Volume 46, Issue 01 [Welcome Issue] - The Bengal Newspaper

Page 1

The Bengal

isubengal.com Summer 2020

Volume 46 Issue 01

The Independent Voice at Idaho State University Since 1910

Brandon Oram | Photo Editor

Please Recycle

Got news? Let us know.

Contact The Bengal at bgnews@isu.edu

Follow The Bengal: @ISUBengal

@ISUBengal

isubengal


Summer 2020 • Page 2

--------------------------------

--------------------------------

--------------------------------

--------------------------------

SATURDAY, AUGUST 15

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 19

THURSDAY, AUGUST 20

FRIDAY, AUGUST 21

Hosted by the Office of New Student Orientation

Hosted by Costco and ISU Credit Union

Barrie’s Bike Ride

11 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Meet at the ISU Quad Bring your own bike and meet the staff of Barrie’s Ski & Sport for a ride around the University area. --------------------------------

SUNDAY, AUGUST 16

Yoga on the Quad

Hosted by the Office of New Student Orientation and the Wellness Center

11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ISU Quad Bring your own mat or towel and enjoy an outdoor (physically distanced) yoga practice. --------------------------------

MONDAY, AUGUST 17

Grab-and-Go Breakfast Hosted by College of Business

8 - 10 a.m. Business Administration Building Lawn Grab breakfast to-go on the first day of fall classes! --------------------------------

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18

Fall Kick-Off and Taco Truck

Hosted by Student Activities Board (SAB) and Associated Students of ISU (ASISU)

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad Hypostyle (rain or shine) Grab-and-go lunch tacos.

Costco Day

Involvement Fair (Part Two)

10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Hosted by the Student Leadership and Engagement Center

Enjoy Costco shopping without a membership by showing a Bengal ID. Transportation is not provided.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad

Pond Student Union BBQ Hosted by the Pond Student Union

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad Grab-and-go lunch for students.

Involvement Fair (Part One)

Hosted by the Student Leadership and Engagement Center

Learn more about ISU’s numerous clubs and organizations.

Ice Cream Social

Involvement Fair (Part Three)

Come and meet the faculty and staff while enjoying ice cream.

11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Cadet Field

Pick up a bag of popcorn and learn more about Chi Alpha’s weekly gatherings.

Popsicle Palooza

Hosted by College of Education

1 - 2:30 p.m. Cadet Field College of Education faculty and staff will be ready with ISU swag items, popsicles, and lawn games. Come and enjoy the outdoors!

How much do you know about the arts and social sciences? Try your hand at Tiger Trivia! Win ISU swag and other great prizes. --------------------------------

Learn more about ISU’s numerous clubs and organizations.

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad

12 - 1 p.m. Liberal Arts Building Lawn

12 - 1 p.m. Chemistry Building Patio

Swag Surprise

Hosted by Chi Alpha

Hosted by College of Arts and Letters

Hosted by College of Science and Engineering

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad

Popcorn Pick-Up

Tiger Trivia

Hosted by College of Technology

Spin the wheel of surprise for ISU Swag!

Open Climb

Hosted by Outdoor Adventure Center

5 p.m. - dark Shady Side Ross Park Climbing Area

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 26

Hosted by the Student Leadership and Engagement Center

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad Learn more about ISU’s numerous clubs and organizations. --------------------------------

THURSDAY, AUGUST 27

Involvement Fair (Part Four)

Hosted by the Student Leadership and Engagement Center

11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. ISU Quad Learn more about ISU’s numerous clubs and organizations.

This is a regular climbing session on Thursday evenings. Ropes are provided. Transportation is not provided.

AUGUST 17-21

The Maltese Bengal: An Oboler Noir Mystery Hosted by the Oboler Library

All Day Start at the Library Front Desk during normal operating hours Test your detective skills and avoid becoming entangled in a web of misdirection as you seek the library’s mysterious treasure - the Maltese Bengal - and seek to claim the reward! This is a self-guided event.

Pocatello New Student Gift Pick-Up New undergraduate Bengals (Starting in the summer or fall) are invited to pick up their New Student Orientation gift bag from the Campus Connection Desk at the Pond Student Union from Monday, August 24 - Friday, August 28. Bring your Bengal Card with you for verification. Questions? Contact nso@isu.edu.

Where to Receive Your ISU Face Covering Students can recieve a face covering by presenting their Bengal ID at Campus Connection in the Pond Student Union, the Roy F. Christensen Building, students services at the Eames Complex, the Oboler Library, outside the Pond Student Union, and Parking Services/ Public Safety. Masks are also available at the ISU-Meridian front desk, the Idaho Falls information desk and in Twin Falls at the Higher Education Center CSI Hepworth Building. Students who are medically unable to wear a face covering should contact Disability Support Services at (208) 282-3599 or at disabilityservices@isu.edu.


Page 3 • Summer 2020

PROTECTING YOUR MENTAL AND PHYSICAL HEALTH DURING A PANDEMIC Dylon Harrison Managing Editor Maintaining your personal mental health while in college is always a challenge. Maintaining your mental health during a global pandemic is a completely different challenge altogether. With the combination of these two things, keeping yourself mentally healthy is more important than ever. As tempting as it might be to throw yourselves full speed into your coursework, mental health really

needs to be prioritized. By all means, don’t neglect your classes, but don’t neglect yourself either. ISU provides resources to help students when the need arises. Counseling and Testing Services are available Monday through Friday and counseling sessions are now available via Zoom. While these resources are nice, you still need to make sure that you’re taking care of yourself and not relying entirely on the university. ISU faculty is just as stressed as its students in the face of this unprece-

Want to work on campus?

Apply to The Bengal For Fall 2020 - Spring 2021

Now accepting applications for the following positions: •

Production Editor [$2,340 / Year]

Sports Editor [$2,340 / Year]

Advertising Manager [$840 / Year + Commission]

Staff Writer(s) [$20 per Story]

Staff Photographer(s) [$35 per Photo Assignment]

Working at The Bengal allows students to work flexible schedules and most work can be completed remotely. Applications should include a resume and work sample. Send applications or questions to Jacob Gutridge at bgchief@isu.edu.

Photo Courtesy of The Bengal Archives dented time. They’re doing their best to make this as easy as possible for us, but they’re not going to be able to do everything. Seek help from your friends, while social distancing of course, and make sure you check in with them as well. Schedule time in your day to actively do some self-care. Again, school is important, but taking care of yourself is important too. Find a club to join. If it’s something you enjoy, participating in it can help to reduce the stress of your required school work. None of us know what’s going to happen next and we’re all incredibly stressed out. We’re also all in this together. We need to take care of each other and ourselves if we want to get through this pandemic and not go back to fully online learning. In addition to mental health, keeping yourself physically healthy is obviously important as well. Preventing a COVID-19 breakout is the only

way to ensure we stay together on campus. ISU has done its best to put guidelines in place to help with this. Now the responsibility falls to the students. Listen to your instructors. I know the safety measures are annoying. I know that wearing masks for the length of a class is terrible, but it’s better than the alternative. Just like with mental health, we have to rely on each other to maintain our physical health as well. Let’s do our best, as Bengals, to ensure that we can stay here with our community. If you need help, contact the University Health Center or Counseling Services. Do what you need to do to get us all through this. It is also important to note that your masks should cover your nose. They’re not effective if they’re only over your mouth and the people around you are most likely silently judging you for wearing your mask wrong.


Summer 2020 • Page 4

CAMPUS RESOURCES EVERY FRESHMAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT Joanna Orban Copy Editor Starting college is a scary experience. It’s hard to go from living with your parents to moving out and being on your own. In addition to the pressure of living in a new place, college courses are more difficult. They require more studying and more work than high school classes. Thankfully, ISU has a myriad of resources that all freshmen students should take advantage of to help with academic and other concerns. Health Center One of the hardest things about living away from home is not having access to the doctors you are familiar with. The ISU Health Center offers free office visits for students. They can help with anything from common colds to flu shots. They also provide general check-ups and offer urgent care. In addition to these services, this office also works with the Bengal Pharmacy to provide pharmacy services. To make an appointment at the Health Center you can call them at 208-282-2330 or visit their website at https://www.isu. edu/healthcenter/ to make an appointment through the patient portal. The ISU Health Center is located across the street from the PSUB. Diversity Resource Center The Diversity Resource Center has many services that work to promote an inclusive campus environment. Throughout the year, the Diversity Resource Center hosts many events such as the Brown Bag Series that bring together students to talk about diverse topics. The Diversity Resource Center also works closely with Cultural Student Organizations such as the African Student Association, Chinese Student Association, and the International Student Association. Also found in the Diversity Resource Center is the Office of Eq-

uity and Inclusion which works to eliminate prejudice, discrimination, and marginalization. The Diversity Resource Center can be found on the first floor of the Rendezvous building. For more information regarding diversity at ISU visit https://www.isu. edu/drc/. Writing Center Writing papers for college is a more intensive experience than writing them for high school. Professors often grade harder and the word count is usually higher. The writing center is a great resource to use especially if you need some-

one to proofread your papers. Additionally, the writing tutors can also explain the difference between the different citation styles. Using the writing center is free for students. Appointments can be online or in person. To make an appointment visit https://www.isu.edu/tutoring/ writing-center/appointment/writing-appointment/. The writing center tutors can help with papers from all disciplines in addition to English. Math Center In addition to the writing center ISU also has a math center. Math tutors can help with a variety of

math classes. The primary goal of the math center is to help students understand the concepts they are learning in class. Prior to visiting the math center, the tutors advise that you try the problems on your own so you can come to the center with a specific list of questions you are struggling with. They also ask that you bring your class notes. Doing this will help the tutors see what specific concepts you are using in class. Both the writing center and the math center have PDF files listed on their websites of common questions and answers. You can visit the ISU Math Center website at https:// www.isu.edu/tutoring/math-center/. Both the writing center and the math center are located on the third floor of the Rendezvous building. Disability Services The Office of Disability Services works with students and staff to ensure equal opportunities and equal access to everything ISU has to offer. This includes making sure buildings on campus are accessible for everyone who visits the campus. The Office of Disability Services follows guidelines set by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA). Should students need alternative testing accommodations they would contact the Office of Disability Services as well as their instructor. The Office of Disability Services is found on the first floor of the Rendezvous building. More information about the office can be found at https://www.isu.edu/disabilityservices/. Benny’s Pantry Another great resource found on the ISU campus is Benny’s Pantry. This food pantry is run by the Office of Student Affairs. One of the missions of the food pantry is to help alleviate food insecurity faced

Brandon Oram | Photo Editor

Continued Page 5


Page 5 • Summer 2020 Continued From Page 4 by ISU students. Doing so will allow the students to focus more on their academics. In order to access the pantry students must have their ISU ID card. The pantry can be visited two times a month. The first time you visit the pantry, you must sign an acceptance of free food waiver. No income information is required. Students can also volunteer at the pantry and donate food. Benny’s Pantry is located on the first floor of the PSUB. More information about volunteering or using the pantry can be found at https://www.isu. edu/pantry/. Career Center Another concern faced by many college students is trying to find a job. The ISU Career Center can help with finding an on-campus job as well as preparing to find a job after graduation. The career center also offers mock interviews. Some other services offered by the cen-

ter include resume and cover letter reviews, career counseling, and job search assistance. The Career Center also oversees the Idaho State University CPI program. This program gives students paid internships that will help in future careers. Another resource the career center oversees is a website called Handshake. This website has a list of both on-campus and off-campus jobs and makes it easy to apply so long as you upload your resume and other pertinent information. Throughout the school year, the Career Center hosts career fairs. More information about the career fairs and other resources can be found at https://www.isu.edu/ career/. The career center is located on the fourth floor of the Museum building. Counseling Services With all of the new changes surrounding your first year of college, it is important to take care of your mental health. The ISU Counseling Services Office provides free coun-

seling services to all students. The goal of Counseling Services is to help students meet specific mental health goals over the course of the semester. If there are times of high demand where the number of students requesting counseling services exceeds the available number of staff, students who are not at high risk will be placed on a waitlist and contacted when there is an opening. The Counseling Services Office also provides group counseling, biofeedback training, crisis intervention, and outreach and prevention programs. They are located on the third floor of Gravely Hall in the South Tower. Additional information regarding their services can be found at https://www.isu.edu/ctc/. Veteran’s Student Services Center The Veteran’s Student Services office is located on the third floor of the PSUB. The Veteran’s Student Services Center provides VA Vital Peer Mentoring, information about military education benefits, and

Here For You • No office visit fee for students • Board-certified staff

• Available to all students and spouses of students

• Patient portal access

• Private insurance accepted • Same day appointments

noneducation resources through the Bannock County Veteran Services. Another resource found in this office is the Career Closet where student veterans can borrow clothes as they apply for jobs or as needed for other professional obligations. Another resource found in this office is Hero. Hero is the Veteran’s Student Service’s emotional support dog. Her services support both veteran and nonveteran students. Another resource found in this center is the Student Veterans of America organization. This student-run organization hosts several service projects and activities throughout the school year including the Chrome the Dome Fundraiser. More information on additional resources found in the center can be found at https://isu. edu/veterans/. The information provided above includes information that may or may not be different due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.


Summer 2020 • Page 6

YOUR REGIONAL TRAVEL GUIDE Kaitlyn Hart Life Editor Jackson Hole, Wyoming Driving distance from Pocatello: 140.9 miles, 2 hours and 35 minute (driving). Weather: Average of 42 degrees, Snow showers Tourist Attractions: Jackson Town Square, Snow King Mountain Resort,

National Elk Refuge, Grand Teton National Park, Jackson Hole Mountain Resort and Teton Village. Restaurants: Snake River Grill, The Blue Lion, Gun Barrel, Rendezvous Bistro, The Bunnery. Hotels: Hotel Jackson, Four Seasons Resort and Residences, The Wort Hotel, The White Buffalo, Snow King Resort, Spring Creek Ranch.

Sun Valley, Idaho Driving distance from Pocatello: 167.5 miles, 2 hours and 59 minutes. Weather: Average temperature of 46 degrees. Tourist Attractions: Bald Mountain, Sun Valley Resort, Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, Galena Lodge and Trails, and The Spot. Restaurants: Pioneer Saloon, Gretchens, The Kneadery, Rickshaw, and Enoteca. Hotels: Sun Valley Lodge, Tamarack Lodge, The Elkhorn Resort, Knob Hill Inn, Stanley High Country Inn, and The Silver Creek Hotel.

Salt Lake City, Utah

Voices and Programs You Love to Hear

Driving distance from Pocatello: 164 miles, 2 hours and 23 minutes. Weather: Average temperature is 57 degrees, chance of light snow. Tourist Attractions: Utah State Capitol Building, Hogle Zoo, Trolley Square, Clark Planetarium, A Bar Named Sue, Top Golf. Restaurants: Spitz, Red Iguana, The Copper Onion, The Bayou, The Rose Establishment. Hotels: The Little America Hotel, The Radisson, Hyatt House Downtown, The Grand America Hotel, The Peery Hotel.

Boise, Idaho Driving distance from Pocatello: 234.3 miles, 3 hours and 22 minutes. Weather: Average temperature is 56 degrees. Tourist Attractions: Bogus Basin, Boise River Greenbelt, Hyde Park, Freak Alley, Downtown Boise. Restaurants: Fork, Barbacoa, Pie Hole, The Stil and Tin Roof Tacos. Hotels: The Grove Hotel, Stay Alfred at The Fowler, Residence Inn, Hotel 43, and Boise Guest House.

Butte, Montana Driving distance from Pocatello: 254.7 miles, 3 hours and 44 minutes. Weather: Average temperature is 44 degrees, chance of snow. Tourist Attractions: The Berkeley Pit, The Lady of the Rockies, World Museum of Mining, Copper King Mansion and The Gallows Frames. Restaurants: Uptown Cafe, Casagranda’s Steakhouse, El Taco, Christina’s Cocina Cafe, and Sparky’s Garage. Hotels: Copper King Convention Center, Fairmont Hot Springs, Finlen Hotel, The MIner’s Boutique Hotel and Toad Hall Manor Bed & Breakfast.

All Things Considered | Morning Edition The World | Fresh Air | Here and Now World Cafe | On Point | Live From Here

TUNE IN Donate today at kisu.org

91.1 Pocatello 91.3 Idaho Falls 88.1 Upper Valley

Photo Courtesy of The Bengal Archives


Page 7 • Summer 2020

TAKE A HIKE

Brandon Oram | Photo Editor Brandon Oram Photo Editor Pocatello really has so much to offer when it comes to outdoor activities. Hiking is a perfect activity to release stress, get some fresh air and enjoy Pocatello, especially during the warmer months! Here are three of the many hikes that are in the area.

Red Hill Trail

Distance: From end to end approx. 1 mile. Make the hike as long or short as you want. Pros: panoramic view of campus and Pocatello, closest hike to campus, quick and simple, perfect hike year-round. Cons: Can get quite hot with the lack of shade, most trails are dirt and it can get dusty. Overview: Have a break between classes? Want the best view of campus? Red Hill is the hike for you! Conveniently located on campus, Red Hill offers a variety of paved and dirt trails that are perfect if you do not have a lot of time and just want to get outside. There are a few dif-

ferent locations you can start hiking on Red Hill. Directly east of the SUB, there is a walking path that allows you to walk the base of Red Hill to the back or you can head up the hillside to get on the ridge. There is also a general parking lot located directly below the pillars that can be accessed from Bartz Drive. The parking lot provides a quick climb up to the pillars and from there you have access to any path you desire to take. Be aware that there is no shade and it gets quite warm so pack plenty of water. This is a perfect place to enjoy the evening and watch the sunset. As Red Hill is part of campus masks may be required.

City Creek Trails

Distance: beginner loop 2.6 miles, Outlaw Springs loop 9.4 miles, Kinport Peak 10.7 miles. Pros: Variety of wildlife, endless trails to explore, also good for mountain biking. Cons: Quite popular in the evenings, dirt paths, keep your head up for mountain bikers. Overview: The City Creek trails

are located west of campus just past old town. City Creek Trailhead offers miles of trails including the popular Outlaw Springs and Kinport Peak trails. This trailhead is a popular place for people wanting to escape the city for a bit and offers trails for beginners and experts alike. Plenty of trees makes it a perfect location for a shaded afternoon or evening hike. This can be a popular place so be courteous of others and keep the trails clean! Be sure to follow the CDC’s recommendations for social distancing. Full maps of the City Creek Trails can be found online at the City of Pocatello’s website.

Edson Fichter Pond

Distance: Main loop is one mile with many smaller trails to explore. Pros: beautiful views of the pond and also the Portneuf River, plenty of benches to sit and enjoy the scenery. Cons: With the narrow pathways it does not take many people to get crowded. Overview: The Edson Fichter Pond is the perfect location for a variety of outside fun. The parking lot is locat-

ed just north of Indian Hills Elementary School and not difficult to find using Google Maps. The paved walking path includes bridges over the Portneuf River, pond side views, and even a small botanical garden to explore. The trails are even connected to the Portneuf Greenway which provides for longer walks. Edson Fichter Pond is stocked with fish annually so don’t forget your fishing pole. Bring your longboard or bicycle and enjoy the smooth ride, just be courteous of others using the pathways. If it is hot enough, the southern end of the main loop offers access to the Portneuf river where you can find a rope swing and even a waterfall that you can enjoy. Take some time for birdwatching and you might be able to spot the small Gold Finches that are commonly seen in the area. Overall, this nature haven has so much to offer in such a small area.


Summer 2020 • Page 8

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW BENGALS Andrea Diaz Staff Writer Volunteering on and off campus is a great way to gain experience and further your knowledge of the ISU campus and Pocatello as a whole. There are plenty of opportunities to volunteer on and off campus, three

of the off campus being Aid For Friends homeless shelter, Pocatello Animal Shelter and the 6th Judicial District CASA Program. Lastly, the on campus opportunity is Benny’s Pantry.

Aid For Friends Homeless Shelter

The Aid For Friends homeless

shelter is located at 653 S. Fourth St. in Pocatello. Some responsibilities that come with volunteering at the shelter include: organizing donations, brief paperwork, helping the community by providing essentials to the homeless, working directly with the homeless and aiding the shelter supervisor. Volunteering at the shelter helps the volunteer gain experience in working with a vulnerable population and gaining basic office skills. This is a great opportunity for anyone majoring in social work, sociology, criminology and anyone interested in working with the homeless. To volunteer at this location call (208) 232-5669 to set up a date and time.

Pocatello Animal Shelter

Pocatello Animal Shelter is a local shelter located on 3100 Avenue of the Chiefs, in the Upper Ross Park area. The shelter works with animals in need of a home. Volunteers must be 16 years or older to volunteer. According to the Pocatello Animal Shelter website through the city of Pocatello, responsibilities include: bathing and grooming animals, cleaning kennels and performing general kennel duties, greeting and guiding patrons through the animal shelter, helping with tasks in the front office, assisting with fundraising and outreach events, working on projects from home and collecting or donating needed supplies to the shelter. The shelter would be a great place to gain experience with animals, the public and cleaning experience. To apply for a volunteer position follow the link provided below and located in the middle of the page is a link to fill out an online application. The website to learn more about the animal shelter is: https:// www.pocatello.us/161/Volunteering-Community-Service and the phone number is: (208) 234-6156.

6th Judicial District CASA Program

The 6th Judicial District CASA Program is a way to help abused, neglected, and abandoned children. The CASA program volunteers take court cases and do independent investigations and act as an advocate for the child. When in court the advocate ensures the child’s needs are being met and that the children are being properly represented. According to the program’s website, to be a CASA volunteer requires, “S/he must possess sound decision-making skills and be able to remain objective and nonjudgmental. S/ he must have a good rapport with children, have good communication skills, and have a sincere interest in the welfare of children.” In addition, the volunteer must pass an FBI, local and state background check. Volunteers are also required to be at least 21 years of age. This volunteer opportunity is a great way to gain court and legal experience. The volunteer also gains knowledge about children that have been in bad situations and how to further help them. To apply to be a volunteer follow the link provided below and located at the bottom of the page is the appropriate documents. The CASA program’s website is: https://casa6id.org/volunteer.

Benny’s Pantry

Another volunteer opportunity that is more accessible for ISU students is Benny’s Pantry. The pantry is located on campus in the basement of the Pond Student Union building (Room 120A) in Pocatello, the Bennion Student Union building (Room 218) in Idaho Falls, and Skaggs Health Center (Room 508A) in Meridian. Benny’s Pantry is a place where students can go and get free non-perishable food twice a month to help ensure students do not have to deal with food insecurity. To gain access to Benny’s Pantry you

Continued Page 9


Page 9 • Summer 2020 The phone number is: (208) 2822794. Benny’s Pantry works with the Idaho Foodbank which is another place that offers volunteering opportunities. Volunteering at the Idaho Foodbank, according to their website, would include: sorting and packing food, repackaging bulk food and labeling food. To volunteer go to the Idaho Foodbank website: https:// idahofoodbank.org/give/volunteer/ and click either the group or individual volunteers tab and follow directions accordingly. Any organization or establishment has something different to offer as far as experience and opportunities. The places listed above are only a few of the many opportunities that are in Pocatello. A volunteer

Photo Courtesy of Benny’s Pantry Continued From Page 8 must be an enrolled ISU student or faculty, the Acceptance of Free Food Waiver must be signed on the first visit, and the Bengal ID card must be with you so the staff can swipe the card to help keep track of how many times you have used Benny’s Pantry. Volunteering responsibilities include: working 1-2-hour shifts assisting participants, accepting do-

nations and maintaining inventory. Volunteers must also complete a training session and sign a confidentiality form. Students can volunteer in groups or individually. If volunteering as a group, one individual from the group must be present for each shift. To volunteer go to Benny’s Pantry website: https://www. isu.edu/pantry/volunteer/ and follow the “Contact Us” link to apply.

at any establishment will possibly gain knowledge and skills to help them further in their careers and life skills and help their health. According to the Idaho Food Bank, volunteers report having better health physically, mentally, and emotionally, volunteering lowers stress levels, volunteers feel a deeper connection to the community and others, and volunteers are more informed and involved in their health. Many establishments and organizations suit different people. It is just a matter of finding one that you are interested in. Due to COVID-19, the volunteer hours and opportunities may differ. All information provided above is during normal circumstances.


Summer 2020 • Page 10

ISU STUDENTS OPEN UP ABOUT THEIR STRUGGLES WITH FINANCES Kyra Finner Former Staff Writer According to the New York Times, Idaho State University students’ median family incomes today are $68,800, which means that a lot of people at ISU are relatively well-off compared to other areas. Despite this, many students are extremely stressed out about their finances and can’t afford to do many things that everyone should be able to do. Students are constantly forced to choose between things like getting gas for their cars, and having a meal. “I have had to skip dinner many times because my late classes run while Turner is serving food, which means by the time I get out of my classes, I don’t get to use my meal card,” ISU student, Kaitlin Sielaff said. The financial burden of college can be a huge source of stress in people’s lives, and at ISU it is apparent in almost every student. “I deal with the stress of paying for school

by ignoring it honestly,” ISU student, Zachery Morris said. “It’s the only way I know how to deal with the situation.” Many students are forced to work full-time while they go to college, in an attempt to alleviate their worries about money, but it is shown to make things even harder when trying to balance earning money and being productive at school. “I can only have a summer job because my learning disabilities prevent me from being able to work and go to school at the same time,” Sielaff said. Even though financial aid is available to many ISU students, it still doesn’t work out for many. “My biggest challenge while paying for school is that my parents can’t help me, so I’m paying for it completely with loans,” said Morris. Financial aid offices usually don’t account for the fact that students’ parents can’t always help them pay for school. There’s a reason why the saying “Gaining the freshman 15” exists after all. Students who are not used

to the stress and anxiety of college, especially when dealing with financial crisis, are known to gain weight. Students who are struggling with money and barely hanging on, find themselves spending extra money on coffee to get through the day, eating out at restaurants too often, and sleeping excessively to avoid stress. Some of the students like to use music to help with their financial burdens. “I relieve my stress by playing my flute,” Morris said. “I listen to music,” Sielaff said. “I am more worried about my finances then homework sometimes, and it gets in the way,” said ISU student, Shawn Higdel. Being in debt can hinder the dreams of college students each and every day. Fearing that they are paying for a degree that they may not be able to complete is frightening. Even though many degrees don’t give the payoff to properly manage students loans in the future, students are continuing to struggle through the tough times to follow

their dreams. “Though the payoff is garbage, it’s worth it, in the end, to be able to teach students how to play music,” Sielaff said. It seems that despite the research showing that students of Idaho State are on the higher end of the median income, they are still struggling every day to pay for their higher education. As new young adults, students are finding that they are unable to afford the necessities of life, and it’s alarming how normal this is throughout the college. Students shouldn’t have to worry if they can afford a cup of coffee in the morning to get through the day, but it’s the sad reality of not only Idaho State, but of the majority of colleges in America. “I’m relying on the idea that student loan forgiveness will become a thing in America and I won’t be trapped trying to pay everything back for the entirety of my career,” Morris said.

Photo Courtesy of The Bengal Archives


Page 11 • Summer 2020

BEST PLACES TO EAT ON AND OFF CAMPUS Dylon Harrison Managing Editor On Campus Amazing Glaze

Amazing Glaze is the newest addition to on campus dining options. Their donuts are on a completely different level. The variety, flavor and size are enough to make the donuts stand out from any competitors. They also have an Idaho twist. Amazing Glaze makes their donuts using potato flour instead of wheat.

get a full meal for under $10. They will also accept meal plans and flex cash for payment. While they aren’t quite as good as Panda Express or a sit-down Chinese restaurant, the food is good, and the portions are big. If you like Chinese food, you’ll be satisfied with your experience here.

Off Campus The Works Deli

The Works has all the appeal of customized sandwich restaurants like Jimmy John’ or Subway with the added benefit of being a small, locally owned business. They also provide as many sandwich options as the big sandwich chains. Their

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein’s is always a good choice for some quick food and drinks. The food is great, and their coffee is a can’t miss. They are also open later than any of the other food services in the PSUB. The real draw to Einstein’s, however, is the atmosphere. They always have music playing, and their employees are some of the friendliest on campus. Einstein’s also has the benefit of accepting meal plans and flex cash to pay for your order.

Mandalay Bay Express

Mandalay Bay is the closest thing you’ll get to Panda Express while you’re on campus. They give you a wide selection of Chinese entrees and sides to choose from. You can

ButterBurr’s

ButterBurr’s brings home style food close to your campus life. They serve different food options for every meal of the day, with a wide variety of options for each. No matter what time of day you go into ButterBurr’s, you’re likely to find something that sounds good. If the food isn’t enough, they also have a large selection of gourmet pies to choose from. If quarantine ever ends, ButterBurr’s is also a great place to go with friends for a good meal.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

Rendezvous Express Grill

The grill has all the classic items you would expect: burgers, fries, chicken tenders etc. In addition, they also have a rotating menu that changes monthly, based on a student vote. These monthly rotations can include relatively normal items and bizarre foods you might not try on your own. A personal favorite from last year was their macaroni and cheese quesadillas. You can also expect rotation of more normal options, such as hot wings.

food restaurant. They are also open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making them a perfect choice for a late night snack run during a study break. Berto’s can be found on Main Street in Olde Town.

Photo Courtesy of The Bengal Archives Build Pizza

This is the best (and only) place on campus to get pizza. As the name implies, you are able to “build” your own pizza. You can select which toppings you want, and the server will make it for you. Build also has premade pizzas available to grab if you’re in a hurry and don’t have time to wait for a new piece to be made. For the price, the slices of pizza are pretty big. You can get full on just one or two pieces, keeping your entire lunch cost around only five dollars.

servings are more than worth it for what they cost. The ingredients are fresh, and your order will be ready in no time at all. You can find The Works on Jefferson Street.

Los Roberto’s

Most likely, you’ll only ever hear this place referred to as “Berto’s.” With both a drive-through and a dine-in option, Berto’s is an excellent choice for some quick Mexican food. The food is reasonably priced and better quality than what you would usually expect at a fast

While Freddy’s isn’t a Pocatello exclusive, you can’t go wrong when you eat here. It combines the convenience of a fast-food restaurant, with the charm of a classic diner. Their fries are truly a cut above the rest. They’re thin, so you’ll want to eat them fast before they go cold, but they’re the best fries you’ll find around here. Freddy’s is also the best place to go for custard, especially if you’re craving dirt and worms.

Blackhawk BBQ Pit

Blackhawk isn’t always the easiest place to find. It’s a food truck, so it moves to a different location every day. However, if you are lucky enough to stumble past it, the bar-bque is the best you’ll find. They have several different choices of meat, available a la carte, in a sandwich or on macaroni and cheese. For what they charge, they’re definitely one of the best places in town to get a good lunch. Blackhawk opens early in the morning and stays put until they run out of food for the day.


Summer 2020 • Page 12

WELCOME

BACK FUTURE TO YOUR

Plan your future with Idaho National Laboratory and the Center for Advanced Energy Studies. For information on careers or internships visit inl.gov or caesenergy.org.

The Bengal Staff Editor-in-Chief Jacob Gutridge

News Editor Logan Ramsey

Production Editor TBD

Advertising Manager TBD

Distribution TBD

Managing Editor Dylon Harrison

Life Editor Kaitlyn Hart

Photo Editor Brandon Oram

Staff Writers Andrea Diaz

Advisor Jerry Miller

Copy Editor Joanna Orban

Sports Editor TBD

Online Manager Marleise Schafer

Staff Photographers TBD


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.