Spring 2022 Buchtelite Magazine Edition

Living In War

p. 4

One woman shares her experience of living behind Ukrain’s front lines

Spring 2022

Team Bold

p. 6

“BOLD” Portfolio Exhibition is open to the public at The Myers School of Art, Emily Davis Gallery.

Making Strides

p. 22

UA senior nursing student & business owner Sara Foster is no stranger to time management.

Seniors Reflect

p. 18

Three Seniors look back at how far they’ve come since their first semesters at The University of Akron.

From the Editor

In this latest edition we have continued our tradition of reaching out to students of various disciplines to compile a number of creative works along with current news.

This semester, the staff has grown and we have reached beyond ourselves to create an edition inspired by our community for our readers.

Cover Art: Artist: Gillian Christman is a junior at UA majoring in primary inclusive education K-5. The artwork was created with acrylic painting.

‘Fill your head with wildflower thoughts’ 2021

As I close out my final semester as Editor-in-Chief, I cannot help but look back at all that we were able to accomplish. My time at The Buchtelite has allowed me to collaborate with amazing and inspirational people and I am proud to have been part of something that means so much to so many.

I’m sure that the incoming Editorin-Chief will continue to foster our collaborations with the community in and around The University of Akron and take the paper to new heights.

The Buchtelite extends an invitation to join the students of UA as they continue to highlight important matters. To all writers, photographers, journalists, designers, and artists. Your voice matters.

LeKesha Parkman, Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief & Layout Editor

LeKesha Parkman

Managing Editor

Summer Torok

Copy Editor

Emily Price

Copy Editor

Lauren Folk

Arts & Entertainment Editor

Jaina Gedeon

Special Editions Editor

Janae Droder

Faculty Advisor

Julie Cajigas

Administrative Coordinator

Brenda Reichert

Staff Writers: Abigail Geiser

Contributors: Alyssa Alexsonshk, Sarah Minear, Savannah Johns, Sammuel Grom

Contact Us

Office: Kolbe Hall, Suite 208

Mailing Address

The Buchtelite

302 Buchtel Mall

Kolbe Hall, Suite 208 Akron, OH 44325-4602

By Email: editor-in-chief@buchtelite.com

Adam Walko p. 14

One Woman Shares her Experience Behind the Front Lines

Hanna Bezuhla is a 26-year-old business-to-business sales consultant and content creator living in Ukraine.

By Alyssa Alexosnshk, News Contributor

On Feb. 24, 2022, the Russian invasion of the Ukraine began. Hanna Bezuhla, a business-tobusiness sales consultant and content creator at lemlist, an outreach platform, shares her firsthand stories of the war with The Buchtelite.

Bezuhla recalled the exact moments that she realized the war started.

“I faced the war in Kyiv – woke up from a phone call followed by the sound of air raid sirens and distant explosions,” Bezuhla said. “I had exactly 1 minute of panic and then we started packing.”

Bezuhla lived with her boyfriend and cat. They were forced to hastily pack their most essential items, warm clothes, documents, cat food and laptops. She shared how she managed to gather a few non-essential items that held a special place in her heart: a photo album, mug and toy.

Since the start of the war, Bezuhla described her life as being turned upside down. She had to leave behind her home in Kyiv, then returned for a few days as a volunteer, only to leave her home a second time.

Bezuhla’s employer offered her an opportunity to seek refuge in Paris, France, and provided her with full support since the start of the war. However, Bezuhla has chosen to stay in her homeland of Ukraine.

“I decided to stay till the end, just can’t imagine leaving the country now,” said Bezuhla. “The more I stay, the less I want to leave.”

She faced a difficult journey moving to safer territory in the western part of Ukraine. She is currently living in the home of a friend’s friend, “there are no strangers in times of war.” Bezuhla stated.

“The initial shock wears out, fear gets replaced by relentless optimism,” Bezuhla said. “I can be useful here, I try to be useful here.”

She has discovered how difficult it is to work since the start of the war, but she tries to get some work done in between spending air raids in a makeshift bomb shelter built from a bathroom.

Bezuhla expressed she would love to return to her old work routine, but she is currently fighting the info war in Ukraine by combatting misinformation.

“I joined the ‘Creative Forces of Ukraine’ where we fight Russian propaganda, fake news, and help raise awareness and collect support from all over the world,” Bezuhla said, “I write a lot: slogans, blog posts for LinkedIn, war diaries, articles, translations, etc.”

Bezuhla shared her lifestyle experiences during the war.

“I haven’t listened to music, watched a movie, read a book, or even combed my hair for 13 days now. I am sleep-deprived and exhausted, but I am so-so lucky— I’m alive and relatively safe,” Bezuhla said.

According to Bezuhla, she was warned about the invasion months before it happened, but she was in denial. With Russia gathering troops around the Russia-Ukraine border, Ukrainians knew conflict was inevitable with Russia , but no one expected a full-scale war.

Bezuhla reflected on the memories of her

Above Image:

A photo taken on Bezuhla’s trip to Lviv. She described having to stand for the entirety of the nine hour trip to the city. The young girl in the photo was asking her mother if she could hold their pet chinchilla.

Image via Hanna Bezuhla

father leading up to the war. Bezuhla and her father talked a lot about war, but she expressed she was always skeptical. She described how her father always dreamt about being a military man and shared her father’s journey with the military.

“My father joined the military 3.5 years ago. He has been working with volunteers since 2014, helping financially,” said Bezuhla. “Then he decided that ‘financially’ wasn’t enough and joined the forces that fight for temporarily occupied territories of Donbas as part of ATO.”

Now, Bezuhla’s father is one of the active military members fighting to protect Ukraine. He follows his motto: “Freedom is worth the fight— however brutal.”

Bezuhla expressed that her father was one of the people who truly understood the threat of the Russian invasion. He was also the first person to warn her that the war was about to begin.

“A few days before the war started, dad called me and told me to get my emergency backpack ready because escalation is inevitable—I was still skeptical,” Bezuhla said. “When I looked at my phone at 5 am on February 24th and saw ‘Dad” I knew what was coming…”

Bezuhla recalled the sacrifice she and her family had to make in the years leading up to the war as she only saw her father once a year.

“I was hurt because it’s been almost 4 years of no Christmas dinners, no birthday dinners, no housewarming parties—no nothing,” Bezuhla said.

Since the start of the war, she gained a new understanding of why her father was adamant about joining the military.

“I am sorry I underestimated the threat. Like so many others in my country, we weren’t ready, but thank God for people like my father and other brave soldiers in our army—they were ready. We owe them everything,” Bezuhla stated.

Bezuhla discussed what her biggest fear is as

the war draws on in Ukraine.

“Right now my biggest fear is that people will gradually stop caring about this war. That they’ll develop bad news fatigue,” said Bezuhla.

Bezuhla shared the ways American citizens can support Ukraine in this war.

“Personally, I would ask everyone to support our army,” said Bezuhla. “But for people who do not want to ‘support bloodshed,’ you can support our children and refugees.”

Bezuhla expressed her gratitude towards all who have contributed to protecting Ukraine.

“I just want to thank every everyone who expressed their support with words, donations or actions. We see it. We feel it. We will be forever grateful!” said Bezuhla.

Above Image:

This is Bezuhla’s homemade bomb shelter with her pet cat in the photo. She described spending hours in this shelter during air raids.

Bottom Image: Hanna Bezuhla. Image via Hanna Bezuhla

Team BOLD Presents 2022 Senior Exhibition Showcase

“BOLD” Portfolio Exhibition is open to the public from April 22–29, 2022 at The Myers School of Art, Emily Davis Gallery.

By LeKesha Parkman, Editor-in-Chief

I first met graphic design major and marketing minor Kohl Spieker when I was a freshman at the University of Akron. Spieker’s skill in graphic design was immediately apparent to me, as was his kind and thoughtful nature. As Art Director for the Mary Schiller Myers School of Art’s annual Senior Portfolio Exhibition, these characteristics serve him well.

Spieker’s leadership puts many of his fellow classmates at ease. Senior year is beset with many stressors and for the graphic design majors at Myers, that holds especially true.

Spieker learned of the senior exhibition during his first year at Myers and knew immediately he wanted the lead role of Art Director.

He described the senior exhibition as a “conglomeration of all the students and their work

to showcase their strengths and abilities.”

His role as Art Director includes daily email correspondence. Also, during the class period for Graphic Design Presentation, he meets with staff, different committees and team leads. He also ensures that everyone has the tools they need to put on a successful show.

In addition to his role as Art Director, Spieker is also the lead on the show’s build-out.

“I make sure everything is running correctly, make sure everything looks good, make sure everybody has what they need and make sure the show goes off as smoothly as possible,” he said.

Spieker has a lot of responsibilities, but he knew what he was taking on.

“It’s obviously busy and a lot sometimes but I really enjoy doing it. It’s something dynamic. I like having a different role or a different job to play every single day,” he explained.

Three teams each submitted a concept for the show, and the graphic design seniors voted to select the winning concept.

The process led to an unprecedented situation: a tie between two of the three concepts. This event led to a faculty vote, but the tie still remained unbroken.

Ultimately, it was decided that both winning teams would combine their concepts.

(Top) Seniors Kohl Spieker, Janae Droder and Jacob Vickers Image via BOLD team

Senior graphic design major Jacob Vickers who is co-leading with senior graphic design major Jacob Scott on the photography team, wasn’t surprised by the tie.

“We already had some discussion about ideas that we liked from both of the other sections, but especially the Renaissance, as well as conceptual parallels between our ideas already. So it actually kind of made a lot of sense to combine them.”

To an observer, it may have seemed that the elements lacking in one concept was fulfilled by the other. The two combined ideas strengthened each other.

Graphic design major and illustration minor Janae Droder, one of The Buchtelite’s own, was heavily involved in combining both concepts into a new art direction and expressed appreciation and excitement with their role as the leader of the Motion Design team.

“We get to work together and come up with this new concept and we’ve never done this before,” Droder said. “ Britynn [DeWerth] and Dave [Flynn] are going to be helping us. I get to work with other people from Bold, and it was just really an exciting opportunity that I was more than happy to jump into because it’s a challenge and I love challenges!”

Although Spieker is still in the initial stages of his work as an art director, he feels that the experience is giving him a real idea of what this job entails.

“It takes a lot of responsibility. It’s a very busy job. I think mainly what I’ve learned is how to communicate with people effectively and make sure everybody is okay with what they’re doing,” Spieker said.

As for plans after college, Spieker, Vikers and Droder have impressive plans.

Spieker owns his own freelance business and already has several clients. He hopes to merge that experience with an art director role professionally.

Vickers expressed his desire to get into book publishing and has several entrepreneurial ideas. One project is a variation of a tabletop RPG.

He also stressed the importance of coming out of his shell. He noted that working as a lead on the project has given him more confidence.

“I think I’ve already gained a lot just kind of working with people and collaborating. So I

think having that practice and seeing just how I work with other people and how other people like getting experience with others and how they work with me, has been nice. I’ve already gotten a lot closer to some of the people in the class through this,” he said.

Currently Droder is planning to build up work experience locally and then apply to graduate school. They expressed joy in their experience and growth at Myers.

“I figured out my style in design, I figured out my style in illustration and I’m proud of my work and my content. I’m very confident in myself now compared to where I used to be, I’m happy to speak in critiques, everything figured itself out. And I was worried for nothing. The professors have been amazing. Every professor has been way too good to me. It’s really gotten me where I am now,” Droder said.

For more information visit the creators of “BOLD” at 2022.uakrondesign.com.

Located in Folk Hall, “BOLD” will be featured in the Emily Davis Gallery. Open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

(Center)

Sample of BOLD’s pattern Image via BOLD team (Bottom) Image via BOLD team

AKRON DISPATCH: THE A

in music school. I dreaded going to class, and I cried while doing homework. Even with all those feelings, I decided to continue into my second year where I fell into an even greater depression.

During this dark time of my life, I became interested in writing, especially writing movie reviews. When I wanted to escape from the stresses of my schoolwork, I would write. As time went by, I started to realize that I could make a career out of writing.

After months of debating and blaming this sadness on myself, I decided to pull myself together and change my major. I decided to make this change halfway through college despite the risks that I would face if I wanted to graduate in the traditional four years.

The End of the World (Seemingly)

I felt like I was on top of the world even though I had to finish the rest of the spring semester with music education classes. There was finally an end to my misery.

Then, a global pandemic happened. That really put a spike into my plans.

Going into the third year of this pandemic, I really hate writing about it now. I feel that all I could say about it would sound cliché and selfcentered.

The UA community works to empower and help its students and faculty throughout their time with the university and even graduation.

Goodbyes are never easy.

Back in the Fall 2021 semester, I watched Wes Anderson’s newest movie, “The French Dispatch,” and it genuinely changed me. It was this love letter to journalism that made me feel seen as a writer. The movie helped me reflect on my time in college and think about my upcoming graduation.

When I left the theater, I knew that my last special-edition piece for The Buchtelite had to be themed around this movie.

In honor of what Wes Anderson did for journalism, here is my love letter to my time at The University of Akron and writing for The Buchtelite.

The Unhappy Music Student

I had my whole life planned before I even started college.

I was going to complete four years of school, student teach for a semester, find a job as a high school band director and teach the power of music for the rest of my life.

Spoiler alert: my plan failed.

I started to feel unhappy even before I finished my first year of my major. I felt like an outcast

Yes, I can go on about how I was forced to take online classes all the way up until I graduated and that I was not able to leave the house much. I could go on about how a lot of my college experience was taken away from me. However, at the end of the day, I am so grateful that I am still here and able to continue my life.

This time really made me appreciate the loved ones that I am still able to talk to.

Revisions to a Blank Resume

I completed my first full semester of public relations and media studies classes, and I was in love.

Even though I had not stepped foot into a normal classroom, I felt like I belonged more than I ever did while I was in the music school. I was learning about interesting subjects, improving my writing skills daily and somehow even managed to land an impressive (and paid!) internship for the upcoming summer.

I was ready to take on the world and the classes of spring semester of 2021.

The first week of classes was filled with figuring out web layouts of classes, introductions and answering the dreaded “fun fact” about yourself.

Image and Story by Jaina Gedeon, Arts & Entertainment Editor

Tribute to Wes Anderson and My Time at The UA

Since I was taking public relations writing, I decided to mention that I wrote movie reviews on the side. I didn’t think much of it. Little did I know my professor was the advisor for The Buchtelite.

Shortly after my post, I received a message from Julie Cajigas to join the staff and be the official Film Critic. My career in newspaper writing started.

The Private Office of the Film Critic

In little over a month after being asked to join the staff, my first film review was published online. I remember the exact moment I saw it on the website. I was outside of an Aldi, and I sat in my car crying for five minutes. My art was published, and I felt like a real writer for the first time in my life.

During my time writing, I covered the Oscars, new horror movies, personal pieces and dramas that were taking over the movie scene.

No matter how stressed I was with school and work, writing reviews always gave me peace of mind. I was able to escape for a couple of hours and got to talk about the things that I loved most. It was the escape that I needed to handle the rest of my academic career.

As each review came out, my time in college was starting to count down. Before I knew it, I only had one semester of college. In a couple of weeks, I will be walking across the stage at commencement and will be officially retiring as Film Critic for The Buchtelite which is both scary and exciting.

Obituary

When first hear the word obituary, many automatically think of death when it should be a celebration of life.

Even though my journey to the end was not perfect by any means, I still cherish every moment of it. I think about the butterfly effect way too much. I know that if I did not get through the hard times, I would not have experienced the wonderful memories that I have now.

I will always have moments of laughing with friends, grabbing coffee from every coffee shop in the area and meeting some of the most influential people in my life.

This article would not be possible without the chance that Julie Cajigas took on me back in January of 2021. I am so grateful for your mentorship, the push you gave me to create new things and encouraging me to improve my craft.

I would also not be here if it was not for the amazing Buchtelite staff. I am going to miss creating beautiful, printed editions and pitching

stories to one another.

Thank you to anyone that decided to take the time to read one of my articles. The idea that even a single person would take time to read my writing is still mind-blowing to me and I could not be more grateful.

Finally, to The University of Akron. Thank you for being a haven and giving me the opportunities to shine as a writer and student. I could not imagine my life without all the friends that I made during my time here. I will always be a Zip.

--

“People may or may not be threatened by your anger, your hatred, your pride. But love the wrong way, and you will find yourself in great jeopardy.”

-Roebuck Wright (The French Dispatch)

--

This article is written in memory of my grandfather Neil Klein who I lost this past October. I miss you every single day.

(Below Image)

Name: Finn Deetscreek Class Rank: Junior Major: Graphic Design Medium: Photography

The Off-Campus Housing Experience: Options for UA Students

There are many off-campus houses to rent from companies like Roo Town Rentals, Roo Rents, Braymore, Varsity Rentals and more. There are also apartment buildings close to campus for students such as the University Edge, The Depot and The Standard.

A good landlord can also make all the difference when finding the right fit for you.

“The best part about living off campus is the freedom and independent lifestyle,” said John McCabe, owner of Roo Town Rentals in Akron, OH. “You also have total control of picking your roommates.”

Living off campus can provide students with the freedom that they enjoy. It can still be within walking distance of The University of Akron. “I don’t have a car, but it doesn’t matter because the walk from my house to campus is short and I can take the Roo Express if needed,” said Dorothy Fleming, a fourth-year Interior Design student at UA.

By Summer Torok, Managing Editor

While there are many housing options for students at The University of Akron, it can be hard to choose.

Most students are required to live in a dorm on campus during their first year in college. Living in a dorm is an experience that all college students should have but some don’t get to.

“I never lived in the dorms, but I do wish I had that relatable experience of living in one my first year,” said Alexa Baumberger, a fourth-year public relations student at The University of Akron. “I don’t think I would have stayed in the dorm longer than that though. I’ve really enjoyed living at Edge, I think it’s worth it.”

After living in the dorms, most students want to move somewhere else.

“Living off campus is a great opportunity for any student because of how close it is to all of Akron’s facilities,” said Jenna Sukie, a doctoral student majoring in audiology at The University of Akron. “Also, it’s a great way to surround yourself with other peers to help with school and to meet people.”

Searching for the best apartment can be overwhelming, but there are resources that provide assistance like the department of Residence Life and Student Housing or ZipAssist.

University housing can be expensive, but offcampus housing provides the same experience while potentially saving you money.

“Enjoy the time you have living with friends,” said Madelynn Hill, a junior exercise science major at The University of Akron. “It goes a lot faster than you’d think, make your time on campus worth it.”

Hear what students at UA have to say about off-campus housing.

Above: Swimming pool at The Depot in Akron. Image via The Depot

Below: Street view of The Standard in Akron. Image via The Standard

A Connection to Nature in Akron

For 50 years, the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm has provided Akron locals with a way to connect with the natural world. The Nature Realm and can help both local students reconnect and help foreign students get acquainted with the wonder of Akron’s forests.

By Samuel Grom, Contributor

When I ask family and friends how they’d describe Akron, I’m often given a painting of a rusty city surrounded by oceans of trees. Forests make up a great deal of the Akron area’s land, and both residents and the park system put it to good use. If you are an Akron native like me, you’ve likely been on a school field trip to the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm. For those unfamiliar with the park, the Nature Realm provides a wonderful method for learning about the land you’re living in. For students born and raised in town, its continued existence allows for a nostalgic journey and a chance to reignite a passion for nature.

Founded in the early 1970s when Goodyear co-founder Franklin Augustus Seiberling donated over 400 acres of undeveloped land to the Summit Metro Parks (SMP) system, the Nature Realm has given people a place to view, learn and interact with nature.

The Summit Metro Parks System is the organization responsible for the upkeep of the Nature Realm and other parks. Rebecca Zak is an interpretive naturalist with SMP and

presents the system’s various programs to the public.

“I get to do it all.” said Zak. “I work on multiple projects. Ranging from caring for our animal ambassadors, writing up trailside panels, leading staff training and working with other departments to improve the visitor experience.”

Since her time as a little girl playing in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Zak loved nature. She studied Human Geography and Environmental Policy in college. To this day, she uses her passion and knowledge to help others appreciate the forest and what the Nature Realm offers.

The Nature Realm hosts a densely populated forest of beech and sugar-maple trees, providing a thick canopy of vibrantly green leaves to shade the plants and animals living below. While walking through the Cherry Lane Trail in June, guests can catch a

Above: Text Image via Name

glimpse of a patch of rhododendron blooming under the trail’s suspension bridge. From the visitor’s center, you can glimpse wildlife using the Wildlife Window. You might just see large animals such as deer, or small animals such as

Hunger

By: Lauren Folk

Do you long for the homes of others? For kitchens with cabinets full of collectible plastic cereal bowls and chipped glasses from cartoons

you never watched on Saturday mornings; for unnumbered bedrooms and quilts made by gnarled hands that never touched your own;

northern flickers and woodpeckers. Snapping turtles, salamanders, foxes and owls can also be chance encounters along the path.

The trails aren’t all the F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm has to offer. Folks can enjoy a wheelchair-accessible arboretum, relax in the many picnic areas or sit by a beautiful pond. A picturesque rock and herb garden leads to a raised bed greenhouse comprised of repurposed two-liter bottles for those interested in taking pictures or making paintings of local flora.

The visitor center at the Nature Realm’s entrance can be considered its own attraction as it feels like a museum and zoo rolled into one. Thanks to the visitor’s center with its charming aesthetic, people looking for a quick visit can learn a bit about the county’s natural features or take the kids to a controlled outdoorsy environment where they won’t find a stick to swing around like they could on the trails. Other educational and recreational resources include several colored box turtles and fox snakes visitors can interact with, amateur photo exhibits, an interactive pond display and a gift shop for souvenir hunters.

The F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm is not just a beautiful example of wildlife and forests in Akron.. It also hosts events for those looking to interact with other nature lovers or who want to do something new with their friends. In March, the park held an Eye Spy, a treasure hunt event

for bathrooms you can’t navigate in the dark or with your eyes closed;

for smells you don’t recognize, scents of a different existence?

Do you long for the desperate and welcoming strangeness of the lives of those who are neither you nor yours?

You fall asleep in the car and a voice tells you to hold the sun.

Wake up on a nice stretch of highway and you want to get out of the car, drift deep into the woods like a leaf or a wave and find

the place where the martens can tell you about restlessness and hunger.

HERE TO HELP. DOWNTOWN AMBASSADORS.

Ambassadors

Provide info, directions and safety escorts

Jump car batteries and unlock car doors

For ambassador services, call 330-706-7383

Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sunday 7 a.m. - 8 p.m.

For non-emergencies outside of ambassador operating hours, use the Akron Police Department’s non-emergency numbers, 330-375-2181 or 330-375-2101.

PLACES | EVENTS

LOCK 3

Rock the Lock (Fridays)

Live Music (Saturdays)

Free Fitness Classes (Tuesdays)

SUMMER ON CASCADE PLAZA

Skate Nights (Monthly, Saturdays)

Free Fitness Classes (Tuesdays & Thursdays)

Line Dancing | Kickboxing | Yoga

Bootcamp | Pilates | Zumba

ADVENTURES.

There’s always fun to be had in downtown Akron. But did you know there are a ton of things to do for $10 or less?

23 FREE OR LOWCOST THINGS TO DO DOWNTOWN

Photography: Jenn Kidd Creative, L Square Photos, Chris Rutan Photography, University of Akron, Denzel D. Washington, Shane Wynn

Graphic Design Major

Minor in Printmaking

PVC Block Relief Print

in which guests take pictures of plants and landmarks and tag the Summit Metro Parks system on Instagram.

“We have so many things planned.” said Zak, when discussing the park’s summer events. “Water recreation programs, camping, and wildflower walks.”

Whether you’re looking to get in touch with the city you grew up in or you want to learn more about where you are studying, F.A. Seiberling provides a safe, relaxing and experiential way to immerse yourself in nature and its beauty.

“When a person loves something, they are driven to protect it. We need people to fall in love with our natural world in this and future moments so nature persists. Summit Metro Parks provides just that,” Zak said.

Senior Adam Walko

Idolatry ≠ Immortality

A piece which analyses our relationship with the environment, pointing out how despite the massive influence tigers have in pop culture, they are rapidly going extinct in the wild.

Modern Traditions Co. Thrives Amid Pandemic

Modern Traditions Co. is an online (by appointment) vintage clothing store in Akron, OH.

By Summer Torok , Managing Editor Images via Aaron Gascon

Despite Modern Traditions Co. making its debut at the height of the pandemic, the vintage clothing store owned by Aaron Gascon continues to flourish.

Modern Traditions Co. opened in Nov. 2021 inside Bounce Innovation Club, located on 526 South Main Street, Suite 509 in Akron, OH. Gascon moved his shop out of his basement to the current location to provide more space for his business to grow.

“I hope to eventually have my own storefront,” Gascon said.

Instead of consignment, Gascon does tradeins and purchases his vintage clothes through appointments.

While he has only occupied the space in Bounce Innovation Club since Nov. 2021, Gascon has almost ten years of experience selling vintage clothes online. So, when the pandemic led many consumers to stay home, Modern Traditions Co. received more online orders.

Gascon also hosts an open house once a month, along with various pop-up shops.

“Opening Modern Traditions Co. has exceeded my expectations,” Gaston said. “I’ve met some incredible people who enjoy and appreciate vintage clothes as much as me.”

Jaina Gedeon, a University of Akron student, said she discovered Modern Traditions Co. through TikTok.

“There is such a great collection of clothes that made it really hard to choose what I wanted. The owner is also very friendly and knowledgeable. I can’t wait to visit again, and I have been telling my friends all about it. It’s great to see such a unique store in Akron,” she said.

The store is always closed on Sundays and is currently appointment only. Appointments can be scheduled by messaging @moderntraditionsco on Instagram or Facebook.

“Don’t be afraid to try out different classes in different majors. The only timeline you’re on is your own.”

– Summer Torok, senior majoring in public relations with a minor in marketing

Seniors Reflect on UA Experience and the Road to Graduation

Seniors LeKesha Parkman, Summer Torok and Anna Harrison are “very ready” to graduate but can’t help looking back to see how far they’ve come since their first semesters at UA.

By Abigail Geiser, Correspondent

Graduation is coming soon, and many seniors are focused on their next steps. Whether those steps include jobs, internships or other new beginnings, it’s clear they’re focused on their future.

While these new beginnings are exciting, they find it important to reflect on the past and how far they’ve come over their last few years at The University of Akron.

Summer Torok, a senior majoring in public relations with a minor in marketing and graduating with a Professional Social Media Certificate, has come a long way in her journey figuring out her career interests. She said she owed this in part to the professors she’s encountered and student organizations like The Buchtelite.

“I came into college with no idea what I wanted to pursue. My major was undecided until my second semester sophomore year. I took a few introduction classes and found an interest in Intro to PR. From there, and with the help of professors in the School of Communication like Julie Cajigas, I joined The Buchtelite.”

Torok is currently the Managing Editor (Vice President) of The Buchtelite and

Treasurer of the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA).

Torok said she learned about The Buchtelite after taking Cajigas’ Public Relations Writing class. Cajigas told Torok about the student newspaper and Torok got involved.

Getting involved in student organizations has also been beneficial for LeKesha Parkman, a senior graphic design major with minors in psychology and Emerging Technologies. She is also the current Editor-in-Chief for The Buchtelite.

Parkman credits The Buchtelite as one of the best things that happened during her college experience.

“It really forced me out of my comfort zone. I wasn’t someone who wanted to be in leadership in any way, shape, or form…I got to work with some really great people, especially the former Editor-in-Chief, Megan Parker. It was a great confidence booster. I got to figure out what I do and don’t like.”

Parkman shared that she originally got involved in The Buchtelite because of an advertisement in Zipmail, UA’s campus newsletter. Being an avid reader with a love for writing, she decided to dive into the

(Above)

Image by Andre Hunter on Unsplash

From Art...

Samantha Fazio is studying graphic design in the Myers School of Art, and turning her love of street art into a project that studies the impression of public art in society with a mural of her own.

...to Science we have you covered.

Shane Vaughn is majoring in Statistics/Data Science and at his internship at J.M. Smuckers he helped write a software application to predict different coffee flavor profiles that come out of different roasting conditions.

The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences is the oldest and largest college on campus representing the roots and origins of The University of Akron. With approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in 20 schools and departments and home to 4 interdisciplinary degree programs and 10 different academic centers and institutes, it serves as the core of UA's academic enterprise and the foundation of all UA students’ education.

opportunity, never expecting to become the Editor-in-Chief.

“It was a very unorthodox way of becoming Editor-in-Chief. I had just planned on writing an article or two and it just slowly evolved until I became Editor-inChief,” said Parkman.

Another important part of the college experience is meeting new people.

Anna Harrison, a senior double majoring in Integrated Marketing and Communications and Sales Management, said that one of the best things she’s experienced over the last few years has been the social aspect of college.

“Meeting different people across different majors, people from the dorms, people from work places, just different people in general.”

Though college brings a lot of fun and positive experiences, it also brings struggles. Parkman noted that she learned how to advocate for herself in situations with other students and professors.

“It was a little unnerving because it was like ‘I don’t want to rock the boat, I don’t want to be that person,’ but it felt good to be validated…it worked out way better than I thought it could. It really showed me that the culture they’re striving for is one of inclusivity, and it made me feel comfortable enough to be myself here.”

Harrison also struggled learning how to be an advocate for herself.

“It can be hard to prioritize and put yourself first, and it can be hard to communicate to faculty if you need, like, an accommodation or something. That’s definitely something that’s difficult to do,” Harrison said.

When asked what advice these seniors would give their first-year selves, they said they would remind themselves to “breathe” and follow their own path--wherever that leads.

“When I first started, I needed to know everything, like what I’m doing this semester,

what I’m doing next semester, what I’m doing when I graduate…Now, I have a good idea of where I’m headed even if I don’t know what my final destination is,” Parkman said.

“I would tell myself to put my mental health first and to not be afraid to speak up for myself. And to get back up if needed,” Harrison said.

“Don’t be afraid to try out different classes in different majors. The only timeline you’re on is your own. Also, if you’re ever feeling stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed, there is free counseling on campus that you should take advantage of – therapy isn’t embarrassing,” Torok said.

Parkman, Torok and Harrison all agreed that they are “very ready” to graduate in May and are excited to see where this next chapter in their life leads. On behalf of the other members of The Buchtelite, I wish them luck in their future endeavors and trust that they will end up exactly where they are meant to be.

(Center) Name: Sophia Anderson

Class Rank: Freshman

Major: Nursing Medium: Acrylic Paint

(Below) Buchtel Hall Image via The University of Akron

“It really showed me that the culture they’re striving for is one of inclusivity, and it made me feel comfortable enough to be myself here.”

–LeKesha

Parkman, senior graphic design major with minors in psychology and Emerging Technologies.

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Making Strides On and Off the Track

By Sarah Minear, Correspondent

Every college student knows about juggling several responsibilities at once.

Sara Foster, senior nursing student at The University of Akron, member of the track and field team and small business owner, is no stranger to time management.

“Time management has been and will always be a key component of my everyday life,” Sara Foster said. “I do prioritize school, athletics, faith, my support system, health and then my small business with the little free time I have left over.”

Sara did not initially love living a healthy lifestyle but enjoyed food and baking. When her running career in high school became more serious, she developed a passion for a healthier, balanced life.

However, she struggled with finding the right balance to fuel her body and become the best version of herself.

“Thanks to the help of my huge support system, I was turned in a direction to learn how to live a balanced lifestyle where I fueled my body with food that was nourishing and delicious,” Foster said. “I started to make my own alternative recipes that include more wholesome ingredients into foods that I crave!”

In the summer of 2018, Sara launched Fosterfuel. Fosterfuel is an Instagram blog dedicated to sharing her favorite recipes, foods and other wellness habits. While this blog was a great way to connect with others in the health and foodie world, it also provided an outlet to begin selling one of her favorite treats to make: granola.

“Fosterfuel Granola was just a whim in the kitchen during the 2020 pandemic. Being stuck at home I got creative with baking,” Foster said. “When everyone was making banana bread, I was making granola.”

When she is not working in the hospital or on the track, she is in the kitchen preparing her newest granola creation.

“It is still one of the snacks I prep every week to snack on throughout the day that is made with wholesome ingredients to keep me fueled for

Sara is a multi-event track athlete and was recently a part of the Women’s 2022 Indoor Mac Championship.

Image via Sara Foster

workouts, hard study sessions and just everyday life,” Foster said.

Depending on the season or the time of year, Foster makes granola to fit the theme. Some of her flavors have included peanut butter buckeye, thin mint, dark cocoa peppermint bark, pumpkin almond butter chocolate, cookies and cream and so many more. All granola flavors are offered in vegan, gluten free and other diet options.

Her granola business quickly became a local success and family affair. Her mother, Mary Foster, helps Sara shop for ingredients and assists when Fosterfuel Granola is taken on the road to a local market show.

“Growing up and currently, Sara is a very disciplined, driven young lady who always finishes what she starts,” Mary Foster said. “She is competitive and gives 110% to whatever she is doing in life, whether it be school, track or work and is successful as a result.”

By choosing UA to continue her academic and athletic career, Sara Foster can have her family close for support. She has been given many opportunities that she would not have had if she moved far from home.

“Through athletics alone, I have been able to travel to over a dozen states and have teammates from all over the world who have brought me lifelong friendships and memories that I will cherish forever,” Foster said. “I also have great access to some of the best healthcare hospitals right down the road from campus, providing me with great clinical experiences and career opportunities.”

Foster’s dedication, focus and passion is seen in everything that she does and in how she treats others. Coming off of the team’s 2022 Indoor Mac title, Dominika Stokowska, Assistant Track and Field Coach, is fortunate to have Sara as a member on the team.

Stokowska describes Foster’s positive qualities in her academic and athletic life as “contagious.”

“Her dedication and focus in being able to balance nursing school, a multi-event track schedule, along with inspiring others to become healthier individuals is truly amazing,” Stokowska said.

Liz Gurko, a senior majoring in Exercise Science, teammate and roommate of Foster’s, sees her passion and dedication firsthand.

Her leadership is evident to her teammates through her passion, love and well-being for not only herself, but also for others.

“Many girls on the team, along with myself, look up to her for her amazing characteristics

and her will to take initiative and be there for one another,” Gurko said. “Sara will achieve great things in life, and I am excited to see her, and her granola business, grow to full potential.”

While the granola business is something that Foster could pursue in the future, she is focused on getting her nursing degree and helping others through that outlet.

Sara Foster said, “I will probably continue to grow my granola and foodie blog business, but I do not ever want it to take away from the initial joy that it brought to me.”

Foster’s advice to college students and individuals pursuing their passions is having the right motives.

“If you do things with the intention of just making money or other materialistic motives, I guarantee you will burn out. I prioritize things that serve me joy and will support my future happiness and health,” Foster said. “Make sure you use your time wisely into things that are going to set you up for lifelong happiness and longevity.”

To learn more about Sara Foster’s food blog and how to buy granola, follow her on Instagram @fosterfuel.

(Below Image)

Name: Samantha Fazio

Class Rank: Junior

Major: Graphic Design

Medium: Digital Illustration

Description: This piece is an editorial illustration about the benefits of practicing yoga on mental health.

By Hannah Wines , Correspondent

When I started my first year here at The University of Akron, it felt like the world was at my fingertips. However, as a naïve, undecided major who did not feel like she belonged, it was much more complex than I could have ever imagined.

I tried relentlessly to find my place in The University of Akron community to no avail.

After a lot of thought and some tough decisions about where I wanted to see myself in the upcoming years, I declared my major: Media Studies, which is categorized under The University of Akron’s School of Communication.

I was excited, of course, but utterly unaware of how much this decision would truly impact me and my outlook on my future.

Class after class, I found myself increasingly enjoying the content I was being taught. Then, I took the Multiplatform Production course, a class where you dip your toes into the different programs and tasks you will be asked to complete in a media-related job.

I had the opportunity to put videos together using the video production tool Premiere Pro and edit photos in Photoshop. Eventually, my professor reached out to me during class to inquire if I had considered joining ZTV or WZIP.

He sent me the information almost immediately. I decided to explore these programs and see what they had to offer.

I went to the initial training, and I could hardly believe my eyes. First, we looked at the radio station which was incredible. Then, we discovered that WZIP is one of the most popular student-run radio stations in the country.

The friendly faces of the individuals in WZIP contributed to its welcoming atmosphere. Immediately, I envisioned myself sitting in the chair at the DJ board and talking into the microphone.

There are many departments at WZIP that offer opportunities to gain real-world radio experience. Whether it’s sports, underwriting or promotions, there is a place for every single person’s interests.

After learning more about WZIP, we got to take a deep dive into the video production organization, ZTV, and surveyed all its programs. With seven shows that cater to a variety of interests, ZTV is home to a wide range of students. Some majors within the program include Media Studies, Financial Planning or even History.

The shows at include geek culture, arts, and entertainment, sports highlights, updates and more.

(Top): Lights. Camera. Akron! Fall 2021 team after live show

Image via Tanner Martin

(Center right): Studio camera facing Lights. Camera. Akron! set

Image via Hannah Wines

How Joining WZIP and ZTV Impacted My College Experience and How It Can Enhance Yours

In ZTV, you learn how to operate a camera, edit videos, and create packages for your specific show. The real-world experience is unlike any other, and I instantly saw myself doing this for the rest of my life.

Eventually, within WZIP, I found my home being a part of the production team and serving as a live DJ.

While making sweepers, a short segue between songs that identify or promote the station, I learned how to use Adobe Audition more in-depth. I also became comfortable being live on-air, doing weather reports and talking about what was on my mind that day.

When it came time to decide what show I wanted to be a part of on ZTV, there were a couple that came to mind, but “Lights. Camera. Akron!” was where I belonged. The decision was one I will never forget.

I was so dedicated to my show in ZTV that I didn’t hesitate to pick up the new producer position when the opportunity

came my way. Although it meant that I had many more responsibilities to fulfil, I knew that circumstances would not have fallen into place like this if I was not meant for the position.

Now, I spend every day of the week on the third floor of Kolbe Hall with my peers. They were once strangers who quickly became my close friends. I find myself laughing more, working harder and finding immense pride in what I do.

The connections I have created since joining WZIP and ZTV are unbelievable. The demo reels don’t look bad, either. A door that I didn’t know existed opened wide for me, and the opportunities came barreling at me at the speed of light.

If there is one piece of advice I could give to an incoming student, it is that joining WZIP and ZTV could be the start of something big. It could also be just a fun hobby. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that you will meet some of your best friends and make the fondest memories along the way.

2022 MAC CHAMPIONS!

WOMEN’S SWIMMING & DIVING

WOMEN’S INDOOR TRACK & FIELD

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Community Support Services

(Top):

Class Rank: Sophomore

Major: Graphic Design

Minor: Illustration

Serves the Community

By Savannah Johns

While Akron residents may be unaware of Community Support Services (CSS) and the services they provide, 3,100 of its clients know the company all too well.

Community Support Services in Akron, Ohio was established in 1988 with the intention to provide critical resources for those with life-altering mental illness in Summit County. When individuals are met with mental illness, they usually have two choices: to suffer in silence or to reach out and get help. CSS is a place that helps. It provides a primary care clinic, counseling, psychiatry, case management, homeless outreach and residential treatment centers.

CSS runs and facilitates three group homes and three safe havens for clients that are considered chronically homeless.

“The point is to help individuals with severe and persistent mental illness transition from homelessness, long-term hospital stays, or unhealthy family situations,” said Mike Sales, a group home supervisor. “We provide 24-hour supervised care with medication monitoring and skill development as a form of transitional housing to a longer-term housing plan.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit and its clients have faced many changes in both their policy and approach. One area that was affected is the residential treatment department.

Throughout the pandemic, employees are working face-to-face with clients in these group residential facilities that model traditional homes. Employees cook and ensure clients take their medication. They have transitioned to online group therapy but do their best to communicate the severity of the pandemic to their clients.

“The biggest impact to our clients is having to adjust to new social norms and social distancing because they don’t always have the insight to understand what’s truly going on and how their participation affects not only themselves but the people around them,” said Sales.

It can be difficult for those with mental illness to understand the pandemic and its effects on global society. Many have experienced increased anxiety due to changes in routine and protocol.

Adjustments have been made in the homeless outreach department, as well.

When COVID-19 hit, Tim Edgar, Residential Manager at CSS, explained how administration had to determine what programs were essential.

“We did not feel it would be ethical to deny basic hygiene services and case management to those homeless individuals who are most at risk,”

Name: Abby Miller

(Right): CSS Building

Mural

Images via Savannah Johns

The Akron-Based Non-Profit seeks to help adults with severe and persistent mental illness in a time of chaos.

said Edgar.

Edgar’s staff, comprised of 50-60 individuals, continued to work face to face with clients.

It was difficult for the company to stay staffed 24 hours a day when employees were getting sick with COVID-19 and had to quarantine. A lack of staffing at a residential facility like CSS could result in clients getting displaced and temporarily losing their homes.

Other area organizations such as the Summit County Continuum of Care have committed themselves to the goal of ending homelessness. CSS collaborated with Summit County Continuum of Care to provide a quarantine center for homeless individuals which “went largely unused,” Edgar said.

“The Summit County Continuum of Care, with our assistance, set up a quarantine center for homeless individuals, but it went largely unused,” said Edgar.

Homeless individuals have also been suffering socially because of the pandemic. The individuals would generally congregate around meal sites and libraries which were unavailable, Edgar explained.

While these closures have minimized the spread of the coronavirus, they have also taken away many opportunities for social engagement and interaction.

Many other social service facilities such as the Social Security office experienced slowdowns and closings. Without access to government assistance and social services, homeless individuals do not have access to their basic needs.

Therefore, it is vital that the Community Support Service’s homeless outreach center has remained open. They have a homeless day room that is open Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. They offer showers, laundry, free coffee, and access to case management.

CSS also has private office space where homeless clients can meet with their case managers and employment staff. Their collaboration can help their client receive food stamps, Medicaid and social security. Together, they can also work on their housing plans.

There are many ways in which the community has come together to support the mission at CSS over the past two years.

“Many of the meal sites either shut down or only provided meals to go during much of the pandemic. Our Director of Marketing put together a website that would allow anyone in the community to sign up to bring lunches to our clients daily. This was a huge help to our people on

days when they may have had to wait to get in to use our services,” said Edgar.

Without the help of the community, some people may not have gotten the food they needed.

There are many ways to get involved and help at Community Support Services. The homeless outreach center is still taking donations for bagged lunches.

Edgar explained how grateful CSS is to have received an increase in donations throughout the pandemic.

“People generally only care about the homeless during the holidays and we get crickets the other eleven months of the year,” he said.

It is difficult for CSS to accept volunteers due to the constant evaluation of ethical and professional boundaries needed to maintain privacy for their clients. Due to their lack of storage space, it can also be a challenge to accept physical donations. Monetary donations, however, allow CSS to help their clients directly.

“Money is always something we can use to buy clients boots and cold-weather clothing in emergencies, to pay for security deposits and rent, to purchase birth certificates and IDs for housing purposes or employment, and to purchase bus passes or gift cards for food. All of the money that is donated goes directly to those we serve,” said Edgar.

Another way to become involved with Community Support Services is through employment. The company hires Residential Aides to work alongside clients in group homes. This position requires only a high school diploma or GED and would be an appropriate job for a college student.

CSS also hires social workers and case managers for those that have completed their bachelor’s degree and have an interest in psychology or mental health.

AMPLIFY student voices SHARE their story JOIN

Student writers and editors are needed for the 22-23 school year. Students may choose join the student organization as volunteer writers, or can register to earn one credit for the experience. To learn more about the for credit experience, or to join the student organization, students should e-mail Professor Julie Cajigas at julieca@uakron.edu.