volume 8 issue 4
February 2021
the
VESSEL
university of sioux falls student media
editors TABLE OF CONTENTS Contents/Editors .............. 2 Writers ....................... 3
Mataya Lines
Black History Month .......... 4-5 Student Athlete Profile ...... 6-9 Grounds Supervisor ......... 10 Security Spotlight .......... 11 Streaming Spotlight ....... 12-13 Cocoa & Canvas ............... 14 muse ......................... 15
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Greta Smith
Mercede Odegaard
Kylin McKean
Olivia Valdez webmaster
writers Austin Ludens
Kelsey Sutton
Jaymeson Wolkow
Brooke Norgaard
Jayda Verhey
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BLACK HISTORY MONTH
story and photos courtesy of Kylin McKean
Throughout the month of February, the University of Sioux Falls Student Life helped the campus celebrate Black History Month with a number of student events, some led by the Culture Club. Sophomore Criminal Justice and Media Studies major Sonia Agasaro started the Culture Club last year and also works in Student Life, so she was involved in hosting many of the Black History Month events. Agasaro said, “To me it means amplifying black voices and being able to applaud the works that got us where we are today but also acknowledging the fact that we are still constantly working to get a better sense of race and appreciation for who we are. It’s just really being kinder to ourselves and recognizing that windows outside of student development we’re putting in the work daily and just remembering that it surpasses February.” Agasaro, who is also president of the Culture Club, said she hopes it will be a resource to learn more about many different cultures. “It is all-inclusive, where you can just learn about different cultures and applaud different people, learn different dances, watch different movies, and then get to talk about it together,” Agasaro said. Culture Club meets every Tuesday at 3 p.m. and is one of the ways she says people can learn. Agasaro says that learning about the black community goes beyond your friend group and “knowing that there is such a rich history that affects each one of us that it’s not only black people that are going to be affected. So just remember that we are all tied into this.” She encourages asking questions and doing things like shopping at minority owned businesses. Overall, Agasaro said she just wants people’s voices to be heard and for people to keep educating themselves. “I just hope that this brings awareness that lasts past the month of February and I know that with the pandemic, people are stressed, so I hope that being able to talk about our culture and being able to raise our own voices helps you just center yourself and recognize that there are amazing people every single day that can pass you by,” said Agasaro. Students on campus shared what Black History Month means to them, and here are some of their responses.
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sophomore Sonia Agasaro
what does Black History Month mean to you? Jaquay Seawright
“BHM to me is a good example of how black excellence has been a key part of American history yet it is limited to one month. Despite all the portrayals of black people as an inferior race with countless videos of bodies of black men killed by police, mistreatment in society, countless arrests, all pushed by the media. Yet do little to acknowledge the greatness of African Americans that are successful at what they do and manage to put smiles on their faces and others despite constant criticism.”
Mercy Oyadare
“For me, Black History Month is more than just acknowledging that Black History happened and then moving on. It’s a month that should be utilized for conversations, education, and celebrating the accomplishments and victories as well. There is ALWAYS something to learn for each individual, no matter how much you believe you know already, and I think most people get by on ignorance and that’s not okay to me. Even beyond February, Black History should be talked about because it’s woven into the fabric of this nation and events are STILL happening to this day. Black History is each and everyday in America.”
Khot Juac
“To me, Black History Month, is a month of reflection, celebration, and recognition. It is a chance to reflect on the many hardships and challenges black people face and have overcome in this country. It is a month to celebrate black culture. A month to recognize and honor the black men and women that have, and continue to fight for our equality today. As a black woman in America, I celebrate black history month to honor the black men and women that broke down barriers to get me to where I am today, without them, I would not have access to the opportunities that I have today, and for that I am grateful.”
Abigail Holmes
“If I had to describe Black History Month in one word, I’d choose “opportunity”. We are given opportunities to discover, opportunities to educate, and opportunities to encourage. Black History Month isn’t just a month where we acknowledge that there were Black creators. It’s a month where we have the opportunity to educate ourselves about their unknowns and educate those around us.”
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STUDENT
ATHLETE
PROFILE story and photos courtesy Mercede Odegaard
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University of Sioux Falls Men’s Basketball standout Teathloach Pal strives to be the best he can be, both on and off the court. No stranger to success, with an NSIC South Division Championship under his belt, Pal’s drive to succeed is greater than most. Pal, an All-NSIC Team selection in the 2019-2020 season, was a part of USF’s first-ever Men’s Basketball NSIC South Division Championship in the 2019-2020 season. In that season, he played in and started all 30 games, averaging 30.1 minutes, 10.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.5 assists per game while leading USF to a program-best 22-8 record and 17-5 in the NSIC South. “The most rewarding part of competing in athletics is seeing the skills that used to be challenging become second nature, whether that’s in practice or on the court,” said Pal, who is currently averaging a team-high 14.5 points, and 9.3 rebounds per game so far this season. “Being able to see what’s going to transpire on the court before it actually happens is so satisfying, and knowing that you gave it your all out there, there’s just nothing better,” said Pal who ranks third in the NSIC in rebounding. Now in his fifth year at USF, Pal has been a part of the successful USF Men’s Basketball program since he arrived. The Cougars, which sits just percentage points out of first place in the NSIC South with a 4-2 record, appreciates the uniqueness of each and every one of his teammates. “My temmates are like family. Everyone brings something to the table and we are all willing to hold each other accountable,” said Pal, originally of Fridley, Minn. “Having a community like that really pushes me to grow into a better man, student, and teammate.” On the floor, Pal has accumulated 16 double-doubles with 31 double-digit scoring games and 20 double-digit rebound contests. He has accumulated 705 points and 691 rebounds while at USF with three games of 20 points or more. While teammates come and go and friendships start and end, there’s nothing quite like the bond between a player and their coach, something Pal is thankful for. “My coaches have great consciousness,” said Pal. “I trust them and their game plan, and that’s why I think we have the success that we do.”
T. PAL
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One of the main reasons why Pal chose USF a few short years ago was because of the men’s basketball coaching staff. “I actually chose USF because of the coaching staff,” said Pal, noting a strong bond with USF Head Coach Chris Johnson along with Associate Head Coach Jack Nelson and assistant David Maxwell. “They are great men who allow me to mature and also push me to become great on and off the court.” Johnson too has appreciated Pal’s energy and leadership over the last five years. “Tessy (Pal) has meant so much to our program. He has gone from a young freshman that brought energy and urgency to our program, to a respected leader and a go-to player for our program as a senior,” said Johnson. Pal was also a member of the 2017-2018 USF Men’s Basketball Team that set a then DII program-best record of 20-10, including 14 league wins. Pal played in 30 games that season, and started 13 of them.
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“Tessy (Pal) is a unique player for two reasons in my opinion: his size and length that he brings to the power forward position -- he affects nearly every single play in some way with his length/reach and activity -- and his eagerness to learn and improve. He loves to work, he loves to learn new things, and he is willing to work hard enough to improve,” said Johnson. Even from a young age, Pal has always loved sports and the competition aspect that comes with them. “I loved to play sports as a kid in the neighborhood, but I especially loved to win,” said Pal. “When you win, it helps you gain respect without having to say too much.” Respect is certainly something Pal deserves as well, after all the years of hard work and effort he has, and continues to, put into not only the USF Men’s Basketball Program, but also into the USF Community. “As a person, Tessy (Pal) will always be the ultimate achiever. He has so many goals that he wants to attain on and off the floor,” said Johnson. “He will work to achieve those goals, and almost immediately finds new goals to work towards, and that has always been so impressive to all of us in the program.”
The son of Sarah Jiech and Paul Pal, Pal learned from an early age that hard work and faith are two of the greatest qualities you can have in life. “I lost my dad at nine years old and my mom had six kids to take care of. She did online school and became a Certified Nursing Assistant, and from there she was able to get a job and take care of her family,” said Pal, who looks forward to having his mom and some of his siblings at Senior Day on Saturday (Feb. 13) when USF faces city rival Augustana University at the Stewart Center.
Despite the trials and tribulations Pal endured as a child, he came out of that stronger than before and a better person because of it. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned from my mom is that ‘faith without work is dead’,” said Pal. “Her faith kept us together, even when she didn’t have two quarters to rub together.” Learning life lessons like those at such a young age can be hard, and for Pal, it made a lasting impact on his life. He is now a part of a small men’s bible study group that helps him to remember those lessons his parents taught him all those years ago. “We are called to serve, and my dad taught me to serve God by serving others,” said Pal. “The scriptures say he who is first will be last, and he who is last will be first. I am involved in a men’s small group that meets up once a week, and it has been such a blessing in my life because it gave me friends who care about life on a level much deeper than just the surface.” From playing basketball with the neighborhood kids to hopes of playing professional basketball after graduating, Pal has come a long way in life. Originally from Fridley, MN, Pal will be graduating with an MBA in Organizational Leadership with hopes to play professional basketball. This summer, he hopes to find an internship that will allow him to learn, grow, and use all the skills he’s acquired in his time at USF. “Throughout my time at USF, I have surrounded myself with family and friends, especially during this pandemic,” said Pal.
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Just like a storm, the pandemic will pass, and life will continue.
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story and photo courtesy of Brooke Norgaard
Grounds Supervisor
Helping USF Have A Safe Winter
South Dakota winters can be brutal, but Jim Viereck is here to make sure students and staff can get around campus safely. Buildings, grounds, and maintenance staff here at the University of Sioux Falls maintains not only the campus’ safety, but its beauty as well. Sioux Falls, SD - Jim Viereck has been contracted to work with the University of Sioux Falls for 3 years working for the National Management Resources Corporation. From cleaning up campus to pouring salt to save students from slipping on the ice, Viereck has been there to maintain his goal- keeping everyone safe. “I guess what gets us through this brutal weather is knowing it’s up to us to have the grounds cleaned up and as safe as possible. Safety for administration, teachers, and students is always our main concern, so knowing we have to get out there to keep things safe and looking good is what really motivates us,” said Viereck. Viereck shared his admiration for the USF campus and for the work he does. “My favorite part of the job is working outside, as well as getting to know so many great people around campus. Watching campus transform from the gloomy winter, into a campus full of color and well maintained,” said Viereck. Viereck’s love for the outdoors goes further than his work. “When I’m not working, I like to spend my time hunting and fishing.” Along with those, another one of his favorite things to do outside of work is spending time with his grandchildren. “My main source of enjoyment these days is watching my grandkids. They keep me pretty busy! But I love every minute of it.” Within the 3 years, Viereck has found that his favorite part about working at USF is the people. The staff he works alongside has made an impact on his years at USF. “The staff is great to work with, and I’ve been fortunate to make a few friends along the way,” stated Viereck. Viereck even noted how the students have made a positive impact on his favorite part of working at USF, stating “What really makes this job great are the students! We get many a thank you, and the students are always friendly and helpful which can really brighten our days. I’m just very impressed with how respectful the students are!!” We encourage you that next time you see Jim Viereck and his fellow coworkers outside braving the cold and making campus safe, make sure to give them a thank you. The Grounds crew consist of: Jim Viereck, Grounds Supervisor Patrick Butte, Grounds Dillion Peterson, Grounds Tyler Hill, Grounds
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SECURITY S P O T L I G H T
story and photo courtesy of Jaymeson Wolkow
Sergeant Aaron Brown has been a part of the University of Sioux Falls Security team since 2017. As a sergeant, his job mainly involves overseeing officers, paperwork, and overall crew management. Before coming to USF, Sgt. Brown lived in California where he started out working as a mechanic before he decided to follow in both his mother and father’s footsteps and join the police force where he worked as an officer for 15 years. Now, after moving to Sioux Falls in 2017, Sgt. Brown has been working hard to keep the more than 1,500 students attending USF safe, while also forming personal connections with them. “We really do have a good bunch of kids,” said Sgt. Brown “and I like interacting with them and getting them to know me as a person and not necessarily just [a security officer]”. When asked what USF students could do to help make the jobs of the security team easier, Sgt. Brown said “see something, say something” urging students to speak up if they see something potentially dangerous, because in his words “I’ve got two eyes and two ears, but the entire student class here outweighs me by that much with eyes and ears”. Beyond his security work, Sgt. Brown likes to spend his time with his family and especially likes to go camping. Every year he and his family go on a big camping trip, often in the Black Hills where they 4 wheel, go on trails, and just “get lost in the day”. Sgt. Brown also likes carving wooden pipes, picking up the hobby back when he was a police officer in California. With his free time after his daughters are in bed, he occasionally goes out to his garage where he will carve, finishing a single pipe in around an hour or two because “It’s a good relief for stress sometimes.” As mentioned before, Sgt. Brown likes connecting with students, so if you see Sgt. Brown around the USF campus, make sure to say hello, and thank him for the amazing work he does keeping the school and its students safe.
SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. 11
STREAMING M O V I E S 12
ONE NIGHT IN MIAMI One Night In Miami is one of this year’s best movies. Regina King’s directorial debut brings incredible performances from its four main actors. The story is based on a stage play of the same name, so the movie is almost entirely dialogue. But, it’s written in a way that’s thought provoking yet keeps you entertained. This is a must see. Rating: 9/10
Watch on Amazon Prime
SOUL Soul markets itself as a kids movie, but is the farthest thing from it. Though the animation in this movie is breathtaking, the heart is what stands out to me. It attempts to answer the hardest question in the book: what is the meaning of life? It succeeds. Rating: 8.5/10 Watch on Disney + JUDAS AND THE BLACK MESSIAH Expertly directed by Shaka King, you’re guaranteed to leave this movie frustrated. Not at the movie itself, but at the story it tells. It shows the corruption and deceit that a government can sow against its own people. With expert performances from Daniel Kaluuya and LaKeith Stanfield, this is one of the most important films of the year. Rating: 8/10
Watch on HBO Max or in theatres
THE SOUND OF METAL A heartbreaking look into the life of someone who has suddenly lost all hearing, The Sound of Metal is sure to open your eyes to a new perspective. Though the pace slows towards the middle, the movie never loses its emotional heart. It also provides an incredible lead performance from Riz Ahmed. Rating: 7.5/10
Watch on Amazon Prime
WE CAN BE HEROES Do you miss SharkBoy and Lava Girl, or Spy Kids? Well you’re in luck, because Robert Rodriguez returns with a new movie aimed at entertaining children. Though made for kids, this movie made me nostalgic for Rodriguez’s signature style. It’s definitely an enjoyable lighthearted watch to brighten your day. Rating: 8.5/10
Watch on Netflix
G SPOTLIGHT
story by Austin Ludens
WANDAVISION
WandaVision is the most unique thing Marvel Studios has ever put out. From the expertly crafted sitcom style, to the overarching story structure, it’s truly a marvel (hah) to behold. Paul Bettany and Elizabeth Olsen give amazing performances, shifting from different eras of sitcom styles with ease, and adding in exponential dread throughout each episode. Rating: 9/10
Watch on Disney +
THE MANDALORIAN The Mandalorian has two incredible seasons with Star Wars content for fans of new and old. The story’s first season is built entirely in a new self contained era of Star Wars. Season two expands on that first season, plus we get to see some familiar faces along the way. Though many will consider this fan service, it always feels natural to the story and earned thematically. Also...Baby Yoda. Enough said. Rating: 9/10
Watch on Disney +
THE HAUNTING OF BLY MANOR Mike Flanagan may be the most talented horror director working today. He perfectly balances scares with an emotional core, and Haunting of Bly Manor is no exception. Though less scary than its predecessor, The Haunting of Hill House, this show still has plenty of scares, and secrets that are uncovered with care over the course of its episodes. Rating: 8/10
Watch on Netflix
COBRA KAI I can describe this show with only 5 words: a soap opera with karate. That may sound negative, but it’s high praise, because this show will keep you binging until you have no episodes left. It expertly weaves nostalgia with emotion, always treating the original Karate Kid movies with respect. Cobra Kai is always entertaining, and contains incredible fight sequences. Rating: 8/10
Watch on Netflix
BROKLYN 99 Brooklyn 99 is exactly what you would expect from Michael Schur, the co-creater of The Office and creator of Parks and Recreation and The Good Place. If you like any of those shows, you’ll love the sense of humor that this show brings. If those shows just aren’t your style, then you probably won’t find Andy Samberg funny. I happen to love all of those shows, so this is one of my favorite comedies that is currently airing on TV. Rating: 7.5/10
S H O W S
Watch on Hulu
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COCOA
&
C NVAS story by Kelsey Sutton
As students came back to campus after a long winter break and J-Term, the University of Sioux Falls offered a host of Welcome Back Week activities for students to participate in, one being Hot Cocoa and Canvas. The event took place on Wednesday, February 3 in Cooper’s Café and was very popular among students. At the event, the Cougar Activity Board provided canvases, paint, hot cocoa, and a plethora of toppings to suit almost everyone! One student in attendance was sophomore Karissa Harms. Harms, an Elementary education major with a minor in math said that the event was “a fun way to get out and spend time with friends,” and also “a way to channel her artistic side.” Many students came to the event without any plan for their new piece of art, but Harms thought ahead and created her piece, a painted recreation of a photo, for a gift. “I knew that Valentine’s Day was coming up, and I didn’t really want to buy just anything, so I made mine as a gift!” Other Welcome Back Week activities included “Come & Go Cookies and Movie Supplies: Monday, February 1, The resumption of Tuesday Chapel, Snow Tubing Tuesday, February 2, Zoom Yoga & Worship Night, Thursday, February 4, and Grocery Bag Bingo Saturday, February 6. In the current state of the world with the COVID-19 pandemic surging, it has been difficult for many students to get out and meet others as well as mingle, so the event was a wonderful way for students to interact safely while having fun with friends!
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muse
USF STUDENT POETRY The Peacock I don’t understand why we have to be thin to be worth anything I am not thin I am worth lots of things I don’t understand why we know this is wrong but let ourselves believe it anyway ams
I count compliments without keeping track of them. I store them in the garage or basement like seasonal décor and I bring them out when the time is right, a socially acceptable time between “for pleasure” and a holiday. Sometimes I lose pieces or break the arm of some knick-knack and throw the whole thing away. I forget my strengths. I rediscover them, stuff them in a trashbag. I find a spare container and try to donate some praise to a thriftstore downtown and they refuse to take it, as if it were used underwear. Now I’m running out of room for good reviews in this little house of mine. sarah smith
art by Ellie Kleinsasser
there’s a show of red and blue flashes approaching in the other lane. the movement slows, veers right, then stops, and we sit still and gawk as a screaming carriage of suffering flies in the opposite direction and then we keep going. to be featured, email greta.smith@usiouxfalls.edu
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March 25, 2021, 11–3:00 PM Virtual Career & Internship Fair Over 140 top employers from the region. Open to all South Dakota 4-year, private and technical education students and alumni.
CAREER INTERNSHIP FAIR &
Scan the QR code or visit sdaccc-csm.symplicity.com to register or learn more.
Brought to you by The South Dakota Association of College Career Centers. Held in conjunction with The South Dakota Teacher Career Fair.
TEACHER VIRTUAL CAREER FAIR March 25, 2021, 11-3:00 PM
Several career opportunities in school districts from South Dakota, the region and throughout the nation.
Scan the QR code or visit sdaccc-csm.symplicity.com to register or learn more.
