October 2021

OCTOBER 2021 Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 1

2 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine

2021 STAFF WRITING

CONTENTS

WRITING DIRECTOR Lexi Willliams

1 Meet The Artist

WRITERS Jane Tafolla Jordan McQustion Nora Ruotolo

&5(6&(17 THE

6 Eerie and Bazaar Myths

Shamar Givance Trenton Barbee

11 Coloring Page

CREATIVE

13 9 Cover Story

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sama Matkari CREATIVE ASSISTANT Jasmine Brents

3 HEERF Student Grant

17 Sport of Balance

OCTOBER 2 & 7 2 % ( 5 2021

Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 1

CONTENT ASSISTANT Jordan McQustion Carson Klaus

CRESCENT MAGAZINE is the University of Evansville’s student magazine. It is written, edited and designed by and for UE students and published six times during the academic year. Circulation is 1,500, and it is distributed to 18 campus locations and housed online at www.cresceent.evansville.edu It is funded through advertising sales and a subscription fee paid on behalf of students by the Student Government Association. Printed by MarKel Printing, Newburgh, Ind. ©2021 Student Media, University of Evansville.

HOW TO CONTACT US

SOBA, University of Evansville, 1800 Lincoln Ave., Evansville, IN 47722 Editorial e-mail: crescentmagazine@evansville.edu www.crescent.evansville.edu facebook.com/UECrescentMagazine | twitter.com/crescentmagazi1 | instagram.com/crescentmagazine

LETTER SUBMISSIONS: Crescent Magazine welcomes letters from UE students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni, but material the CMEB regards as libelous, malicious and/or obscene will not be published. Letters should not exceed 250 ZRUGV )RU YHULƓFDWLRQ OHWWHUV PXVW LQFOXGH WKH DXWKRUōV name, class standing or title and email address. Crescent Magazine does not print anonymous letters or those that FDQQRW EH YHULƓHG /HWWHUV ZLOO EH HGLWHG DV QHHGHG

EDITORIAL POLICY: Commentary expressed in unsigned editorials represents D FRQVHQVXV RSLQLRQ RI WKH PDJD]LQHōV (GLWRULDO %RDUG Other columns, reviews, articles and advertising are not necessarily the opinion of the CMEB or other members of staff.

Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 3

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4 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine

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Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 5

HEERF Student Grant Shamar Givance

On March 27th, 2020 the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act was passed by Congress. Allowing students at the University of Evansville to receive a Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF). The estimated total number of enrolled students at UE who are eligible for this emergency grant is currently 1900. Last year, International students were not eligible to apply for HEERF. New regulations were changed under President Biden administration. Opening it up to all students to receive HEERF including the 265 international students at UE. Iyen Enaruna, senior International student at UE, expressed that he is extremely grateful to receive the HEERF grant. In the previous years , Enaruna has tried to apply for multiple grants led by the Federal Government but was not due to WKH IDFW ´ , ZDV QRW HOLJLEOH WR ÀOH )$)6$ DQG UHFHLYH IHGHUDO DLG IURP WKH JRYHUQPHQWµ (QDUXQD VWDWHG WKH PRQH\ KH UHFHLYHG DVVLVWHG with purchasing things for school and groceries.

The bill granted $2.2 trillion to provide fast and direct economic aid to the American people negatively impacted by the &29,' SDQGHPLF $SSUR[LPDWHO\ ELOOLRQ GROODUV LV SXW WRZDUGV +((5) IRU DOO VWXGHQWV DFURVV WKH 8QLWHG 6WDWHV ,W LV FRQÀGHQWLDO information on how much the University of Evansville received.

Becky Hamilton, Director of Student Financial Services, stated that the University funding of the HEERF grant is “ based on OHYHO RI QHHG :H ORRN DW D VWXGHQW·V QHHGV EDVHG RQ ZKDW WKH\ ÀOHG RQ WKHLU )$6)$ DQG EHFDXVH ,QWHUQDWLRQDO VWXGHQWV FRXOG QRW DSSO\ IRU )$6)$ ZH FDPH XS ZLWK D VHW DPRXQW IRU ,QWHUQDWLRQDO VWXGHQWVµ According to reported data by the University of Evansville, this semester a total of 1,241 students received an emergency grant. +DPLOWRQ VWURQJO\ VXJJHVWHG WKDW DOO VWXGHQWV DW WKH 8QLYHUVLW\ RI (YDQVYLOOH VKRXOG NQRZ WKDW WKH )LQDQFLDO DLG RIÀFH LV DVNLQJ VWXGHQWV who haven’t applied yet to submit an authorization that says they want to receive their money. There is about “ 500 students who haven’t VXEPLWWHG DQ DXWKRUL]DWLRQµ ,W LV LPSRUWDQW WR VSUHDG WKH ZRUG WR ERWK ,QWHUQDWLRQDO DQG GRPHVWLF VWXGHQWV WKDW KDYH \HW QRW ÀOH WKHLU authorization form. Giving the Financial aid department permission to release their money to them. $W 8( WKH\ LVVXHG DOO VWXGHQWV WR ÀOH IRU +((5) EHIRUH 6HSWHPEHU WK IRU WKH 6HSWHPEHU GLVEXUVHPHQW ,W LV QRW WRR ODWH IRU VWXGHQWV WR ÀOH WKDW KDG PLVVHG WKH SUHYLRXV GHDGOLQH 2FWREHU WK ZLOO EH WKH ODVW GD\ WR VXEPLW DQ DXWKRUL]DWLRQ WR JHW IXQGLQJ for fall semester. There will be another round granted in the spring if you unfortunately missed both deadlines in the fall. It’s encouraged highly encouraged that all students apply for the HEERF grant as all the school needs is your authorization.

6 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine

The UE Clay club hosted its annual chili bowl sale in Eykamp Hall on Friday, October 29th. Due to weather, the event had to be moved indoors opposed to its usual outdoor setting. The chili bowl sale is an event hosted by the University of Evansville’s clay club where students make ceramic bowls and sell them for charity.

This year, clay club members wanted to donate all of the proceeds to St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Pantry, an organization that assists in the ÀJKW WR HQG KXQJHU LQ WKH (YDQVYLOOH DUHD Bowls were sold for $10 each. There were also bigger bowls ranging from $15 to $50. There was also a silent auction for some bowls that were worth around $75 to $125. Each purchase came with a scoop of chili, which was up to the buyer whether or not they wanted the chili to be in the ceramic bowl, or a to-go cup.

This year’s chili bowl sale was a success, as more than one hundred customers had signed up before the event started, with more coming in as the event continued. With alumni and current students alike, this event is perfect for all ages.

Professor Matteson, Chair of the Department of Art and Advisor to Clay Club said: “A lot of hours went into creating these unique ceramic bowls. The artists dedicated a lot of energy and hard work. I am blessed to have such a wonderful group to work with on such a great cause.

Clay Club Chilli Bowl Carson Klaus

Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 47

8 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine

Jordan McQuiston

Eerie and Bazaar Myths Qalupalik. Timingila. Bari-Degi. No, I did not just hit random keys on my keyboard. These are myths and mythical creatures from Alaska, India, and Korea, respectively, and they are among the many to be featured at this year’s International Bazaar.

Myths have been a part of human culture for...well, forever, and this year’s Bazaar will focus on a fascinating selection of them, from a ghoul that steals body-fat to a meeting place for genies to a spirit-possessed cannibal creature. Hey, just because Halloween has ended doesn’t mean you can’t have a spooky, ghoulish time, though not all of the myths are diabolical in nature.

I always enjoyed International Bazaar, both helping out at the booths of my friends and walking around the space and seeing the different booths from my fellow UE students. I think myths are a great vehicle for learning about various cultures, and I’m not just saying that because it ZDV P\ LGHD 0\WKV WHQG WR UHÁHFW FXOWXUDO LVVXHV DQG IHDUV DV ZHOO DV KRSHV DQG GHVLUHV 2Q WRS RI WKDW LW·V D JUHDW ZD\ WR OHDUQ DERXW WKH RWKHU Aces with whom you share this school.

This year’s Bazaar will feature not only representatives from various countries, but also members of UE’s Black Student Union and Active Minds club, as well as the Evansville Peace Corps, who will all be presenting myths of their own. What myths could they have? You’ll have WR FRPH WR WKH HYHQW WR ÀQG WKDW RXW As usual, the event will not only feature the booths, but also a marketplace where you can support a number of artists and artisans by buying their wares, as well as a number of cultural performances. The event will take place in Eykamp Hall (upstairs Ridgway) on November 12.

Performances will be from 5 to 6 pm and booths from 6 to 8 pm. You will need to sign up ahead of time for tickets, using the QR code from the posters that will be around campus. We hope to see you there.

“International Bazaar is the way we International students share our Cultures with the campus and the community” ~ Sama Matkari

Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 69

Drink of the Month: Hocus

Pocus Fizz Cocktail

Ingredients: • Black-Tinted Sugar • 2 Tablespoons sugar • 10 drops McCormick Black Food Color

Directions: 1. Mix pineapple juice, rum, coconut extract and food colors in a measuring cup.

Drink Ingredients: • 1 cup pineapple juice • 1/2 cup rum • 3/4 teaspoon McCormick Imitation Coconut • 3 drops McCormick Red Food Color • 3 drops Mccormick Yellow Food Color • 1 bottle (750 mL) sparking white wine

2. Dip the rim of each beverage glass in water.

Japan- Habocha (winter squash)

China- Mooncake (red bean paste)

'HƓQH \RXU OLPLWV ƓUVW Bring a trusted friend along

Show respect to rules and laws Never drain your phone battery Always rely on your own instincts 7 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine 10

3. Dip into black-tinted sugar.

4. Pour 2 ounces of pineapple juice mixture into a beverage glass.

5. Top with 4 ounces sparkling white wine.

Autumn Foods Around the World

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Spain- Octopus

Halloween Safety Tips for College Students Living on Campus

I didn’t know that my favorite Halloween treat came in life-size.

I’ve got some wicked feelings brewing for you.

I found a great couple’s costume want to go as the other half?

Spooky Pick-Up Lines

88 deaths happen on Halloween. 109 fatal crashes happen on average every Halloween.

2021 Top 10 Halloween Costume

For Halloween, you should go as sthe love of my life.

Autumn Quote

Spooky Fact

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10.

If you were mine, I’d give you all treats and no tricks.

Notice how the trees do not cling to their leaves.

Fall is about releasing the old to make way for the new. -theburnedhand.com

Harley Quinn Red dress “The Suicide Squad” 2OLYLD 5RGULJR ŏ*RRG 8Ő %OXH &KHHUOHDGHU 2XWƓW Edna Mode “The Incredibles” - Black Standard Costume Britney Spears’ Red Latex Bodysuit Costume Cardi B & Megan The Stallion Pink and Yellow “WAP” Costume Camilla Cabello’s Purple Cinderella Costume Lebron James, Lola & Bugs Bunny “Space Jam” 2021 Costume Natasha Romanoff Black& White “Black Widow” Costumes Doja Cat Sparkly Pink “Say So” Dress Costume Emma Stone’s “Cruella” Red Dress Costume

What do you call a fat pumpkin?

A plumpkin What do baby ghosts go during the day?

Dayscare centers What does a vampire never order at a restaurant?

A stake sandwich

Spooky Jokes

Where did the ghost’s go on holiday?

The Boohamas

Why do ghosts like to ride elevators?

It raises their spirtis Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 11 8

A Problem Under the Foundation Nora Ruotolo

The Evansville Housing System is Decaying ´7KHUH·V QR SODFH OLNH KRPH µ 7KLV SKUDVH LV UHFRJQL]DEOH DQG central to the lives of many Americans. Yet more than 450 people in Evansville have no place to call home.

0DQ\ LQ (YDQVYLOOH VWUXJJOH WR ÀQG KRXVLQJ :KLOH WKH DQVZHU to this problem is simple, the solution is quite complex.

Houses, apartments, and condos cost a pretty penny nowadays.

Market rate rents have skyrocketed, and many families continue to make less than a living wage. Finding homes that are affordable and in good condition can be a challenge.

the waiting list periodically so people can apply for affordable housing.

Names are drawn at random through a lottery system.

The EHA relies on government funding to build affordable housing units around Evansville. But since all its money comes from the government, there is always a looming threat that budget cuts could affect the organization.

Even if organizations like the EHA and Aurora had all the money in the world to help low-income families and people experiencing homelessness, they would not be able to do so.

Heronemus said, “I tell folks that if Aurora had every dollar to house The Evansville Housing Authority (EHA) is a local all 400 people that are in shelter and on the street, at this moment we organization which provides affordable housing for people who only have enough money for subsidized rent. Rick Moore, the executive ZRXOGQ·W KDYH D SODFH WR SXW WKHP 7KDW·V MXVW WKH UHDOLW\ RI LW µ 7KHUH GLUHFWRU RI (+$ LV UHVSRQVLEOH IRU HQVXULQJ WKDW WKH RUJDQL]DWLRQ IXOÀOOV are not enough units to house everyone, and it will take many years and its mission. lots of money to get to that point.

“We needed housing, and we needed housing that was DIIRUGDEOH µ VDLG 0RRUH The EHA partners with Aurora, an organization that was founded back in 1988. According to Zac Heronemus, Aurora’s executive director, it started because of “a tremendous uptick in individuals and families experiencing homelessness throughout the nation. And part of that was largely in part due to the cutting of mental health services. And a lot of folks that experienced homelessness have mental health conditions that they’re dealing with; that often leads them WR H[SHULHQFLQJ KRPHOHVVQHVV µ America needs public housing. Evansville needs public housing, including those who are elderly and living off social security, those who are experiencing homelessness, and those who work lowincome jobs. Right now, the city is between 1500-4500 units shy of meeting its affordable housing demands.

Some families are on a waiting list three to four years long before any kind of progress is made. Moore said that the EHA opens

9 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine 12

Aging homes, generational poverty, substance abuse, mental illnesses, criminal behavior, and homelessness are all factors that contribute to the need for affordable housing in the Evansville community.

Some houses are left in unlivable conditions. Moore said, “Typically, what contributes to the need is aging housing stock, that houses in neighborhoods have been around for quite a few years. Some KDYH EHHQ GHVHUWHG VRPH KDYH EHHQ OHIW WR GHFD\ µ Even people who end up living in houses are unable to afford the electricity bill. As old, inner-city homes continue to deteriorate over time, low-income families struggle to keep up with all of the growing problems inside of a house.

Paying off a house and establishing a budget for rent, food, and other expenses is comparable to playing a high-risk, low-reward game. Playing smart and taking advantage of opportunities often pays dividends in the long run. However, some people have had the odds stacked against them since birth. These are people born into

generational poverty, who have not received a quality education or been taught ways to be successful.

Moore says, “It’s not just bricks and mortar. When we house families, many of them have circumstances that affect their housing and cause them to be homeless. If they have issues with that family – it could be drugs, it could be alcohol, it could be illnesses. It could be a lot of things that cause them to lose their house. Then they enter into the KRPHOHVV VLWXDWLRQ µ

Heronemus said, “I’m happy to say that our recidivism rate – ongoing recidivism rate – for this particular program is about 16 to 17 percent. That means that in the history of us carrying out this program, ZH·YH RQO\ KDG WKDW DPRXQW JR EDFN WR SULVRQ µ 7KLV QXPEHU LV PXFK better than in the state of Indiana as a whole, whose recidivism rate is at 38 percent.

Aurora’s re-entry program in Evansville has had so much VXFFHVV WKDW WKHUH DUH QRZ ÀYH RWKHU SURJUDPV OLNH LW LQ WKH VWDWH RI Indiana.

Progress is being made within the Evansville area, including its surrounding counties. Aurora has a partnership with Echo, another local affordable housing provider. Heronemus said, “Our partnership ZLWK (FKR RYHU WKH SDVW ÀYH \HDUV KDV WDNHQ WKH FKURQLFDOO\ KRPHOHVV population from approximately 140 down to 35. And we anticipate next year effectively being at, they call it ‘effective zero,’ meaning we know that somebody’s going to pop up and be chronically homeless because WKHUH LV QRW D VSRW RU IXQGLQJ RU KRXVLQJ DYDLODEOH IRU WKHP µ ´,I \RX GRQ·W OLYH RU ZRUN LQ GRZQWRZQ RU -DFREVYLOOH µ +HURQHPXV VDLG ´RXU KRPHOHVV SRSXODWLRQ LV HIIHFWLYHO\ LQYLVLEOH µ

Drugs, alcohol, and illnesses are just a few of the many traps that can cause homelessness. Aurora “plays a role both on the prevention side, keeping people housed that are facing eviction, and then those that are in shelter and on the street, helping to get them KRXVHG DQG PRYHG LQ D EHWWHU GLUHFWLRQ µ In 2015, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development conducted a survey and found that 45 percent of people experiencing homelessness have a mental illness. Some of these common mental illnesses include depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, and bipolar disorder. It is harder for people with mental illnesses to hold a steady job, which widens the path towards experiencing homelessness.

Seven years ago, Aurora started a pilot re-entry program WR KHOS IRUPHUO\ LQFDUFHUDWHG IHORQV ÀQG MREV DQG VXSSRUW ZLWKLQ months of their release from prison. Aurora’s case managers help to KRXVH SHRSOH ÀQG HPSOR\PHQW DQG SURYLGH VXSSRUW IRU WKRVH GHDOLQJ with mental illnesses or substance abuse. These services are crucial, because, as Heronemus said, “getting out of prison without support QHWZRUNV LV EDVLFDOO\ D UHFLSH IRU GLVDVWHU µ Not many companies hire individuals with felonies on their UHFRUGV ZKLFK PDNHV ÀQGLQJ D MRE H[FHHGLQJ GLIÀFXOW :LWKRXW a steady stream of income, it is easy for people to turn to drugs, alcohol, and other distractions as the only way to escape the grasp of homelessness. Fortunately, efforts are being made to help people steer clear of this pitfall.

Homelessness is more than the people you see on the side of the road. It affects the lives of men and women from all walks of life. It does not discriminate based on gender, race, age, or level of education.

In fact, Evansville has the highest per capita rate of homelessness in the state of Indiana.

Providing affordable housing for people in the Evansville area is essential. Poverty is a cycle that is passed along generationally. By providing families with affordable housing, they have time to pay their other expenses and save up money.

People within a community understand the needs and issues WKDW WKHLU FRPPXQLW\ KDV PRUH VR WKDQ JRYHUQPHQW RIÀFLDOV RU outsiders trying to help. Ending homelessness all starts with community.

It is neighbors checking in on each other, people forming relationships, and kids being shown love and being raised to dream big.

Homelessness is not something that can be stopped overnight.

It takes a lot of money and a lot of time. “I think trying to stop that revolving door is something that is a community issue and a community HIIRUW µ 0RRUH VDLG

“getting out of prison without support networks is basically a recipe for disaster” Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 13 10

Design Your Own Pumpkin Jasmine Brent

14 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine

The construction on campus for the replacement of the %UHQWDQR 0RUWDQR RIWHQ VKRUWHQHG WR ´0RUWDQR µ UHVLGHQFH KDOOV LV underway and visually appears to be moving along quickly. However, some issues surrounding the construction remain. While the Mortano residence halls were by no means luxurious or especially pretty they were functional and quite a bit more so than Moore, the abandoned Hughes, and Hale. Jordan, a senior here at the University of Evansville describes his frustrations surrounding the construction inconveniences for Moore residents and his issues surrounding the tear down of Mortano. “Honestly they could have torn Moore down there’s so many LVVXHV ZLWK URDFKHV DQG PROGµ 0RUWDQR ZDV IXQFWLRQDO DW WKH WLPH of tear down--not nice but not horrid either. As a former Hall council member and resident until now, it needed some modernizations, sure, but it was far from the worst resident hall.

8QLYHUVLW\ ´LPSURYHPHQWµ LVVXHV WKDW KDYH VWLUUHG VWXGHQW interest have also included the near-termination of several professors and in Mortano’s case, some of the housekeepers have been laid off.

In the case of professors, an offer of help was, to some extent, made WR WKHP ÀQDQFLDOO\ ,W LV XQNQRZQ LI WKLV ZDV DOVR PDGH WR WKH IRUPHU housekeepers of Mortano or not. The pod style of the new residence halls suggests that housekeeping won’t be coming back and that they won’t be getting their jobs back once the new residence halls becomes functional again.

Although this doesn’t entirely make sense since Moore is also right on Walnut too and is widely regarded as the international dorm.

Given the outstanding issues in Moore with its tiny cramped rooms and almost nonexistent single kitchen, it’s hard to see why Moore wasn’t torn down instead. Updating and maybe even enlarging the International dorm may have been a better option especially since the international student body has always been a point of pride for UE. )XUWKHUPRUH FRQVWUXFWLRQ KDV PDGH LW HYHQ PRUH GLIÀFXOW WR OLYH LQ Moore with half the sidewalks blocked for construction.

It’s a moot point now. The construction will not go on forever and we’ll see in the future when or if Moore is going to get the XSGDWLQJ LW QHHGV *UDQWHG LW·V XQOLNHO\ WKH VFKRRO ZLOO EH DEOH WR IXOÀOO everyone’s issues regarding Housing at UE, but at least something is being done. It hurts a bit to see Mortano disappear completely, but I’m looking forward to seeing the new residence hall and how it turns out even if I won’t be here long enough to experience it.

We know that the abandoned Hughes Hall is reserved for the future recreation center, Moore, or possibly another apartment complex on campus would have been more suitable for demolition.

The reasoning behind tearing down Mortano instead is unclear. While Moore is just next door and would have had a larger building space, 0RUWDQR LV ULJKW RQ :DOQXW 6W ZKHUH PRVW VWXGHQWV ÀUVW YLHZ RI campus is from. It would make sense if this was the deciding factor in tearing down Mortano given that it wasn’t quite in disarray.

Jane Tafolla

Student Opinion on Dorm Construction Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 15 12

Join the Crescent Magazine in spring 2022!

The Crescent Magazine is created by Student Media.

Student Media is in need of writers, designers, social media managers, content creators, photographers, film makers, and web designers & developers.

The Crescent Magazine has gone digital and is looking for innovative students to create engaging content.

Speak to your advisor about adding ART-490-01 Student Media to your schedule or ask them about practicum opportunities.

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Crescent Magazine | October 2021 | 23

Video Games’ impact on Teens Trenton Barbee

You are a hardcore gamer, and you decide to marathon your favorite video game. Your gaming goes from one night to two nights, then that turns into several more. After several days of continuously playing video games, you start to feel pain in your chest and then you remain motionless. This is the story of a young teen named, Piyawat Harikun. Only seventeen years old, Harikun suffered from a stroke and was found dead at his computer desk.

Teenagers are playing video games more and more every year. In 2018, two-thirds of teens, thirteen years or older considers WKHPVHOYHV ´JDPHUVµ ,Q DGGLWLRQ DGROHVFHQWV DJHV WZHOYH WR ÀIWHHQ spend about 12.2 hours a week playing video games. Teenagers older WKDQ ÀIWHHQ VKRZ HYHQ KLJKHU DPRXQWV RI SOD\LQJ YLGHR JDPHV (YHQ though video games have a real potential to have a positive impact on teenagers’ growth, they also have some negative effects.

I interviewed a University of Evansville Alumni named Benjamin Horsfall. Horsfall graduated in 2020 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Neuroscience and Psychology. He is currently a graduate student at Brandeis University for his master’s degree in Neuroscience. We discussed the effects of video games onto adolescent grow.

Starting off, Benjamin Horsfall discussed some of the misconceptions about playing video games. According to Horsfall, there is no real link to aggressive behavior and playing video games. More than likely, adolescents who play video games and show aggressive behavior already have pre-existing aggression concerns. Though there is not a real link between aggression and playing video games, there is a link between mental health and playing video games.

Anxiety and depression are increasing in adolescents. There are many factors of why this is the case. Current leaps in technology and the prolonged exposure to social media are some of the main factors in adolescent mental health. However, video games and other IRUPV RI PHGLD KDYH WKH SRWHQWLDO WR KHOS ,Q D ZD\ LW LV OLNH ÀJKWLQJ ÀUH ZLWK ÀUH 8VLQJ WHFKQRORJ\ DQG HQWHUWDLQPHQW LQ RUGHU WR KHOS D problem that was probably caused by technology and entertainment.

While talking with Horsfall, we linked video games with other IRUPV RI PHGLD 2QH RI WKH ÀUVW W\SHV WKDW FDPH WR PLQG ZDV PXVLF Like music, if an adolescent exposes themselves to entertainment that they enjoy, it does have an effective impact on lowering adolescent anxieties. Video games work in the same way. Video games have to potential to become one of the most effective and overlooked forms of

15 18 | October 2021 | Crescent Magazine

helping teenagers grow. There is one thing that separates video games from any other form of media.

Video games are arguably the most entertaining and relatable form of media for one very important factor. Video games are the only form of multimedia where nearly everything is completely interactive.

In a video game, you can escalate the story. You are the main character.

You control the world you want to express yourself in. While watching a movie or a show, everything is predetermined, and everything is at the control of the production. In video games, everything is at your disposal. This is why video games have the potential to truly help adolescents grow.

Video games help adolescents choose to express themselves in however they choose to play. An adolescent can express themselves in their own world. Because of the nature of how far video games have come, video games can be very effective with handling adolescent mental health, much like music.

We have already established that video games are the most interactive form of media. This has other implications outside of mental KHDOWK +RUVIDOO DOVR GLVFXVVHG WKH FRJQLWLYH EHQHÀWV RI SOD\LQJ YLGHR JDPHV +H VWDWHG WKDW WKHUH DUH WKUHH DUHDV RI FRJQLWLYH EHQHÀWV IRU SOD\LQJ YLGHR JDPHV 7KH PRVW REYLRXV FRJQLWLYH EHQHÀW LV KDQG H\H coordination. Video games develop this by teaching the player that they must pay attention to what is happening in game and be familiar with their inputs. Therefore, players gain exponential hand-eye coordination skills quickly. Horsfall’s claim is congruent with a study that suggests playing video games has been compared to the hand-eye coordination of learning how to play the piano.

7KH VHFRQG FRJQLWLYH EHQHÀW RI SOD\LQJ YLGHR JDPHV LV WKH increase in memory retention. This is an area that is an oversite for many people. This makes senses after some deliberation. Video games require remembering clear tasks and the inputs associated with them.

Playing video games is like bench pressing but for your brain. Video games strengthen the neural circuitry in your brain due to the number of sensations. It forces the player to rely on their memory and tactics LQWR RUGHU WR VXFFHHG 7KHUH DUH DFWXDO QHXURORJLFDO EHQHÀWV IRU SOD\LQJ video games.

7KH ÀQDO FRJQLWLYH EHQHÀW RQ SOD\LQJ YLGHR JDPHV LV WKH LPSURYHPHQW RI PRRG 7KLV EHQHÀW WKDW +RUVIDOO VWDWHG LV VHOI explanatory. This all ties back to expression of the player. If a teenager really enjoys any type of media, it is going to improve their mood. This

DOVR FRQQHFWV WR WKH PHQWDO KHDOWK EHQHÀWV RI SOD\LQJ YLGHR JDPHV There is one more area where video games can impact the growth of teenagers. Video games can have social impacts of teenagers. $FFRUGLQJ WR +RUVIDOO ´,W·V KDUG WR VLJQLÀFDQWO\ VD\ WKH HIIHFWV RI YLGHR JDPHV RQ D VRFLDO LPSDFW OHYHOµ :H FRQFOXGHG WKDW LW FRPSOHWHO\ depends on the genre of the video game.

There are two main types of video games. The most recognizable type of video games are single player experiences.

The second and most modern types are multiplayer games. These two different types of video games completely change the impact of teenagers on a social level. In a single player game, you are not interacting with anyone but yourself and the in-game characters.

However, multiplayer games allow the player to interact with other players around the world.

A game like a Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) game requires the player to progress in a game with other players. The experience relies on other player interaction. Another example would be a competitive multiplayer game like Counter Strike. In Counter Strike, there are two teams, and both must either attack or defend. Games like these require players to work together and develop strategies. Being able to successfully pull off a tactic with a team also reinforces the reward systems in your brain. Competitive games have the potential to create and build corroboration skills. Video games have provided a positive experience for many teenagers and as allowed them to grow into adults today. Unfortunately, video games suffer in several negative areas.

Even though competitive video games have the potential to build collaboration skills, they might contribute to lower levels of empathy in adolescents. This was another talking point that Benjamin Horsfall discussed. Horsfall explained that there is not real link between aggressive behavior and playing video games. However, Horsfall also stated that, “There may be a link between pro social EHKDYLRU DQG FRPSHWLWLYHQHVV«µ +H HODERUDWHV IXUWKHU DQG H[SODLQV that competitiveness could have an impact on adolescent empathy.

It is hard to pinpoint the cause of something like this. It is possible that competitive video games don’t require experiencing emotion or empathy like in a single player game. Adolescents probably just aren’t as exposed to more empathetic mediums. It is also possible that some adolescents don’t understand some of the more empathetic messaging in noncompetitive games because of their age.

Even though video games have the potential to be very effective for helping the growth of many teenagers, video games are not sunshine and rainbows. Benjamin Horsfall put something in perspective for me that I did not realize. Even though video games and other forms of media are effective in helping a lot of teenagers with their mental health, they are only temporary solutions for any preexisting mental health issues.

Video Games are not going to be the saving grace WKDW ZLOO EH WKH GHÀQLWLYH VROXWLRQ WR SRVLWLYHO\ DIIHFW WKH JURZWK RI WHHQDJHUV +RZHYHU YLGHR JDPHV DUH VWHSSLQJVWRQHV WR ÀQGLQJ ZKDW helps teenagers. Video games are an effective way to helping teenagers, but it should not be the method of which to strictly rely on. We should not rely strictly on video games because playing video games excessively is another negatively associated area to discuss.

Excessively playing video games can also negatively impact your social skills. There is a real impact on communicating and building relationships in real life. This is congruent to social media and how cell phones have negatively affected teenager’s social skills. When you’re in front of a screen, you do not associate other players with real people.

In a video game, you cannot pick up on nonverbal communication and or body language. These areas are essential for human communication.

If your only level of communication is at the electronic verbal level, other areas are naturally going to suffer. Excessive video gaming is also connected with video game addiction.

Video games can be highly addictive for people, including teenagers. Talking to Benjamin Horsfall helped illuminate this.

According to Horsfall, excessive video gaming is on the same addictive spectrum as gambling addiction. Video games being addictive goes back to the reward system in your brain. Doing well in a video game is very stimulating and like gambling, you just can’t stop when you do well. In addition to this, in many games, there are gambling like games that require real money. These games use many of the same tactics that are used in casinos to make people keep trying, like slot machines.

This addictive nature of playing video games is what happened to Piyawat Harikun. Only seventeen years old, he just couldn’t get enough. If there is anything to learn from Harikun, it is that video games are very fun but should not be abused. Video games are a fantastic way to express yourself and experience narrative storytelling never before seen. However, video games can also be highly addictive and cause many teenagers to potentially put their lives at risk. It is always best to play video games on passed time and casually. If you are showing signs of addictive tendencies with playing video games, consider receiving help before it’s too late.

To summarize, video games have the potential to create a positive impact on teenage growth. It is important to understand that YLGHR JDPHV DUH QRW D GHÀQLWLYH DQVZHU IRU PHQWDO KHDOWK 9LGHR JDPHV are steppingstones to help many preexisting mental health and social issues. However, video games cannot be the form of media to strictly relay on. Playing games is a temporary solution and should not be taken for granted. The last and arguably the most important take away is that video games can be addictive. Video game addiction is on a very similar spectrum as gambling addiction. As long as a teenager experiences video games at a causal rate, it can be YHU\ EHQHÀFLDO IRU PDQ\ adolescents to improve their mental health and improve their social behaviors.

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Sport of Balance Shamar Givance

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OF BALANCE

“Every time a new opportunity arises my first thought is, ‘wow, why me?’” said by No.1 ranked tennis player, Naomi Osaka. Osaka decided to take a break from tennis and focus on her mental health. In doing so, she was one of the first professional athletes to put herself first. She has begun a trend of other professional athletes and college athletes having the courage to do the same.

With the fall season up and running again at the University of Evansville, UE athletes continuously face the struggles of balancing their mental health and athletics. Captain of the Men’s Soccer team, Evan Dekker shares: “I find balancing athletics, academics and sleep can be a struggle.” Across the country, there are many athletes who can sympathize with Dekker. Being an athlete brings many long days of training which can be physically and mentally draining. Especially for collegiate athletes who not only have to endure hours of training and games, but must also balance a full class schedule. With the pause Covid-19 put onto the world, many athletes got time to self-evaluate and process their feelings. Many realized they do need a break from pushing themselves so hard in the past.

Fall athletes transitioning into their traditional fall season following an a bbreviated spring season. These fall athletes have never experienced playing a spring season until the circumstances last year. The continuing of the fall season right after the summer break may have come as a shock for most of them.

Dekker shared, “it was difficult having not played so much in a calendar year before. I have definitely experienced mental and physical exhaustion. And I had to focus more on my physical recovery which has influenced my daily routine.”

These athletes struggled with so many games in a short amount of time.

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Senior women’s soccer player Emily Ormson describes her day as “very long and taxing.” She went into detail about her typical day as a student athlete. Ormson describes, “I wake up and most of the time I don’t have time to eat a good breakfast before my classes. Some days I go straight from class to lift to class again. Just to have an hour break before training. Although this lifestyle is worth it and enjoyable. It can be straining on mental health.” Other UE athletes can relate to Ormon’s busy schedule.

Athletes are creatures of habit. They thrive in environments with a routine. When that is disrupted it can throw them off. LMFT specialist Karen Black from Coffee House Counseling in Southern California expressed some strategies athletes can take in order to get themselves back on track. “Some of the easiest strategies athletes can do to block out negativity are engaging in relaxation techniques or even just engaging in things you like to do.” Many college athletes forget that sometimes they’re in college to make new experiences and enjoy themselves and not just be an athlete or a student.

Athletes thrive under high pressure and believe that pressure is a privilege. While others succumb to the pressure. UE student-athletes can be constantly overwhelmed with the pressures of wanting to be their best. Dekker shares his approach in getting through those hard times, stating “There’s no pressure. Just enjoy it, sometimes I get too emotional or upset or want to feel everything 100 percent, but I forget that I have to enjoy what I do. And most of the time when you enjoy things you end up being more successful.” Dekkers point of view on how to handle the pressures of being a student-athlete could be beneficial for a lot of people. Athletes can let the pressure get to them, but pressure is always going to be around in sports. Learning how to deal with it and “just enjoy it” like Dekker said is the most important strategy.

Student-athletes’ mental health has been ignored for quite some time. For the most part it’s due to lack of conversation. Studentathletes have the support of their coaches, teammates, and peers.

Dekker feels the most confident in his sport when having “a good relationship with my coach.” A good role model is important for these young athletes. It is important that UE athletes feel comfortable enough to go to their coaching staff or teammates for advice. Ormson shared that the Women’s soccer team has “weekly check-ins with small groups in order to make sure everyone can share anything they’re stressed or worried about and receive some advice from a teammate.”

This year, UE held a forum called Human2Human. Every UE athlete was required to attend and participate. The goal of Human2Human was for student athletes to branch out and get to know other athletes at the school. This was very beneficial for the athletes because many got to see new faces and learn more about each other. Human2Human shows that UE student athletes have each other to rely on because they all share similar life experiences.

This fall, many UE student-athletes have felt the pressures of performing in the classroom and on the field. However, having the tough conversations about mental health and being able to put yourself first will help these UE athletes grow into well rounded and happy people in the future. Being able to know that it’s okay to take personal days is

Fortunately, the University of Evansville has many resources for their athletes and student-body if feeling overwhelmed. The University of Evansville counseling center is free for all students to receive any personal or individual counseling they need. Karen Black shared that “most universities have counseling centers and they’re good support outlets athletes can use.” The UE counseling services can help with a broad range of problems or issues. Even if they’re minor or small.

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Writers Photographers Graphic Designers Filmmakers Social Media Managers Web Designers

Speak to your advisor about adding ART-490-01 Student Media to your schedule or ask them about practicum opportunities

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