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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
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Making the Dough to Pay for the Bread Why is Everyone Obsessed with Millennials? How to Filter Your News Like You Filter Your Selfies Is A Graduate Degree Worth It? Maintaining Your Mental Health Dare to do Your Taxes Up Your Cooking Game Adulting Advice from Expert Adults
Adulting is hard. No one is denying that.
Editor's Note
But in this edition of the Beyond, we at the Journal hope to provide some tools to ease the transition from student life to adulting in the “real world.� We will cover such terrifying topics as filing taxes, learning to cook outside of your residence hall, filtering out fake news, maintaining relationships and having children. While there are plenty of issues we could also explore here, we chose to cover a few of the most frightening. Specifically, we selected topics that graduating students will face in the too-near future. As a result, we also have articles on weighing the value of graduate school and the reality of choosing a job after graduation. We hope this helps! Maura Freeman Editor-in-Chief Spring 2019
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Making the Dough to Pay for the Bread BY Jade Jones
Staff Writer
Food is one of the best parts of life. It is a delicious way to relieve boredom, hide from feelings and socialize with family and friends. At the same time, you start to appreciate it more when you have to buy it yourself. More often than not so far, someone else bought the groceries and stocked the fridge. Learning to budget money for food is a major step toward becoming an adult. Along with utility bills and other expenses, food can take a large toll on your wallet. Setting aside an appropriate amount of money to purchase food is easier said than done. Many people consider this to be common sense, but surprisingly many adults struggle with this in everyday life. Katie Simpson, director of the UIS food pantry and student coordinator for the Illinois Central Food Bank, says grocery shopping “can be surprisingly expensive and many people don’t real-
ize how quickly it can add up, so be conscious of the cost.” A good way to shop is to price check. Walmart and Aldi are right across the street from each other and easily accessible. In order to practice efficient shopping, check prices of the same products from both stores. Aldi offers better prices on a variety of goods, whereas Walmart has a larger selec-
Photo by Kelly Sanderbeck
tion. Checking online or through a cellphone application first can save time and money. There are a variety of stores to choose from, so find what works best for your budget. Do not be afraid to purchase generic brands. According to research conducted by Consumer Reports in 2010, “many large companies that make name-brand prod-
ucts also produce generic ones.” This study also concluded that there is not a big difference in taste or quality. Replacing your Cinnamon Toast Crunch with generic Cinnamon Squares could also replace the dust collecting in your bank account. Do you recall waiting in line behind someone at the store who seemed to have an infinite supply of coupons?
They likely had the right idea about shopping. It is crucial to take advantage of coupon deals and store promotions correctly. Look into websites like Coupons.com, Grocery IQ, and Groupon. At UIS, when we run out of food, there is often a kind friend around who will purchase our meal or we can visit the UIS Cares food pantry in the Student Affairs Building. However, this will likely change once we are on our own. Alternative resources like food banks and pantries are available in many communities. There are many that are available in the area such as Central Illinois Food Bank and Loami Area Community Pantry. The food bank available to students at UIS is a potentially valuable resource, but many students do not use it. In fact, some students remain unaware of its existence. When you need help do not be afraid to ask for it.
99 Problems and a Budget is One BY NATHAN COOPER
Staff Writer
Upon starting college, you are thrown into the world on your own for the first time, given total responsibility of personal finance and expected to budget both time and money without any training on how to survive. Many people, myself included, fail at first and suffer a lot before learning how to effectively handle this new situation. Managing money is difficult and losing money is easy. I have spent time in the past walking through parking lots, looking for change to buy enough gas to drive home from work. In order to avoid situations like this, it is important to be smart with money. One of the easiest ways to lose money is by purchasing lots of small items, thinking that it will not cost much. One $5 coffee at a Starbucks may not seem like a lot of
money. However, if someone buys one every morning, five days a week, that person will be spending $25 a week. This adds up to $100 a month, or $1,200 in a year. Most students earn less than $12,000 a year, which means this coffee alone would cost them more than 10% of their annual income. If other small purchases get added on top of this, it becomes obvious why people run out of money very quickly. There are cheaper ways to handle any of these smaller expenses. For example, the Starbucks coffee can be replaced with coffee made at home. One container of ground coffee that can make 300 cups of coffee costs about $20, which is about the same cost as only four drinks at Starbucks. This idea of doing things on your own instead of buying something away from home can be applied to almost any fast food or drinks that people buy and it
can save a very large amount of money. One of the ways that people run out of money is when a major unexpected expense occurs. This can often take the form of a major car repair. One way to do this is to have two different bank accounts and split income up between the two. One account should be a savings account that is difficult to withdraw money from so you can build a safety net and avoid compulsive spending. The other account should be a checking account, and the money in this one can be more accessible. Bills should also be paid from this second account. The amount that goes into each account should be determined by the individual's needs. Someone who makes $200 a week should be able to put $50 a week into a savings account and should have a safety net of $1,000 built up over five months. If no major
issues happen, this account should keep growing and provide even more safety. If a large expense arises, this account will allow the owner to continue living his or her life without any lifestyle change. The savings account allows the checking account to be used without worry. Budgeting is incredibly difficult and new to many
college students. Most people start college with very little experience of how to handle budgeting. Experience does come with time but it also often comes through trial and error. If the budgeting skills can be learned ahead of time, you can be far more successful without having to suffer to gain the skills required to live on your own.
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Why is Everyone Obsessed with Millennials? BY JACOB TEBBE
Staff Writer
“How Millennials Could Kill Politics as We Know It If They Cared to,” is the title of an article published by CNN. “Go Ahead, Millennials, Destroy Us,” isan opinion editorial published by the New York Times. And “Please, Millennials, Don’t Destroy Us Just Yet,” is an article published in the New Republic. A significant amount of American political discourse seems to be dominated by the issues of millennials. As such, the Journal in its Beyond extended edition has examined the question of why this is the case. First, there is an obvious question to be answered: what exactly is a millennial? Immediately this opens a debate: The United States Census Bureau roughly defines millennials as individuals born between 1982 and 1998, while the Center for Generational Kinetics defines it as those born between 1977 to 1995 and the Pew Research Center (Pew) places the range between 1981 and 1996. A recent random selection of UIS students gave a variety of different answers, with some
putting the beginning of the millennial generation as early as 1975 and the end as late as 2005. Thus, one must accept a degree of ambiguity in defining the generation, but the general consensus seems to be that millennials are people currently in their late teens to mid-thirties. Why does the millennial generation seem to be such a major topic of discussion now? Quite simply, there’s a lot of millennials. In 2015, according to the Census Bureau, there were 83 million millennials in the US. For reference, at the time of this writing, the population of the US, according to the Census Bureau’s population clock, is 328,483,061. The millennial generation is the largest in the history of the US, outpacing both the Baby Boomer generation and Generation X. According to Pew, they represent 35 percent of the current workforce as of 2017. This generational shift has a significant bearing on everything from the economy to social culture, but of particular concern has been the generation’s impact on politics. Joseph Partain, a 19-yearold sophomore at UIS, on the question of the political
importance of generations, said that “there are generally more common values between generations ... there’s a general psyche among generations.” When asked what the general “psyche” of the millennial generation is, Partain responded, “I think that it's definitely an activist tone ... overall I think millennials are generally a pretty hardworking generation.” Moreover, Partainbelieves that Generation Z, the generation after millennials, is more conservative than the millennial generation.
Whether or not that is true, it can be said that millennials are a more liberal generation overall. Studies by Pew in 2016 and 2018 show that 54 percent of millennials consider themselves to be Democrats or Democratleaning, 64 percent believe that government should do more to solve problems, and 61 percent believe that increasing racial and ethnic diversity is a good thing. According to a recent study published by Gallup, 51 percent of Americans between the ages of 19 and 29 feel positively about socialism. In the 2016 presidential election
Bringing Life into a Dying Planet
BY SADIE CASTRO
Columnist
One of the most life-changing experiences that anyone can go through is having a child. It is a monumental emotional experience that can change who you are as a
person and our entire outlook on the world. Not only are you bringing life into the world, but you are also caring and raising someone that was a part of you into someone that might change the world. But given the current
environmental situation of the world, is it really fair to bring life into a dying planet? On the Planned Parenthood website, professionals suggest considering finances, family support and the health of the relationship between parents – among other factors – before having a baby. Historically it was considered important to have children either for reasons of work or taking care of the family. Now, having children in America is considered a luxury and a choice that is made based on religion, upbringing or our own desires. But is it wrong to think about what the child would go through when it is brought into this world? Given the slowly dying environment and how overpopulated the world is already,
it doesn’t seem fair to bring more life into the world we are actively destroying. Is it fair to leave our mess for the next generation to clean up? “It's important to remember that humans are capable of collaborative and restorative actions (not just destructive ones),” said Megan Styles, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Studies. “Our kids could be part of that restorative process, but we can't wait for them to start it.” There is the potential for a more positive outlook as parents try to grasp the ethics of having children. Earth is not too far gone. New studies have shown that the ozone layer is beginning to heal. In addition, cities are finally moving to cleaner energy sources and reducing carbon emissions. It is unknown
millennials accounted for 25 percent of the votes cast, as opposed to the 35 percent by the Baby Boomers. However, in that election only 49 percent of millennials voted, whereas 69 percent of the Baby Boomers cast their ballots. The consensus of all these statistics is that the millennial generation certainly has had a significant impact on the modern-day political process. These numbers imply that millennials’ influence will keep growing, as several pundits have predicted both before and after the 2018 midterm elections. Continues on pg. 11
whether or not the children we bear will go on to do magnificent things, but the future is already an unknown chasm. Sometimes it is necessary to take a leap of faith in order to build a brighter tomorrow. Even if the future seems doomed, humans have accomplished great things in the past in order to save our dying world. “We can give up and let the clock run out or we can keep trying to create a world that we would be happy for our children to inherit,” said Styles. “There are many ways to leave a legacy. For some of us that will involve biological children, but all of us can leave a mark (positive or negative) through our ideas, our actions, and our relationships."
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Filter Your News Like You Filter Your Selfies BY EMILY ALBRECHT
Copy Editor
The political climate in the United States right now is volatile. People from a wide variety of backgrounds are extremely polarized with Democrats, Republicans and smaller political parties continually going after each other on conflicting issues. News sources on either side of the political aisle are infamous for capitalizing on things such as radical one-sided beliefs and the tendency for people to consume more of their media if it is framed or worded in an emotionally charged manner. Since the majority of Americans get their news from social media or other online sources, it is critical for them to think about the credibility of news sources and the validity of the stories they broadcast. Sensationalism is not a new phenomenon. One important concept that many people seem to forget is that “fake news,” has been around since the 18th century. But the advent and influx of social media has allowed it to get more infamous by spreading
quickly to far more individuals. In spite of this, there are many ways for people to stay savvy and fight ignorance in the New Media Age. Adjunct instructor, Dr. Elise LoBue teaches a Capital Scholars Honors course titled “How Do You Know?” which covers topics such as epistemology, methodology and how to analyze the credibility of primary and secondary sources. LoBue states that the critical thinking skills demonstrated by students when analyzing a source for a paper is analogous to analyzing a news source: “It’s important to recognize your news source and identify the perspectives it covers. Look for what you would look for in an academic article. There’s a fine line between making an argument and presenting the facts in a news source. We can apply a lot of academic fact-checking to news sources.” LoBue stressed that, while credible news sources may sometimes slip up and publish something unsound, this does not necessarily mean the entire source is bad. The more severe problem arises when a pattern of dishonesty
or misinformation forms. Big news corporations tend to be under the microscope with what they publish, which may steer them away from the temptation of dishonest journalism. Active consumers should factor in context and perspectives when analyzing a news source. Is there a part of the story missing? Are some of the perspectives not covered? Seeking out multiple sources on all sides of the political spectrum should
be extremely helpful when answering these questions. Consideration should also be made as to how the information affects one’s life and preexisting beliefs. Sometimes false information seems too good to be true because, well ... it is. People believe what they want to believe – the things that fit with their ideology – so it makes sense that shady writers capitalize on this tendency.
Critical thinking skills are like muscles: if they are not constantly used, they tend to atrophy. This is how ignorance turns into a lack of ability to think for oneself and decipher sources. Everyone is capable of filtering out quality information, which is why it is not the answer to distrust all sources and foster a sense of hopelessness. The more an individual practices news analysis, the better he or she gets at it.
Paving Your Own Political Path Apart from Your Parents BY JACOB TEBBE
Staff Writer
An important aspect of growing up is developing one’s own opinions. Political science major at UIS and current Republican precinct committeeman from Pocahontas, Illinois, Jacob Rayl said that he developed his initial political beliefs from his parents, who were republicans at the time. “I just kind of listened to what my parents said, I would watch the news they watched, it just kind of influenced me.” During this period, Rayl didn’t consider himself to be politically involved, “I was just like oh, ok ... I’m a republican.” This began to change around the time Rayl entered high school when he got involved with Mitt Romney’s 2012 presidential campaign. Still, there were things that Rayl disagreed
with, even though he didn’t vocalize them. “It was just one of those things where in the back of my mind ... this doesn’t make sense ... I don’t agree with this at all.” Rayl began to seriously develop his own set of political beliefs in his last year of high school. During the 2016 election, he began to seriously follow political events independently. He took an advanced placement microeconomics class that had a serious impacton his political views moving forward. Part of this microeconomics class included studying the different theories of economic philosophy:“ There were just points of it that ... clicked in my head of the free market, the invisible hand ... that the free marketrepresents how I run my own life. Do what you want as long as you’re not adversely affecting others.” This led Rayl become a
devout follower of American libertarianism. First-year UIS graduate student studying political science from Kewanee, Illinois, Brock Titlow said that he didn’t believe that his political beliefs had been influenced by his parents. Though Titlow does believe that he had an influence on his parent’s beliefs. His mother is a moderate conservative and his father is apparently apolitical. Regarding the development of his current political beliefs, Titlow said “I gained a lot of my political insights in classes I’ve taken since coming to UIS.” UIS criminal justice student, Jacques Moore, claimed that both of his parents were both democrats, but he remained largely apolitical growing up. It wasn’t until he was older, when he joined the United States Marine Corps, and later when he was living on his own, that he began to
develop any significant opinions on politics. Still, Moore does not consider himself to be much of a political person today, and he doesn’t identify with either of the major
political parties. “I have to take a look at both sides, if I agree with one side, then I’ll go with that side, but recently I haven’t agreed with either side.”
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
For Money or for Love BY SADIE CASTRO
Columnist
Choosing a career is one of the most anxiety-inducing and frustrating choices that everyone has to make. We are faced with a billion questions from what we need to major in and how much schooling it will take to how hard it is to actually get the job. But one question many people will ask themselves at the end of the day is. Is it worth it? On one hand, people want to do what they love. On the other hand, they also want to be able to make enough money to live. It is a difficult decision and it must be made. Deciding against doing what is loved over doing what is more profitable is often the ultimate career choice. Although it might seem the better option to go with a career path with a higher salary, this choice is often the unhappi-
est one. Philips North America recently surveyed 1,000 US workers about whether or not they regretted their career path. While 41 percent of people who did not pursue their dream job ended up regretting their decision, only 21 percent regretted their career choice that did go into their dream job. The decision to go into a profession you love is not necessarily associated with money. Passion can be a huge motivator, but sometimes it may seem hopeless to many when choosing a career. Doctors, for example, have to go through many years of schooling on top of already plunging into a highly competitive field. People may drop out and be content with doing something that is less competitive or easier to get into. Although the idea of working a low wage job is scary, it does not mean it is not worth
it. Should someone go into something that they personally hate for the money, they might find themselves living their life regretting their decision. “Even doing what you love to do, there are days where it is just unbearable,” said Brytton Bjorngaard, UIS Director of Visual Arts. “There’s always going to be
tasks that are hard or challenging or mundane and not as engaging and therefore make you grumble about it.” The folksy wisdom that “doing something you love means never having to work a day in your life” may not be literally valid, but the heart of the statement is still true. Doing something you are passionate about makes the
idea of working at a job you love seem not as boring or harsh as it would be working at a job you hate. “I would rather do the job that I love even if it’s a lower-paying or had a lower chance of progressing into management or a higher paying position just because it’ll make every day a little bit better,” concluded Bjorngaard.
Is a Graduate Degree Worth It? BY NATHAN COOPER
Staff Writer
There are many options for students after graduating high school or college. One of the possible options, pursuing an education that goes beyond the standard four-year undergraduate degree,seems to be the most common choice. This is a very important decision for a young person to make, as pursuing a graduate degree in any selected field can mean devoting one’s entire life to that field. For some people this is a great idea. For others, graduate school may not fit their life plan. According to many professors, the transition from undergraduate school to graduate school is as big of a change as transitioning from high school to undergraduate school. Graduate school is designed to be far more rigorous than an education from a 4-year college and is not for people who are not ready to devote their entire life to a specific topic that they have chosen. It is com-
mon for students to have to read an entire book per class per week. Although every program has its own requirements and assignments, none are easy. It is impossible to skate through a graduate program. Graduate school is also very expensive if the student does not get any financial aid. At UIS, a graduate degree can cost between $15,000 and $25,000 a semester, which ends up being a total of an additional $60,000-$100,000 of educational expenses on top of whatever the student has already paid in undergraduate costs. Most students will be unable to afford this on their own, especially after paying tens of thousands of dollars on their education up to that point. Any professor asked about the cost probably advises that, unless a student is independently wealthy, graduate school is a terrible idea without financial assistance and that no student should pay their way through graduate school. Luckily for students who
are willing to face the challenges that come with pursuing a graduate degree, there are many options for financial assistance to offset or completely cover these costs. One solution that is unique to UIS is the Graduate Public Service Internship Program, also known as GPSI. GPSI offers public service internships through the Center for State Policy and Leadership.
There are internships offered through this program with state and governmental agencies for all master’s degrees offered at UIS. This program can cover all costs of graduate school. For the fall and spring semesters of the first two years of the program, students will be given nine credit hours of tuition waivers, and they will also get four credit hours
during the summer between their two years. This is enough to earn a master’s degree. Students also work 20 hours a week during the academic year and full time during the summer at their internship location. For this,they are compensated with a $1,175 monthly stipend during the academic year and $2,350 during the summer. A student in this Continues on pg. 11
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Get Ready for Vacation Season BY EMILY ALBRECHT
Copy Editor
Learning how to plan and go on a trip safely, without having to go broke doing so, is a skill that is cultivated as one grows older. Many travelers have found out through personal experience that there are a lot of things that can go wrong in the process of vacationing. Things like missed flights or trains, unforeseen expenses, cancelled plans and bad weather can all hinder the fun of a vacation. But there are many ways to
sidestep possible hiccups and have the best experience possible. Although some transportation issues are unavoidable, arriving early leaves plenty of time to find somewhere to park, use the restroom, find the right gate and prepare before departure. Those who are flying should also take into account the size of the airport from which they are departing, as well as how busy it may be during the selected time of day or night. As a general rule, travelers should arrive at least
an hour and a half early to those tedious TSA lines and at least half an hour early to the gate. People taking the train should arrive at least an hour early to the station and at least half an hour early to the gate or stop, depending on the city. Unforeseen expenses are relatively avoidable in nature. Calculating a daily budget is a way to avoid any frivolous spending, and it allows those who are vacationing to accommodate pricing on food, souvenirs, attractions and ride shares. Sites like Tri-
pAdvisor are home to locals and previous travelers that can give advice on the best places to go and things to do around the area. Hidden fees at hotels and airports, Uber surge prices, additional tour fees and other expenses within facets of a vacation could break the bank if they do not get factored into the budget. Companies are obligated by law to reveal these costs somewhere, so travelers should be diligent in looking for and inquiring about total costs. Even though it may be tempting for a lot of individuals to take additional risks for the sake of finances, it is much better to prioritize safety and practicality over money. Booking that shady motel for $30 a night may seem like a steal, until the traveler realizes it is in a high crime area and barely running. Using Lyft at night may seem expensive in a big city, but there are some places where it is better to pay a little extra for more guaranteed safety.
The spontaneous aspect of a vacation can be thrilling, and it also gives tourists the opportunity to practice their adaptation skills. Expecting nothing yet being prepared for everything is an excellent way to get ready for many scenarios while maintaining a positive mindset. It is important to try not to panic if something goes wrong. Things do not always go exactly the way people plan, so staying flexible and open to alternatives is crucial. Forgot to make reservations at the restaurant the entire family wanted to go to for lunch? Make it a scavenger hunt in the city to find another good restaurant. Maybe the food will be even better there. Most of all, though, have fun! It is okay to not get to every planned-out activity or attraction. Once the logistics have all been figured out, sit back and enjoy.
Photo by Y.C Addison
Maintaining Your Mental Health BY SPENCER VOYLES
Staff Writer
No matter how well you tackle adult living, you will inevitably hit a rocky patch at some point during the t r a n s i t i o n from youth to adulth o o d . Some stu- dents may have a rough start leaving home for college. Others may feel that their career path is not going anywhere, leading to anxiety about the future. Whatever the cause, many adults will be blind sided by issues of mental health with which they feel under prepared to handle. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), approximately one in five adults will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetimes. Nearly sixty percent of adults who had these debilitating conditions also did not seek treatment. From recognizing symptoms to seeking treatment
options, caring for your mental health may come across as complicated. In spite of this, there are several steps you can take to maintain a flourishing state of mind. Read on for a general guide of how to seek help when needed and what to expect. In general, your first step should be recognizing the signs and symptoms of a possible health condition. Have you been feeling lethargic? Nervous? Has your appetite decreased? Have these problems prompted a Google search? If so, this is a good time to visit your primary health care provider for a checkup. You never know ... your symptoms might be the result of a physical problem. If you do not have a primary care provider, check with your local hospital for assistance in finding one. After a physical examination and official diagnosis, paths to treatment diverge. As some
disorders share symptoms, you may be advised to see a mental health specialist (like a psychiatrist) for further evaluation. Following diagnoses, your health care provider will likely give you a treatment plan that can include medication, therapy or both. Armed with a treatment plan, you may now cast your thoughts on financial coverage of any medication or advised therapy. This can be a complicated endeavor, as not all adults have insurance that covers these specific treatments. Some resources may include: Partnership for Prescription Assistance for help finding low-cost medication, healthfinder.gov which finds cheap treatment options and the NAMI website for more information. Even if you are having trouble accessing treatment at this time, there are many small things you can do in your daily life that can make a difference.
UIS counselor Valerie Gebhard recommends keeping a schedule to prevent work overloads, avoiding excessive caffeine consumption, maintaining a consistent sleep pattern, staying hydrated, eating properly and, most importantly, exercising. These suggestions may seem like common sense but even these small changes can help you cope with mental illness. Be patient -changes in your
mental state can take some time. If you are struggling with thoughts of suicide or selfharm, call the US Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800273-8255. If you are uncomfortable talking, text HOME to 741741 to be connected with a counselor. These hotlines operate 24 hours a day and can help you get in touch with more resources.
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Practical Ways to Protect and Manage Your Time BY Jade Jones
Staff Writer
It is easy to get tangled in the chaotic web of life. Trying to juggle a career, living expenses, social life and relationships can be stressful. However, learning to organize and use time effectively can drastically influence success as an adult. By gaining these skills, you will be able to achieve more, find better balance in life and avoid stressful situations. At UIS, many things are managed for students. Classes, assignments and projects are usually set by professors and listed in the syllabus. However, in the professional world, people have to create their own deadlines and set aside time to get work done. Bethany Bilyeu, director of the Counseling Center at UIS, outlines some useful methods for managing and organizing time: In order to efficiently manage and use your time, figure out your priorities. Begin with a planner. Write out your schedule and label each task according to importance. Highlight your regular commitments that are al-
ready set in time. Many smart phones provide access to calendars as well as applications that set reminders and notifications. Take advantage of these resources. This will allow for you to more successfully organize and plan farther ahead. Direct your attention by planning daily or weekly tasks. Focus on short and long-term goals. Plan accordingly by focusing on the essentials of achieving these goals. Organize tasks by deadlines and dedicate an appropriate amount of time to complete them. If you know one project will take a lot of time to finish, set more time aside to complete it. Some people find it easier to focus on big tasks than small ones, or vice versa. Find what works for you. Most importantly, know your limits. Pressure can be good. It can push people to work at a higher degree of excellence. However, young adults often over schedule and overextend themselves. This is not a healthy way to manage time. Make time to relax, have fun and just breathe. Being aware of your own limitations is essential to balancing mental
health and time. Give yourself grace. You won’t be able to give every little task all your attention. If you can, delegate the tasks that don’t align with your goals. Be realistic about what time is left. It is okay to retreat. Evaluate your list of tasks for the day and mark off three that can be postponed, if possible. Stay organized by setting a time and location to com-
plete each task. If you know you don’t work well at home or with friends, find a quiet place that works for you. Keep track of local hubs or libraries where you can get work done. Organize what is needed to stay focused and utilize these resources to get the most out of your time. Stick to the time set aside to do work. Protecting your time by saying “no” to distractions, such as friends and
family, is okay. Life organization and time management are continuous processes. Be kind to yourself and allow yourself an adjustment period. However, make sure that you are self-aware, realistic and responsible for the goals you set. Protect your time from others by saying “no” when needed. Remember that if you don’t manage your time, someone else will, and this will likely not be beneficial to you.
Photo by"Getting Organized"
Dare to Do Your Own Taxes BY NATHAN COOPER
Staff Writer
Doing taxes is simultaneously one of the dullest and most terrifying aspects of being an adult. Many students have their parents do their taxes because they themselves do not know how to do them on their own. However, for the majority of students’ life situations, taxes are incredibly simple and can be done in less than 30 minutes. Students should start doing their own taxes now in order to prepare themselves for the future when they inevitably will be forced to do them alone. There is no reason a parent would be better at filing taxes than a student unless the parent is a trained tax professional. The requirements for most students to
file their own taxes are submitting their W-2 forms and an online tax software. A W-2 form is an annual report on an employee’s annual wages and amount of taxes that are withheld from an employee’s wages. Every employer is legally obligated to send one of these to every employee every year. The report has all the official information on tax with holdings that the student needs to file their taxes. Once a student has these forms, they can file their taxes at any time that works for them, and filing can be stopped midway through and resumed later. One of the most popular free tax software programs is Turbo Tax, which files federal taxes for free and files state taxes for a small fee. These software programs work by ask-
ing for generic demographic questions. After providing some basic information, it will start asking more specific questions about income and taxes. Even these are simple to follow. The boxes referenced in prompts are all clearly marked and numbered. Doing taxes is simply plugging in numbers from one document into another. Visiting UIS associate accountancy professor Paul Caselton explained that free online tax software is mostly foolproof, and the only reason not to use one is if you do not think you will be able to understand the questions. However, free online software is designed to be extremely user friendly. Almost everyone will receive a refund, and most students will actually receive a larger refund than they are
used to this year. For better or for worse, President Trump’s tax bill will be in effect for the first time and the part of the bill that affects students the most is the raise in the standard deduction from $6,350 to $12,000. This simply means that in the past, the federal government returned all taxes paid on the first $6,350. Now the federal government will return all taxes paid on the first $12,000. Put simply, anyone who makes less than $12,000 will get all federal income tax returned to them, and only the earnings beyond $12,000 is taxed. Taxes seem scary to anyone who has never done them. But all it takes is doing them once for the fear to subside. Doing your own taxes feels like sitting down at a computer for half an hour and
getting paid several hundred dollars to do it. If you are a student who has had their parents do their taxes in the past, try to do them yourself this year. If you run into difficulties, then turn to the person who usually prepares them. If not, though, you will realize that taxes are believed to be far scarier than they deserve to be. But do not forget: All taxes must be submitted by the April 15 deadline in order to avoid late fees.
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
[Avoiding] Bad Romance ft. Professional Partners BY Jade Jones
Staff Writer
Transitioning into adulthood can drastically change our expectations of ourselves and the relationships we have with others. Our personal relationships with significant others change along with the professional relationships we will soon develop. Adjusting to different lifestyle changes can be tricky, but first it is important to know what to expect. Expect people to change their priorities, and do not shy away from talking about it. Many relationships begin to suffer because things are left unsaid. As the dynamic of the relationship changes, figuring out what you want can be complicated. Communication is important for asserting boundaries and avoiding misunderstandings. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect, and communication is key.
Counseling Center director Bethany Bilyeu suggests three things for active communication: “be attentive, listen and remain nonjudgmental.” When you need to discuss the intent of the relationship, be meticulous. Build a financial picture, ask about children and career goals. Getting to know your partner and asking those important questions is part of building mature relationships.
Any relationship should allow for individuality. Be sure that the compromises you are willing to make are legitimate. Sometimes we mold ourselves into something we are not because we want to work things out. Identify the things you are willing to sacrifice prior to the relationship. Knowing yourself is just as important as knowing what the other person wants. At the end of the day, don’t be afraid to put
Up Your Cooking Game BY SPENCER VOYLES
As you transition out of dorm life and into a townhouse or apartment, you will have to face the fact that your diet of instant ramen and Hot Pockets®is no longer going to cut it. Luckily, you now have access to a kitchen! On the flip side, your inability to cook anything more complex than instant ramen is a serious road block. No matter your path in life, cooking is a skill you will need and will use every day. Read on for some helpful tips on stocking your kitchen and learning this fun hobby: Your first step toward cooking fluency is stocking your kitchen with the right appliances. If you are just working on the basics of cooking, start small and only buy the essentials. If you are unsure of what to buy, asking a friend what they keep in their kitchen or looking for a list online can be a huge help. By starting small, you limit yourself to simple recipes which allow you to get
a handle the basic skills you will need. Over time, your proficiency will grow and you can work to expand your cookware arsenal. As for cost, there is no shame in going to a local thrift shop for some lightly-used cookware (I recommend Abe’s Trading Post for UIS students).From pots and pans to crockpots, you can save a lot at a good thrift shop. Now that you have a wellstocked kitchen, its time to
get down to learning how to cook. I spoke to the head chef at UIS, Howard Seidel, for his advice on where to start.“Getting good at cooking is no different than any other skill,” said Seidel. He proceeded to stress the importance of learning the fundamentals, practicing often, tasting everything and treating every new thing “as an adventure.” Seidel concluded our interview by saying: “Always keep in mind that when
yourself first. Taking care of your own needs is as important as taking care of your relationship. In any relationship, it is important to stay true to yourself. People respect when you are confident in yourself. Knowing what you want and how you want to get it is essential. As we branch out into our respective career paths, establishing boundaries of efficient and professional relationships is important. Angela Evans, assistant director of the Career and Development Center, helps provide some useful ways to build professional relationships post-graduation. The ways in which we communicate have shifted beyond face-toface interactions. Recently, there has been a larger focus on online profiles. Developing and cultivating an online presence can often be hard to do. CareerConnect provides resources both online and in-person. Develop your on-
line profiles before graduating and learn how to update them. Evans directs students to “... think of yourself as a product –what do you want to project, and what do you value?” She suggests doing this by knowing your strengths. Take time to determine what you want out of a professional relationship before establishing it. This will allow you to set clear boundaries and gain respect. Fashion the way in which build your personal and professional relationships. Being mindful of what you say and how you say it can go a long way. Continuously work on building relationships through your interactions. Even when you don’t want to, learn to communicate. It is a long road to adulthood. Prepare yourself for the journey in the best way possible by taking note of these tips to make it an easier trip.
you cook, besides feeding someone or yourself, you’re making them happy with your food.” For anyone looking to start their culinary journey, I recommend keeping these tips in mind every time you cook a stellar dish or trip the smoke detector. Learning to cook is not a perfect process, so do not be afraid to take it slow! Websites like AllRecipies.com can give you a lot of starting recipes
and YouTube channels like BingingWithBabish are a great starting point for learning fundamentals. I recommend his video on kitchen essentials as a starting point (https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=1AxLzMJIgxM). Most importantly, remember to have fun as you begin to cook. Good luck!
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
In Tune to Stay in Touch
Photo by Motocms.com BY SPENCER VOYLES
Staff Writer
People say that friendships will last forever, but that is not always the case. Whether friends remain in the same town they grew up in or move away to college, adulthood inevitably sends everyone down their own separate paths. The shock of losing established social groups and the need to establish new ones is often something people are not prepared for at all. Whether you are trying to reconnect with your old social group or make some new friends, read on for some helpful tips. In the age of social media,staying in contact with old friends has never been easier. One simple thing you can do is start a group chat. Options like Facebook Messenger are basic and offer a decent number of features, but do not be afraid to look for more in-depth options.
Text chats do allow for easy, on-the-go talks, but I recommend sitting down for a group video chat whenever possible. I recommend the Discord chat client for this. It features options like voice and video chat, the ability to make separate chat streams, and an easy-to-use design that makes it practically effortless to stay in touch. As great as staying in contact with old friends can be, relationships cannot subsist on online interaction alone. Thankfully, the number one way of finding friends in college can be incorporated into modern adult life. Websites like Meetup.com and Groupon offer fun events you can engage with that can help you find people with common interests. Put yourself out there. Go to a paint night! Try game night at a game store! Go to a whiskeytasting! Building a new social group takes effort, but events like these can allow you to
build lasting relationships. These simple tips can keep your social network alive. But such connections are not the only ones you want to maintain and build. As you move on from college and seek a career or graduate program, you will need to rely on the reference network you have built up over the years. Hopefully, you have a professor or for-
mer employer you can rely on for that much needed recommendation. As useful as social media is for staying in touch with friends, it is not always the best option for maintaining strong professional connections. What is the best way to reach out to them? Dr. Stephanie Hedge, assistant professor of English at UIS, recommends writing letters.
“I check my email often, but physical mail stands out,” says Hedge. “An email may seem convenient, but the dedication of a physical letter does show.” Keep this in mind when you are seeking further opportunities.
Photo by"The Star Online"
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Is A Graduate Degree Worth It? Continued from page 6
program will be able to complete a master’s degree without paying anything out of pocket. There are several other options to fund a graduate degree. These include the more traditional path of becoming a graduate assistant. Graduate Assistants can have many different roles depending on the needs of the department for which they work.
But at its core, the job of a Graduate Assistant is to help with the needs and functions of the department. Graduate Assistantships often offer benefits that are very similar to those of a GPSI worker, with slight differences in the stipend and the way the tuition waver works. Graduate Assistants can also go through their entire graduate program without having to
go further into debt. Students pursuing a career in politics can also look at the Illinois Legislative Staff Intern Program, also known as ILSIP. ILSIP is a program that offers a 10.5 month long full-time position as a professional legislative staffer. ILSIP is not a free ride through graduate school. But it is a year of Professional work that also counts as four credit
STUDEnT SATISFACTIon
Online survey. On your time.
Feb. 20 – Mar. 8 ABOUT... • • • • • • •
Registration Campus Life Safety & Security Academic Advising Concern for Individuals Instructional Effectiveness Campus Support Services
hours towards a master’s degree, and covers all associated costs. For students willing to work hard and dedicate their lives to a subject about which they are passionate, a graduate degree can be very rewarding. These degrees enable students to dive deeper into a topic or subject than they ever could as an undergraduate and come out with
a degree that many never receive. Graduate degrees are not for everyone and require a lot of hard work and determination, but if a student is certain that they want to pursue a calling for the rest of their lives, a graduate degree is one of the best ways to achieve that goal
Student Satisfaction Inventory (SSI)
is an online survey for students to measure their satisfaction with UIS. Your responses will help improve academic and social experiences at UIS.
Take the survey online
between February 20 and March 8. Look for an email from Chancellor Koch with a link to the survey.
My voice will be heard? Really?
The survey has led to these real changes on our campus: Expanded hours for student services • More convenient course times • The Student Union • New Advisor App
Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card!
Students who complete the survey are entered into a drawing for a gift card. 35 gift cards will be given away!
Jeff Dahlgren Photo
UIS is committed to being student-centered! That starts by listening to you! Take the SSI.
For more info contact Keenan Dungey, Associate Vice Chancellor for Research and Institutional Effectiveness, at insteffect@uis.edu or 206.7413
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Beyond | Wednesday, March 6, 2019
Adulting Advice from Expert Adults “The most important thing to do is keep up with your electrical systems. You want to catch any potential problems as early as you can, otherwise it can get really expensive and kind of dangerous. If you’re tripping breakers, if your lights are dimming or flickering even after you replace a bulb, bring in a professional to have it looked at. You should have a licensed electrician go over your systems at least once a year if you can. It’s a bit of money, but it’s cheaper than repairing fire damage.”
- David Hayes, Electrical Expert
“Find a way to get involved with a group that focuses on something you love/enjoy. Love animals? Try volunteering at the animal shelter. Love art? Take classes. Sports? Join a recreation club like a basketball league. The options are endless. Just remember not to hole yourself in your apartment and rely upon social media to "maintain connections." Research has found individuals who engage in higher rates of social media use experience greater levels of depression. Nothing beats face-to-face connection.”
- Elizabeth Ribarsky, Associate Professor of Communication
Real Houselives of Illinois BY EMILY ALBRECHT
Copy Editor
Going away to college is a huge step. Figuring out how to live on your own outside of your personal “bubble” is an even bigger step. This newfound adult stepping stone of autonomy, freedom, opportunity, and “real world” integration also comes with its own set of drawbacks. Such negative aspects include increased responsibility and stress, constantly dealing with the unknown and falling further into debt. In order for a college graduate to decide what the best options are, the possibility of continuing to stay with family in the interim must first be seriously considered. However embarrassing, it can be valuable for an individual to postpone the big move until a substantial amount of money has been made and saved. Even if parents or other relatives charge a monthly rent, it is highly likely to be much cheaper than staying somewhere else straight out of college. If this is not an option for whatever reason, you must then consider all of the possibilities for purchasing a living space.
The most prevalent path that former students seem to take after college is renting an apartment with one or multiple roommates. It is popular because it is much cheaper to split the cost of living with as many people as possible. Since many graduates are used to living with roommates, they may not be opposed to the idea of less privacy. It is probably not practical to purchase a house straight out of college, given that graduates will have acquired enough student loans to require years of hefty payments. In spite of this, there are definite benefits to buying a house once the debt has been paid off. Homeowners generally look forward to better equity, more tax deductions and higher credit scores when compared to renters. If the individual wishes to opt for something similar to a home yet typically priced a bit lower, renting a condominium might be the right fit. Unlike homeowners, renters need not worry about things like lawn maintenance, general repairs, and other responsibilities that come with having a house. Depending on the condo and its price tag, some of the shared pub-
lic areas may contain amenities such as a swimming pool, workout room and spa area. One thing that deters prospective renters from deciding on a condo, however, is the fact that they are still subject to the push and pull of Homeowners Association (HOA) fees each month.
These bills cover the cost of amenities, workers, property maintenance and security. These additional costs also pool into the long-term budget for future spending determined by HOA board members, which has the potential to be mismanaged or skyrocketed at any time due
to unexpected damages and reckless spending. Living solo may be a daunting experience, but selecting the right living space is an empowering and liberating choice that may shine a light on the future of graduates.
Photo by Kelly Lynn