The Arbiter Vol. 32 Issue 19

January 28, 2020

Vol. 32 Issue 19

I N D EPEN DE NT

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V O I CE

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B O I SE

STAT E

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COMPARING FACT TO FICTION

THE DEPICTION OF STALKING IN MEDIA SPARKS QUESTIONS ABOUT THE REAL-LIFE RESOURCES NEWS

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Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline implements 3-digit crisis number for those in need of services

VISIT US ONLINE:

OPINION

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Embarrassment as entertainment for philanthropy is harmful, and change is long overdue arbiteronline.com

CULTURE

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Engineering and Science Festival allows students to learn more about STEM majors and projects @arbiteronline

SPORTS & REC Boise State Spirit Squad went to Florida for national championship, placed in divisional top ten

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@boisestatearbiter

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PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Editor-In-Chief Logan Potter editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu Online Editor Emma Freitas onlineeditor@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Editor Celina Van Hyning news@stumedia.boisestate.edu News Reporter Taylor Rico-Pekerol news@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Editor Will Meyer culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Culture Reporter Michelle Johnson culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Editor Delaney Brassil sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Sports Reporter Autum Robertson sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu Opinion Editor Blake Hunter opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu Copy Editor Megan Mary Social Media Coordinator Trisha Kangas Digital Content Manager Mackenzie Hudson digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu Digital Content Producer Chandler Thornton Graphic Design Manager Maddie Ceglecki design@stumedia.boisestate.edu Graphic Designer Kacie Fromhart Illustrator Wyatt Wurtenberger Distributed Tuesdays during the academic school year The Arbiter is the official independent student newspaper of Boise State University, where student editors make all content decisions and bear responsibility for those decisions. The Arbiter’s budget consists of fees paid by the student body and advertising sales. The first copy is free.

Additional copies can be purchased for $1 a piece at The Arbiter offices.

To honor Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, MLK Living Legacy hosted several events throughout the week, including a rally and a student art exhibit.

Chandler Thornton | The Arbiter

ON THE COVER:

In the Netflix original series, “You,” the conversation of stalking is brought to the forefront of media dialogue. Among the misconceptions are real-life stories; Boise State utilizes multiple departments and resources to support students throughout the process of filed complaints.

Cover design by Maddie Ceglecki.

HOW TO REACH US: CONTACT US: editor@stumedia.boisestate.edu 208.426.6302 PHYSICAL LOCATION: Located on first floor of Lincoln Avenue Garage Suites

MISSION:

As a student-run organization, we produce accurate and hyper-local information through non-par tisan and socially responsible media.

MAILING ADDRESS: Student Media MS 1340 1910 W Universit y Dr. Boise, ID 83725 -1340

New plasma donors receive up to $400 in a month!

Biomat USA 4017 W. Overland Rd. Boise (208) 338-8417

EVENTS BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL

THE EGYPTIAN THEATER

UPCOMING SPORTS GYMNA STICS

JANUARY 29, 7 PM

The Boise Nordic Foundation presents the Banff Film Festival showing different films every night. Doors open at 6:00 and the films will begin at 7:00 and the festival is available to all ages.

WILD AT HEART: FREE ZOO DAY

ZOO BOISE FEBRUARY 1, 10 AM

Enjoy free admission for the Wild at Heart Valentine’s Day-themed event at Zoo Boise. Last admission will be open until 4:30 p.m.

FACULTY BRASS QUINTET PERFORMANCE HEMINGWAY CENTER FEBRUARY 2, 5:30 PM

Admission is free for this event titled Music of Armenia and Its Diaspora: A Story of Tragedy, Resilience and Renewal in partnership with the Hemingway Literary Center series on the theme “Exile, Refuge, Home.”

AMERICAN RED CROSS BLOOD DRIVE SUB FARNSWORTH ROOM FEBRUARY 6, 9:30 AM

The Red Cross Student Club wants to encourage students to consider donating to their blood drive event with the American Red Cross held in the SUB’s Farnsworth Room.

HOME VS BYU

JANUARY 31, 7 PM

SWIMMING AND DIVING HOME

VS WASHINGTON STATE

FEBRUARY 1, 10 AM

WOMEN’S BA SKETBALL

AWAY

AT SAN JOSE STATE

JANUARY 29, 2 PM

AT NEVADA

FEBRUARY 1, 8 PM

MEN’S BA SKETBALL HOME

VS SAN JOSE STATE

JANUARY 29, 7 PM

VS NEVADA

FEBRUARY 1, 8 PM

NEWS

JANUARY 28, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

CITY OF BOISE PROPOSES ORDINANCE FOR HANDS-FREE DRIVING

Following Meridian, Boise city staff are moving forward with a proposal to ban mobile device use while driving

Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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oise City Council gave city staff the green light to move forward with a newly proposed ordinance that would ban the use of mobile devices while driving. The language in the ordinance, proposed on Jan. 15, is similar to Meridian’s recent ban on mobile device use.

Just as the Meridian ordinance states, drivers who are caught using their mobile devices while driving face the risk of being ticketed, even while at a stoplight unless the device is in hands-free mode. Exceptions to the ordinance include mobile device use while parked and out of the flow of traffic, or to report an emergency. First responders will also be exempt, as mobile devices are required for their work.

Boise City Council President Pro Tem Holli Woodings introduced the proposal and was met with support from council members. She has attempted to pass similar laws in Boise in previous years and says she wants to have the same law throughout the Treasure Valley.

“There’s a coordinated effort led by Ada County to have all of the cities and the county have a similar ordinance across the board so that there’s no confusion between, ‘Oh, I’m in Eagle now, what’s the law?’ or ‘I’m in Boise, what is the law here?’” Woodings said.

Woodings was skeptical of ticketing drivers using their devices while stopped at stoplights, but explained that new research caused her to change her way of thinking.

“The Boise Police Department put together a really great memo for me, kind of outlining some of the studies that have been done around cell phone use while driving and some of the behaviors that result from that,” Woodings said. “And one of the things that I found really salient was that studies have shown that it takes your brain

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Traffic officers will begin ticketing drivers up to $90 for distracted driving. a full 30 seconds to mode switch. So when you’re staring at your phone, doing whatever you’re doing, whether you’re checking your email or scrolling through social media, it takes your brain a full 30 seconds to then look up from that and then become engaged in your surroundings again.”

Meridian Police Chief Jeff Lavey was publicly supportive of the Meridian ordinance and is hopeful that the state of Idaho will follow in the city’s footsteps.

“If we’re going to lose local control, we need to have a state law that’s working,” Lavey said.

“The local ordinances are improving safety for residents. We don’t want to give that up.”

Meridian City Council representative and chair of the House Transportation and

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“The local ordinances are improving safety for residents. We don’t want to give that up.”

Chief Jeff Lavey, Meridian Police Department Defense Committee Joe Palmer is responsible for proposing the hands-free driving ordinance in Meridian. While the main focus is ensuring that drivers are not using their mobile devices while operating vehicles, he wants to see states ban all forms of

Chandler Thornton | The Arbiter distracted driving. “[It] could be anything that distracts you from paying attention to the road,” Palmer said during a press conference. “If any policeman sees you and you’re doing something in your vehicle that distracts you from operating your vehicle properly, then he has the right to write you an infraction ticket.”

Palmer ultimately believes that these new ordinances will make Boise, and all of Idaho’s roads, safer.

“We can use law enforcement to make a difference for people that are texting and driving or putting on makeup or whatever, anything that is unsafe,” Palmer said.

NEWS

SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE IMPLEMENTS THREE-DIGIT CRISIS NUMBER

Those in crisis can now dial 211 to be connected to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline Celina Van Hyning | News Editor | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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dahoans in crisis are now able to dial an easy three-digit phone number to connect to the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline, making the service more available to those in need.

Gov. Brad Little announced during a press conference that the change is in response to a partnership between the Idaho Suicide Prevention Hotline and the 211 Idaho Care Line.

According to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, suicide is the second leading cause of death for Idahoans aged 15 to 34.

In 2019, 211 Idaho CareLine operators “facilitated 93,261 information contacts

“Every day an Idahoan loses their life to suicide, but nobody talks about it in the media, so it’s silent.”

Idaho Sen. Fred Martin

and provided 115,591 individual resource referrals,” according to the organization.

Little explained that this increase in contact is a continuation of the work being done to combat suicide in Idaho.

“The statistic about Idaho and suicide is something none of us are proud of,” Little said. “But we have to continue to do all of these incremental things to help with mental illness challenges all over the state of Idaho, whether they be in our grade-school kids or whether they be in senior citizens and everybody in between.”

Idaho Sen. Fred Martin has been instrumental in past legislation regarding suicide prevention. Martin says one Idahoan takes their own life every single day, amounting to around 360 suicides in Idaho each year.

Because of this, Martin is determined to get the word out about this resource.

Idaho consistently has one of the highest suicide rates in the country, according to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare.

Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter

“It’s a silent thing that’s going on,” Martin said. “Every day an Idahoan loses their life to suicide, but nobody talks about it in the media, so it’s silent.”

For years, Martin has worked with the 211 Idaho CareLine in an effort to create a 3-digit number that will connect those in crisis to the suicide hotline. He explained that, previously, callers who reached out to the 211 CareLine would be given the 10-digit suicide hotline number by providers, who would then end the call.

“That was not acceptable for me or those working there,” Martin said. “For years, I’ve wanted a three-digit number for the suicide hotline in Idaho. People in crisis can’t possibly remember a seven to 10-digit number, but everyone can remember a three-digit number.”

Jenna Allen, outreach and prevention case manager for Boise State, works closely with the CARE program and other campus resources to spread awareness of suicide prevention. She says she is hopeful that this new, more convenient number will be effective for students.

“We have a lot of resources available here on campus for students who are experiencing that, but sometimes, people prefer to have something away from school,” Allen said. “And so I think that having this so easily accessible to them, it’s an easier thing for them to remember so they don’t have to go digging for the card that I gave them previously. I think that it will hopefully be able to save some lives.”

Although there are resources on campus that aid in suicide prevention and crisis, Allen explained that students now have easy access to a resource available all day, every day.

“We’re available during the week and during business hours, but a lot of times crises happen on the weekends or late at night when other things aren’t available,” Allen said. “And so being able to just remember three numbers is hopefully a good service to have.”

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NEWS

BOGUS BASIN SKI RESORT PLEDGES TO TAKE ON CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVE

The popular ski resort joins Ada County as it undergoes transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035 Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Tamarack Resort in Donnelly was the first ski resort in Idaho to commit to 100% renewable energy.

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ogus Basin is known for its peak 16-mile location from Boise and Boise State’s campus; it is the area’s closest ski mountain and has day and night skiing slopes available.

The winter ski mountain recently announced the switch to 100% clean energy and will be buying renewable energy from Idaho Power due to an increase in the production of Idaho-based hydroelectric plants, according to Steve Hubble, the project manager for Boise’s Energy Future.

According to an article published by Snow Industry News, Bogus Basin is the second ski area in Idaho to make the pledge to clean energy.

Ada County first introduced the plan to switch to 100% clean energy by 2035 in 2019. Hubble has been a part of the city of Boise’s plan to implement 100% clean energy and noted that, although Bogus is not in Ada County or Boise, it is still important to take on the initiative as well.

“One of the areas that [Boise Energy Future] focused [on] that maybe ties a little bit to what they’re doing at Bogus Basin is that Idaho power is our electric utility,” Hubble said. “They have energy efficiency programs,

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and they also have programs that allow users to purchase renewable energy ones called their Green Power Program.”

This program gives clients the ability to confirm that they are using clean energy and allows for a relatively normal cost for renewable energy credits. According to Hubble, Idaho has an above-average supply of renewable energy compared to the national average due to hydroelectric generators that are powered by dams around the state.

Government Relations officer and student lobbyist for the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) Morgan Brummund has worked on sustainability initiatives on

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Bailey Nellesen & Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter

campus in the past. Last semester, she and her committee passed a clean energy resolution for Boise State to follow along with the city’s plan for 100% renewable energy. “[Bogus Basin] is a nonprofit and I think that they’re totally listening to what Idahoans and Boise[ans] specifically are passionate about,” Brummund said. “I think that obviously with Boise’s Energy Future being a set goal and a set initiative, [Bogus Basin] really listened to that because they’re really like a part of Boise too.”

Ty Callihan, a senior construction management major, has been an avid snowboarder for most of his college career and appreciates the actions he is seeing at this popular local resort.

“I feel like it’s important that they are showing initiative for other ski areas to go clean energy because it will show other areas they should do it, too,” Callihan said. “I think that if other resorts want to take after Bogus that would only benefit the environment because I don’t see any cons to it.”

Brummund noted that the news about Bogus Basin is spreading across state borders as out-of-state friends began messaging her about the plan to move towards clean energy. The plan not only coincides with Boise’s plan, but also places an emphasis on the impact that popular areas can have if they switch to a clean energy initiative.

“It’s right now economically smart to make that transition early on because you’re going to have those benefits down the line in renewable energy,” Brummund said. “And energy efficiency technology really does pay itself off when you do a cost-benefit analysis, but it also is really good for our planet, which is what we need right now.”

ASBSU APPOINTS NEW CHIEF OF STAFF FOR SPRING 2020 SEMESTER

NEWS

Vacancy in chief of staff position prompts selection of freshman Cheyon Sheen Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter | news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

a training held by Action Corps, a volunteer-led organization that works to advocate for people that are affected by climate change and violent conflict.

Her interest in the environment and politics blossomed in her sophomore year of high school. During her biology class, Sheen claims that her teacher accused the students of not doing anything for the environment. After the talk, Sheen felt motivated to prove the teacher wrong. As a result, she developed the recycling program at her high school.

“At first it was kind of like, I was just doing it to do it,” Sheen said. “Then as I researched and found all of the issues involved with the environment and how that affects the quality of our lives, I just became really passionate and felt like this is something I love doing and this is something that I feel needs to be done.”

Sheen served on Brummund’s sustainability committee before being appointed to the position of chief of staff.

Taylor Rico-Pekerol | The Arbiter

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efore winter break, the position of chief of staff for the Associated Students of Boise State University (ASBSU) became available after the person in that position resigned.

In the ASBSU code and constitution, it is stated that the president and vice president have the authority to appoint as needed.

There was no application administered due to the timing, and recommendations were taken from people within ASBSU. “Our thought process was we have one semester for this person,” said ASBSU President Kaleb Smith. “We just want the job done well, we want the person to be a good teammate and we just want to finish the year strong.”

The chief of staff attends all meetings throughout the week, as well as monitors

and optimizes the finances and funds within ASBSU. They are also the financial liaison for the Student Involvement and Leadership Center (SILC), and they are a hired position on the executive team, according to the governing documents of ASBSU. Freshman civil engineering major Cheyon Sheen filled the empty position for chief of staff. She served on the ASBSU sustainability committee during the fall semester and will spend her spring semester performing the duties required of her.

Sheen worked with the committee to pass the Clean Energy Resolution during her first semester which showed her a preview into what ASBSU does.

“If I hadn’t had that involvement already, I wouldn’t have been as aware of what ASBSU does,” Sheen said. “And then just being

on the sustainability committee and being able to pass the Clean Energy Resolution was a big step for us and just really made me want to do more.”

Government Relations officer and student lobbyist for ASBSU, Morgan Brummund, has worked with Sheen on the sustainability efforts for their committee.

Although she is a freshman, Brummund does not believe this will set her back as she serves in her new position.

“I think that her motivation and her desire to make positive change really is helpful for the team in general,” Brummund said. “I know she’s super responsible and I have no doubt that she’ll be a great addition to the team.”

Sheen returned from a week-long trip to Washington, D.C. where she attended

“I know she’s super responsible and I have no doubt that she’ll be a great addition to the team.”

Morgan Brummund, Government Relations officer and student lobbyist

As of right now, Sheen does not have concrete plans for her position but is going to take the next several weeks to see where she fits within the team so she can maximize her skills where they are needed.

“I’m hoping to really just be able to be that in-between for everybody because the chief of staff attends all the meetings and I’m hoping to be able to see where I can help make connections for people and see where we can build better relationships,” Sheen said.

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OPINION JANUARY 28, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

INSTAGRAM WANTS TO HIDE LIKES, BUT OUR VIEW OF THEM IS MORE IMPORTANT

Though removal of likes might be helpful, larger problems will remain Blake Hunter | Opinion Editor | opinion@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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n my first class of the semester last week, my professor asked the class to talk about the social media platforms we engage with, and how they make us feel. Many people — including myself — said that when they are anxious or bored, they turn to social media platforms like Instagram where they can passively scroll for any amount of time and then put their phones down. Overwhelmingly, my peers also mentioned that social media made them feel anxious, especially around sensitive topics, or that they could not help comparing themselves to the people in the photos.

Instagram serves as a platform for popularity building, partially through aesthetic judgment and partially through dedication.

No matter how much we possess of either, it is designed to leave us wanting more.

On an Instagram post, it is no accident that the number of likes is displayed above a photo’s caption. Before we even know what a person has to say about their own post, we see how many people like it. It is the structure that Facebook’s younger sibling created to prioritize imagery and aesthetic over typed messages. The result is a series of curated glimpses into people’s lives: some explicitly designed, and others designed to show authenticity and “realness,” but curated to do so nonetheless.

That simple fact — neither good nor bad — is why Instagram is testing the practice of hiding the number of likes a post receives while still allowing the person posting to see their amount of likes. It is also the reason that such a change is a small alteration that will have a nominal effect, and leave users interacting with the same platform with the same goals.

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have all expressed interest in hiding likes on so-

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cial media, and Instagram has been testing it in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Japan and New Zealand since July 2019. In November, Instagram’s CEO, Adam Mosseri, announced that Instagram will test hiding likes in the United States.

According to Mosseri, the practice is particularly aimed at young people who are growing up with this technology, which research shows heavily impacts development and mental health, including one study published in the ScienceDirect journal that shows a strong association between social media usage and poor sleep and cognitive function.

“The idea is to try and depressurize Instagram, make it less of a competition, give people more space to focus on connecting with the people that they love, things that inspire them,” Mosseri said in an interview with Wired.

When asked about the implications for the business, Mosseri said: “We will make decisions that hurt the business if they’re good for people’s well-being and health because it has to be good for the business over the long run.”

The first part of that sentence is surprising. How often do we hear a CEO of a major corporation detail plans to hurt their business for the sake of people’s health? Hardly ever. But of course, it is clear that Mosseri believes it will be good for business over time.

Instagram has always been inherently performative, and always will be. Even authenticity and “realness” are fabricated, curated and epitomized from inside our reality. Instagram’s structure is designed to demonstrate life — if not at its happiest, then at least at its most remarkable, whether to ourselves or our followers. Hiding likes might decrease pressure for some folks, but the unsettling feeling of insecurity that can

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Instagram has been testing likes in several countries since summer 2019, and will begin doing so in the United States soon.

Kacie Fromhart | The Arbiter come from Instagram is not going to go away. That, as always, is up to us.

For people who use Instagram to learn from people living far away, friends trying to stay in contact by sending each other memes or a freelance photographer trying to build clientele, the amount of likes other accounts receive does not really matter.

The only time it matters is in comparison,

a temporary way to satisfy the desire for validation, recognition and popularity that we have all experienced. Likes only display proficiency in the language of Instagram.

For likes to stop mattering, we do not need to remove them. We just have to stop expecting them to tell us something deeper about ourselves.

OPINION

PUBLIC HAZING IS NOT GOOD PHILANTHROPY

The humiliation of men for a good cause and social benefit is harmful and overdue for a change Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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s I walk through the quad in the spring and fall, I deliberately try to keep my headphones in and look straight ahead as though the racket of different student organizations is not trying desperately to catch my attention. One day last fall, however, I did not have my headphones and was forced to interact with the people trying to get my attention.

Among the religious organizations blasting Christian pop and the sororities giving out candy was another archetypal group: the fraternity fundraising for a cause. These tables are often identifiable by some sort of interactive element in which the passerby can donate a certain amount, and then in some way delight in watching as a fraternity member gets publicly embarrassed. The iconic ones include a pie to the face or a dunk tank.

These shame elements are usually mysteriously missing in sorority fundraisers, a curious distinction that deserves investigation.

What makes people want to throw a pie at a stranger’s face? What makes someone want to submerge a person they do not know in a dunk tank? Why do fraternities find this to be a good mechanism for raising money? In an article for the New York Times, Maya Salam defines toxic masculinity as “what can come of teaching boys that they can’t express emotion openly; that they have to be ‘tough all the time;’ that anything other than that makes them feminine or weak.”

While many onlookers might feel awkward watching a woman get a pie thrown in her face, watching the same act happen to a man is somehow entertaining. When men are publicly embarrassed, the only acceptable reaction is laughter or anger. In the context of a fraternity fundraising event, an audience would expect only laughter.

The simple fact of the matter is that people do not like being publicly embarrassed.

An emotion that is usually associated with enjoyment has been attached to the subtle hazing that Greek organizations perpetu-

ate after the public discovered the much more severe hazing that was happening in private. The implication with public embarrassment is that men should be able to ‘take it’ because they are tough. This is on par with bullying, except that these men are choosing to be involved with the people who are bullying them, a price they deem appropriate for the social capital their humiliation might earn them.

The problem intensifies when this toxic practice is associated with philanthropy. Humanitarian organizations need money but are somehow implicit when they take money earned from negative social practices.

Throughout the years, there have been many instances of bad people donating to good causes. Think of the Sackler family, the owners of Oxycontin and their donations to many universities. Though I do not believe fraternities are equal to a corrupt pharmaceutical company, the similarities are clear.

If people were sitting in the quad being forced to endure pies to the face for no reason, people would be confused. However, when the cause is deemed “good,” it is socially acceptable. Men should not have to endure toxic practices in the guise of charity. Hazing and toxic masculinity are real, and the public performance of them should not be tolerated if we hope to embrace and include men in healthy social practices and egalitarian community.

HAVE A COMMENT OR REBUTTAL? EMAIL US AT:

Many organizations display public humiliation of men for money, and we all laugh it off.

Wyatt Wurtenberger | The Arbiter

OPINION@STUMEDIA.BOISESTATE.EDU JANUARY 28, 2020

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F E AT U R E

UNCOVERING THE REALITY OF “YOU” A

t the beginning of the Netflix series, “You,” the main character, Joe Goldberg, a troubled bookstore employee, becomes infatuated with a woman who visits his New York shop. Soon, Goldberg becomes aggressive and begins observing his love interest until his behavior veers unmistakably into stalking.

After the first season was released in 2018, “You” gained traction for bringing the average person into the mind of a fictionalized stalker and, eventually, murderer. Being stuck inside Goldberg’s twisted mind shocked and horrified most, but some also created a romanticized view of the leading man despite his alarming and all-too-real behavior.

Kim Camacho, the violence prevention support coordinator for the Gender Equity Center (GEC), has witnessed people online become enthralled with the concept the show presents.

“I think there’s a lot of socialization and media that romanticize some of those behaviors,” Camacho said. “When people experience those things in real life, it’s actually very scary.”

Stalking can happen anywhere at any time to anyone. College students ex-

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perience high rates of stalking, partially due to the hyper-localized community that college campuses offer. The resources available to Boise State students can aid in the processes that come with filing claims, receiving support and feeling safe again.

Understanding the data For average college students, their lives revolve around a typically repetitive schedule with classes and outside activities. This factor contributes to the ease at which stalkers can track their victims.

Whether traditional or virtual, the law’s consensus on stalking remains the same. The federal definition of stalking is defined as engaging in a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to fear for the person’s safety, or the safety of others or suffer substantial emotional distress.

A study conducted in 2014 by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that an estimated 15% of women and 7% of men experience stalking in their lifetime.

In another study done by the Crime Victim’s Institute of Sam Houston State University in 2014, the numbers say that one in four college students experience virtual stalking in their life, while 29.7% of college students experience traditional stalking, compared to 19.5% for the general public.

According to the Idaho Coalition Against Sexual and Domestic Violence, three out of four stalkers are known by their victim.

At Boise State, three reports of stalking are documented in the 2019 Campus Crime Logs — six reports in 2018 and 2017

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The depiction of stalking in the media distracts from a real-world problem that affects students Taylor Rico-Pekerol | News Reporter news@stumedia.boisestate.edu

and 22 reported cases in 2016.

Camacho has worked with students in the past who have needed emotional support for different forms of harassment and threats.

She believes that stalking is being underreported due to other factors that go handin-hand with stalking such as harassment, vandalism and trespassing.

“Oftentimes, someone that is experiencing stalking may talk about it in a way that doesn’t signal to the person that they’re sharing that information with that, ‘Oh, maybe this is stalking,’ and all the definitions you see will say something about it causing somebody fear,” Camacho said.

According to Boise State’s Annual Crime Reports, in Idaho, there are three different types of Orders of Protection: Criminal No Contact Orders, Civil Protection Orders (including Tribal Protection Orders) and University-Based No Contact Orders.

“For folks across campus, they do have the right to report stalking behaviors like sexual assault or other kinds of forms of violence to our Title IX office and who’s responsible for investigating those concerns,” Camacho said.

“The option is sometimes not available to folks. If the perpetrator is not affiliated with Boise State, there are some limitations around what they can do and how they can respond.”

Laws in the State of Idaho for stalking differ in whether it is first-degree, a person violating their court orders or parole or second-degree stalking, knowingly and maliciously engaging in a course of conduct that is threatening to a person. The law also states there needs to be more than one incident of stalking behavior for it to be considered an actual crime.

Danielle Swerin is a criminal justice professor at Boise State and works for the

Women and Children’s Alliance, where she aids victims in going through the process of filing a protection order.

“It’s usually someone the victim knows, whether it’s a neighbor, a co-worker, intimate partner or former dating partner type thing,” Swerin said. “That could also be somewhat skewed because it’s difficult to file a protection order against the stranger because you need the name of the person.”

The process of filing a report for students can be arduous as not every location they are stalked in is a campus-affiliated area. This means that those students would have to file a report with the Boise Police as well. For those cases that are related to the Boise State campus, students must go through Title IX. Following the legal processes Boise State’s Title IX works with the Dean of Students to handle codes of conduct and utilizes the counseling services on campus to make sure complainants and respondents are both being served as fairly as possible.

When a complainant, or victim, decides to file a complaint against the respondent they must go through different channels including meeting with Title IX, investigators and deciding whether pursuing the case would be in their best interest. Alicia Estey, Boise State’s chief of staff and chief of compliance, has worked with hundreds of cases over the years, ranging from sexual assault to stalking.

The process for filing a complaint under the Title IX process is handled under Policy 1065 which covers sexual harassment, sexual misconduct, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking at Boise State.

“Because every case is fact and circumstance-specific, we recommend that individuals who believe they are being stalked

F E AT U R E contact Institution Compliance or Public Safety for assistance,” Estey wrote in an email. “These campus departments will assist stalking victims to document incidents of stalking and provide information re-

garding options for filing a complaint with the University and/or law enforcement.”

The Dean of Students (DOS) has two branches in their department. One that works with Title IX and receives cases that deal with misconduct if a respondent is found guilty and another branch that helps students, both complainants and respondents, by providing support and resources.

Anna Moreshead is the Assistant Dean of Students and she feels that it is important to validate where the students are at based on the things they share with her and provide as much guidance as possible.

“If you have somebody that is being stalked or has a fear of being stalked, that experience in and of itself is traumatic so my goal is to really meet that student where they’re at,” Moreshead said. “And if I don’t, I don’t think they are going to hear anything I have to say because its not relevant to where they’re at.”

With the guidance Moreshead and her team provides,

she also gives students other resources available to them on campus. If students need additional help that the DOS is unable to offer, Moreshead will often reach out to Health Services counseling center or the GEC to aid the student in need.

Receiving community support January is National Stalking Awareness month and has shined a light on the threat that stalking brings into people’s lives.

There are several resources on Boise State’s campus to ensure students are able to reach out for support.

Laura Campbell is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor who has met with students to conduct clinical work and has done outreach to inform students that Boise State’s Health Services counseling is a resource.

“What I think is great about our

campus though, is that we really have a “no wrong door” avenue to services,” Campbell wrote in an email. “So whether a student comes to us first or Dean of Students or files a CARE report for themselves, they will be supported to get to the services that will be helpful in their situation.”

The GEC is another resource available to students with their own counseling services as well as connecting them with the right outlets if they wish to file a report. Something Camacho focuses on with stalking victims is how to best document the incidents of stalking as not every behavior is solely related to stalking.

Outreach available within the Boise community includes Faces of Hope, which provides victims with free services, including changing locks on people’s doors and involving law enforcement if they wish to report. If a victim is fleeing a stalker, they can provide gas and food cards as well.

The Women and Children’s Alliance also has support available for those being assaulted or threatened. One of the free resources available is a one-on-one meeting with someone from the WCA to help safety plan with a trained advocate who can help the victim.

“They do safety planning with technology, so they can provide information on resources and give people ideas and strategies on things that they can do to try to be safer,” Serwin said. “Or try to put up some walls to make it more difficult for the person to be able to track them that way.”

Although there are resources available and an entire month dedicated to bringing awareness to stalking, it is still a prevalent danger. With the current media spotlight on the topic displayed through

shows, videos, movies and even podcasts, the issue is not being ignored. The different outlets available to victims shows that people are not going to sweep the issue under the rug and support is available for those who need it.

“I think that adds a level, hopefully, of faith in the people here and the process too,” Moreshead said. “That [it] gives the student a little bit more faith that we genuinely have their best interest in mind because I hope that’s what we’re providing, and that we want them to get support and that we believe them and this is serious.”

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C U LT U R E JANUARY 28, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

ENGINEERING AND SCIENCE FESTIVAL INTRODUCES STUDENTS TO NEW PROSPECTS

Department of Engineering works with student clubs to make STEM more accessible Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

young people that they can be fun and accessible, and not just difficult and specialized.

“We want to bring out some entertainment value to help students learn about these different disciplines,” Hudyma said. “I reach out to our student clubs in civil engineering and we try and develop a vision for what we would like to show to the students.”

The festival will entail different stations that will teach attendees about different concepts in a fun way. The civil engineering department will be creating a bridge-making exercise with popsicle sticks to imitate the life-sized process.

“Anything that revolves around civil engineering or general engineering-oriented education or tutoring, we like to be involved in that and get kids excited about civil engineering and let them know what it [is],” said Cameron Hale, senior civil engineering major and president of Chi Epsilon, a civil engineering honor society.

Hale said that events like these were important for him as a young person in deciding what he wanted to study after high school, and he hopes that students who are interested will find the same inspiration and direction by attending the festival.

“Especially for civil engineering that is such a specialized field, I think it’s huge to be able to tell these kids what it is, tell them Students will get the chance to experience many different elements of the STEM about it or also tell them about mechanical world through various activities. engineering, electrical engineering, comput Photo courtesy of Leandra Aburusa er engineering, to kind of get them excited,” Hale said. “Some kids know what they want engaging and exciting way. he excitement and curiosity to be when they grow up, but some of them “We want to showcase in some way that a science fair inspires is don’t, so this is an opportunity to give them what engineers do,” said Dr. Nick Hudylivened every year at the Enma, chair of civil engineering. “Part of this more options, and maybe kind of show gineering and Science Festival them another career that maybe they hadn’t is to try to attract students to engineering put on annually by the College of Engiconsidered before.” and science and mathematics.” neering. The festival is designed to allow The festival will showcase a variety of difHudyma said that the festival is concentratyounger children to explore the different ed on demystifying STEM fields and showing ferent fields, and within each field, students types of engineering and science in an

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and faculty will try to exhibit their field in an easy-to-understand, exciting way.

“You give kids the opportunity to see different things: you never know what they’ll latch onto.”

Dr. Sin Ming Loo, professor of electrical engineering “You give kids the opportunity to see different things: you never know what they’ll latch onto. They could see some bridge-building and say, ‘Oh, that seems interesting,’ or they could see some interesting programming stuff or stuff that we’ve built,” said Dr. Sin Ming Loo, professor of electrical engineering. “This kind of event is popular because you can see a lot of things at one time, so you don’t have to go to multiple locations.”

Loo has planned an exhibit in which students can interact with a very small computer called Raspberry Pi, and use it to play Minecraft.

“To a lot of kids, Minecraft is a game, but you can actually do programing in Minecraft too. The cool thing about programming in Minecraft is the instant gratification. You do something, and it happens right away. It’s kind of like electronic Legos,” Loo said.

The festival will take place around campus on Saturday, Feb. 1, and those interested can register online.

C U LT U R E

FROM PERSONAL GROWTH TO CULTURAL EXPERIENCES Students discuss the ins-and-outs of what studying in a different country can be like Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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rom the United Kingdom to Brazil to Spain and beyond, Boise State students seeking to study abroad have numerous options when deciding which country to live in.

Whether looking to travel, learn about other cultures or immerse themselves in a brand new environment, studying abroad can impact students in many ways.

While the decision to study in a different country for up to a year can be a big decision, Boise State is here to help.

Eden Taylor is the program coordinator and a study abroad advisor. After studying abroad herself in 2014, Taylor gained firsthand knowledge of what students can take away from their experience.

“I studied abroad in Aberystwyth, Wales in spring 2014 on a Direct Exchange program through Boise State,” Taylor said.

“My experience was life-changing. Studying abroad provided me the opportunity to live outside of my comfort zone for six months. Studying abroad is the sole reason I am where I am today and what fed my passion for my work within the international education field.”

Due to the variety of programs, students have many options in terms of their financial situation and countries they are interested in studying in. Alexis Cordell, a senior marketing major, traveled to the United Kingdom in the fall of 2018.

“I went through the program called USAC (University Studies Abroad Consortium),” Cordell said. “It is a little more expensive than it would be through a direct exchange program because they do plan trips for you. You can have day trips or weekend trips with them and they also hook you up with some student accommodation, so there’s a lot of amenities that come with this specific program.”

While studying abroad can quickly become expensive, Boise State has flexibility in the programs offered and the way fees can be paid.

“Students can apply all their financial

Studying abroad can present stunning views and new cultural experiences. aid and scholarships towards a study abroad program,” Taylor said. “We offer multiple program types that have different fee structures to increase affordability. Students should meet with us to discuss scholarship opportunities and to find a program that is affordable for their budget.”

Sophie Stroh, a senior psychology major, is currently studying abroad in San Sebastian, Spain.

One of the primary benefits that students experience living in a different country is the various cultures they are exposed to. Whether it is becoming accustomed to how to interact with locals or pre-planning traveling alone, the learning opportunities can be vast, Stroh touched on many things she has already learned in her short time in Spain.

“I have been able to learn to be more open-minded because living in a different culture can present so many difficulties that you would never think of,” Stroh wrote in an email. “It is such a good learning experience to help build your confi-

dence in being able to figure things out.

We just had the biggest holiday of the year La Tamborrada in San Sebastian which was amazing to be able to experience.”

“I have been able to learn to be more open-minded because living in a different culture can present so many difficulties that you would never think of.”

Sophie Stroh, senior psychology major On top of learning about different cultures, studying abroad can be a great

Photo courtesy of Sophie Stroh way to learn about oneself and experience personal growth.

“The biggest thing I learned was being comfortable and confident within myself,” Cordell said. “Trusting my gut, and not taking myself too seriously because coming from small-town Idaho [sic] I didn’t have any crazy experiences that would have helped me with this. I made a lot of mistakes, I had a lot of stuff that I would have done differently. But I think just not taking myself too seriously, I didn’t get disappointed. I just took whatever came at me and made the best of it.”

With over 60 countries to choose from, any student in any major can apply to study abroad programs.

“I would absolutely recommend other students to study abroad. I almost didn’t go through with it but I am so glad I did,” Stroh wrote. “It is so fun and is a once in a lifetime opportunity that I don’t think anybody should miss out on.”

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C U LT U R E

BOISE STATE CHINESE CLUB BRINGS NIGHT OF CULTURE TO CAMPUS

Club members discuss the expanding cultures on campus and their annual event, China Night Michelle Johnson | Culture Reporter | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Members of the community and the Chinese Club perform during China Night last year.

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hina Night is an annual event hosted by the Chinese Club at Boise State that invites the community to be apart of a Chinese cultural experience by celebrating the Chinese New Year.

Shannon Nielsen, senior studying supply chain management and president of the club, explained that the organization works to promote international friendships while exploring Chinese culture and language.

“We strive to engage students in Chinese culture and to get to know more about that culture,” Nielsen said. “[...] Maybe get students interested in the language, as well.

We feel a lot of students in the area don’t know too much about the culture or may have preconceived thoughts, so we want to give them more exposure to the culture.”

While many members of the club have been exposed to the Chinese language or are pursuing minors in Chinese studies, the club is open to anyone, even if their knowledge of the culture is limited. Meeghan Sheppard, a senior majoring in political science, is the treasurer for the club and

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encourages anyone with an interest to join.

“Getting involved with something unfamiliar to you is so good because it’s able to expand your worldview,” Sheppard said. “It’s also just fun to learn about new things, new languages, new cultures and be more culturally aware of what’s appropriate and what’s not and at the end of the day it’s just fun.”

Joseph Mahler, a fourth-year student majoring in interdisciplinary studies, is the vice president of the club. The inspiration for the club comes from many different areas and seeks to also promote internationalism.

“What we like to do, even though a lot of the club members are in fact studying Chinese at Boise State and are pursuing the Chinese studies minor, we like to promote internationalism, understanding for worldly perspectives and we do that by sharing the Chinese culture and language,” Mahler said.

Many of the activities that the club enjoys vary, from picnics together, to movie nights, to their main event, China Night.

For many of the club members, this has

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been their favorite experience while being involved in the club.

“It’s my favorite event because a lot of the local community comes in to watch these performances.”

Joseph Mahler, senior interdisciplinary studies major “It’s my favorite event because a lot of the local community comes in to watch these performances,” Mahler said. “There is lots of great music, taekwondo and tai chi performances. Last year they had a magic act and it’s just a really entertaining night filled with a lot of music and entertainment.”

For Sheppard, China Night is inspirational. With the Chinese Club being on the smaller side, seeing the event draw a

Photo courtesy of Shannon Nielsen large crowd is a great accomplishment.

“It’s at the Chinese Club on campus, because not a lot of people are studying Chinese, it’s a pretty small club,” Sheppard said. “So when you get to China Night you don’t expect it to be so big: up to around 400 people. And the dancing and other entertainment are also just gorgeous to see.”

The communities in which Boise State clubs have created are continually growing and expanding in their diversity. As just one of many cultural clubs on campus, the Chinese Club seeks to bring different world-views to campus.

“I think that diversity is great. With our ever-growing and globalized world, it’s important to be aware of other people’s beliefs and perspectives,” Mahler said. “Starting clubs based around diversity is how we familiarize our students with what perspectives and beliefs are out there in the world.”

China Night is on Feb. 8 and is open to the public.

C U LT U R E

PLAYING THROUGH ‘A STORY OF TRAGEDY, RESILIENCE AND RENEWAL’

Faculty brass quintet celebrates Armenian culture and tradition through music Will Meyer | Culture Editor | culture@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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cross generations, various groups prefer certain types of music over others. Whether trying to relax independently or enjoy a social party, people create their own culture and identity through music. But for the Armenian diaspora who has experienced continual oppression and genocide, the cultural element is magnified. On Feb. 2, the faculty brass quintet from the music department will be performing a selection of Armenian diaspora music entitled “A Story of Tragedy, Resilience and Renewal.”

“As a brass musician myself, I was familiar with some music by Armenian composers, and I was trying to think of music that I was familiar with personally that came from cultures and peoples whose home country or home people had a unique story,” said Dr. Zach Buie, professor of trumpet in the school of music.

“... I was trying to think of music that I was familiar with personally that came from cultures and peoples whose home country or home people had a unique story.”

Dr. Zachary Buie, professor of trumpet Buie said that recognizing the great tragedy of the Armenian genocide which occurred at the beginning of the 20th century, he felt that celebrating the music of the Armenian culture was particularly relevant for the larger event that the Hemingway Center is holding called “Exile Refuge

The English department reached out to the music department to incorporate a different type of storytelling in their event.

Photo courtesy of Dr. Zachary Buie

Home.” The event will revolve around discussion and celebration of narratives about immigration and diaspora.

“When I started looking into the local area, I found that there is actually a thriving Armenian community here in Boise, and they have regular social events, they have a church and they have dinners that they go to together,” Buie said.

After doing research on the music he hoped to perform, Buie reached out to Boise community members with an Armenian background. Two of them, Rachel Emenaker and Jo-Ann Kachigian, will be speaking about Armenian experience and history at the event.

“Putting on an event like this is kind of saying, ‘We’re still here, we’re still dancing, we’re still listening to our music, we’re still

speaking our language, we’re still worshipping in our churches,’” Emenaker, who works with the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora, said.

By concentrating specifically on music made by people of Armenian heritage, the event will not only bring light to the tragedies the people have faced but also show that they are a thriving community, according to Emenaker.

“Of all the many issues to talk about in terms of exile and refugee status and diaspora, the Armenian genocide remains hugely problematic in terms of the silence that surrounds it,” said Dr. Cheryl Hindrichs, director of the Hemingway Literary Center.

“So I was very excited to create some sort of programming around that.”

Hindrichs said that after the English department planned the event, they reached

out to other departments to try and collaborate, and the music department expressed interest. Hindrichs said having Emenaker and Kachigian speaking at the event will hopefully illuminate the multifaceted and distinctive subcultures within the larger Armenian community.

“There are Armenians from very different places, so the group’s cuisine, the culture, the rituals are different, but there is a very strong sense of a shared identity,” Hindrichs said. “My hope is that through the storytelling of Jo-Ann looking at differences within but also between cultures with Rachel, and then the storytelling that the music itself does will help us make connections for us that we maybe didn’t have our eyes and ears open to.”

The speaking and musical performance will be held in the Hemingway Center Gallery at 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 2.

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SPORTS & REC JANUARY 28, 2020 | ARBITERONLINE.COM

BOISE STATE SPIRIT SQUAD MAKES PROGRAM HISTORY AT NATIONALS

Spirit Squad sets new standard thanks to placing top 10 in the nation at UCA championship Mackenzie Hudson | Digital Content Manager | digitalcontent@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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rom the crisp weather of Boise, Idaho to the heat and humidity of Orlando, Fla., the Boise State Spirit Squad traveled across the country to compete in the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship Jan. 17-19.

For the first time in program history, the squad placed seventh in the nation in the DIA Coed Game Day division for their game day routine. After qualifying for the finals in 10th place, which was also a first for the program, Boise State was speechless when they were not announced 10th, ninth or even eighth.

Since it was the squad’s first time competing in the Game Day division, head coach Kelsey Messer was not sure what to expect.

“It was incredible,” Messer said. “I mean, we knew that we couldn’t go in there and disappoint ourselves, but being able to jump three places and be top 10 in the nation is incredible for this program. And it just shows the trajectory that we’re on.”

When the Broncos heard their name announced as earning seventh place, everyone reacted in a different way. For sophomore Sierra Semler, the memorable moment was surreal.

“I just remember sitting there holding my two best friends’ hands,” Semler said.

“When calling our name, we were kind of shocked and both of mine and Erik [Lindgren]’s parents came up to us and were like, ‘This is what we’ve been dreaming for since you guys were six years old.’ So it’s an indescribable moment that only cheerleaders will really understand.”

For many cheerleaders, competing at nationals is a childhood dream, but most don’t get the opportunity to hit the mats at the Walt Disney World Resort. Semler and

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The Boise State Spirit Squad competed for the first time in the Game Day division.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter Lindgren have cheered together since they were six-years-old and had always hoped to accomplish what they did on Jan. 17.

“So it’s pretty cool, accomplishing that this weekend and actually making our childhood dream a reality, but then also obviously getting called to finals and getting seventh place in Game Day,” Semler said.

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“[It’s] just something that no one really expected, even the teams around us. And so it’s just really more rewarding for all that.”

By placing seventh in the nation and making history for the program, the Spirit Squad’s bar for success has been set high for future seasons. “[Moving] up to seventh, that really

showed us that we can do this,” Lindgren said. “We have the mentality that we want to win next year. We want to go out there, we want to win. And in our other division, which is our small coed division, we have yet to make it to finals. And we truly do believe that we can make it to finals.”

Competing against bigger, more wellknown universities can be intimidating, but Boise State stepped up their game and gave the other squads a run for their money.

University of Kentucky, the 2019 UCA champions, did not move on to the finals this year, making the Boise State Spirit Squad feel more confident in their odds for the coming years.

“It is always tough because we feel as though they have an advantage over us,” Lindgren said. “It’s really cool to know that it’s fair game. When it comes to routines, if you hit your routine, if you put out there what you feel is your best, everyone has a fair shot. So it’s really cool to be able to compete against the big team names and place higher than them.”

After being a part of the program for eight years, both as a cheerleader and coach, Messer has seen the team reach new heights, especially in their appearance at national competitions, and predicts that the growth will only continue.

“This is something that we would have dreamed of five years ago,” Messer said.

“We never would have gotten the opportunity or have the outreach to do it…

It’s just awesome to see that people do recognize the hard work that [the Spirit Squad] put[s] in, because they don’t get an offseason. They work hard all year long.

And I think it’s just cool to see that they’re actually getting the recognition and support that they deserve.”

SPORTS & REC

A WORK ETHIC LIKE NONE OTHER LEADS JUSTINIAN JESSUP TO A NEW RECORD

Jessup, Boise State’s new 3-point record leader, inspires teammates to work harder Autum Robertson | Sports Reporter | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

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ustinian Jessup was the outlier in his family. Jessup stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall and plays Division I basketball. While Jessup says his

parents “are not very tall” and, outside of his great uncle, he was the only person in his family to play sports competitively.

Jessup was raised in Longmont, Colo., a small town 20 minutes outside of Boulder, but his passion for basketball began in Southern California where he first played both YMCA ball and on a “Junior Lakers” team.

No longer a Junior Laker, Jessup has been writing his name all over the record books as a Boise State Bronco. Most recently, on Jan. 8 when the Broncos faced UNLV, Jessup broke the Broncos’ all-time 3-point record with his 276th triple.

“I’m just thankful that I got it,” Jessup said about breaking the record. “You know, [I am] thankful for all the teammates I’ve had and the coaches I’ve had along the way, and they’ve definitely been a huge part of it. And yeah, I’m just, thankful.”

Around the locker room and on the court, Jessup’s teammates can all agree on one thing: his work ethic is unmatched.

Senior Alex Hobbs remembers a time his sophomore year when he planned to arrive at practice first and early at about 7:45 a.m., but upon arriving he noticed that Jessup’s locker was open.

“I was just like, ‘He might have left that from last night.’ I get in the gym and workout — he’s on a gun just shooting,” Hobbs said. “It really hit me that this guy puts in the work and that’s great for him.

He becomes this great player but at the same time, it inspires us all to just keep putting in that work.”

Jessup’s dedication has also impacted his two younger brothers, one in eighth grade and the other a senior in high school, who have both decided to follow in their brother’s footsteps and play basketball. “[My brother] really started picking [basketball] up in high school. So it’s been

Since Jessup broke Boise State’s all-time 3-point record on Jan. 8, he has accounted for eight more, bringing his total to 284.

Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter pretty cool to see how far he’s come,” Jessup said. “I mean, his team is number one in Colorado right now. They’re undefeated now and he’s averaging like 16 or 17 points a game.”

Jessup’s teammate Marcus Dickinson was recruited and committed to Boise State at the same time as Jessup and recalls thinking that Jessup did not like him for their first two months playing together. Dickinson went around asking teammates what they thought and eventually, he just realized that Jessup simply leads and works quietly.

From that point on, their relationship only grew.

“He’s like a brother. It’s really special because, especially the guys that [I] came with like, J, Hobbs and DA, we’re super close,” Dickinson said. “After college, we know we’re going to keep in touch with

each other and it’s just more than basketball with us. This is a brothership.”

“After college, we know we’re going to keep in touch with each other and it’s just more than basketball with us. This is a brothership.”

Marcus Dickinson, senior guard

“Getting older, you just start to see the bigger picture and have a little more self-awareness about where you are and that helps off the court as well as on the court,” Jessup said. “[It] just gives you more self-confidence and security about your game and stuff.”

Jessup will graduate in May with a degree in media arts with a public relations emphasis, but his dream is to play in the NBA. His teammates do not see anything getting in the way of that.

“Oh, [the] sky’s the limit for him.

He can go anywhere,” Dickinson said.

“Anywhere he goes to whether it’s NBA or whatever, they’re gonna be lucky. They will have a hard worker.”

Over the span of four years, Jessup has seen himself grow both on and off the court.

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SPORTS & REC

MEN’S TENNIS NEWCOMERS LOOK TO CAPTAINS TO SHOW THE BRONCO WAY

The Broncos started the season with a loss, but quickly bounced back Zach Krufka | Staff Writer | sports@stumedia.boisestate.edu

Boise State men’s tennis recovered after a challenging start to go 4-0 last weekend.

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he Boise State men’s tennis team is looking to bounce back this season after going 11-10 last year, and having some key returners could help them have high-level success. Although a number of team members graduated, there are some new faces looking to help this team improve.

The Broncos’ first match of the 201920 season against No. 5 Baylor University ended in a 7-0 loss. But one player was not concerned by the score because it did not accurately reflect how well the team played.

“We competed at a really high level, and we were right there in every match,” said senior Wyatt Demulling. “I couldn’t be happier with how we played.”

After their tough season opener, the

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Broncos quickly turned around to pick up a perfect 4-0 weekend, sweeping both Montana State and Seattle University 7-0 on Jan. 24 and 25, then both Idaho State and Whitman 7-0 on Jan. 26.

“We talked about making a statement today, it’s easy to relax against a team you should beat and then it gets close,” said head coach Kristian Widen after Friday’s win. “But today, these guys came out and showed the home crowd what we can do.”

Boise State’s senior captains, Demulling and Ryland McDermott, are looking to lead their new team not only to a good season but an even better work ethic.

Many of the newer and younger players have already expressed appreciation for their captains.

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Mackenzie Hudson | The Arbiter

“[The captains] are unbelievable people to look up to as an athlete because they show you the right things to do every day and I want to follow in their footsteps.”

Kyryll Kryvchun, men’s tennis player “They have been absolute role models to me,” said Kyryll Kryvchun, a junior

transfer student from Mesa Community College. “They embody what bleeding blue and being blue-collar is; everybody steps out on the court and [the captains] are the first out there. They are unbelievable people to look up to as an athlete because they show you the right things to do every day and I want to follow in their footsteps.”

While any designated team leader has clear importance to a team, it is the respect from their teammates which tends to define their impact. Junior Blake Blaydon, who transferred to Boise State from Barry University, credits his successful transition to the work of the captains.

“They showed me what it is like, first off the culture and how the team works as a whole; the captains do a really good job of that,” Blaydon said.

A new season brings new teammates together and a successful season can all start with one gathering, even if it is just a practice. Everybody has their own thoughts on what a new season means to them, but to some, the simple act of getting to play with the team is most significant.

“I am looking forward to everything; competing with one another and mainly seeing how the new guys are going to do,” Demulling said. “They come in and it is their first season here as a Bronco… It is really fun to see all of the guys thrive on the energy and the energy we give one another.”

For Kryvchun, the new season marks his first as a Division I tennis player. Having transferred from a community college, he is excited to improve and adapt to the new atmosphere.

“Everything is fresh and get a chance to prove yourself again and the past results don’t matter as much and you just build on those past results if they do matter,” Kryvchun said. “The environment here compared to the junior colleges I played at are completely different, mainly because this is such a positive atmosphere. At a junior college, everyone is there for themselves so they can transfer somewhere.”

OUR BEST GUESS The Arbiter aligns your stars.

AQUARIUS:

Although your confidence is high and you have undoubtedly hit a stride, you are feeling a need for nourishment. That is to say, you are craving cherished time with someone you love — moments that feed your aura and just make you feel good. Plan a one-on-one get-together which inspires as much closeness as possible.

PISCES

FEB 18 - MARCH 20

Venus will be leaving you soon, so now is the time to take advantage of some luck in dating. If you have been taking your time deciding whether to go on that date or wondering if you should reach out to someone who has caught your eye — do it.

AR JA N U

MARCH 20 - APR 20

Y

20

ARIES

-F

EBRUARY 17

TRISHA KANGAS

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR TRISHAKANGAS@BOISESTATE.EDU

Love is on the way, Aries. Open yourself up to new romantic experiences now. Even further, for a decisive sign like you, sit down and make a list of what you need from a new relationship. If you are currently in a relationship, think about what you can do for your partner that will make them feel special. Shower your partner in extra affection.

TAURUS

APR 20 - MAY 21

You are working on a breakthrough that you can be truly proud of, Taurus. Do not feel like you have to rush it. Lean into your strengths in problem-solving and knowing your personal limits. Doing so will help you when you come to make final decisions.

The moon will also pass by, so do not forget to recognize when you need a healthy break.

GEMINI

MAY 21 - JUN 21

The moon is touching down for you this week, Gemini. You are stressed and the things you have tried to lift some of the weight from your shoulders are simply not working. This week, you will feel better about not agreeing to anything that will cause you more mental stress. Do not feel guilty about doing things for you and only you.

CANCER

JUN 21 - JULY 23

Normally, you are not huge into planning and calculating in a traditional sense. You use your intuition and emotions to tell you the right decisions and paths for you. Challenge yourself to add some additional structure to your life. Physically writing down plans and putting your vision out into the universe will be prosperous for you.

LEO

JUL 23 - AUG 23

Unfortunately, Leo, you are still not feeling quite back to your normal, confident self. Although, this week, some solutions are going to make themselves visible to you. Make sure that you open yourself up to unusual or spontaneous ways to boost your sense of self. Do not block things out because it is not what you would normally do.

VIRGO

AUG 23 - SEPT 23

Virgo, things are going to feel a bit upside down soon. You are used to being grounded, realistic and determined — while these characteristics certainly will not change, you are going to run into a significant communication problem soon. This will cause a roadblock which should not be ignored.

Go outside the box.

LIBRA

SEPT 23 - OCT 22

You have been spending a lot of time thinking about grand ideas, Libra. Your mind is dwelling on some philosophical, maybe even existential puzzles. This is always a good avenue for self-improvement. However, do not let your focus on everyday tasks go by the wayside. People and issues which need attention immediately should be your priority.

SCORPIO

OCT 23 - NOV 21

Now that you have had time to retreat and reevaluate things that are unbalanced in your life, you can benefit from doing the opposite this week.

Reach out to someone who might need your help.

It does not have to be someone close to you, but you will feel connected to a person going through something you have also experienced.

SAGITTARIUS NOV 22 - DEC 21

You are still feeling full of get-up-and-go, Sag, but in your near future, think about focusing that energy on helping someone else. Tap into that selfless side of your personality and make someone’s day or week! You have received praise recently for all of your hard work. Try and recognize those same accomplishments in another person very close to you.

CAPRICORN

DEC 21 - JAN 20

Those areas in your life which you are working hard to improve are leaving you feeling a bit stuck, but you are making progress. Trust that you will make a big breakthrough very soon. Trust the process and your ability to follow through. Just when you feel like giving up, Mars is going to give you a boost of determination which will lead you through to conclusion.

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