The 6420-Summer 2018 by Rose State Media Group

The 6420

Letter from the Editor

Front Page Photo

Congratulations to all 2018 graduates!

This second edition of our magazine signifies the beginning of the summer season, but it also represents the final publication for many of our staff members here at The 6420.

My journey with the student publication has been invaluable with knowledge gained, but most importantly with friendships. Through the long press days and meetings, we have learned, laughed and enjoyed time together.

Thank you to all of you for helping this publication become better and for making my time here memorable. I will miss you all, and though I wish we could have more time as a staff together, I know it is time for you all to move forward in life and pursue your career goals. I wish you all the best in your future endeavors.

Our door is always open to you.

Michelle Rojano, Editor-in-Chief & Graphic Designer michelle-rojano@raider.rose.edu

Adviser

A Rose State journalism graduate, Professor Darcy Delaney received a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communication, with a minor in sociology, as well as a master’s degree in JMC from Gaylord College at the University of Oklahoma. She has experience in a number of mediums and served as the public relations specialist and technical writer for a software company prior to her working at Rose.

Darcy Delaney, Professor of Mass Communication and Adviser to the 15th Street News and The 6420 ddelaneyrose.edu

Letters to the Editor

The 15th Street News and The 6420 welcomes and encourages letters to the editor. Letters should be a maximum of 300 words and are subject to editing for obscenity, clarity and space. Submissions must include name, major and phone number. 15th Street News reserves the right to not publish submitted letters. Letters to the editor may be hand-delivered to FA110. Policies

The 15th Street News is published monthly and The 6420 is quarterly as designated public forum. Student editors have the authority to make all content decisions without censorship or advance approval. Columns, commentaries and letters to the editor are personal opinions of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the views of our publications or other students, faculty or administrators of the college.

Anyone having a complaint may contact the Editor-in-Chief, 733-7400.

15th Street News is a member of OCMA, OPA, ACP, Great Plains Journalism Association, and the Society of Professional Journalists. This publication is printed by Mercury Press, issued by RSC and authorized by the Adviser of Student Publications.

RSC is in compliance with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, Executive Order 11246, as amended, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and other federal laws and regulations does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability, sexual orientation or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

This includes, but is not limited to, admissions, employment, financial aid and educational services.

Cover photo by Bailey Bussell Model: Zoë Wright

Meet the Staff

Mina Onar

Assistant Editor neslihanmina-onar@raider.rose.edu

Payton Hayes

Online Editor payton-hayes@raider.rose.edu

Bailey Bussell

Multimedia Editor bailey-bussell@raider.rose.edu

Emily Siddiqui News Editor

emily-siddiqui@raider.rose.edu

Brayden Conover

Advertising Director & Sports Writer

brayden-conover@raider.rose.edu

Danny Fritts Sports Editor

daniel-fritts@raider.rose.edu

JaNae Williams

Circulation Manager & Art Director janae-williams@raider.rose.edu

Kat Tabak

Features Editor

kathleen-tabak@raider.rose.edu

Haley Humphrey

Social Media Coordinator

haley-humphrey@raider.rose.edu

Real Talk

“What are your plans for summer?”

Jaden Dunn, Psychology

“Just work and go visit family in Mississippi.”

Brianna Blackledge, Dental Hygiene

“I have to take summer school; I just want to get it done.”

Matthew Sellon, English

“I want to start a book that I’ve been thinking about and experiment with veganism.”

Karina George, Respiratory Therapist

“I’m actually taking summer classes here, physiology and CPR.”

Michael Palacios, Mathematics and Engineering

“Probably go to Florida until the fall semester.”

High-Wire Act: The Circus of Balancing Work and School

With the cost of attending college continuing to rise and financial aid not always a reliable option, more and more students are taking on full-time jobs while being enrolled. For many, part-time employment simply does not provide enough income to fund a college education.

When students decide to pursue higher education, they are faced with the task of paying for tuition, books, fees and sometimes room and board along with other bills. With the federal minimum wage stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009, part-time employment, like many held in previous decades, does not cover the cost of living and education combined.

This lack of sufficient funding leads many students to the decision to work full-time at their jobs, while also enrolling in full-time coursework of 12 credit hours or more.

Being a full-time student or working full-time alone can be stressful, and when the two are combined, finding the balance between work and school can be a struggle.

Students looking for ways to avoid a sense of being overwhelmed can follow a few simple tips.

Plan Everything: Get a planner or find an app that works as a personal assistant and put everything down in writing. Having everything laid out can put things into perspective and help in staying on task. Taking advantage of the calendar app on most smartphones can help. Many of them include prioritizing tasks, event reminders and even the ability to invite others to the event/task. This can be especially helpful when it comes to group projects. Know the

Value of Your

Education: Choosing to pursue an education is an investment in your future. Students should value that and look for an employer who does the same. Working for a company that places value in its employees and their desire to better themselves means they are more likely to be supportive and flexible regarding an employee’s needs as a student.

Prioritize for Success: If students know they need to spend more time on certain classes, then they have to plan to do so. Some classes will come much more easily than others; by getting the easiest assignments out of the

Story and photo illustration by JaNae Williams • Photo by Bailey Bussell

way quickly, students can devote more quality time to more challenging tasks on their plates.

Time Management is Key: Staying on task can be difficult, and knowing deadlines are in the middle of the semester makes it easy to procrastinate on assignments. Inevitably, six more assignments, a paper, three midterms and the party of the semester will all come up at the same time, leaving students stressed. Many resort to pulling all-nighters and missing out on any semblance of a social life because they failed to complete their assignments ahead of time when they had the chance.

Accept Imperfection: Those who find themselves putting excessive pressure on themselves to be perfect may need to take a step back and re-evaluate their expectations. While wanting to achieve at a high level is admirable, obtainable and encouraged, adding to already high stress levels by expecting perfection is unrealistic. No student will be perfect 100 percent of the time. Accepting this and focusing instead on doing the best they can while maintaining adequate emotional, mental and physical health is a student’s best option for success. If a student needs help

academically, Rose State offers tutoring at no cost through the Tutoring Center located in the Learning Resources Center.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: The level of stress that comes with walking the line between student and employee can begin to build up quickly. When stress leads to feelings of panic and increased anxiety levels, students should be aware of changes to their mental and emotional state and be willing to talk about them. Counseling and referral services like those offered through the Rose State Office of Special Services can provide a valuable outlet for students needing guidance.

Managing life as a full-time student with a full-time job is difficult, but not impossible. Students need only prepare themselves for the demands of that particular lifestyle. With proper planning, utilization of available resources and a solid support system, students who find themselves working their way through the university experience can find balance and achieve a rewarding and fulfilling educational journey. For more information on tutoring or counseling services at Rose State, visit the LRC or call 733-7370.

What’s in My Bag?

Story and photos by Mina Onar

For this issue’s “What’s in My Bag?,” we interviewed Rose State Dean of Humanities Claudia Buckmaster.

A book: The No. 1 thing I have in my purse is a book. I don’t go anywhere without a book. If I sit down somewhere I need to wait, I might look at my phone, but a book is much more important because I love to read.

Keys: Keys are very important.

Checks to deposit: I usually have some kind of a little check in here that I haven’t gotten to deposit.

Hairspray: Because we’re in Oklahoma.

Wallet: All my money and my credit cards [are] in it.

Checkbook: I rarely use it anymore, but it’s in there.

Hairbrush: I tie a little hair tie on it if I have to pull my hair back now that it is longer.

In my side pocket I have:

• Eye drops

• Ibuprofen

• Vaseline

• Dental floss

In other words, all the things that keep you going during the day. In the other pocket I have my hand sanitizer. My purse is very uninteresting, full of the essentials. I try to keep my purse organized.

What would you do if you did not have one of your essentials with you in an emergency situation? If I don’t have my book, I immediately start looking around for something else to read even if it is a magazine or an old newspaper. If I’m sitting, I have been known to read over the shoulders of other people or even to read upside down ... I’m slow. I’m not really fast reading upside down, but I can.

Mexican Ceviche Sunshine Snacks and Sips

Ingredients:

• 3 lbs. raw tilapia fillets, thawed

• 2 lbs. cooked shrimp

• 16 fl. oz. lime juice

• 6 tomatoes, diced

• 4 serrano peppers, finely chopped

• 1 white onion, diced

• 1 cup finely chopped cilantro

• 24 fl. oz. vegetable juice (V8)

• 16 fl. oz. tomato and clam juice mix (Clamato)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Dice tilapia fillets and shrimp into equal-size cubes and set aside tilapia in a separate bowl. Marinate raw tilapia in lime juice for at least 30 minutes. Dice cilantro, serrano peppers, onion and tomato and set aside. Add salt and pepper to the marinated tilapia.

Combine shrimp, cilantro, serrano peppers, tomatoes and onion with marinated tilapia. Refrigerate at least two hours before serving. Garnish with cilantro and serve with tortilla chips. Makes 6-8 servings.

Recipes by Yesenia Gonzalez and JaNae Williams • Photos by JaNae Williams

Summer Berry Lemonade

Ingredients:

• 4 cups fresh strawberries, halved

• 1 cups fresh blackberries

• 1 cup lemon juice

• 1/2 cup sugar

• Ice

• Water

• For garnish (optional):

• Lemon, sliced in rounds

• Strawberries & blackberries

• Mint leaves

**For a fun summer cocktail, just replace 1-2 cups of water with vodka, coconut rum, peach schnapps or gin.**

Directions:

Add berries to blender with 1 cup of water and blend until smooth. Strain through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. In a jar, combine sugar and 1/2 cup water. Shake until dissolved.

Mix berry juice, lemon juice and 3/4 of sugar mixture in a pitcher. Fill pitcher halfway with ice and add 4-5 cups of water. Stir. Add lemon juice and sugar to taste. Serve over ice with berries, lemon and mint to garnish.

May 3 Remembered

Story by Brayden Conover • Photos from the 15th Street News’ archives

Storm season in Oklahoma is as unique to the state as the Sooner Schooner and Pistol Pete. Although many Oklahomans brave the storms and even look forward to storm season, very few like to see the destruction that Mother Nature too often leaves behind. This state has seen its fair share of destruction, but for each tale of destruction and death rise two more tales of heroism, bravery and love for thy neighbor. Whether it’s April 9, 1947, May 3, 1999 or the outbreaks of May 20 and 31 of 2013, there’s a date tied to many Oklahomans that will haunt them for the rest of their lives.

Steve Carano has helped Oklahomans through some of their toughest days. The former broadcast weatherman for KFOR and KOCO is a professor of Earth Sciences at Rose State. Carano has served Oklahomans

for more than 20 years. He’s seen the worst that both Mother Nature and man have to offer, but out of those tragedies, he’s seen the best in people. From working in the makeshift morgue at the Murrah bombing to keeping us safe during storm season, Carano has been there for Oklahomans.

On May 3, 1999, Carano was storm chasing for KFOR News Channel 4 when the outbreak of the tornadoes occurred. He was relaying information to Meteorologist Mike Morgan and the public as the F5 tore its path from Altus all the way up the H.E. Bailey Turnpike. When Carano and his videographer arrived just northeast of Asher, the tornado was so strong that it blew the back window out of his chase vehicle. It was not until later that Oklahomans would learn these storms brought the

highest wind speeds ever recorded.

“David [Payne] didn’t take damage and he was three car lengths ahead of me,” Carano said. “At that point we knew it was going to be bad, bad, bad.”

Carano and Payne kept eyes on the twister as it headed toward the metro. Carano stayed on a northward track to intercept one of the 72 tornadoes that ripped across the state in a 48-hour time frame. Payne followed the storm as it tore through Del City, Midwest City and Rose State. The tornado Carano chased was near Mulhall and Piedmont. It was dark and power was out all over the city. Carano and his videographer were driving on fumes.

“You forget that you need electricity to pump gas,” Carano said.

He pulled up to a farmhouse as the storm grew close. If no one answered the door, they would break a window and seek shelter in the house as the storm passed, instead of riding it out in his chase vehicle. Fortunately for Carano, someone did answer. An elderly woman answered the door and Carano explained who he was and that he needed gas. The woman proceeded to notify her husband.

“I thought it was kind of weird that she opened the door if her husband was home,” explained Carano. “Usually the husband answers the door if there’s strangers on the porch.”

Carano asked the man if he had any unleaded gas. To his surprise, the man had 15 gallons in his barn used for his tractor.

“I saw that as my guardian angel,” Carano said.

Most farmers don’t have unleaded gas, as most farm equipment takes diesel fuel. The fact that Carano pulled up to a random farmhouse in the middle of nowhere, that had enough fuel to get himself and his videographer home, astounds Carano still to this day.

This story exemplifies the Oklahoma standard. When

strangers are in need, those who are able to help do just that.

“I couldn’t tell you where I was … I’ve tried to go back and find that house but I can’t find it,” Carano stated.

He pulled back into the Channel 4 parking lot around 2 or 3 a.m. because of the debris, road closures and lights out everywhere. He got his footage to the newsroom and debriefed with Morgan and the rest of the storm team.

Once he was home, Carano could not sleep. He was running on pure adrenaline and emotion from the past 12 or more hours and could not seem to shake the images from his mind. Just as he might have started to wind down, it was time to head right back out as another wave of severe weather set its sights on the OKC metro.

“I didn’t sleep for at least 36 hours,” Carano said.

May 3, 1999 is a day most Oklahomans know and those who were old enough will never forget. Carano said it will never leave his mind.

“I still have flashbacks when I go down there,” he said when asked what it’s like today, seeing the towns that were in the twister’s ravaging path. In fact, the tornado bothers him more than the Murrah bombing. Carano worked in the makeshift morgue and helped with communications on April 19, 1995.

“We could hold someone accountable for what happened in Oklahoma City. We can’t put a killer tornado on trial and give it the death penalty,” he said.

Carano has dedicated his life to making sure people are safe, while putting himself in harm’s way. By doing so, he has been a personification of the Oklahoman standard. Carano has kept Oklahomans safe for more than 20 years. Although he no longer chases for a news station, he is teaching his students how to become the next generation of Oklahomans to inform and protect the public from Mother Nature’s fury.

The Era of Feminism in Fashion

Story by Haley Humphrey • Photos by Bailey Bussell

Fashion keeps people on their toes. Everyone wants to know what is next. Critically acclaimed designers like Karl Lagerfeld, Oscar de la Renta and Alexander McQueen develop magnificent creations that leave people’s jaws on the floor. These fashion houses not only have one-of-a-kind ideas, they also embrace cultural awareness.

One of the biggest cultural commentaries has revolved around feminism. With the eruption of women’s marches tied to Trump’s presidency and the push for gender equality, feminism has fiercely walked the runway. One of the most prominent trends that fashion bloggers and journalists noticed is the pink knit Pussyhat.

These garments swept the U.S. in a wave of pink in 2016. It all began, according to the Pussyhat Project website, with Jayna Zweiman, an artist and design architect who took up the hobby of knitting in her time of recuperation from a serious injury. Zweiman recruited screenwriter Krista Suh to accompany her in a knitting class at the Little Knittery, a yarn store in Los Angeles. The two women bonded over their views on women’s rights and the march that was to take place in Washington, D.C., in January 2017. Though Zweiman would not be able to attend the march, she still wanted her voice to be heard. Meanwhile, Suh wanted a hat to keep her head warm during the trek through D.C.’s streets. Boom.

Zweiman and Suh devised their plan to create a pink hat that was symbolic of women’s rights, whether a person could walk in the march or not. Its significance quickly had the Little Knittery owner, Kat Coyle, jumping onboard with a design pattern functional for all people.

“The name Pussyhat was chosen in part as a protest

against vulgar comments Donald Trump made about the freedom he felt to grab women’s genitals, [as well as] to de-stigmatize the word ‘pussy’ and transform it into one of empowerment and to highlight the design of the hat’s ‘pussycat ears,’” according to the Pussyhat Project.

The project was launched. The Pussyhat reached thousands of homes, proudly worn by the marchers—and the feminist voice reverberated through America. The women’s rights success signaled its strength in one fashion statement, in one pink hat.

Soon, other designers’ models embodied the feminist power on the runway. Dior gained inspiration from Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, a feminist and author of the a compelling essay titled “We Should All Be Feminists.”

This phrase became the slogan printed on white T-shirts created by artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Many other designers hopped on the mambo line of T-shirts with phrases like “Full-Time Feminist” and “The Future is Female.” Simple clothing articles were gaining momentum, reaching unstoppable speed.

The marches continued across the country through the beginning of 2018. However, the protesters voiced strong feminist views addressing a plethora of concerns, not just traditional women’s rights. One of these views, intersectional feminism, states the liberation of women is tied to the liberation of all, so while some marched only against the Trump administration, intersectional feminists marched for the liberation of the LGBTQ community, people of color and those of lower socioeconomic status.

In addition, many people are worried about the quality of employment for women.

In a society filled with judgment, many women have a

difficult time expressing themselves comfortably. Having to worry about the quality of their jobs, a significant part of their lives, is cumbersome. Most people forget that the fashion designers of the world are subliminally addressing this. They are giving the women of the world the tools they need to express their power, to be seen and heard in any workplace environment.

A huge aspect of first impressions is what a person wears. Each time someone walks into a room, they are making a statement about who they are and how they want people to remember them.

Kyle Tony Tahkeal, creative director of his fashion line Tony Tahkeal, understands the importance of first impressions. An Oklahoma native, Tahkeal traveled to Seattle, where he completed his fashion education at the New York Fashion Academy. Tahkeal worked in visual merchandising for five years and has been a fashion designer for three years. He noted how crucial self-expression is.

“I have always seen fashion as an expression of your personality,” Tahkeal said. “Fashion was sort of my icebreaker with people. So, I decided I wanted to design clothes that not only show my creativity and personality as a designer, but maybe I can help people express themselves as well.”

Tahkeal lives by the motto: “If you look good, you feel good.” He said women of all colors, shapes and sizes can embrace their look and pull off high-fashion products. Self-confidence is a key element in any fashion situation and throughout life, which is why feminism is important to designers like Tahkeal.

New designs that encompass bold, sophisticated and sexy looks are on the horizon. Tahkeal cannot wait to share his new collection with the world.

“I am hoping that I can empower and inspire women to take charge of their lives with my designs and really live their best life,” Tahkeal said.

People across the world can watch the feminist movement expand through fashion—a political array of colorful fabrics stitched together to signify one universal declaration: Strength. There is strength in numbers. The band of feminist followers is not exclusive to women. The more people involved to recognize women’s rights, the merrier unity will be.

This is not to say the inherent disadvantages and challenges women face bar them from enjoying work. Many enjoy their place of work and are members of all-women colleague groups.

For instance, The Collective, an all-women working space, was established in OKC in June 2016. The project is marketed largely through various Instagram accounts, which spread information about businesses holding events at The Collective, such as Crafting & Cocktails and Cookies by Sydnie.

Alyssa Loveless, The Village housing director at Rose State, has been to The Collective a few times for hand-lettering classes, open paint nights and cookie decorating

classes.

“[The Collective has a] very welcoming, encouraging [and] supportive women vibe. The décor is fun and modern, there’s always good music playing and it’s an opportunity to meet other ladies,” Loveless said.

The establishment has 30 members and counting, according to Amber Klunzinger, owner of The Collective. She said the members range from “attorneys to makeup artists, business coaches to graphic designers.”

Klunzinger created the space when she was working independently, fresh from the corporate world. She explained how she felt isolated; the need for a women’s community weighed on her mind.

“I saw a need for women to come together to support one another in both personal and professional capacities as well as a convenient and peaceful place to work,” Klunzinger said.

The Collective sprouted from this idea. The design elements that Loveless observed coincided with how Klunzinger envisioned her dream home office: bright and airy, comforting, yet professional. This atmosphere plays a role in how the women of the group support each other through good times and hardships.

Klunzinger claimed she has received waves of positive feedback from the surrounding community, despite consistently being asked about feminism in her line of work.

“I have a brother. I was always the girl with the guy friends. My natural bent was away from any ‘women’s’ type of event or club,” Klunzinger said, sharing her outlook on feminism. “My greatest mentors, challengers [and] cheerleaders in my life have been men. I opened a female-only space because I felt called to do so. I had a lack of strong female supportive relationships in my life and I saw that all around me. So, I made a place where they could happencommunity over competition - and by the grace of God it has turned into a beautiful thing.”

Most all-women organizations are not built on opposing the male sex. Klunzinger discussed how she has been dismissed more by women than she has by men. Her goal was to never shun the male population, but rather to form a unifying area for women to build each other up. In her eyes, the men present in her life could be classified as feminists, though they may not categorize themselves that way.

The owner takes humble pride in what she has structured with the help from both sexes.

Klunzinger also does not take for granted the role that fashion plays in The Collective. She explained how the signature article of clothing that best represents her organization is a pair of distressed jeans. Klunzinger appreciates the freedom from a strict dress code at The Collective.

“The freedom to not only wear what we want to our jobs, but to be the ones who pick what that job actually looks like is something I try not to take for granted. Whether that is owning your own company or chasing after kiddos or a 9-to-5 or anything in between ...We have the power to make it happen,” Klunzinger concluded.

Fashion Through The Ages

Story by Yesenia Gonzalez

Clothing styles are woven into the fabric of society. Fashion trends throughout the ages convey demographics such as social class and marital status. A simple cotton house dress indicated a woman of humble bearings, whereas an elegant evening gown showed that a woman had no need to work and could afford to dress expensively. Garments labeled their wearers.

The Tudor Period boasts an extensive timeline, between the 15th and 17th centuries, characterized by royalty’s elaborate gowns for women and extravagant coats for men. The classic late 19th and early 20th century Victorian Era is widely remembered for its constrictive corsets and waistcoats for women and men, respectively. The short-lived Edwardian Era, lasting nearly as long as the duration of World War I and overlapping the end of the Victorian Era, promoted slim-fitted dresses without corsets; upper-class men wore slim-fitted suits with elegant hats. The Industrial Revolution in the 18th and 19th centuries mechanized the process of making clothing into a cost-effective, time-efficient task and the common citizen could afford a more extensive wardrobe. Inventions like the sewing machine and the spinning jenny, a machine that wove multiple spindles

of thread at once to make textiles, came about during the Industrial Revolution. Workers, often female, were needed to operate machines at textile mills, which eventually progressed to more fashion changes.

Hairstyles and Hemlines Shorten Over Time

Women began wearing their hair up or in shorter styles during and after World War I, according to Michelle Brockmeier, professor of history at Rose State. Long, free-flowing hair, which was unfit in the dangerous textile mills and military supply factories where long hair could get caught in the machines, was a sign of girlhood. When a woman reached marrying age, she would pin her hair up, signifying the end of her youth. The working-class woman became synonymous with her pinned-up hair. Bobbed hair soon after became a sought-after style for its convenience and hygiene among nurses and female industrial workers during World War I. The bobbed style became symbolic of the rebellious, free-spirited teenage girl in the 1920s. During the Roaring 20s, flapper dresses with intricate beadwork and fringe were popularized. From the early 1900s and onward, hemlines evolved to a shorter length.

Hollywood’s Impact on Fashion

Male fashion has also undergone its fair share of changes. Brockmeier recounted how the famous 1934 film, “It Happened One Night,” starring Clark Gable, nearly eliminated a notorious item in male fashion.

“[Clark Gable] almost single-handedly destroyed the undershirt business in America,” she said.

One of the scenes of the film shows Gable’s character taking off his shirt, revealing bare skin, sans undershirt. Men’s button-down shirts have been a wardrobe staple for centuries, but have experienced changes. Brockmeier explained shirt cuffs and collars became removable so that working-class men could avoid dirtying their shirts when working. Even the color of men’s shirts became a class symbol. The term “blue-collar worker” originated from the fabric color of choice for working-class citizens. Men who had high-paying professions had no need to dirty their shirts and wore white shirts to work, paving the way for the term “white-collar worker.” Clothing defined its wearer and revealed social class details, in a way few other everyday necessities could.

“Another thing we need to remember in [Western society] is our clothing is a reflection of our personality and also, not necessarily of class anymore,” Brockmeier said.

Although the working class in America inspired trends like denim fabric, popularized because of factory workers during World War II, and bobbed hair, for much of history, royalty and the wealthy set the standards in the fashion world. In Europe, which greatly influenced American fashion even after the American Revolution, Queen Victoria popularized the white wedding gown and large, lavish dresses. According to Brockmeier, movie stars Marlene Dietrich and Katharine Hepburn furthered the

notoriety of the bobbed haircut and caused a stir when they wore pants in public. Although dresses remained the garment of choice for most women in the early 1900s, it was not rare for some women to sport slacks.

“Actually, women started wearing pants, not necessarily denim pants, [wool slacks] and things like that, even as early as the 1910s,” Rose State Theatre costume designer Tamitha Zook said.

Other fashion icons include actress and humanitarian Audrey Hepburn, who made little black dresses—an unusual color choice seldom worn outside of funerals in the 1950s—iconic. Former first lady Jacqueline Kennedy’s simple, regal style drew international acclaim in the 1960s. Similarly, Princess Diana became a fashion icon in the 1980s, perhaps Europe’s response to Kennedy.

Men’s wardrobes were also influenced by innovators and popular trends. Zook said she enjoys the difficult-to-work-with but beautiful textiles of the Tudor period. During that time, waistcoats were a common accessory for men’s coats. However, English fashion designer Beau Brummell invented the traditional three-piece suit for men that did not include the heavy waistcoat. Another staple during the Tudor period was a pouch mechanism to enlarge the appearance of men’s genitals under their pants, known as a “codpiece,” which King Henry VIII popularized.

Whether an intricate ball gown or a modest cotton dress, for centuries fashion has denoted the social status of wearers. Technological advances paved the way for mass-produced clothing, which gave people an accessible mark of individuality. Fashion through the ages has changed in response to social and economic factors for both men and women.

An Era of Change

Young People Rise in Waves of Activism

Story by Kaitlyn Burden

The events that occurred in Parkland, Florida will go down as a historic tragedy that changed the perspectives of young people everywhere. After the devastating school shooting, the students of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School decided to take action. In just five weeks, they managed to organize and pull off an impactful protest that resonated across the country. Students and supporters gathered March 24 in cities across the nation to protest gun violence in schools in the “March for Our Lives.” Members of Generation Z used social media platforms to spread their values and ideals about their outlook on the world, which is why many in this generation are labeling themselves as the “Generation of Change.”

Despite many criticisms from Second Amendment advocates, it is clear Generation Z is making an effort to keep gun violence out of schools.

Kailey Kelpine, Rose State Student Senate president, spent her spring break at the protest in San Francisco to support the fight against gun violence. Kelpine described the experience as “truly liberating.”

“The energy around the Civic Center felt powerful; it felt like in that moment we could accomplish anything

if we stood and fought together,” Kelpine added. “As a student, I felt empowered and convinced that our generation isn’t going to sit back and wait for change to happen. We’re gonna fight for it.”

Kelpine recalled getting chills when one of the speakers, Dylan Dodson, a sixth-grade student with a passion for this protest, gave a compelling speech about this generation’s persistence for change. According to Kelpine, Dodson spoke to the crowd with veracity about gun violence and her own personal experiences.

In a video Kelpine shared, Dodson looked to the crowd and said, “We refuse to be passive witnesses of history. We’re change-makers and we won’t sit and wait until we’re old enough to vote. That is why we are here today. We are motivated, we are ready and we can make a difference.”

Kelpine expressed her admiration for the bravery Dodson possessed in order to share her opinions publicly at such a young age. Kelpine says she was especially moved when Dodson said the following:

“To our generation: Your presence here today is an important step in this movement. History has its eyes on us, so we cannot stop here.”

Reflections

The past century has been one of unprecedented technological and sociological change for the world. What has it been like to live through it? “Reflections” is a new series featuring the stories and thoughts of those who have experienced much in their lifetimes.

We asked community member Earline Carpenter, who was born in 1919, to share some of her perspectives on culture and society in America, particularly Oklahoma, as well as a handful of life tips.

The “Good Times” Carpenter has lived in Oklahoma all of her 98-plus years, serving as an active member of her community and country for decades. Currently, she associates with the Jones Oklahoma Historical Society. She remembers traveling the country, fighting for the Equal Rights Amendment, and some of her favorite times were those spent on the road with friends.

You just didn’t have any worries of any kind, you know.

Growing Up: Then Vs. Now

I think it’s a terrible time for kids to grow up. But when I was a kid, they were hungry; some of my schoolmates I knew were hungry. I have a picture of when I was in the second grade, and in it there are these little kids with dirty old overalls and no shoes. That was a pretty hard time too. Mostly farmers lived around here, but still a

lot of them were hungry.

And of course, there was so much hatred for Negroes. It was terrible how they treated them. We had a Negro woman, Maggie, to do our laundry and clean the chicken house and make the garden. She’d laugh at my jokes. I’d work with her, out cleaning the chicken houses … I guess I’d talk to her all the time. I’d come home from school for lunch, and we had a table that came down from the wall, and we’d eat there for lunch, and the Negro woman was supposed to eat by herself. As a kid I thought, “What’s the matter, why can’t she eat [with us]?” One day, Maggie spoke up to my mother and stepfather and said, “I just wantin’ to tell you, that my skin may be black, but my innards is just like yours, and my chillens get hungry, and I do, too.” I don’t know how old I was, but I remembered that. I was very young, but I remembered that, because I really loved her. She’d walk home, even

though our darned cars could’ve taken her home, but they didn’t. That was the bad part of growing up back then. And that’s what stuck with me as I got older; I knew I wasn’t gonna do anything like that.

The problem for kids now is gangs. These days, kids have nothing to do. I had a great-grandson that was killed in Cushing, just two years ago, by a gang. And our social agencies just don’t have enough people. We need those hungry kids fed. That’s what’s so awful, to think that we talk about helping overseas, when we should be taking care of the kids here … of course I feel sorry for those overseas, too.

What seems to stay the same in society throughout the decades?

I can’t understand why … but racism. It seems like we still can’t keep from having segregation. Even some schools are getting back to where they’re all black or all white again. There is still economic [disparity].

Story and photo by Emily Siddiqui

Women’s Rights: What has changed?

Women are still treated as second-class citizens. That’s why I quit the Catholic Church ... We finally got up on the altar, and we could read the epistle, but that’s all we could do. We couldn’t dispense the eucharist or anything. Nuns have to take orders from the pope … and I think the nuns are the ones who convert more people than anyone else.

Thoughts on Religion

Prayer, of course, is the biggest thing to me. And faith—that’s why you don’t have to have faith in man. I think it’s wonderful, really. The point of the Bible and Christ, to me, was love. That’s what I think … that there’s somebody that’s higher. I believe there is a God. I couldn’t do without the grace that he gives me.

You never think about what all he’s given you. You sometimes forget God, and you’re onto something that you’ve made a god out of, if you’re not careful. You forget what all you ask for, and I try not to do that. I try to be grateful for what I get.

What is the most amazing thing you’ve seen happen in your life?

Carpenter explained the advancement of modern technology has gone beyond anything she had imagined, and that it has changed education for the better.

That amazes me. It seems like there’s something for everybody that wants to know something. And if you don’t know it, you might learn it faster. That’s another thing, students learn so much faster, and I think they ought to be promoted and out of [school] if they’re 15 or 14 or whatever, you know. I think it’s great for our youth … and it doesn’t depend on a darned old textbook! I don’t know about textbooks … but thank God I had ‘em! And I didn’t have too many … We had world books. We just took what they had in it, and that was it.

ern technology, what was better about life before smartphones, computers, etc.?

We had more community, I think. You knew your neighbor. When you were in trouble, everybody helped and was concerned. There was more love … and of course, I think times got a lot better, and that helped everything.

Carpenter said she doesn’t know how to use a computer, but plans on getting one.

I’d like to write to my legislators, or text

‘84. I don’t know yet how I’ve come to be so fortunate, but I do know I have to have exercise … water and exercise. I don’t take any medicine. I love to have fun and I like to be around people. [Being] social has kept me going, you know. And I love to do things like volunteer work. I think I’ve sat on, I don’t know how many boards … And I had my nose in everything, as they say, “nosy.” I got that reputation for a while. She laughed.

Is there something you haven’t done but want to do?

them.

I ought to take my typewriter down to the museum and let people see it … They may not know what it is, she said jokingly. Health and Wellness

Despite all the benefits of mod -

I exercise when I get up in the morning. I’ve been a member of the YMCA since

That’s what I say, “Been there, done that.” I never have gone abroad, except I’ve been in Mexico and I’ve been in Canada.

Carpenter remembers traveling to Canada as a child during prohibition, riding in her stepbrother’s car as he and his friends smuggled alcohol back across the border.

That was really exciting ... the guys all wanted to celebrate and drink, and boy they did. They had this big trunk in the back seat ... and under it they hid the liquor. My stepbrother said, “Don’t you say a darn word!” … I’ll never forget that. What do you think people should be spending more of their time on in life?

I think they should care about one another more. It just seems like love is the greatest thing you can do. And laughter, I think, helps so much. And I love music … but not this new crap! She laughed and imitated vocals of some of today’s popular music.

I just think [it’s] terrible, how kids strain their vocal chords.

Carpenter said one of the most important things to discuss is friendship.

I think friends give you security and peace. You can talk to ‘em and let go, and they tolerate you … so far they have [for me].

For exclusive content in the “Reflections” series, visit the6420.com.

Looking Beyond DACA Immigration in the U.S.

Story by JaNae Williams

While the deadline for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals is currently stalled by the federal court system, the future of all immigrants in the U.S., authorized and unauthorized, is facing challenges. Many from across the globe face uncertainty and hardship on their road to legal residency or citizenship.

DACA has been a heavily discussed issue since President Donald Trump decided to end the program in September 2017. DACA is a federal program that aimed to offer relief from deportation to those brought to the U.S. illegally during their childhood. Many recipients of DACA have no recollection of the country they come from, the cultures or even the languages spoken there. They have effectively lived their entire lives as residents of the U.S., but have done so without legal status. Through DACA, these young men and women are safeguarded from the risk of deportation and given authorization to be employed in the United States legally.

“Those thousands and thousands of Dreamers, who are out there now, trying to make a better life for themselves—they need to be protected,” said Democratic Rep. Scott Inman.

“Dreamer” is a term generally used to describe immigrants brought to the U.S., from Mexico and other Latin American countries, illegally as children and subject to DACA protection. However, a smaller percentage of DACA recipients also hail from Asia, Europe, the Caribbean and Africa.

Additionally, millions of other unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S. do not qualify for DACA because it only extends to those who were under the age of 31 as of June 15, 2012. Pew Research Center found that in 2015 the majority of immigrants in the U.S. were over the age of 34, which would make it likely that they would not be eligible for DACA. Further conditions also apply for qualification

under DACA, and those who do not meet them have a greater chance of facing deportation.

There are also the overstayers—immigrants who come to the U.S. through legitimate means, but overstay the limits of their visas. These people statistically make up a larger number of the overall immigrant population than illegal immigrants, with most of them hailing from Canada, Europe and Asia.

Tony Torres, a nurse living in Brooklyn, explained that one of his friends from France has overstayed his visa.

“I think he is way less likely to be harassed or questioned about his citizenship solely on the basis of skin color and accent, but just like [other immigrants] he is as illegal as they get,” Torres said.

Unauthorized immigration is not the only part of the system with problems under scrutiny. Obtaining citizenship in the U.S. is an extensive process, requiring applicants to have knowledge of U.S. history, go through an interview and have lived at least three years as a permanent resident. In addition, those wishing to obtain citizenship must exhibit the ability to read, write and speak English, despite the U.S. having no federally recognized official language. These are only a sampling of the requirements for citizenship in the United States, and they typically only apply to those holding authorized legal statuses.

“The process is broken; there’s too much red tape. It takes too long for people to navigate the process, [so] we need to streamline that and make that more efficient,” Inman said.

Time and money are further concerns for those looking to gain citizenship or legal residency in the U.S. Filing for residency and citizenship can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars and it may take years for the entire process to be completed.

Can Onar was born in the U.S. to Turkish parents work -

ing here legally at the time of his birth. Onar moved back to the U.S. in 2013 after completing culinary school in Istanbul to have better opportunities to further his career. For Onar’s younger sisters, both born in Turkey, U.S. citizenship is not guaranteed. His youngest sister currently lives in Turkey with their father. The other is currently in the U.S. on an education visa that will expire at the end of May.

With his sister’s visa expiring, Onar must face the reality that she will be leaving soon. If she were to overstay her visa, it could jeopardize her ability to receive a green card in the future.

“We try to visit Turkey as often as possible, so I hope to see her again soon, but it is still very upsetting to be losing one of my supportive family members,” Onar said.

Onar’s mother also lives in the United States and has a green card. Obtaining a green card took a lot of patience and perseverance due to extensive paperwork and wait times.

“When we applied for a green card for my mom, we had a little bit of struggle. It took two and a half years to bring my mom into the United States, so waiting for it was hard,” Onar said.

For unauthorized immigrants living in the U.S., the path to citizenship is even more difficult, especially without DACA protection. The difficulty of the process leads to stressful situations among families.

Torres is half Puerto Rican and the son of naturalized citizens, thereby granting him citizenship. His mother and her siblings came to the country early in their lives and were blessed with a relatively pain-free path to citizenship because of their father’s years of work within the U.S., However, not everyone he knows gets that kind of easy transition.

“My mother’s current husband is illegal. He’s a hard worker. He’s been here for many years and works six days a week in construction,” Torres said.

With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement deportations on the rise, families of immigrants currently living in the U.S. illegally face the daily fear of their loved ones being deported. This is true for Torres’ stepfather.

“I would feel horrible if he got deported, but that’s the reality and fear we all live in now,” Torres added.

Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike see the immigration issue as one that needs work. Members of both parties think that tearing families apart is not an ideal situation and want the government to work with those living as unauthorized immigrants in the U.S.

“As far as people that are here already illegally, I have no problem with some guidelines to make that legal for them, as long as they go through the process,” Republican Rep. Roger Ford said.

However, for some there is a desire to eliminate immigration as a whole, and sometimes inaccurate sentiments may be attached to immigrants in an effort to bolster this argument. Immigrants are accused simultaneously of tak -

ing jobs from U.S. citizens and being lazy, violent, more prone to criminal activity and more likely to abuse social welfare, among other things.

Unauthorized immigrants are more likely to be victimized than to commit crimes, especially those involving violence. They also make up an estimated 5 percent of the workforce in the U.S., with an overrepresentation in farming and construction. Immigrants as a whole have a higher likelihood of working the labor-intensive occupations that many U.S. born workers avoid.

“Immigrants are hard workers. They want a better life,” Torres said. “But you will see, especially in the Trump era, that anything bad committed by an illegal immigrant will be blown up, drowning out the majority good.”

Torres explained that many in the U.S. have put the idea of “law and order” above humanity and empathy. He said that he has noticed how, under the current circumstances in the country, many are facing heightened racial profiling and discrimination.

“I mean, to the average American, foreign languages and cultures feel invasive, so I think that’s where a lot of that racism comes from,” Torres added.

Inman discourages lawmakers from making snap judgments about people and their ability to contribute to the U.S. based on their country of origin.

“For those politicians who sort of look down their noses at immigration as a whole and say ‘we just don’t want those immigrants to come here,’ in a very nationalistic view, I think that’s bad public policy and bad for the future of the country,” Inman said.

Despite the negative light cast on the immigrant population in the U.S., there are people working to highlight the positive aspects of immigration. From Einstein and Pulitzer to Liz Claiborne and Oscar de la Renta, immigrants have left a significant mark on the U.S. throughout history.

“Our country is built on immigration; it’s sustained itself on immigration. It just has to happen legally,” Ford said. “Immigrants obviously bring a lot to the table when the come to this country.”

Whether it’s in the invention of blue jeans or YouTube, without the input of immigrants, life the way most people know it might look vastly different. Acceptance will come through education and acknowledgement of the contributions immigrants make. Torres thinks that more emphasis should continue to be put on all of the great things that immigrants accomplish.

“[My mother and her siblings] all grew up to be college graduates. Those are the stories that are seldom told,” Torres said.

With a solution to the DACA dilemma unreached and even legal immigrants unsure of where they’ll stand in the future, voters will face decisions during midterm elections that could change the landscape of the immigration conversation. For the many hanging in the balance, those decisions could impact their entire lives.

Fun in the Sun

Top Places to Visit

Story by Danny Fritts • Photos by Michelle Rojano

Oklahoma City is full of entertaining activities for everyone to enjoy. Whether for a family vacation, a road trip with friends or a romantic getaway, Oklahoma is home to a variety of activities. Below are just a few places that are must-see stops for the summer.

Riversport Adventure Park at the Boathouse District

Located just outside of the famous Bricktown Entertainment District, Riversport is a passport to exciting adventures on the Oklahoma River. It is home to the world’s tallest adventure course—the 80-foot SandRidge Sky Trail, along with the Whitewater Rafting and Kayaking Center. For those who love to have their stomach turned upside-down, the 700-foot zip line is the perfect thing to try. Younger kids will enjoy the Sky Tykes mini sky trail, the Cloud Bounce and Kids Zip. Riversport also provides rowing and kayaking lessons to all ages, plus kayak and paddleboat rentals daily on the Oklaho-

ma River and Lake Overholser.

For more information, visit Riversport Adventure Park or riversportokc.org.

Plaza District

The Plaza District is home to many galleries, retail shops, restaurants and performance venues. Experience live theater in the heart of OKC at Lyric Theatre, located in the district’s historic Plaza Theatre. There are also chances to enroll in different dance and painting studios; not to mention, hairstylists and tattoo artists are just a step away in the Plaza District. Each second Friday of the month from 6-10 p.m, enjoy LIVE on the Plaza, which is a block party featuring live music, selected artists, special events and local shopping.

Caitlyn Bell, Rose State student, said the close community atmosphere is what she loves about the Plaza District. She also enjoys going there to eat and take pictures with all the art

on the buildings.

For more information, visit the Plaza District or plazadistrict.org.

Roman Nose State Park

Roman Nose State Park is named after a Cheyenne chief and is one of the original seven Oklahoma state parks. Set among a beautiful canyon and three natural springs, the activities include an 18-hole golf course, swimming pools, hiking trails, fishing, mountain biking and horse stables. For a memorable stay, book a night at the exquisite Roman Nose State Park Lodge. The 22-room lodge has been modified to reflect the natural landscape of the area. The newly decorated rooms feature large showers, comfortable beds and flat-screen televisions. There are also 11 cabins at the park, two of which are pet-friendly. Whether looking for a romantic giveaway or family-filled weekend, Roman Nose State Park is the place to be.

For more information, visit Roman Nose State Park or call 580-623-7281.

Water Zoo Indoor Water Park

When Oklahoma thunderstorms come soaring in, the Water Zoo Indoor Water Park will open for business. This unique water park offers twisting and turning water slides. The Tornado Bowl is an enclosed tube slide that careens water park enthusiasts into a bowl, then spins until they shoot out into a landing pool. Zero-depth entry pools allow leisurely swimming while the Lazy and Crazy River takes the water park goer around the park. Guests can challenge themselves through the slide-boarding interactive video game experience,

combined with the thrill of a four-story water slide.

For more information, visit Water Zoo Indoor Water Park. water-zoo.com or call 580-323-9966.

Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark

The Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark is home to the Oklahoma City Dodgers, the Triple-A affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers offer family-filled Sundays, which include player autographs, bouncy houses, face painters and the chance for kids to run the bases after the game. Every Thursday, they offer $2 drinks, including draft beers, soda and water. Every Friday, catch post-game fireworks that light up the skies of Bricktown. The Dodgers offer affordable products all season long, so group outings and family fun are only a phone call away.

For more information, visit Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark, okcballparkevents.com or call 218-1000.

Bricktown Entertainment District

Bricktown is home to Oklahoma’s hottest entertaining and dining area. There are multiple restaurants in Lower Bricktown, located just across the street from the ballpark. Other main attractions include Bass Pro Shops, Harkins Theatres, horse-drawn carriage rides, Brickopolis, HeyDay and water taxi tours on the Bricktown Canal. This district always has a great energy and produces a lot of foot traffic, even leading into the night. Bricktown is the perfect place for catching a movie at Harkins, playing a round of laser tag at Brickopolis or watching a baseball game—there is something for everyone.

For more information, visit Bricktown or call 236-8666.

Full Bloom Going Green: Take the Initiative

Story by Madi Zick • Photo by Haley Humphrey

With summer just around the corner, the anticipation of hot days, cool pools and refreshing fruits and vegetables are on the minds of many. While supermarket prices have increased and the fear of dangerous bacteria in produce continues to grow, many are choosing to plant their own gardens at home. There are simple ways to grow a garden and maintain it accordingly.

Adjoa Ahedor, Rose State Engineering and Science professor, gave insightful tips. Ahedor thinks the best time to garden is from late spring to early fall, but every crop is different, so ensure extensive research of chosen crops to be planted. Also, make sure to maintain the garden by pulling weeds and guaranteeing the soil is dark, because darker soil contains more nutrients.

Ahedor said in the future Rose State could have its own fruit and vegetable garden if it is “maintained by dedicated gardeners.”

“It is a fun hobby that yields produce, and as you eat your produce, you feel good about your efforts,” Ahedor said.

“It is good to know the source of your food, and since you produced them, it puts your mind at ease.”

At Rose State, Grounds Supervisor Kristina Rogers takes care of the campus and keeps it beautiful. Rogers and the other groundskeepers mow, edge, trim, spray and water the grass. The groundskeepers have a trash run every morning; however, it is very hard to make certain all the trash is cleaned up. Volunteers can help clean, pull weeds and water the plants on campus.

Ahedor also said volunteers can help pull weeds to lessen the use of weed killers on the grounds. If the use of chemicals is minimized, the organic composition will be enhanced and help improve the health of the soil and groundwater.

These are just a few of the many ways to help around campus to preserve its beautiful appearance. Gardening at Rose State or at home can lead to many beneficial outcomes and could help the world have more of a “green thumb.”