Thursday, April 25, 2024 Vol. 133 No. 30

PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY NATHAN CARMODY

TOP STORIES TOP STORIES

NEWS: ASCSU reproductive health care initiative launches 1st phase on Plaza PAGE 4

L&C: APACC celebrates anniversary, Asian Pacific American heritage at luau PAGE 7

SPORTS: Wellness, community merge at Rec group classes PAGE 10

SCIENCE: Not a fix-all: Counselors discuss options amid ADHD medication shortage PAGE 16

A&E: FoCoMX brings concert exposure to seasoned bands, newcomers PAGE 18

OPINION: Don’t wish your life away with existentialism PAGE 21

PHOTO: Patients with MS find help at Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Lab PAGES 14-15

FOCO EVENTS FOCO EVENTS

CSU ASL Club Earth Day Event at City Park Noon to 2:30 p.m. April 26

Chinese Watercolor Cherries Art Class at the Blue Moose Art Gallery 2:30-4:30 p.m. April 27

Ginger and Baker Spring Market 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 28

Sean Huntley scans the foggy morning grasslands for sharp-tailed grouse April 21. Huntley, an avid Colorado birder, said it is his ambition to see 400 bird species in the state of Colorado, a goal he set a little over three years ago when he started birding in 2021. Huntley now is a mere six species away from his goal and spends much of his time birding in specific counties across the state, racking up high numbers of species to get to the top of leaderboards. “Birding — it takes a lot of skill, and it’s really satisfying to be able to put your knowledge to good use and find rare birds,” Huntley said. PHOTO BY SIMON TOLZMANN THE COLLEGIAN

Sens. Bennet, Gardner discuss bipartisanship at CSU amid protests

By Laila Shekarchian @csucollegian

In an effort to promote bipartisan cooperation in political discussions, Colorado State University hosted a conversation with Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet and former Republican Sen. Cory Gardner, moderated by CSU President Amy Parsons, to discuss topics like freedom of speech and political polarization.

The event, held in the Lory Student Center April 22, underscored the significance of bipartisan partnerships and compromise in government and their importance in a functioning democracy like the United States.

As Parsons and the senators kicked off the conversation, the event was interrupted by protesters demanding that Bennet no longer be “complicit in genocide,” as his campaign has received over $100,000 from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, an organization known for supporting Israel in the Israel-Hamas war.

“Senator Bennet, how dare you come here to talk about democracy when you ignore our voices?” asked a protester from Jewish Voice for Peace who did not provide a name. “You’re ignoring Jewish voices, millions of voices who are demanding you stop funding Israel. In the name of humanity, stop funding Israel. We have to interrupt genocide when it’s happening in our name.”

Following the individual’s remarks, several others stood and cited their First Amendment right to protest and demanded that their elected officials hear them out.

“I don’t want my tax dollars funding genocide, Senator Bennet,” another protester said.

Following these statements, multiple protesters began chanting, “Ceasefire now,” and were subsequently escorted out of the event.

Acknowledging the protesters, Parsons began the conversation by discussing the importance of the First Amendment, especially when it comes to citizens protesting and voicing their concerns.

“We are a public university,” Parsons said. “We encourage people debating and protesting and being passionate about what they believe in, and this is an example of that.”

CSU aims to promote freedom of speech and democracy as part of the university’s thematic Year of Democracy leading up to the next presidential election.

“People are very polarized and very passionate about what’s going on in the country right now, and what we’re trying to do at Colorado State University is cultivate leaders who have their voice and have productive ways of speaking to power,” Parsons said. “We’re really testing the limits of the First Amendment, and that’s what we’re experiencing at Colorado State University as well.”

Bennet discussed the importance of freedom of speech and emphasized the necessity of civil discourse and disagreement among the members of a democracy.

“I believe this country was founded on the idea that we would disagree with each other, and out of these disagreements, we would create more imaginative and more durable solutions than any king or tyrant can come up with on their own,” Bennet said.

In addition to discussing freedom of speech and democracy on U.S. soil, the senators discussed the United States’ involvement in international conflict overseas.

“On Ukraine, I think what you see is the Senate trying to reassert relevance and say we’re not just broken,” Bennet said. “(We need to comprehend) that there are places all over the world that are still looking to the United States for leadership and that what we do actually makes a difference.”

Gardner expressed his agreement as the discussion continued.

“At the end of the day, my preference is to make sure that we keep our European allies that we have an oath to defend from engaging in that oath and triggering Article 5,” Gardner said. “We are a nation that can do more than one thing at a time, and if we think we can only focus on one thing at a time, shame on us; we’re belittling our country.”

The senators continued to discuss political polarization in the United

States and stressed the importance of getting involved in politics and getting comfortable with disagreements and political dialogue as a way to reduce said polarization.

“You need to have the ability (to) have a concurrence of opinions,” Bennet said. “You need to have the right to change your mind, the right to think differently about things, and I think that’s true about life, and it’s true about politics.”

Bennet said social media platforms such as TikTok are responsible for the amount of political polarization among younger generations in the United States.

“A huge percentage of young people are getting their political information off of TikTok,” Bennet said. “That’s a really bad thing to do for a lot of reasons but not the least of which is Beijing controls that. So look for edited sources of content instead of just stuff on the internet.”

The senators said democracy functions best when people get involved and those from both sides of the aisle work together despite their disagreements.

“If there’s one message that I hope we can take out of today, ... it’s when we talk to each other, when we hear each other out, that’s when we can come up with the right solutions and ideas for this country,” Gardner said. “So thank you for being a part of that solution that I always knew Rams could bring.”

Reach Laila Shekarchian at news @collegian.com.

“If there’s one message that I hope we can take out of today, ... it’s when we talk to each other, when we hear each other out, that’s when we can come up with the right solutions and ideas for this country. So thank you for being a part of that solution that I always knew Rams could bring.”

CORY GARDNER FORMER U.S. SENATOR FOR COLORADO

Sen. Michael Bennet and former Sen. Cory Gardner speak at the Colorado State University event Building Bridges: Bipartisan Perspectives on Democracy, moderated by CSU President Amy Parsons April 22.

PHOTO BY JULIA PERCY THE COLLEGIAN

WELLNESS IS SEXY

ASCSU reproductive health care initiative launches 1st phase on Plaza

By Hannah Parcells @hannahparcells

Students at Colorado State University had the opportunity to grab free emergency contraceptives

Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 24, at The Plaza courtesy of the Associated Students of CSU.

The table featured sexual health care products such as condoms, dental dams and emergency contraceptives commonly known as the morning-after pill. Also available were various flyers featuring information about sexually transmitted infections, testing and treatment resources available to students.

The result of a yearlong effort by ASCSU Vice President Alex Silverhart, the complimentary products represent a concerted effort to make sexual health care more accessible for students at CSU.  “I just think it’s so important to increase the access that individuals have to health care, whether that’s free emergency contraceptives, pregnancy tests or STI testing,” Silverhart said. “It’s so important that people have access to these things because if they don’t, it can have really negative impacts on their life.”

The initiative has been spearheaded by Silverhart throughout his tenure as ASCSU vice president and has been a collaborative process with the CSU Health Network.

“Accessibility is important. Whether that’s accessibility to education, to health care, to housing — it’s important for students to be able to access the resources they need.”

ALEX SILVERHART ASCSU VICE PRESIDENT

Giving out complimentary contraceptives and informational fliers on STI testing on The Plaza represents a major milestone for the initiative, but the project is ongoing,

with plans in place to establish more permanent accessibility.

“The next stage is hopefully having them be permanently accessible within ... the (Survivor Advocacy and Feminist Education) Center and the food pantry on campus,” Silverhart said.

Currently, the team behind the project is hoping to achieve that goal by the end of the semester so students will be able to access those resources as soon as possible. The long-term goal is to establish a vending machine on campus where students will be able to permanently access emergency contraceptives, Silverhart said.

“It means so much to me to be able to provide students with these free resources because they are so hard to get your hands on,” ASCSU intern Lauren Johnson said. “Especially for people who are of low socioeconomic status who are not able to go in and grab this ... on a Sunday when they need it.”

Johnson is one of the students who has collaborated closely with Silverhart on the project. Together, both Johnson and Silverhart have pushed for the initiative to move forward and have cited the importance of accessibility to all forms of health care for students.

“Accessibility is important,” Silverhart said. “Whether that’s accessibility to education, to health care, to housing — it’s important for students to be able to access the resources they need.”

Several students took advantage of the opportunity to access sexual health care resources for free on The Plaza.

“Especially since we don’t have a lot of income as students, it’s really good to know,” student Annika Lister said. “It’s great to have someone telling us where we can find these resources and exactly how much it’ll cost us (and) having someone to kind of walk us through the process. I think that’s really important.”

The program is a step toward helping students address their own wellness on campus without having to worry about cost or access, something students expressed gratitude for while stopping by the table.

“A lot of time, you think, like, ‘Oh, I’m probably not going to be able to afford it, so I’m just not even going to try,’” Lister said. “So this is definitely good for that.”

Reach Hannah Parcells at news@collegian.com.

Associated Students of Colorado State University Vice President Alex Silverhart and ASCSU intern Lauren Johnson pose with free emergency contraceptives on The Plaza April 24.

PHOTO BY HANNAH PARCELLS THE COLLEGIAN

By Aubree Miller @csucollegian

Durward Hall to be taken offline as renovations begin this summer

Future Colorado State University Rams will not be able to call Durward Hall home — at least for a little while, as the building is currently slated to be remodeled. Renovations of Durward are set to begin this summer, according to CSU Housing & Dining Services, and students will be unable to live there the 2024-25 academic year.

Durward is one of two 12-story buildings on the north end of campus, which are commonly known as the towers, along with Westfall Hall. The residence hall is predominantly home to first-year students at CSU.

While planning for the upcoming renovation, HDS spent time determining the best plan of action for ensuring there will be enough space for Durward’s would-be residents during the 2024-25 academic year while the building is unavailable. “Space has been made available in CSU’s 14 other residence halls,”

HDS Director of Communications and Sustainability Marianne Wieghaus said. “Housing & Dining Services conducted a space audit in 2022-23 and has been able to add new spaces in existing facilities to help account for impacts of planned construction, anticipated enrollment growth and the changing needs and housing preferences of students.”

Currently, the plan is for the Durward renovation project to be completed in time for the start of the 2025-26 academic year. If everything goes according to plan, students will be able to live in the residence hall beginning again in fall 2025.

Renovations have not yet begun, as there are still students residing

in the building. Currently, the project is in the design phase, said Maria Blair, a project manager with Swinerton, the construction company working on the project as the general contractor. Also working on the project is Gensler, a design and architecture firm based out of California.

Blair said the planned renovations will be similar to the recent renovations on Westfall Hall, which were completed in 2023.

“Key improvements will be new and more efficient windows, new flooring, LED lighting, new window coverings and furniture and fresh paint,” Wieghaus said. “The project will also include some upgrades to mechanical and plumbing systems.”

The remodel will be entirely interior, meaning the exterior of the building will be preserved, according to HDS. While the inside will be different, the well-known sight of the towers standing tall on campus isn’t going to change anytime soon.

“We look forward to updating Durward Hall while respecting the history of the building,” Blair said.

Durward has an interesting history; it was originally built as a women’s hall in 1967, while Westfall was the men’s hall. Additionally, Westfall and Durward were the last residence halls at CSU to be separated by gender. The residence halls built after 1967, including Summit Hall and those in Laurel Village, are all coed.

Durward’s remodel isn’t just to create more space for students, though; it is also a way to make campus more sustainable, as renovating a preexisting space is more environmentally friendly than starting from scratch. It will fit right in with CSU’s other sustainability initiatives, including the elimination of parking lots to make space for bike paths and pedestrian walkways. “(We are happy for the) opportunity to be part of this exciting project, which is contributing to the betterment of the collegiate experience for CSU students,” Blair said.

Reach Aubree Miller at news@collegian.com.

COLLEGIAN FILE PHOTO

Passover Seder sees holiday celebrations with friends, family

By Caleb Ediger @csucollegian

Sounds of conversation, speeches and skits took their turns filling the large ballroom hall as the Passover Seder festivities took off, setting a lighthearted and laughter-filled tone to the evening.

Monday, April 22, marked the 19th annual Passover Seder event for the Chabad Jewish Student Center at Colorado State University, which hosted the celebration for the 300 attendees.

The event was co-sponsored by the Associated Students of CSU, the CSU Hillel of Colorado, Sigma

Alpha Epsilon Pi, Alpha Epsilon Pi, the Lory Student Center and the CSU Residence Hall Association, who helped with funding, setting up and running the events throughout.

The dinner celebration is part of the Jewish holiday of Passover, commemorating the liberation of the Jewish people from slavery in Egypt during the 13th century B.C.

Andy Davis, a chairperson of Chabad, said Passover is all about celebrating the freedom of the Jewish people not only as their exodus from Egypt but also as freedom from ego and the stresses of life.

The Passover dinner consists of 15 steps, each of which involves a

different set of the five senses to communicate the story and messages of connectivity and freedom. These included songs, visual performances and the tastes of traditional foods.

These 15 steps were kept engaging and interesting for attendees of all backgrounds and ages through the use of interactive moments within skits performed by members of the Jewish community.

“It’s a very fun, lively event,” said Shayna Ross, director of the celebration and president of Chabad at CSU. “We’ll be having skits, food, hopefully some good jokes and laughs throughout it, and you can come in with zero experience or the most experience, and you’ll have a great time and learn a lot.”

For many, Passover also represents a time to come together as a community and to join with friends and family in celebration of Passover and each other.

Rabbi Yerachmiel Gorelik said the event has been a way to connect with the community for over 1,000 years.

“Passover is one of the most celebrated Jewish holidays, and many students live far away from home, and for them to have that opportunity to celebrate here is something important, and we’re thrilled we can be a part of that experience,” Gorelik said.

The holiday’s ability to bring people together was widely recognized by attendees and directors alike as being a great way for the community to interact and as a way to reinforce faith.

“It’s brought friends and families together, so it’s really special, and even if you aren’t able to go for the entire thing, it’s just nice to kind of pay respects and connect back to Jewish roots,” said Jonah Jowell, a Jewish student at CSU.

Promotion of the holiday and the associated celebrations have been receiving attacks through vandalism and defacing. Gorelik said that this has been a trend over multiple campuses, resulting in some universities encouraging Jewish students to leave campus because it isn’t safe.

“There’s a lot going on in the world right now,” Davis said. “There’s a lot of different beliefs and hate going on and going around, especially on university campuses, which is really sad.”

However, Gorelik said the Jewish community is strong; throughout history, they have faced hard challenges and succeeded, and he is sure that their community will rise above these challenges stronger.

“It’s sad — we had our Seder signs defaced,” Gorelik said. “We want to tell our students and the world

that we have nothing to fear; we are strong; we are resilient. Difficulties and challenges have always brought the Jewish people to greater heights.”

Despite the hardship, the community has stayed very open to visitors and is always ready to share their culture in a fun and engaging way.

CSU student Casey Frye attended the event to celebrate alongside his Jewish friend despite not being Jewish himself.

“It was a very welcoming community,” Frye said. “I’ve never been to a Jewish event before, and since the moment (we) got here, we’ve kind of been wrangled into different parts of the ceremony, and that was pretty cool.”

Gorelik said the Passover celebration was organized and presented so that everyone could have an equally enjoyable time no matter where they came from or how much experience they had.

“We make it an educational experience, so even if it’s your first time, you’ll be able to enjoy it, and you’ll know what’s going on,” Gorelik said.

Reach Caleb Ediger at life @collegian.com.

APACC celebrates anniversary, Asian Pacific American heritage at Lū’au

By Katie Fisher @csucollegian

On Saturday afternoon, dozens gathered as the past and present collided, as current students and alumni joined together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Asian Pacific American Culture Center while looking toward a bright future.

On April 20, APACC and the CSU Pacific Club hosted the Hau’oli Lā Hānau APACC Lū’au, or the Happy Birthday APACC Lū’au, at the Lory Student Center.

“Usually, in Hawaiian culture, (a lū’au is) put on to celebrate big milestones in people’s lives,” said Jaylyn Hew, APACC financial adviser. “It’s just an amazing opportunity for people to, like, come together and celebrate life with family.”

The first Lū’au on campus since 2018, the event saw a large turnout, with many students and locals in attendance.They were provided an opportunity to learn about Pacific cultures, Pacific Club President and Chai to Understand Coordinator Tatiana Soon said.

“Anything regarding the Pacific oceans is what is considered Pacific cultures (and) regions,” Soon said. “This can include but (is) not limited to Hawaiians, Tongans, Samoans, Maori from Aotearoa or New Zealand, Tahitians. We also expand our representation to native (Chamorros) from Guam.”

Attendants were served a wide variety of dishes, including kalua pork, huli-huli chicken, chicken long rice, veggie curry and teriyaki tofu. Beverages included water and passion orange guava juice, and there were desserts like haupia and butter mochi.

While guests began to eat, junior Emika Buschow and sophomore Lilianna Nono presented a slideshow covering APACC’s history. Their work was also presented in a visual representation map displayed in the lobby.

The office was originally founded in 1984, according to APACC’s website, after a survey distributed across campus indicated that Asian Pacific American students wanted to learn more about their heritage and connect with community members. Then-graduate student Linda Ahuna-Hamill took up the charge,

as Vice President for Student Affairs Blanche Hughes reflected in her speech at the Lū’au.

“(Ahuna-Hamill) wanted to build a place where Asian Pacific American students could come together,” Hughes said. “Learn more about their heritage, build community among themselves and

“In the late ‘70s (and) early ‘80s, we were kind of grouped into a monolithic group,” Sloan said. “(But) we all know that Asians are a ... diverse, culturally rich group of folks. So it’s not just a monolithic view, and I really appreciate the leadership at that time to help us develop into where we are and what we will be in the future.”

“We will continue to support the historically marginalized communities we serve on campus, such as mixed race, transracial adoptees, queer, trans, survivors and (those) with disabilities. Although we still have work to do, we matter. We will not be silenced.”

JOANN CORNELL ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN CULTURAL CENTER DIRECTOR

also to provide education to the diversity and for the college community about their culture.”

The center’s impact on students’ lives was felt through several guest speakers throughout the night, including alumna Malinda Sloan, who served as the first president of the Asian American Students Association during her time at CSU.

Deborah Meyer, who attended CSU 2007-11 and served as APACC’s special project coordinator during her time on campus, shared similar thoughts.

“It was only help and guidance from APACC of why I truly graduated,” Meyer said. “I had to pay my way through college at one point, working four jobs at one time. The only reason I

survived most days was because of food at APACC programming and a quick nap in between classes on the sofas.”

Speeches and presentations throughout the night were intermingled with various dances performed by CSU students and athletes. This included the performance of “‘Ulupalakua,” which was written and composed by John Pi’ilani Watkins.

“This mele describes the beautiful scenery within Ulupalakua, located on the island of Maui,” junior Jannai Oganeku said. “Along with luscious greenery, this place is known for its rich paniolo culture — aka Hawaiian cowboys.”

At the end of the Lū’au, a cake was cut, and APACC sang “Happy Birthday,” both in English and Hawaiian. Afterward, “Hawaii Aloha” was also performed.

“This mele is often sung after big events and ceremonies as a way to close a gathering by having the community come together and sing,” Soon said.

After 40 years, APACC’s mission remains strong. While the center faces continued challenges, their voice remains as loud as ever.

“We will continue to support the historically marginalized communities we serve on campus, such as mixed race, transracial adoptees, queer, trans, survivors and (those) with disabilities,” said JoAnn Cornell, APACC director. “Although we still have work to do, we matter. We will not be silenced.”

Reach Katie Fisher at life@collegian.com.

Colorado State University students dance to “Ulupalakua” at the Asian Pacific American Cultural Center’s 40th anniversary Lū’au April 20. PHOTO BY LAUREN MASCARDO THE COLLEGIAN

Sheltered by compassion: Reviewing refuges for unhoused people in NoCo

By Annie Hessler @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: This article is a part of the author’s larger project addressing additional organizations in Colorado. The entirety of this project can be viewed online at anniehessler.com.

Growing up, I was always aware of and engaged in the topic of homelessness. Over the years, however, I’ve noticed growing desensitization and misconceptions about unhoused people.

Living in Colorado for nearly a decade has opened my eyes to the reality faced by unhoused communities in Denver and Fort Collins.

This deep-seated issue within our community inspired me to focus on the various organizations tirelessly working to address homelessness throughout Colorado.

While I understand that I could not possibly cover every deserving organization, I hope this feature showcases the efforts of the following groups and raises awareness about this societal issue, dismantling stigma and promoting both volunteerism and advocacy.

Denver Rescue Mission

From the moment I was introduced to the Denver Rescue Mission, I was deeply moved by their profound impact. Eager to learn more, I reached out to Stephen Hinkel, the public relations manager, who arranged visits to each of their 12 locations.

“We’re trying to create a dignified environment where individuals feel respected and supported,” Hinkel said.

The mission operates across diverse sites, each offering a unique set of services. In 2023, they provided over 1.1 million meals, facilitated almost 428,000 nights of shelter, assisted 11,000 individuals and helped 539 households secure stable housing.

During each visit, I had the privilege of meeting the dedicated individuals who drive these remarkable achievements, including those in Larimer County.

Fort Collins Rescue Mission

Established in 2012, the Fort Collins Rescue Mission serves as a sanctuary for those facing homelessness and addiction in Northern Colorado.

Despite its modest size, the mission offers various emergency services and long-term programs, restoring dignity and promoting self-sufficiency.

Rachel Pinkston, a Fort Collins Rescue Mission case manager, is one of many who drive the mission’s efforts forward with a commitment to supporting vulnerable populations.

Driven by faith and compassion, Pinkston said she believes strongly in community involvement and tailored approaches to address homelessness.

“My motto is, ‘Nobody can do it on their own,’” Pinkston said.

She emphasized effective strategies like the housing-first model and temporary sheltering that meets individual needs.

“If we get someone into housing, ... they have a stable place where they can meet all their other needs,” Pinkston said.

Highlighting the importance of challenging stereotypes and encouraging community participation, Pinkston urged greater engagement.

“Getting involved with these organizations, ... you’ll see it’s not always as portrayed,” Pinkston said. “Engaging with our guests has been rewarding.”

During the facility tour, I observed the mission’s daily operations: its kitchen, which serves two meals daily, and its sleeping quarters, which accommodate 160 men nightly.

I met residents like DeWayne Barton, who shared the positive impact the mission had on his life.

“I have been here for one and a half years,” said Barton, who is originally from Pueblo, Colorado.

In the outdoor courtyard, another man, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed his gratitude for the support he had received at the mission.

“People like Rachel have been really helpful here,” the man said. “The mission has really improved since 2018 (and) 2019, and there’s a lot of help in Fort Collins.”

This man, wearing a turquoise pendant and a ruby ring, shared his family’s connection to jewelrymaking and his passion for collecting jewelry. Although our conversation was brief, it provided a personal glimpse into his life that moved me deeply.

This conversation underscored the unique stories of individuals seeking refuge at the mission and highlighted how each person enduring hardships in these organizations is no different than others, each with their own compelling stories to share.

Harvest Farm

Located in Wellington, Colorado, Harvest Farm, a Denver Rescue Mission location, is a 100-acre sanctuary offering a New Life Program for up to 72 men seeking recovery from circumstances like addiction and homelessness.

The farm provides a tranquil environment with work therapy opportunities, ultimately aiming for self-sufficiency and a fresh start.

Upon arriving, I was struck by the farm’s beauty, from its greenhouses to the bustling farm life. Tyler Zeller, the program manager, shared insights into the farm’s operations and focus on behavioral needs. He said adapting to structured schedules is a challenge for many new residents.

“We all share the same mission statement: to change lives in the name of Christ, fostering self-reliance and societal reintegration,” Zeller said.

The program is designed to address root causes of homelessness, such as mental health and addiction, through person-first, personalized programs designed to help individuals find their identity and purpose.

“It allows guys to see what takes place when working handson,” Zeller said. “You plant a seed, you cultivate, you water, much like the Bible teaches us.”

Zeller also highlighted the inclusive nature of their faithbased organization.

“You don’t need to know anything about the person in front of you,” Zeller said. “Just show up and say, ‘I can be here for you.’”

Homeward Alliance

Based in Fort Collins, Homeward Alliance is a cornerstone for individuals and families facing housing insecurity. They provide comprehensive support through programs aimed at stability and self-sufficiency, all grounded in social justice and compassion.

Upon my visit, I met with Development Director Pam Brewer, who started as a volunteer and has been with Homeward Alliance for seven years.

Central to the organization’s strategy is its Housing First Initiative and collaborations with local agencies like the Murphy Center, aiming to make homelessness “rare, short-lived and nonrecurring,” Brewer said.

Throughout our conversation, Brewer emphasized the importance of inclusivity and diversity, which are critical to creating affirming spaces for all individuals.

“We hear a lot of people say they would rather sleep in tents and cars than go to organizations because they don’t feel their identity is affirmed,” Brewer said. “I don’t begrudge organizations for operating the way they want to operate, but I do think an alternative for folks who don’t feel welcomed in those spaces is needed.”

Brewer highlighted the misconception that empathy alone qualifies someone to fully understand or address the complexities of unhoused people.

“Just because you’re kindhearted doesn’t make you an expert at homelessness,” Brewer said.

Brewer stressed the importance of deeper understanding, education and informed approaches to tackle homelessness effectively.

Through volunteering, individuals can learn to see past stereotypes and listen deeply to people’s stories. Through this, they gain understanding, empathy and a willingness to listen and learn.

I’ve seen firsthand the transformative impact of community support and dedication. At each location, the commitment to providing vital assistance to those in need is palpable, and it’s driven by compassionate individuals in environments that foster inclusivity.

Witnessing these efforts has deepened my understanding of the role personal narratives play in addressing homelessness. Sharing these stories not only helps to dismantle stigma, but it also fosters deeper empathy within our community. Whether by volunteering or simply spreading awareness, every effort contributes to societal change, illustrating the power of community and the human spirit in overcoming adversity.

Reach Annie Hessler at life @collegian.com.

The Fort Collins Rescue Mission sign stands at its location and displays its mission statement, “Changing Lives in the Name of Christ” March 18.

PHOTO BY ANNIE HESSLER THE COLLEGIAN

MW tennis preview: How CSU stacks up against rest of conference

By Luke Hojnowski @lukehojo

Despite the No. 1 seed New Mexico Lobos (19-2, 8-1 MW) crushing the Mountain West Conference during the dual season, the remaining programs had to battle to the very end of the regular season for seeding.

The first matches of the Mountain West women’s tennis championship will take place Wednesday, April 24, in Las Vegas. The top five seeds won’t play until 10 a.m. PST Thursday, April 25.

New Mexico (19-2, 8-1 MW)

Heading into the Mountain West championship ranked first, Lobos women’s tennis has the hot hand, only losing two matches during the spring set, making New Mexico the most feared team in the MW.

Kindled with success, UNM hasn’t had any issues during the dual season despite the single conference loss to the No. 2 San Diego State Aztecs and a nonconference loss to Montana State earlier in the spring.

Leading the charge for the Lobos is Leonie Hoppe, who has 22 wins throughout the season and a 7-0 conference singles record.

Not too far behind Hoppe is Hsuan Huang with 17 singles wins in the year and 21 doubles victories.

Awarded the No. 1 seed, UNM will play the winner of the No. 8 San Jose State game against No. 9 Boise State.

San Diego State (13-6, 7-2 MW)

Despite San Diego State losing their final match of the season to UNLV, the Aztecs still remain the No. 2 seed heading into the Mountain West championship.

The Aztecs finished with a 7-2 record in conference play, during the team had a six-match win streak until the loss to UNLV.

Andjela Skrobonja has been a force to reckon with throughout the year; Skrobonja ranks No. 88 in the NCAA top 100 and will look to continue her domination into the championship.

The No. 2 seed Aztecs will play the winner between the No. 7 and No. 10 seeds.

Wyoming (16-9, 7-3 MW)

The Wyoming Cowgirls have fared well during conference play this dual season, finishing with a 7-3 record and picking up losses against Nevada, San Diego State and New Mexico.

Sneaking their way into the No. 3 spot with a win over the Colorado State Rams, the Cowgirls have put themselves in a comfortable position heading into the tournament. Their 9-1 home record during the season is certainly impressive considering the competitiveness of the Mountain West, but their road record of 3-6 doesn’t show the same performances.

Notable players for Wyoming are Noesjka Brink, who finished with a singles record of 17-5 on the dual season and with a 7-2 record

“The Colorado State Rams were certainly hoping for a better season than they’ve had, but with the Mountain West Conference championship approaching, now would be an ideal time for the Rams to flip the script and cash in big in Las Vegas.”

in conference play, and Sophie Zehender, who battled for the No. 1 spot in the rotation for the Cowgirls, ending the dual season with a 17-7 singles record.

Zehender also dominated in the doubles portion of her matches, finishing with an 18-4 record partnered with teammate Violetta Borodina.

The No. 3 seed Cowgirls will face off against the winner between the No. 6 seed Colorado State and No. 11 seed Air Force.

UNLV (14-7, 7-3 MW)

UNLV has a slight advantage over the rest of the teams in the Mountain West Conference; the tournament will be held in Las Vegas.

The Rebels finished just inside the top three with conference losses coming to New Mexico, Wyoming and Colorado State, and that home-state advantage will certainly come in handy if they decide to make a run.

UNLV’s Salsa Aher has been a problem for opponents this season, as she picked up her 14th singles match victory, finishing with an dual record of 14-5 and 6-3 in conference.

Adding to UNLV’s success is the No. 3 spot in the rotation, Cindy Hu, who performed well during the dual season, finishing 14-6 in her singles matches and 7-3 in conference play.

UNLV has also fared well in their doubles matches during the dual season, finishing 33-18, with duo Coco Zhao and Hu leading the way with a record of 13-5.

The Rebels (No. 4 seed) will be playing the No. 5 seed Nevada Wolf Pack.

Nevada (11-8, 5-4 MW)

The No. 5 spot in the Mountain West conference belongs to the Nevada Wolf Pack after they ended their season with a three-match win streak.

Similarly to Wyoming, Nevada has performed well at home this season, going 5-0, but did not live up to the same expectations on the road. Their four losses in the conference came from New Mexico, San Diego State, UNLV and San Jose State.

Nevada’s No. 1, Wiem Boubaker, finished her dual season with a 14-4 singles record, including an undefeated showing in conference, going 4-0.

Boubaker was the spark plug the Wolf Pack needed in order to be in the position they are heading into the championship, considering her ability to win close matches.

No. 5 Nevada will match up against the No. 4 seed UNLV in Las Vegas.

Colorado State (9-11, 5-5 MW)

The Colorado State Rams were certainly hoping for a better season than they’ve had, but with the Mountain West Conference championship approaching, now would be an ideal time for the Rams to flip the script and cash in big in Las Vegas.

The Rams have played tremendous tennis at home, pulling out a 7-4 record with only two of those home losses from conference play, but the road matches were the complete opposite, finishing 2-7 outside of Fort Collins.

During conference play, the Rams lost to New Mexico, Nevada, San Jose State, San Diego State and Wyoming while picking up wins against Air Force, Utah State, Boise State, Fresno State and UNLV.

CSU’s Zara Lennon and Radka Buzkova matched up well against their opponents, both finishing with positive singles records.

Lennon shifted into the No. 1 spot in the rotation early on in the dual season and has made a name for herself, finishing 15-9 in singles matches and 4-3 in conference.

Buzkova is considered one of the best tennis players this program has seen, posting back-to-back AllMountain West player awards in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons, and is tied for fifth in program history in career singles dual wins.

Buzkova finished her dual season with a split 12-13 record and a 6-3 record in conference.

Both graduate students for CSU, the championship will be Buzkova and Lennon’s final chance to play in green and gold as they look to close out their careers on a positive note.

The Rams will finish as the No. 6 seed and will play the No. 11 seed Air Force Falcons 10 a.m. PST Wednesday, April 24, in Las Vegas.

Reach Luke Hojnowski at sports @collegian.com.

Colorado State University junior Sarah Weekley swings to hit the ball during a tennis match against an opponent from Utah State University at the CSU Tennis Complex in Fort Collins March 23.

PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN

Wellness, community merge at Rec group classes

By Hania Nini @rmcollegianspts

At the Colorado State Student Recreation Center, students discover more than just a place to break a sweat.

Group fitness programs taught by dedicated instructors build relationships while training bodies and minds. Free to all students, these sessions provide an enjoyable environment for socialization and personal development in addition to being an opportunity for exercise.

“Every class welcomes participants of all backgrounds and experience levels,” the Campus Recreation website reads. “There’s no need to look a certain way or achieve a certain level of strength, endurance or flexibility; you can come as you are.”

Will Baker, instructor of Power Vinyasa and Hatha classes, described the yoga studio as a place of refuge within the Recreation Center.

“It’s its own thing, kind of isolated up on the second floor,” Baker said. “The atmosphere and energy of the space cultivate a connection to it.”

Katie Bervy, known for her Rhythm Ride classes, was inspired to become an instructor

by her upbringing and passion for exercise.

“My mom was a cycling instructor, so I’ve been going to classes since I was 6 years old,” Bervy said. “I wanted to share that passion with others, especially here at CSU, where I’ve made so many connections through exercise.”

Many students may feel intimidated or apprehensive about trying group classes, especially if they are beginners or don’t exercise regularly. Addressing misconceptions about group exercise classes, Bervy emphasized inclusivity.

“I know every single instructor at the Rec Center, and our main goal is to just, like, break that barrier and make sure everybody feels like there isn’t really a stigma there,” Bervy said. “No matter their fitness level, they’re welcome.”

Kalia Kodrich Saavedra, instructor of Morning Yoga, Restorative Yoga and Hatha, also prioritizes inclusivity and mindfulness in her classes.

“The beauty of yoga is that it’s about connecting with your body wherever it’s at without judgment,” Kodrich said.

Her classes offer a supportive environment where participants of all levels can feel comfortable.

“If people are interested but unsure, I mostly try to be

supportive and just listen to what they have to say,” Kodrich said. “The purpose is really to connect with your body without any judgment.”

When asked about encouraging newcomers to try yoga, Baker highlighted the depth of the practice.

“It’s not just stretching; it’s about so much more than that,” Baker said. “Give it at least three tries before deciding how you really feel about it.”

Baker said when he looks back on his journey as a teacher, he recognizes that learning never stops.

“A teacher learns something new every time,” Baker said.

These classes are made even more special by the students who contribute their own experiences to them. Kodrich highlighted the feeling of community each student had when reflecting on their most memorable moments.

“I have a handful of regulars that come pretty much every class,” Kodrich said. “It feels really special because I teach three times a week, so it’s nice to feel supported.”

Thinking back on her classes’ sense of community, Bervy said she is appreciative of the bonds she has built with the students.

“I love the community that we’ve created,” Bervy said. “Some

people have been coming to my class as regulars for over two years now, and I’ve really created a strong bond with them.”

Baker said he also values lasting relationships formed in the classroom. Knowing that his students find value in what he has to offer and the supportive environment they’ve developed together, he enjoys having them return.

“It’s so nice to see people coming back to know that they enjoy what I’m offering them, enjoy that space for themselves or with the other people that they’re with,” Baker says.

The Rec Center’s group classes provide a route to well-being for everyone who seeks it, whether through achieving athletic objectives in the cycling studio or discovering inner peace on the yoga mat. Every session embodies a genuine spirit of community and energy as participants develop their bodies and create friendships that transcend the studio’s doors.

“I love being friends with my participants,” Bervy said. “I love just seeing people enthusiastic about exercise and working out. It just makes me feel like I’ve made a difference.”

Reach Hania Nini at sports @collegian.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMPUS RECREATION

Women’s club soccer is CSU’s best-kept secret

By Kensey May @maykensey

The Colorado State women’s club soccer team is constantly on the Intramural Fields running drills and kicking balls.

The team travels all across the state during the fall season, and their national qualifying performances make them one of the more competitive club teams in the U.S.

More recently, Nov. 16-18, 2023, the team made it to the quarterfinals at the National Soccer Championships down in Round Rock, Texas. Their run was ended by Cal Poly before the semifinal round.

Now, with a fiery motivation and a taste of victory, the team is striving for a win in next year’s national championship. The team is filled with highly motivated athletes who have a background in the sport from past high school experience to help them get to that next step.

Two of those athletes are Sydney Inman, a junior at CSU who plays defense, and Alyssa Serrano, a fellow junior who plays middle forward. Both girls hold officer positions on the team, helping lead and coordinate most team functions.

One of their responsibilities was facilitating the hiring of their current coach, Randy Chase, and assistant coach, Mark Aksel, back in August.

Aksel said he really enjoys helping coach the team.

“It’s a really fun team,” Aksel said. “Everyone’s really fun to work with, and it’s a good group of players that make my job more enjoyable.”

Not only is the coaching experience enjoyable, but the team has a lot of fun with each other as well.

“You meet so many friends, it’s competitive and you get to travel to different places,” Inman said.

Club soccer is a great opportunity to meet new people who share similar interests as well as fill that competitive edge that otherwise would have gone ignored.

Serrano committed to Colorado State without knowledge of there being a club team. After discovering the tryouts, she decided to attend knowing her high school season got cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“At first, walking in, I was like, I’m not going to make it, but I’ll try,” Serrano said.

Serrano did, in fact, make it, and she has been playing for the team for three years. Within those three years, she said she has had the most positive experience and has rekindled her love for the sport.

“The competitiveness and passion of everyone wanting to win — that’s what I love about it,” Serrano said. “Also, being able to play again because if you don’t go Division I,

then you’re kind of just done. This is a group of people who are skilled at soccer and are good.”

Currently, the team is enduring the spring and summer training that will hopefully lead to a successful fall season.

“This is probably the last year I’ll get to play competitively, so I want to embrace every moment of it,” Aksel said.“The seniors and

previous alumni have done such a good job of leaving a good legacy and have set such high standards for the team, and I hope, as seniors, we can leave that legacy for other people.”

The team consistently updates their Instagram, and more information on donations and events can be found on their website.

Reach Kensey May at sports@collegian.com.

Annabelle Stephan smiles while playing in a scrimmage during women’s club soccer practice April 11

PHOTO BY AVERY COATES

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1�75 L �������������������������������������������������������� $26.99

1800 Tequila Silver or Reposado Tequila 1�75 L �������������������������������������������������������� $37.99

Valdeorite Brut CavaSave $5 $9.99

Les Copains d’Abord GamaySave $5 ����������������������������������� $13.99

Mazzocco  Honeybee Chardonnay, Dry Creek Zinfandel, Sonoma Cabernet SauvignonSave $7 $17.99

CasamigosSilver Tequila 750 ml ������������������������������������������������������ $44.99

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Maison Phillipe Viallet Savoie Blanc, Savoie RoséSave $5 ���������������������������������������������������� $11.99

Dry Creek Cabernet Sauvignon, Stuhmuller

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Maison Riviere Bordeaux Blanc, Bordeaux RougeSave $5 ������������������������������������������������������� $9.99

Briar Vineyard ZinfandelSave $10 �������������������������������������������������� $24.99

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Gallo Family Vineyards  All Types 1�5 L �������������������������������������������������������������� $8.99

La Vieille Ferme  Blanc, Rosé, Rouge 1�5 L ����������������������������������������������������������� $14.99

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Monterey Cut ChardonnaySave $6 $15.99

Croze Hermitage Mule Blanc, Croze Hermitage Thalabert, Gigondas Pierre AiguiSave $15 $35.99

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Condrieu Les CassinesSave $20 $49.99

ProphecyCabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Red Blend, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc ������������������������������������ $10.99

Hermitage Le Chevalier de Sterimberg, Hermitage La Maison BleueSave $40! $59.99

Rockpile Vineyards ZinfandelSave $10 $29.99

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Willamette Pinot NoirSave $5 $17.99

SPANISH & PORTUGUESE WINE

Chehalem Mountains Pinot NoirSave $10 �������������������������������������������������� $19.99

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Colorado Wines

El Circo Cabernet Sauvignon, Garnacha, Merlot, TempranilloSave $5 $7.99

Manos Libre

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Reposado Tequila

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Anejo Tequila

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Don Julio Silver Tequila

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Reposado Tequila

750 ml ������������������������������������������������������ $44.99

Anejo Tequila

750 ml ������������������������������������������������������ $49.99

70th Anniversary Tequila

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Private Cask Reposado Tequila

750 ml ������������������������������������������������������ $54.99

1942 Tequila 750 ml ���������������������������������������������������� $139.99

Ultra Reserva Extra Anejo Tequila

750 ml ���������������������������������������������������� $399.99

LIQUEURS & CORDIALS

Grand Breuil

VS Cognac750 ml ������������������������������������������������������ $37.99

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Hennessy  VSOP Cognac

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La Foret  VSOP Brandy 750 ml ������������������������������������������������������ $19.99

Baileys  Irish Cream 1�0 L ����������������������������������������������������������� $32.99

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Fireball  Cinnamon Whiskey

PHOTOS BY CAIT MCKINZIE

1. Study participant Jonna Patton gets ready to walk on a split-belt treadmill March 20. For a few moments, Patton was instructed to hold her arms out and stay still so the sensors could process her resting brain activity before she started to walk.

2. Jonna Patton walks up and down a hallway with monitoring equipment to get control data before walking on a split-belt treadmill. “I’m determined to keep pushing, to get back things I feel like I’ve lost,” Patton said.

3. Andrew Hagen moves hair out of the way of the sensors on Jonna Patton’s monitoring cap to ensure they are able to get a clean signal. Hair can get in the way of the sensors’ ability to properly send light to the scalp, meaning they would be less likely to give an accurate reading.

4. Postdoctoral research fellow Kristin Johnson sets up an imaging cap. “I help Andy with setup primarily,” Johnson said. “And we kind of all help each other with study design, making sure that we’ve got the best approach to really answer the questions we’re trying to answer.”

5. Study participant Jonna Patton walks on a split-belt treadmill with reflective sensors on her legs, allowing details of her gait to be monitored as it changes.

Patients with MS find help at Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Laboratory

Andrew Hagen moves hair out of the way of the sensors on Jonna Patton’s monitoring cap to ensure they are able to get a clean signal.

Andrew Hagen moves hair out of the way of the sensors on Jonna Patton’s monitoring cap to ensure they are able to get a clean signal. “It’s sending an infrared light through the brain and being measured on the other side to measure what the changes are,” Hagen said.

By Cait Mckinzie @csucollegian

Any time a human moves, dozens, hundreds, thousands of neurons fire. Every step, every hand gesture, every blink, nerves carry impulses from the brain, through the body and back.

At Colorado State University’s Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Laboratory, researchers investigate reasons the body may struggle with movement. Conditions like multiple sclerosis are commonly the subject of study due to their extreme impact on the body’s ability to move.

Multiple sclerosis is a type of autoimmune condition in which immune cells attack the sheaths that insulate nerves. When this insulation is damaged, signals sent to and from the brain are unable to be communicated as clearly, leading to poor sensation in affected areas. Graduate student Chris Patrick, a member of the neuroimaging lab, explained the issue using Interstate 25.

“If you think of Fort Collins as the brain and Denver as the muscle, as we send cars down I-25, they go really fast, right?” Patrick said. “They get to Denver, which is the muscle, and that essentially tells it what to do.”

In Patrick’s analogy, the road represents the nerves that help send messages to the rest of the body.

“In MS, the road in this scenario is damaged,” Patrick said. “We can think of this as being like potholes or cracks that cover the entire way down to Denver. And because that road now has this road damage, the cars can’t travel as quickly down the road.”

Postdoctoral research fellow Kristin Johnson sets up an imaging cap.

Headed by graduate student Andrew Hagen, the lab’s split-belt treadmill study uses a treadmill with two belts to investigate possible ways to rehabilitate the effects of this damage. Study participants, both in the control group and in the group of people with MS, are observed as their brain instructs their legs adjust to the different speeds.

“We introduce a new pattern of walking, and (the brain) can adjust and augment that, but once we go back to normal ground, we start to remit back to the old pattern,” Hagen said. “We’re trying to understand how we can actually make this last longer.”

Study participant Jonna Patton, whose initial diagnosis

was in February 1992, was part of a previous test of the split-belt treadmill and is participating in the current one. She said she remembered going home to her husband and telling him about how amazing it felt to walk the way she used to.

“It is mind blowing to see and feel my right leg moving as well as my left leg,” Patton said. “I don’t remember the last time I walked like that.”

People with MS tend to have a side of their body that is more impaired than the other, and Patton’s symptoms have mostly progressed on her right side. MS has changed the way she is able to walk, and she said she feels she has lost the “pep in her step.”

“As things get worse, I’m able to do less, but I’ve learned that it’s not just MS,” Patton said. “I need to keep exercising. I need it because I’ve noticed that when I get weaker, it’s like, ‘Is it MS that’s worse, or is it that I’ve gotten weak on my right side?’”

Hagen said the team is always excited to have Patton come in as a participant.

“(Jonna) is fantastic and one of the prime types of people we’re interested in studying,” Hagen said. “She talked about how she felt her right leg going like her left and how she doesn’t ever feel like that. That’s exactly what we’re trying to do here — (trying) to make those two legs walk more similarly, which, as Jonna mentioned, really impacts how she walks (and) her mobility.”

The goal for this study is to gather information on how the brain adjusts to new walking patterns with the hope that there could be implications for physical therapy techniques.

“Things like this information are helpful for physical therapy,” Hagen said. “Informing them that, ‘Hey, maybe if we can improve the force that they’re producing, we can actually improve these walking rehab outcomes as well.’”

The Sensorimotor Neuroimaging Lab will continue this study for the foreseeable future. Hagen said they plan to get at least 30 people without MS and at least 30 people with MS to get as much data as possible.

“I think it’s awesome what they do here,” Patton said. “(They’re) just trying to make a difference. I’m very grateful for that.”

Reach Cait Mckinzie at science @collegian.com.

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

PHOTO BY CAIT MCKINZIE THE COLLEGIAN

Not a fix-all: Counselors discuss options amid ADHD medication shortage

By Abigail Weaver @csucollegian

When Maggie O’Riley, a senior English education major at Colorado State University, sits down at a cafe table, she brings a carbonated drink, pink Beats headphones and a phone in a rainbow unicorn case. Miniature coffee cups even dangle from her ears. After just a few moments with her warm and personable nature, it’s obvious she’s pursuing a career in teaching.

O’Riley is also one of many at CSU who have attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder. When the Adderall shortage started in October 2022, she was lucky to still receive her medication relatively easily. Though she didn’t have to ration or scour pharmacies, O’Riley still weaves through the normal annoyances of long wait times, phone calls and insurance difficulties to receive her medications.

“That’s medicine that people genuinely need,” O’Riley said.

Yet with no official end in sight, the shortage has become a nuisance well known to pharmacies and patients. For many, necessary prescriptions have been redirected, back-ordered or rationed to an excessive extent. Navigating this has become part of a larger, more foreboding beast. It is a chronic issue within the medical industry that has been growing sorer with time.

This is especially true for neurodivergent people assigned female at birth. In a 2023 study from the Journal of Attention Disorders, Darby Attoe and Emma Climie found a considerable gender bias in the research that informs ADHD diagnostic criteria.

There’s a significant lack of proper research into the medical efficacy of ADHD pharmacotherapy for AFAB people overall. Cynthia Hartung, the lead researcher on a 1998 study published in the Psychological Bulletin, found that in 70 out of 243 relevant empirical studies on ADHD, 81% of participants were male, while only 19% were female. Of single-sexfocused studies, 99.6% were about male children.

Francien Kok, the lead researcher of a Public Library of Science One journal 2020 study, found that in 14 pharmacological impact studies about ADHD, each had at least one sex difference in the effects of ADHD pharmacotherapy. Her team also identified seven prescription rate studies that all showed AFAB people receiving significantly fewer prescriptions than people assigned male at birth.

This adds further concerns when, for any type of medication, AFAB people are linked to a 1.5-1.7 times higher risk of developing adverse drug reactions, according to Kok’s study. Because medications aren’t

properly tested for AFAB people, sex-related differences like body mass or hormonal factors are often neglected. Kok’s study suggests this creates dangerous disparities in effectiveness for patients.

This is where the system shows signs of dysfunction. Long-standing confusion about ADHD and the pervasive disparities for AFAB people have led many to struggle through an institution that simply is not built for them.

Enter Jolie Beth Boudreaux, a licensed counselor with ADHD who specializes in neurodivergent coaching: When clients come to her, they come for hope. These are people who’ve read that those with ADHD shouldn’t be allowed to drive or cannot sustain long-term relationships. One reason people visit her is their medications aren’t working as expected.

And why aren’t they working? Medication is not a fix-all solution.

“I feel that we are so entrenched in this ‘medication solves problems’ that people are still going to look at how do we make that sustainable?”

Boudreaux said. “The way that I coach is we’re not trying to make you neurotypical. We’re trying to find ways for you to work with your brain.”

This mindset seems like common sense. But in today’s medical system, it’s almost trailblazing — especially when much of the current system

stems from a deficiency bias Boudreaux finds widely evident in research.

“It’s like, ‘Oh, let’s figure out more ways in which people with ADHD are jacked up,’ as opposed to, ‘Let’s just see how the brain works differently so we can make sure there’s equity in academics,’” Boudreaux said.

Boudreaux said she believes this stems from the static brain theory, which says the brain is analyzed in exclusion from its environment. Without considering the dynamic functions and layers involved, neurodivergence is viewed as needing to be fixed, not understood. The analogy Boudreaux uses is that mental health is not fixed like a broken bone. It can’t be found on X-ray, given a splint, then healed weeks later.

So while many are confused as to why diagnosis rates for ADHD have risen, perhaps the real question ought to be: What behaviors do we find so nonconformative that we cannot tolerate them as anything except abnormal?

That’s what Boudreaux addresses as CEO and founder of ReVision ADHD Coaching and Consulting and in her Fort Collins practice, Jolie Beth ADHD Counseling and Coaching. She’s not looking for that easy fix-all approach that can confine neurodivergent brains to neurotypical ways of thinking and being.

Are institutions capable of doing the same?

Boudreaux said that when parents come to her for help getting their kid to sit still in class, they’re not necessarily looking to understand the way their kid’s brain works. They just want it to work the way it’s expected to. But then their kid grows up in a medication shortage and finds themselves battling insurance or rationing their medication to achieve supposed normality.

O’Riley sees an opportunity for change in the curriculums taught to future educators like herself.

Growing up with ADHD and a learning disability meant O’Riley was often placed in remedial classes despite excelling in certain subjects like language arts. Her self-esteem suffered because of it until a 10th grade teacher at Cherokee Trail High School became her advocate.

O’Riley said this plays a part in why she’s majoring in English education and why she firmly believes there could be far more built into curriculums to properly teach educators about neurodivergence.

O’Riley and Boudreaux both see the need to shift from the shortterm fix to a long-term solution — for neurodivergence to be treated not as an outlier in society but as something worth embracing.

Reach Abigail Weaver at science @collegian.com.

Maggie O’Riley sits in the Colorado State University Behavioral Sciences Building Feb. 1.

PHOTO BY ABIGAIL WEAVER THE COLLEGIAN

Biologists enlist climbers in bat conservation effort

By Katie Fisher @csucollegian

Many may think of bats as bloodthirsty creatures, conjuring up popular culture images of vampires and Dracula. But the stereotype couldn’t be further from the truth, as one group at Colorado State University is trying to express through collaborative conservation.

Climbers for Bat Conservation is a collaborative effort between biologists, rock climbers and land managers to locate, track and record bat colony locations by utilizing climbers as a resource to reach previously untapped colonies.

“We’ve always known that bats roost along cliffs, but we didn’t know how to access them,” CSU research zoologist and CBC Director Robert Schorr said.

Schorr emphasized the need for bat research, as bats are a valuable asset to both the natural ecosystem and human economies; they save the agricultural industry $23 billion annually through pest management. They also act as pollinators of bananas, mangos and agave, from which tequila is made.

Vampire bats also have a chemical compound in their

saliva that has been used with heart surgery patients to reduce blood clots.

Despite all this, minimal research is available on basic bat ecology and roosting habitats, according to CBC’s website. Schorr is trying to change this through ongoing collaborative work with climbers while not taking away from climbers’ use of outdoor recreation spaces.

“We didn’t want to scare climbers, so when they have meetings, (we go) and talk with them about why we want the information,” Schorr said, putting emphasis on transparency with climbers, as CBC’s retrieval of the information will not prevent climbers from continuing to climb near reported colonies.

Since its inception, the collaborative has worked closely with the Northern Colorado Climbers Coalition, resulting in a positive relationship between climbers and conservationists.

“Climbers for Bat Conservation is a great way for bat biologists and climbers to work together instead of having more of a contentious relationship where biologists think climbers are getting in the way of the work,” NCCC President Bennett Scott said.

This positive relationship has also been measured beyond Colorado. Emily Gross, a graduate student in environmental leadership, completed her research project this past summer and fall volunteering for CBC at Red River Gorge, Kentucky, an area renowned for its world-class climbing.

“(I conducted) semistructured interviews with rock climbers to learn more about what motivates them to record a bat and then also what’s keeping them from reporting,” Gross said.

Gross’ research will be used to implement outreach programs to further expand the program for future uses. But one theme continued to run through her findings.

“We know that climbers really value community,” Gross said. “And having buy-in from the community for our conservation efforts is really important. Addressing that access and navigating that as both a land manager and a biologist is very important.”

The responses the organization has received so far to its bat tracking program have been greater than Schorr ever thought it could reach, totaling over 300 to date.

“We have records from further away than I ever thought we would,” Schorr said. “We have records from Cuba now. We have records from Italy, Kenya, Bulgaria (and) Norway. I never expected it to have that broad (of a) scope.”

Looking forward to the future, the organization still has work to do, which includes implementing a program to check up on bat colonies that climbers report sighting.

“We’re still trying to grow the organization,” Schorr said. “Ideally, we would find the funding, (and) we would have a branch of climbers that would follow up on where other climbers have seen bats to climb and see how those bats are doing.”

Even though the organization is still in its infancy, Schorr emphasized the ability of climbers to get involved right away, especially through submitting bat locations on their website.

“Right now, the best way to get involved until we can get a bigger organization established is if you’re a climber,” Schorr said. “Let us know if you’ve seen bats.”

Reach Katie Fisher at science @collegian.com.

FoCoMX brings concert exposure to seasoned bands, newcomers

By Ruby Secrest @csucollegian

The annual festival Fort Collins Music Experiment is exposure therapy for anyone who says, “No, that genre’s just not for me,” bringing together over 400 bands, DJs and solo acts across all music genres.

The two-day festival, which took place April 19-20, continues to provide a space for the constantly growing music scene that is Fort Collins. The festival was a combination of artists and music lovers coming together to see their favorite artists and discover new ones as well.

“Fort Collins is lucky to have FoCoMX,” musician Jessi Reed said after guest performing with the band Jesus Christ Taxi Driver during their headlining show Friday night. “If you grew up in other places, you can see that a festival like this is pretty rare, so it’s really special that it’s in this town.”

Although it is an annual spring event that has taken place in April for 16 years now, the Colorado weather does not always catch the memo. But come rain or snow —and in this year’s case, both — nothing stops locals from showing up wholeheartedly for the festival.

“FoCoMX was the best night of my life,” members of local Colorado band Horse Bitch collaboratively wrote when reflecting on their performance at Aggie Theatre Friday night. “Like, what? We are so grateful for the community braving the weather and filling the venue.

Wolfblitzer

19.

The Sprite was strong, the spirits were high.”

The festival allows both local favorites and lesser-known locals to share a stage. The Crooked Rugs and Jesus Christ Taxi Driver headlined Aggie Theatre, but neither of these bands were experiencing their first FoCoMX performance.

“It’s a blessing to play any slot at FoCoMX because there’s going to be people there regardless, and people are excited, and people want to see music and see something new.”

WILL EHRHART

JESUS CHRIST TAXI DRIVER LEAD DRUMMER

“It’s packed no matter what,” said Ian Ehrhart, lead vocalist for Jesus Christ Taxi Driver. “There’s always a line around the block for no reason. The first year we played FoCoMX, we were an unknown band. … We showed up, and there’s a line around the block, and we were like, ‘Oh, my god, we don’t even exist yet,’ and that is really every show you go to. It’s just completely packed.”

Through FoCoMX, multiple bands have been able to expose themselves as artists and create a new fan base.

“The room’s energy was off the charts,” band Wolfblitzer wrote. “The crowd, to me, looked like 80% new faces, and they were loving it. ... We really felt the love that night, and that show will go down as one of our most memorable ones.”

Each venue had a lineup that consisted of multiple musical styles along with their diverse group of fans, making the night special as a collective of music lovers regardless of their genre preference.

“FoCoMX brings out the entire town to celebrate local music, and it’s legendary to be a part of,” band Rosebay wrote. “Every show we’ve ever played at the Aggie has been incredible, but it’ll be hard to beat the diverse and enormous crowd brought out at this year’s festival.”

While usually Aggie Theatre is the primary venue in Fort Collins for big shows, for this event, the whole town became a music venue almost overnight. No venue seems to stand alone, and all venues get their chance to show off what they bring to the table.

“Every venue has its own kind of charm,” said Will Ehrhart, lead drummer of Jesus Christ Taxi Driver. “It’s a blessing to play any slot at FoCoMX because there’s going to be people there regardless, and people are excited, and people want to see music and see something new.”

Reach Ruby Secrest at entertainment@collegian.com.

gives their crowd an energizing punk performance April

Lead singer Cosme Martinez shocked new fans and engaged with the crowd at the Aggie Theatre. PHOTO BY RUBY SECREST THE COLLEGIAN

Fort Collins band Clementine gives an alternative punk performance with hard guitar riffs and great stage presence at this year’s FoCoMX April 19. PHOTO BY RUBY SECREST THE COLLEGIAN

CENTER STAGE

Small town with big emotions: CSU Theatre performs ‘Our Town’

By Aubree Miller @csucollegian

A story of everyday life in a small town may not seem that enticing or exciting at first glance. However, Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” has perfectly captivated audiences at Colorado State University through its fantastic performances and meaningful messages.

The CSU School of Music, Theatre and Dance premiered

Thornton Wilder’s “Our Town” Friday, April 19. There will be more performances this weekend.

Cast members performed numerous acoustic songs such as “American Teenager” by Ethel Cain, which touches on subject matter surrounding growing up in a small town. The performance was full of life and energy and fit perfectly with the other songs in the play and the play’s plot itself.

Directed by Wesley Longacre, “Our Town” is the story of

Colorado State University students Ryan Terry, Trey Wallen, Kaitlin Thompson-Highsmith and Courtney LaFontano perform as Joe Crowell, Dr. Gibbs, Mrs. Gibbs and Mrs. Webb during the “Our Town” dress rehearsal at the University Theatre in Fort Collins April 18. PHOTO BY SAMANTHA NORDSTROM THE COLLEGIAN

ALBUM REVIEW

By Allie Seibel & Aubree Miller @csucollegian

Taylor Swift’s 11th studio album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” released April 19, is about as vast of a tonal departure as the singer could possibly manage.

Surprise announced at the Grammy Awards Feb. 4, “Tortured Poets” includes 16 tracks on the standard format, which Swift doubled with a surprise 2 a.m. second album component, called “The Anthology,” that clocks the entire album in at a whopping 31 songs and just over two hours of music.

Sonically different from any album of Swift’s in the past, “Tortured Poets” is a mix between “Evermore,” “Midnights” and “Red,” with both upbeat and deeply sad tracks fraught with metaphors, multisyllabic words and the singer’s iconic emotional bridges.

The two collaboration songs, the dreamy “Fortnight” with Post Malone — the first single off the album complete with a music video — and the raucously upbeat “Florida!!!” with Florence & The Machine are two of Swift’s strongest

Grover’s Corners, a fictional New Hampshire town, and its changes at the beginning of the 20th century.

Act 1 of the play covers daily life in the town. Characters are introduced, and the audience learns their routines and what makes up their lives and, ultimately, what makes everyday life meaningful. From school crushes between characters Emily (India Thompson) and George (Hollis Andrew) to neighborly gossip sessions after choir between Mrs. Webb (Courtney LaFontano) and Mrs. Gibbs (Kaitlin Thompson-Highsmith), each scene can connect to someone in the audience. The main purpose of this section is to show how seemingly mundane tasks and challenges can have a tremendous impact on everything in one’s life.

The simple acknowledgment and dissection of each character’s actions are what brings the story to life along with the performances. Witty and simultaneously true to life, the tone contributes to keeping the audience captivated throughout.

A unique aspect of “Our Town” is that the fourth wall is frequently broken; the Stage Manager, played by Zail Acosta, repeatedly engages with the audience, creating a close-knit community feeling that matches the small town setting.

Moving into Act 2 brings new challenges and meaningful moments. After a three-year time jump, George and Emily are to be married. With this comes a day of stress and a move back in time to a year previous, when confessions of love from both Emily and George are made. Throughout the stress of the wedding and hesitations, there are beautiful displays of parent-child love and connection. However, such happiness can’t always last forever.

Act 3 serves as a lens through which the audience can look at life and lifetimes, and the inevitable, heavy presence of death moves through until the very end. Each character beautifully portrays what grief and death are like. Emily and other characters who have passed on in the nine years since Act 2 are able to make death tangible.

Taylor Swift brings mature tone to ‘Tortured Poets Department’

collaborations. Swift’s lyricism blends aesthetics nearly seamlessly with Malone’s and Florence & The Machine’s respective tones and envelopes them into the sultry, psychotic world of “Tortured Poets.”

Filled with more anger than sadness, Swift’s retrospection in “Tortured Poets” is her most mature to date. A fully adult album, “Tortured Poets” is Swift’s most scathing album so far, with tracks like “The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived,” “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” and “So Long, London” aching with the spite of healed wounds that have left scars.

Despite the significantly autobiographical approach, “Tortured Poets” is filled with stories and metaphoric lyrics, from a circus in “Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me” to a small-town, bad-boy forbidden romance in “But Daddy I Love Him.” It is littered with high school storylines, first-love-lost plots and the sting of bitterness for people who have wronged Swift.

It is possibly Swift’s least crowdpleasing album since her country debut. However, it is her most mature, fully introspective album that feels both desperately personal and achingly raw and has echoes

of Swift’s flippant attitude toward people’s feelings about her work. Swift, quite simply, is not seeking approval for any of the emotions she’s experiencing on “Tortured Poets,” and the album exists not to explicitly top the charts but simply because Swift needed to share it.

“The Anthology,” produced almost exclusively by longtime producer and collaborator Aaron Dessner, has echoes of “Folklore” and turns to more storytelling plot lines. Some tracks are weaker than the original 16, but “The Anthology” also includes the achingly painful “The Prophecy,” a track about being last in love, but also more high school storylines like the romantic “So High School” and “thanK you aIMee,” a school bully narrative that has been connected to Swift’s feud with Kim Kardashian.

It’s a sneaking, tormenting album that feels almost psychotically dizzy on first listen and becomes even more potent when the listener cracks open the lyric booklet to inspect Swift’s carefully penned turns of phrase. The scope of the album has been criticized for needing an editor, but the thought dump of emotions and material connects “Tortured Poets” with its intended spiraling narrative. This is the lyrical equivalent of what

Death is an incredibly complex concept that often cannot be fully understood. Despite this, the cast and script itself do an incredible job of tackling it.

The story of “Our Town”illustrates just how wide the reach of grief and loss is. Thompson’s portrayal of Emily is wrought with emotion palpable throughout the scene, and the other characters contribute to the sadness and simultaneous hope radiating from the stage.

While no one really knows what happens after death, the play offered a sense of what it could be like. Eternity and mortality are difficult discussions to hold, but both the writing and performances leave such an impression that makes it difficult to not acknowledge its importance.

While “Our Town” may not end on a particularly joyful note, there is still happiness and hope woven throughout that leaves the audience captivated well after everyone has taken their bows and left the stage.

happens when composed people spiral into madness, and it’s addicting. Stevie Nicks’ influence on this album is tangible no matter where you look. Swift mentions her in “Clara Bow,” yes, but Swift also included a poem penned by Nicks in the prologue of the album, found in the physical editions. “The Prophecy,” a standout in terms of lyricism, also is reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac’s “Landslide,” which Nicks penned in her 20s while visiting Aspen, Colorado. In Swift’s Spotify pop-up library in Los Angeles days before the release, fans noticed a tambourine on a bookshelf that looked incredibly similar to Nicks’ iconic tambourine

she performs with. This is not surprising; Nicks and Swift have publicly been friends for years and even performed “Rhiannon” together in 2010.

There’s a purposeful ambiguity to the plot lines; internet rumors about the muse of each specific song lend to more questions than answers, and that is an intentional way for Swift to mislead the audience about what each song is about. In “Tortured Poets,” Swift is leaning into the insanity and crafting a world fraught with lost love and the brutal realities of misunderstanding.

Reach Allie Seibel and Aubree Miller at entertainment@collegian.com.

Reach Aubree Miller at entertainment@collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

Supporting sexual assault survivors is more than just listening

By Astrid Thorn @csucollegian

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

As Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month comes to a close, we must continue to hold space for survivors of sexual violence.

Listening to the experiences of survivors and offering them love and support year-round is vital to promote healing and liberation.

Sexual assault is an extremely common crime. One in four women,

CLASSIC LEARNING

one in six men and one in two transgender individuals identify as survivors of an attempted or completed sexual assault. Additionally, 80% of survivors report that their assailant was someone they already knew, according to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network.

When supporting someone who has experienced sexual violence, it can be difficult to know how to handle the situation gracefully and be there for them in the ways they need.

First and foremost,it is essential for any supporter of a survivor of sexual violence to establish themself as a safe space.

“Lastly, always remember that someone who is offering their love and support to a survivor must also prioritize their own well-being. Helping someone process trauma requires extreme emotional labor, and someone in that position can become emotionally burnt out very quickly if they don’t prioritize self-care.”

When someone shares their experience with sexual violence, remaining calm, actively listening and promising confidentiality will create a greater sense of comfort for the survivor and will establish the listener as a safe and trustworthy confidant. Using positive and supportive language to uplift the survivor and remind them that they are loved will also help build trust. A simple, “I appreciate you sharing this with me,” can go a long way.

It is important to remember that whatever action the survivor takes in the wake of their assault is their choice and their choice alone. As a supporter, respecting the survivor’s boundaries and wishes during this time is of the utmost importance. It is crucial that they feel empowered, especially after experiencing an extreme violation of their autonomy.

Some survivors may look to press charges against their perpetrator,

and if the supporter is comfortable with it, offering to go with them to speak to law enforcement can be greatly beneficial. Sharing such a vulnerable experience with law enforcement can be incredibly daunting, and having someone else in their corner can make a survivor feel far less isolated.

Other survivors may not feel comfortable taking legal action against their perpetrator for a variety of reasons. This could include not wanting to prolong an already traumatic experience, feeling like they lack substantial evidence to convict the perpetrator or feeling like there are power structures in place that will prevent the survivor from receiving justice.

According to RAINN, on average, only about 31 in 100 cases of sexual violence in the United States are reported to the police. More often than not, survivors feel the circumstances do not allow them to safely and successfully seek justice. These feelings are valid and must be respected by the supporters in the survivor’s life. Whatever decision the survivor chooses, the best action the supporters in their life can take is to reassure them that whatever choice they make, they are loved, cared for and not judged.

Lastly, always remember that someone who is offering their love and support to a survivor must also prioritize their own well-being.

Helping someone process trauma requires extreme emotional labor, and someone in that position can become emotionally burnt out very quickly if they don’t prioritize self-care.

Speaking with a therapist, journaling, making sure to eat well and get enough sleep and prioritizing enjoyable experiences and habits can help relieve some of the emotional burden. Additionally, setting up specific times to meet with the survivor to talk through their experience will allow the supporter time to process and ensure that they are not taking on too much. If the supporter is always “on call,” it can become overwhelming and draining.

Establishing boundaries with the survivor can allow the supporter to be there and be the strongest support system they can. No matter the circumstances, establishing yourself as a supporter can go a long way in what can be a long, arduous battle for many survivors of sexual assault. Reach Astrid Thorn at letters @collegian.com.

Old-school teaching methods are more engaging

By Hana Pavelko @hanasolo13

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

As technology has developed, its integration into education has been inevitable. Whether it be the use of computers and iPads in class to take notes or even the digitalization of standardized testing, the use of technology in school has become almost essential to academic life.  Students have started to use technology to their advantage in their academic pursuits, and it is becoming increasingly common to see more iPads and Apple pencils in classes than notebooks and lead pencils. Professors also take advantage of technology, preparing slideshows with PowerPoint to accompany their lectures and posting the finished slideshow product to Canvas, sometimes for students to review.

While the application of technological advancements in the classroom can benefit students and allow for an interactive learning

environment, sometimes going back to the basics can be beneficial for students.

professors takes over, it seems as if oldschool teaching methods are being phased out.

However, these methods have just as many advantages as utilizing technology in the classroom — especially in terms of active learning.

“However, the oldschool teaching methods applied by some professors can help students interact with the material in a different, more active way than if they have a professor who utilizes new teaching methods in their class.”

Old teaching styles, such as writing on a whiteboard during the lecture or not providing students with a slideshow, are becoming rarer to find at all education levels. As a new generation of students and

Instead of providing a slideshow, some professors choose to simply lecture to students. This can force active listening because students need to be actively paying attention to the lecture in class and engaging with the material in order to write notes and receive the information they need to know. Students must be more engaged and fully present in class so they can obtain the information needed for the course.

In contrast, when a slideshow is provided for the lecture, it is easy to fall into the habit of not paying attention to the lecture because all the notes are already written. This passive way of learning can be a large detriment to students’ learning if they do not interact with the content of the course through other active methods. Having to craft their own notes from a spoken lecture forces students to be more engaged in class and actively interact with the material.

While some might say that having to sit and listen to a professor lecture for 50 minutes is also a passive way to learn, it is more active and engaging than scrolling through a slideshow premade by the professor.  Students might think that this old-school teaching is, well, a little old-school. However, the old-school teaching methods applied by some professors can help students interact with the material in a different, more active way than if they have a professor who utilizes new teaching methods in their class.

Although it might seem a little retro, every student should be able to experience old-school teaching styles in their academic career. While every person has their own style of learning and engaging with the material, having a professor who utilizes old-school teaching styles can give students a new appreciation for the college experience before slideshows and Canvas.

Reach Hana Pavelko at letters @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY MADELYN HENDRICKS THE COLLEGIAN

FILLED WITH DREAD?

Don’t wish your life away with existentialism

By Emma Souza @_emmasouza

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board.

What is more human than fearing something inevitable?

That’s the question I’ve been asking myself whenever I panic over getting older. Why am I scared to die if it happens to everyone? I’m nowhere near close to the end of my life — I’m not even halfway — but it’s something that I think about all the time.

To preface this, I know that I’m not very serious in a lot of my columns, which I think is mostly a good thing. I want to make other people laugh — myself even more. But I’m compelled to write this now because sometimes we need a reminder that we’re not alone in our thoughts.

I love my dying dog. At 15 years of age, she limps about my family’s kitchen in perpetual heart failure. We stopped giving her the heart medication because she shat herself for three days straight, so much so

that her white fur turned brown. I joke about her with my friends all the time: “Lucy’s still ticking!” or “God’s little miracle!” And it’s all lighthearted, sure, but that’s only to mask how I actually feel.

“Today is only a fleeting moment before it becomes yesterday. Don’t wish your todays into yesterdays.”

Do dogs know when they’re about to die? Because every time my dad comes home, it’s like “God’s little miracle” will exist forever. She skitters around like a puppy again, and I feel like an asshole for

thinking her time was up. Does she know how unlucky dog years are? Does she know and just not care?

I have all the time in the world to live compared to Lucy, and I think about my faraway death more than she thinks about her imminent one. What does that say about me?

I also think about Central Park and its benches. There are thousands of them. On almost every bench, there’s a plaque, and on almost every plaque, there’s a dedication. Thousands of eternally memorialized names, stories and

relationships — decades of lives — summarized into a handful of letters on a bench. It’s a sad display of grief but a beautiful display of love — these people will always live far beyond their life spans with their names in our minds and on our lips. They are remembered by us even though we didn’t know them at all.

I used to look at future milestones — high school graduation, college — and mourn their completion before I even completed them. I thought that once they happened, I would be one milestone closer to dying, one milestone closer to having none at all. Life was a list of checkboxes, except I only wanted to prolong completion, just so I could exist in a limbo between progression and stagnation.

This way of thinking sucked the joy out of extremely joyful events. Instantly after they finished, after a monumental and irrefutably exciting part of my life, I would feel overwhelming anxiety with that part of my life ending. I couldn’t enjoy growing up because I feared growing old.

Even now, whenever I get too ahead of myself — lost in planning and future events, saying, “I wish it was next week,” or even, “I wish next

week never came” — I think about something one of my close friends says all the time: “Do not wish your life away.”

And she’s right. I was wishing my life away. I was so focused on trying to pause time, speed it up or change it in unchangeable ways to distract myself from an inevitable end. I was spending my time wishing life could move differently, that it could change differently, instead of existing in my time as it passed.

Death still scares me, of course, but it’s different now. I look at Lucy, who’s so old and still wakes up every morning looking at the world like it’s young. I remember the benches in Central Park displaying people who are long gone but spoken into existence every day. Even in stark moments where death’s existence is so evident, love fights to be seen.

I’m still working toward a better acceptance of life’s expiration, but I know that it starts with not wishing my days away. For decades more, there will be a tomorrow. But today is only a fleeting moment before it becomes yesterday. Don’t wish your todays into yesterdays.

Reach Emma Souza at letters @collegian.com.

GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATION BY TRIN BONNER THE COLLEGIAN

Sudoku

WEEKLY HOROSCOPE

By Abby Flores

TODAY’S BIRTHDAY (04/25/24)

ARIES (MARCH 21 - APRIL 19)

Tarot card: Temperance

As the sun warms us up, you feel excited to go outside with your friends and have adventures. Getting the Temperance card shows how much you can’t wait for the fun to begin. You need it after such a long winter.

TAURUS (APRIL 20 - MAY 20)

Tarot card: The Lovers

Happy birthday, Taurus! Spring is here, and you are blooming in your career more than ever before. A new romantic interest may enter your life this week to help you relax after months of strenuous work. If you are already in a relationship, this will be a good time to get to know them even more.

GEMINI (MAY 21 - JUNE 20)

Tarot card: The Chariot New business opportunities have been falling on your lap. Now is your chance to take them and go further with the creative projects you’ve been working on. You’re someone very versatile, so be open to trying new things at this time.

Last edition’s sudoku solution

Last edition’s crossword solution

You never know what could come out of it.

CANCER (JUNE 21 - JULY 22)

Tarot card: The Emperor  The universe is sending happiness and abundance your way, Cancer. You’ve been successful at achieving all your goals this April and have been building up skills in various hobbies. Doing creative work is something important for your soul, so keep going.

LEO (JULY 23 - AUG. 22)

Tarot card: Strength

You will have the strength to finish this semester strong, Leo. I understand school can get tiring, but soon, you’ll be able to enjoy the things you want to do. Keep working hard because the universe has rewards in store for you.

VIRGO (AUG. 23 - SEPT. 22)

Tarot card: The Star

You are learning about yourself by doing health routines and realigning your energy through shadow work. Your manifestations will come true when you clear your mind of any negative thoughts.

LIBRA (SEPT. 23 - OCT. 22)

Tarot card: The Hanged Man

You will be focused on your finances this week, Libra. The pros of this are you may receive a large amount of money for your work, but the cons are you may need to pay off some things you forgot about. Whatever the case, make sure to keep track of your finances carefully.

SCORPIO (OCT. 23 - NOV. 21)

Tarot card: The Hierophant

The Pink Moon will be in your sign April 23. You may be celebrating something special soon because you took the time to focus on yourself and your career this winter. The

summer has a lot in store for you, and you’re going to start seeing the fruits of your labor.

SAGITTARIUS (NOV. 22 - DEC. 21)

Tarot card: The Fool

You tend to have restless energy, but the universe has been pushing you to rest more in the coming weeks. Enjoy the sun while it’s out, and consider adding more steps to your self-care routine if you haven’t already.

CAPRICORN (DEC. 22 - JAN. 19)

Tarot card: Ace of Wands

As Mercury exits retrograde, you are being served new opportunities for personal and professional prosperity. However, you may be facing a mental block due to some sort of interpersonal conflict. You may find that you need to boot someone who isn’t adding to your life, so raise your standards and enjoy the good moments this week.

AQUARIUS (JAN. 20 - FEB. 18)

Tarot card: Wheel of Fortune

If the universe has been giving you challenges as of late, keep pushing through. You’re on your way to accomplishing amazing things and have been doing well with following your path. Your intuition is particularly high right now, so you could be drawn to doing spiritual work.

PISCES (FEB. 19 - MARCH 20)

Tarot card: The Moon

You are very connected to the moon and will find closure you need in a certain situation. When the Pink Moon happens, reflect how you feel, and you’ll soon find answers that have been within you all along.

OVERHEARD AROUND CAMPUS

“I’m

NOPE DOPE

Have you overheard something funny on campus? Put your eavesdropping to good use. Tweet us @CSUCollegian and your submissions could be featured in our next paper!