally Gischer on a batted ball.

The Pirates responded with junior Kaylin Brooks scoring on a sacrifice fly by senior Shelby Bendure to center field.

Senior Courtney Seymour came home on a single to left field by senior Annali

Cleek. Senior Katie Carr also scored on a throw after Cleek make it to first safely.

The top of the second inning was quiet for the Spartans with Freshman Lexie Duncan earning a pair of strikeouts and fielding a ball and throwing out Meghan Mollet at first. In the bottom of the second inning Brooks doubled to left field and scored on a single by Carr.

In a two out rally for the Spartans at the top of the third inning Gischer tripled to left center. Gischer was able to steal home when senior Olivia Atkinson dropped a pop fly allowing Jordan Corby to reach first. The Pirates stayed quiet at the bottom of the third leaving junior Hailey Costello was stranded on third after she doubled and advanced to third on a bobble by Rachel Galbraith.

At the top of the fourth inning Spartan’s Baleigh Koester and Mechan Mollet both earned singles. Koester was given a pinch runner Reily Kassay who advanced to third on Mollet’s single to center field. She successfully stole home giving the Spartans their final run of the game. Mollet was caught stealing by Pirate’s junior catcher Madison Klein.

Pirate’s pitcher Duncan struck out Erica Hixson to end the top of the fourth.

Park University held their 4-3 lead until the end giving them the win for game one.

Game two started with Missouri Baptist moving Gischer around the bases with a sacrifice squeeze by Corby, a ground out by Caitlin McNiff and a single to center field by Meagan Elder. Missouri Baptist kept Park qui-

et with a three up three down inning.

Park was able to keep the Spartans at bay during the top of the second inning stranding Miranda Brown on third base.

During the bottom of the inning Cleek earn a two RBI single bringing in Bendure and junior Hailey Costello pulling them ahead of the Spartan’s 2-1. Any momentum Park had was squashed when Atkinson grounded into a double play.

Missouri Baptist was able to pull back ahead in the top of the third by scoring three runs for a 4-2 lead. During the bottom of the third after a single by Brooks.

Missouri Baptist made a pitching change, bringing Ally Dunaway to re-

See Softball on page 13

SPORTS

Page 11 April 6, 2018

Men’s volleyball endures late season stumble Connor Jones Sports Editor

Park University’s men’s volleyball team experienced a deceivingly solid first half of the season. Though an 8-4 record at the halfway mark seemed like a disappointment, three of the Pirate’s eight wins came against opponents ranked inside the top 10, including a decisive 3-1 victory over the top ranked team in the country. Park has struggled in the last 11 games, however, posting a 6-5 record while going 0-4 against ranked opponents.

The No. 5 Pirates entered the second half of their season with the cupcake portion of their schedule; over a span of seven days, Park had three matches against teams with one or fewer wins, beginning with Dordt College on February 23. The Defenders, sporting a 1-6 record, were disposed of easily, as expected. Dordt came out firing in the first frame however, holding a 21-20 late set led. The Pirates eventually escaped with a 25-22 victory and subsequently manhandled the Defenders the rest of the way, winning sets two and three by an average of 10 points.

Junior setter Andrea Maggio and fresh-

man outside hitter Felipe Santos accounted for over half of Park’s points as the pair finished with 29.5 points to give Park their ninth win of the season.

The Pirates returned to action on February 28 against a much stronger opponent in conference foe Ottawa University. Park jumped on the Braves early, securing a 25-21 first set victory. Ottawa quickly rebounded in set number two.

Holding a 14-13 lead, the Braves used a 9-3 run to tie the match at one set apiece.

In both of the final sets, the Pirates and Braves battled back and forth to a 14-12 score line, only for the Park to fade down the stretch. The Pirates failed to reach 20 points during sets three and four, falling to the Braves three sets to one. Ultimately it was the errors that did the Pirates in.

Park finished with 14 more errors than Ottawa, allowing the Braves to hand Park their fifth loss of the season.

Just one day later, the Pirates traveled to Belleville, Illinois for a matchup with the 1-9 Lindenwood University-Belleville Lynx. Park racked up eight errors in the first set but still pulled out a 25-20 first set victory by tallying 17 kills compared to Lindenwood’s eight. Park cleaned up

PHOTO/Arron Riffle Junior setter Andrea Maggio skies above the net against Harris-Stowe University of March 1.

easy in the second frame, winning 25-17.

Lindenwood finally woke up in set number three. The Lynx never trailed by more than three and forced Park to compete past the 25-point mark. But a service ace from Sophomore middle blocker Leandro Sodre dashed Lindenwood’s hopes of a comeback and clinched the 27-25 third set victory for Park, putting Park’s win total into double digits on the season.

The third and final match of Park’s cupcake stretch came against a winless Graceland University squad. Though Park swept the Yellowjackets in straight sets, the Pirates played down to their competition in the process. After taking set one 25-15, the Pirates allowed Graceland to snag a late 19-16 lead despite out-hitting the Yellowjackets by nearly 350 points.

Park was forced to go on a 9-4 run to claim the second set 25-23 victory. The Pirates again let Graceland hang around during set three but Park was able to close the match, winning set three 25-22 to move to 11-5 on the season.

Six days later, the Pirates, now ranked No. 7, returned to elite competition, traveling to St. Louis to take on No. 2 Missouri Baptist University. After claiming an early 3-2 lead, the Pirates would not hold a lead again the entire first frame due to the Spartan’s outlandish .583 first set hitting percentage. Missouri Baptist used a 7-1 spurt during the second set to grab an 18-12 lead en route to a 25-20 victory. The second ranked team in the nation finally put Park out of its misery in set three, winning 25-21 to complete the straight set sweep. The Spartans out-hit the Pirates by 156 points and finished with 17 more kills than Park, dropping the Pirates to 11-6.

Park stayed on the road and headed to Ottawa, Kansas for a rematch with Ottawa University on March 14. Down 10-16 midway through the first set, the Pirates went on a 15-7 run to claw their way back and take set one 25-22. With the score knotted at 15 in set, two Park went on another late run, closing out the second frame with a 25-19 victory. Up 2-0 on the fifth ranked team in the country, it looked

as if the Pirates had reclaimed their elite form for the first time in nearly a month.

But the flame began to flicker for Park in the third set. Despite attempting 14 more attacks than Ottawa, the Pirates dropped set three 25-21. Park’s efficiency completely collapsed during set four. The Pirates finished the fourth frame with a hitting percentage of zero, and their once two set lead was cut to zero after a 2518 Braves victory. The raging fire of elite performance that burned in Park early on was all but extinguished by the fifth set.

The Pirates never held a lead in the final frame. They dropped the set 15-12, losing the match by a final of 3-2. The loss dropped Park to 11-7 on the season.

Reeling from two straight losses to top-five teams, Park graciously welcomed another stretch of easy matchups. The Pirates next three opponents (Lindenwood University-Belleville, Dordt College and Morningside College) donned a combined 12-42 record. Park downed all three teams without dropping a single set, out-hitting their overmatched opponents by an average of 198 points. The threematch win streak bumped Park to 14-7 overall and 6-4 in conference play.

Only two regular season matches remained for the Pirates following their three game break from worthy competition. Both of those final two games came against top three opponents. The Pirates began their two game gauntlet with a rematch against Briar Cliff University.

After their last matchup on February 3, the then unranked Chargers went on a tear, winning nine of 12. Going into their March 24 match, Briarcliff had climbed all the way to No. 3. The Pirates opened the match with a 25-20 victory in set one thanks to a 6-1 run after the Chargers had tied the score at 19. Neither team could gain much ground in the second set, with the widest margin being a 17-13 Park lead. The Chargers forced two set points though they eventually fell 26-24. With a two set lead, Park was poised to capture

See Volleyball on page 13

OPINION

Page 12 April 6, 2018

Documentary leaves some questions unanswered

PHOTO/Kalie Strain

Kalie Strain Reporter Park University held a screening of the 2014 documentary Poverty INC, directed

by Michael Matheson Miller in Alumni Hall. After the screening professors Dr. Brian Cowley and Dr. Julie Creek took the stage to hold a panel and answered questions from the audience.

“It’s not going to be a single lightning bolt. It’s not going to happen in a boardroom over here,” Cowley said.

Cowley is a professor of psychology.

Cowley was responding to a question from the audience asking what can we do for countries that are greatly suffering from poverty.

Poverty INC is a documentary that shows that no matter how well intentioned help from prosperous countries like the United States is, it isn’t working in pulling people out of poverty. The documentary argues that the paternalistic approach of foreign aid can make countries and their poorest citizens chained to loans that their governments receive. The paternalism model just doesn’t work.

“If someone treats me like I’m not good enough, that’s going to change

how you think about yourself,” Cowley said. The poor are seen as the “other” and the “objects of charity”. They’re dehumanized. Made to seem like they can’t fix their problems on their own. They need a paternalistic helping hand to move themselves out of poverty.

“It’s hard to rise out of poverty when you’re getting so much money for being poor,” Cowley said. The way aid is given to countries can strip the small businesses of their clientele. Pumping

in free stuff causes havoc on the local economy.

An example of this is Toms Shoes. When Toms distributes free shoes to countries it feels needs them, that takes business away from a cobbler who’s only source of income is selling shoes that they’ve made by hand. People will never choose shoes that cost money over free shoes.

“Education is key to rising out of poverty,” Creek said. “It’s not just based on business. Who knows better of what they need than the people who live there?” Providing education and connections to those in poverty could go a long way to improving the situation.

A large part of being in poverty is being kept from opportunities.

“I’ll challenge the movie and say that some of that aid keeps people alive.

What’s the better system? They never presented a solution that has worked,” said Park University’s President Greg Gunderson, who was in the audience for the movie and panel.

“I have to worry when my boss is asking questions. But I don’t think we can fix it ourselves. They have to fix it their way,” Cowley responded. “I don’t think there’s a single answer,” Creek added.

PHOTO/Kaile Strain Photos: Dr. Brian Cowley and Dr. Julie Creek answer questions about documentary, Poverty Inc.

Culture Continued from page 7 traits would be a huge study.

Another promising example would be a character who stayed loyal to his country, protecting his own but taking lives of the innocent for peace in the village hidden in the leaves, Itachi Uchia.

Besides behavioral psychology, this can parallel the variety of cultures to our own to accomplish a greater goal, ultimately carried out inside the classroom.

We could get students and the general population into a deep study where a mass of fans agree with a show’s philosophy or methodology on how to effectively create solutions. Of course, people have the power to do whatever is needed for the actual greater good if push comes to shove. I just believe some of these shows really hold a deeper meaning and a free ticket toward something you can learn anew.

We need a system that’s built on more than morals and ethics. We need to prepare people for a harsh world, tackling it at the same time as influencing others that the old way is not the right way anymore. A couple of old ways are important, don’t get me wrong, but these amines and the people who watch them and learn from them can really make a difference in this world. Ethically, morally, politically and personally handling problems and issues that ring out in our place of so called security will map out our destinies on the path of failure instead of success.

“Those who breaks the rules are scum, but those who abandon their friends are worse than scum.” - Kakashi Hatake (Naruto series)

SPORTS

Page 13 April 6, 2018

Volleyball

Continued from page 11 their first victory over a ranked opponent since February 16. But, just as they did 10 days earlier against Ottawa, the Pirates failed to finish the job. After losing set three by just three points, Park faced an even 11-11 tie midway through the fourth set. The Pirates subsequently collapsed.

Briar Cliff went on a 12-2 run, leading to

a 25-16 fourth set beat down of Park. The Pirates had an opportunity to slay their late game demons with a 10-8 lead in the fifth set. They failed, however, allowing the Chargers to close out the set on a 7-2 run, losing the match three sets to two.

Five days after their gut-wrenching loss to No. 3 Briar Cliff, the Pirates were faced with another stiff challenge in the form of No. 1 Missouri Baptist University.

Three weeks earlier, the Spartans had dispatched Park in straight sets. On March 29, however, in front of Breckon Sports Center’s largest crowd of the season, Park

pushed the nation’s top ranked team to the brink. The Pirates punched Missouri Baptist in the mouth right out of the gate, taking set one 25-16 after out-hitting the Spartans by 443 points. Missouri Baptist woke up in the second set. The Spartans jumped out to a six-point advantage and turned that into 19-12 late-set lead. Park climbed within striking distance but Missouri Baptist held on for a 25-19 victory to tie the match at one. Up 21-15 in set number three, it looked as if the Pirates would cruise to a 2-1 lead. But the Spartans went on a 7-2 run to trim Park’s lead to just one. Felipe Santos’ kill two points later clinched set three for the Pirates, giving Park a 2-1 match lead. The Spartans used an outrageous .407 hitting percentage to tie the match a two all and force a fifth and final set. After battling back and forth for four sets, Missouri Baptist made quick work of Park in the final frame. The Pirates tallied just a .048 hitting percent-

age, losing handily to finish the regular season at 14-9.

Just a little over a month ago, the Pirates were the No. 5 team in the country. They sported a 3-1 record against ranked opponents and were coming off a victory over then top ranked Grandview University. Park was trending upward, and had serious potential to defend their national championship. Fast forward to April 5, and Park’s record against ranked opponents is now 3-6. They sit at No. 7 in the country and are in serious jeopardy of missing out on the national tournament.

Should Park remain among the top eight, however, the Pirates have shown than can at least compete with any team in the country.

Park’s next match is the opening round of the Midwest Conference Tournament against Morningside College on April 6.

Softball Continued from page 10

PHOTO/Arron Riffle Junior outside hitter Mario Lucas slams home a kill attempt against Harris-Stowe State University on March 1.

lieve Delissa Dennison.

Brooks was stranded on second after Seymour, Carr and Bendure were unable to reach base.

Park tried to inch back on Missouri Baptist’ lead after keeping them scoreless in the top of the forth with one run scored by Costello on a single to center by Cleek.

Both teams were scoreless in the fifth inning.

The top of the sixth started with Bendure giving up a walk to Koester. Rachel Galbraith hit a successful sacrifice squeeze to

move Koester to second.

Kassay singled to left and moved to second on the throw. Koester was able to move to third on the throw. Both Koester and Kassay scored on a single to left by Gischer, who advanced to second on the throw home. Gischer made it to third on a ground out by Corby and then scored the Spartan’s third run of the inning by a single from McNiff to center field.

The Pirates tried again to bite at the Spartan’s lead with Costello scoring on Klein’s double

to right center and then Klein scoring on Brook’s single to shallow right field. The Pirates were still down by two with the Spartans leading 7-5.

During the top of the seventh inning the Spartans earned two more runs before Pirate’s pitcher Bendure was relieved by junior Kendal Cox and moved to the designated player position. That didn’t slow down the Spartans however. Missouri Baptist’s Corby ripped a two run RBI double to left center, bringing home

Kassay and Gischer. Park made one last attempt to make a comeback with a double by Bendure deep down the right field line to bring in punch runner sophomore Mallory Hughson. Unfortunately, that was it for the Pirates and the game ended with Missouri Baptist Spartans’ scoring 11 runs to Park University Pirates’ 6.

The Pirates are headed to play a double header against William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri tomorrow.

ENTERTAINMENT

Page 14 April 6, 2018

Five jobs that work with any college students’ schedule Abby Jeans Reporter The largest obstacle a college student often must overcome is living off little to no income while maintaining a social life and staying on top of grades which means having a job can be nearly impossible.

Or is it?

Instead of choosing a job that requires you to commit to long hours and a hefty schedule, choose a job that you’re able to control. Want to be able to schedule your hours around your availability but don’t know where to find a job like this? Here are a few ideas.

If you enjoy driving around, then join the Uber team. Uber is a car service that is controlled by an app. As an Uber driver, you can make your own schedule. If you are 21 years or older, have a driver’s license and an insured car that was manufactured in 2005 or is a newer model, then you’re already halfway there to becoming the next Uber driver.

If driving isn’t how you’d like to spend your free time then

maybe getting paid to hang out with dogs would be a better fit for you. Yes, people will pay you to hang out with their dogs.

With the Wag app, you can be a dog walker. This is a great way to earn extra cash, set your own schedule and stay in shape.

Take your dog walking job a step further and offer to watch dogs while their owners are away. Stay in the comfort of your home, get your homework done, and get paid to watch a pet for a night. What a dream! Get started by applying online at www. wagwalking.com.

If you enjoy your academics and watching others succeed, then becoming a tutor might be the best fit for you. This is another job that can be done in the comfort of your bed. Many places offer online tutoring. Chegg is a great place to start finding job opportunities. With only internet access, you can start making up to $20 an hour.

Is your closet filled with old clothes? Start making money by turning your closet to an online thrift shop. Poshmark is a mobile app that allows you to sell clothes or other items instantly. Take a picture of the items you’re selling, add a few details and you’re set. Be careful though, you’re trying to make

money. If you spend too much time on the app you might also find yourself buying new clothes.

Finally, use your hobbies and interests to make a little extra cash. Do you play an instrument? Start giving lessons in the comfort of your home. Enjoy photography? Charge people for photoshoot sessions. Are you creative? Make jewelry or paint pictures and sell them around campus or even bring them to First Fridays downtown. Discover what you like most and turn it into a business.

Don’t wait any longer. Be your own boss, do what you love and make some money.

Bell Road Barn Players bring life to Alumni Hall once again Carin Bublitz Reporter The Bell Road Barn Players presented Steele Magnolias from March 16 through 25. Steel Magnolias, performed at the David Theater inside Park University’s Alumni Hall, marked the 64th year of existence for The Bell Road Barn Players. However, The Barn Players have not always called David Theater home.

Founded by Jenkin David, a former theater professor at Park University, the players started out in Hawthorn House on Bell Road in Parkville, Mo.. They moved in 1986 when that property was sold, moving onto Riverside until the flood of 1993. The damage from the flood forced the production group to move to Park University’s campus until 2008. When Park’s enrollment grew, the players put on a couple shows at Park Hill South High School. Eventually, The Bell Road Barn Players moved back to Park University and have remained since.

“We’re very grateful to President (Greg) Gunderson and his team for making this space available for us,” says Scott Briscoe, treasurer of the Bell Road Barn Players.

Steele Magnolias is “A heart-wrenching drama about a beauty shop owned by Truvy and her clients as they experience love, apathy, pain, loss, and secrecy. Experience the power of hope, the love between a mother and her child and the unbreakable bond between true friends,” says the Bell Road Barn Players website www.bellroadbarn.com.

The cast brought the roles of Truvy, Annelle, Shelby, M’Lynn, Clairee, and Ouiser to life.

During the show the audience felt the range of emotions each character portrayed. The beginning of the play, when Annelle is desperate for the job at Truvy’s Salon, Gina Drapela made the audience feel her desperation for a job with her vivid facial expressions and tone of voice. By the end of the performance, when M’Lynn feels the biggest heartbreak of her life when her daughter Shelby passes away, there was not a dry eye in COURTESY/Bell Road Barn Players the house. Everyone felt her pain

through the yelling, crying, and love from the rest of the cast.

Steel Magnolias was a magnificent production that will be followed by two more productions during the summer, She Stoops to Conquer, June 15-24, and The 39 Steps, July 25-Aug. 5. To purchase tickets and to check on upcoming shows visit www.bellroadbarn.com or visit the Bell Road Barn Players Facebook page.

PHOTO/Carin Bublitz The cast of Steele Magnolias, in order from left to right: Truvy, played by Shelley Richards; Shelby, played by Kim Hentges; Ouiser played by Vicki Kerns; Clairee played by Linda Levin; M’Lynn played by Nancy Nail; and Annelle, played by Gina Drapela.

FEATURES

Page 15 April 6, 2017

Royals’ Hall of Famer reflects on playing career on home turf Skylar Britt Reporter

at that time and everyone benefits from that ring from an emotional standpoint. You really saw that when the Royals won and looked at the crowds at the parade in 2015.

People love and appreciate winners.”

For Major League baseball players, going to the World Series is a lifelong dream.

Big wins such as playoff games, and obviously World Series wins, create lasting imHowever, very few make it to this astonishing feat, and even fewer win the champion- pressions in the minds of the fans. For the players however, it is something that will ship. For Royals Hall of Famer, Frank White, this dream was a reality. never be forgotten. Often, it is a milestone that has been dreamed about since the early In 1985, The Kansas City Royals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals, providing the fans years of their youth. with lasting memories and an abundance of happiness. White set out for this baseball “You always remember your first base hit and your first homerun,” said White. “As dream when he began playing at nine years old. He worked his way up, trying out for a kid, you try to emulate your favorite players and you create impossible scenarios in the Royals Baseball Academy in June of 1970, at the age of 19. He spent 18 months there your head like bases loaded, two outs, ninth inning, game on the line. I was able to hit a before trying out for one of the minor league teams. After working his way through the homer in the 1986 All Star Game and a homer in the 1985 World Series, so those plays AA and AAA, he made it to the Major Leagues in June of stand out to me because they were special moments.”

1973 and stayed there with the Royals for 18 straight years.

While playing professional baseball is his most cher“For the first three years I was a backup guy still trying ished feat, he is proud to now serve the place he loves in to learn how to play the game,” said White. “I wanted to a different way. As a Jackson County Executive, he is able absorb all the knowledge I could from the veteran players to have a positive impact on the city and fight for what he and spend the time learning and waiting for an opportunithinks is right. ty. It is a different level in the Major Leagues and you need “I have a general love for people and I want to improve to learn how to survive and make adjustments. The contheir quality of life, which was the main reason I ran,” said fidence that the veteran players gave really meant a lot in White. “This is the goal and I want to fight for what I think terms of player development.” is right.”

It was important to him to stay in the city where he was In both politics and baseball, parallels can be seen in raised and remain close to his loved ones. terms of wanting to do what is best for the good of the “Very few players have the opportunity to grow up and group. play in their hometown for their entire careers,” said White.

“In this level, I’m responsible for over 1,100 associates “So I always played for a little less money to stay, so my and making decisions based on how it will affect them is folks and friends and siblings could see me play. It was neat always at the forefront,” said White. “In baseball, you want to spend my whole career here.” to do what you need to do and basically build confidence in In today’s society, it is extremely uncommon for athletes you as a leader and player. In both, you want to show people to stay with one team for their entire career. While it looked that you’ll be able to get the job done.” like first baseman Eric Hosmer would spend more of his White has made his mark on Kansas City. His influence career in Kansas City, he unfortunately decided to sign can be seen all over with a life-sized action statue of him in with the San Diego Padres. Upon losing this free agent, the stadium, a large metal number 20 on a wall above the White provided some baseball insight. outfield, and a second one in the Spring Training facilities “Any time you lose good players on the ball club, it’s in Surprise, Ariz. going to make an impact,” said White. “Hosmer’s leader“The number retirement is a tribute to your hard work PHOTO/Skylar Britt ship will be missed. Especially to the young players who are and consistency,” said White. “The most difficult task is starting to play and are not as polished usually, which takes Frank White, former Royals Hall of Fame play- maintaining your standard of play. The statue placement in a little while. I think the Royals have done a good job of er, smiles for a picture. the stadium meant a lot to me and was a pleasant surprise.” bringing in veteran players and have a good presence on Not many professional athletes are able to walk into the the pitching staff. Alex Gordon obviously has to bounce back and have a good year stadium they used to play in and be greeted by a statue of themselves. This testament to help out the team. Losing quality players tends to lead to production going down.” to the sacrifices he made and his ability to perform as a world class athlete continues to White was fortunate to come to the team at a great time for championship baseball, inspire young athletes to work hard on and off the field. but that did not mean his championship ring was handed to him. He had to work hard The city hopes for a repeat of the 2014 and 2015 playoff run with this upcoming in order to help his team achieve what they set out to do. season. Here, close to Royals Opening Day, we are reminded of the excitement and “My first year of playing every day was in 1977, and it was great just to be in the unity these games can bring to the citizens and fans. Even though it may just be a playoffs,” said White. “When you put on a uniform, your first goal is to become a world measly baseball game to some, it’s an almost out of body experience for others. The champion. We went to the World Series in 1980 but we lost to the Philadelphia Phillies details can remain so vivid in their minds, it’s as if the game just recently happened, so I think at that point, you always want another opportunity to right the ship. In 1985, when we beat the Cardinals, it was almost an unexplainable feeling because you go to a See White on page 16 new level and emotion because you have the whole city and everyone else on your back

FEATURES

Page 16

Life After Park

April 6, 2017

Kristin Helling shares her story of transforming from a student to a multi-business owner... and a published writer on the side Max Mohr Editor

She was sitting in her English capstone course, complaining about her current job when one of her classmates mentioned Parkville Coffee was hiring. Six years and many titles later, Kristin Helling would be signing the papers to own it.

Helling graduated from Park in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in English writing. She was working as a bank teller throughout her time in college, but realized one day how exhausted it left her creative mind. She knew she would have to leave financial services if she wanted to pursue her writing. She left class one day, walked to the coffee shop, applied and got the job. Little did she know at the time, but Parkville Coffee would eventually become hers.

She never actually saw herself owning a coffee shop, but when the opportunity arose she couldn’t say no. She fell in love with the coffee business and worked her way up the ladder. She started as a barista, then a shift leader, to assistant store manager before finally landing the title of store manager, and that was as high as she could climb… or so you would think.

She approached the shop owner at the time and asked if he would consider bringing her on as a partner after only a year of being the store manager, and that’s when it all started coming together. The previous owner mentioned how he was actually on his way out and planned on selling the company. After months of negotiations and preparations, she

White Continued from page 15

took the reins and jumped into owning her own small business.

Aside from the coffee shop, Helling still gets to express herself through writing. She has published four books, Capsule, a soft sci-fi thriller, was her first. Her psychological thriller series followed, where her background and minor in psychology paid off by allowing her to get into other people’s minds and create these characters. She is also a part-owner of a publishing company, Wordwraith Books, under which her debut novel was published.

When asked for her advice to aspiring writers, she said to just not lose hope. She dreamed of the day she would see her work published, but that didn’t happen until after she graduated from college. With the stress from homework and work itself, it’s easy to lose sight of your goals, she said.

What started out as a transitional job right out of college turned into a lifetime career. Finally reaching the top and officially nabbing the highest title in the business world, owner, there was one title she still wanted: mother. Kristin and her husband Austin are expecting their first child in August, so while her planner is already full PHOTO COURTESY/Austin Helling of scribbles and post-it notes, it’s just going to get more colorful. The past year has been a whirlwind, in more Kristin Helling, owner of Parkville Coffee and ways than one, but Helling appears just as bright and part owner of Wordwraith Books who received bubbly as ever.

her bachelor’s degree in English writing from Park, poses at Parkville Coffee.

long afterward.

“After we won the World Series, the city all came together and everyone was pulling the rope in the same direction,” said White. “Everyone was happy at that time so it was a good feeling. You can make people happy by winning baseball games and people come to the ballparks to see you perform at a certain level and when you meet that level and

the team wins, I think everyone wins.”

With the season so new, it is hard to get an accurate representation of how the team will actually perform. While the Spring Training games and the stats on paper seem to be a good indicator, regular season games continue to prove this theory wrong.

“You never know how players are going to perform before the season starts and when you see how people react to the adversity and the winning and losing, it is hard to judge how the games will go,” said White. “I think this team has a good balance of veterans and young players. I think the first 40 games will be a good indicator of how the team is but other than the maybe questionable bullpen, I think they will be entertaining.”

You can look at highlights and player’s statistics all you want, but until that first pitch is thrown, you cannot truly know how the athletes will perform or what the result of the game will be.

“I always say until the scoreboard tells you different, you have as good a chance as anyone else,” said White.

PHOTO COURTESY/SB Nation