The Witness Spring 2022

SPRING/SUMMER 2022 ISSUE AG272 SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS

witness.

THE WILMINGTON COLLEGE STUDENT-OPERATED NEWS AGENCY, SERVING THE CAMPUS COMMUNITY

FARM FRESH PERSPECTIVES | SENIOR SEND-OFF | WALKABLE WILMINGTON

Who? Adviser & Professor

Corey Cockerill

Contributing editor Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer Contributing writer

Kaitlin Armstrong Carley Asher McKenzie Bailey Montana Davis Katie Easter Riley Eberhart Lucy Enge Lilly Frizzell Andrew Kathman Emily Kestermann Brenna Luti Abigail Poppe Megan Schwendeman Stella Scott Elise Snarr Delaney Weisend Kristen Whitaker

SOCIAL CONNECTIONS We are the Wilmington College student operated news agency dedicated to serving the campus and the community. #eyesopenpensout wcwitness.com @wcwitness

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Megan Roell Photography, LLC

ADVISER'S NOTE One of the perks of working on a college campus in Ohio during the spring semester is the shift that happens in the weather.

We move from the dark, cold, long months of January and February into the promise of spring

p.08 Chronotype yourself to better sleep

in March and April. And with that temperature change comes so much more than sunshine.

Spring brings something new, something fresh. All of our senses are alerted—the smells, tastes, feels, sights, and sounds of fresh are all around, particularly on a college campus that features an academic farm, a campus arboretum, and a central mall full of natural spaces.

But, perhaps the solitary word "fresh" is too narrow. It fails to encompass the nuance.

p.15 The College's built-in rural 'oasis'

Fresh is so much more. It is raw and bright and optimistic. It carries with it a sense of joy and jubilation. It brings new perspective, a contrast from the dreariness of winter. It is a revival.

So, in our revival spirit, the students and I hope we've captured the best of "campus fresh" in this issue.

As they say, a fresh start isn't a new place—it's a new mindset.

p.21 A six-step guide to tackling your finals

Corey Cockerill Professor, adviser, farmer, Witness-ing magic happen every day

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A piece on appreciation Sometimes words of gratitude become an instant pick-me-up for those who deserve it most

BY RILEY EBERHART

Appreciation.

A simple term, but do all of us spend enough time showing it to others?

Showing appreciation is not only improving the moods of others, but it’s also a form of self-care. Lending your appreciation to others can even bolster your own immune support.

This QR code will take you to a site where you can post an anonymous shout out to whomever on campus you think deserves it. We will post submissions to our social media sites and in the next issue of The Witness.

Shift your attitude with words of gratitude! ∎

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INAUGURATING A PRESIDENT Campus officially welcomed Dr. Trevor Bates as the 19th president of Wilmington College

BY ANDY KATHMAN

Dr. Trevor Bates has become the 19th president of Wilmington College, honored during his official inauguration event held March 25, 2022. Bates took over for Dr. James Reynolds, who was inaugurated in 2012 and held office until 2020, and Dr. Erika A. Goodwin, who was named interim president during 2020.

Bates also joins the ranks as the first African American President in college history.

Bates graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from Millikin University and earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology with a Sports Medicine concentration as a Pre-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. He earned a Doctorate of Health Sciences from A.T. Still University of Health Sciences and has participated in professional

development through Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Bates is also a nationally certified and licensed Athletic Trainer.

“The inauguration brought so many together to celebrate our transition into the future and what is next for this institution,” said Corey Cockerill, faculty member in Agriculture and Communication Arts, who spoke at the event.

In past years, Bates served as a clinician, faculty member, Clinical Education Coordinator, Program Director, Department Chair, founding Dean of Health Sciences, Dean of Faculty, and Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Bates is married to Kassandra Bates and has two sons, Ethan, and Liam. ∎

The Hazard Arboretum is a gift that keeps on giving From shade to biology lessons to open spaces great for cross-country training, the arboretum on campus offers endless opportunities

For nearly two centuries, natural parks and retreats have been a popular spot for people who wants to get away from the hustle and bustle of civilization.

These retreats can range from parks that are miles long to a simple walk in a park. Some places like this are present in Wilmington, Ohio, with the Hazard Arboretum being an example.

The Hazard Arboretum is a planting area that is 13.43 acres. The place that makes up the Arboretum is in between the Center for Sports Science (CSS) and The College Presidents' house.

On October 20, 1963, Wilmington College erected the Arboretum in honor of Frank O. Hazard. Hazard, who taught Biology at Wilmington from 1928 to 1962. His death in June of 1963 prompted the college to build the Arboretum as a living memorial. Several decades later, this little area still serves multiple purposes.

These purposes can range from ecological and educational to recreational.

Brad Schwamberger is a Chairperson for the Marble

BY BRENNA LUTI

Society and the Curator for the Arboretum. He is also an alumnus who graduated in 1983. Ever since he was a student here, he helped with the Arboretum. ¨We are slowly changing the focus of the Arboretum,¨ Schwamberger said. ¨We are changing it to where anything was plantable to now, we are looking at native plants for Ohio and the Eastern United States.¨ There are a variety of species in the Arboretum. Some are native to Ohio and the Eastern United States, while

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Arboretum (cont.) others are not. An example of a species native to Ohio is Arrowwood. Arrowwood is a multi-stemmed, rounded shrub. The shrubs are recognizable by the creamy white flowers that appear in late spring to early summer. BlueBlack berries tend to ripen by early fall. These shrubs provide cover, food, and nesting materials for birds and insects.

There are several non-native species present as well.

One example is Cornelian Cherry, which is native to Europe and Asia. Cornelian Cherry is a species of dogwood that grows 20 to 25 feet tall. Small, yellow flowers usually grow in early spring. Fruit develops from these flowers, which ripen in late summer.

The Arboretum has a diverse set of plant life overall.

However, some species have become problematic over the years.

Jason Parrish is an Assistant Professor of Agriculture at Wilmington College. He has worked with Schwamberger within the Arboretum on multiple occasions. There are also times when he would collect samples from the Arboretum for his labs and classes. ¨Our biggest problem is shrub honeysuckles,¨ Parrish said. ¨Amur honeysuckle is a big one.¨ Amur honeysuckle is native to Asia. The species have become a common invasive plant in the eastern United States. The berries they produce are not nutritious for birds, though they still eat them due to their color. Due to this, the shrub species has become very widespread.

Certain chemicals also come from the leaves, which in turn causes other plant growth to decrease around them.

There have been efforts to remove this plant species. The process does require regular maintenance.

The Arboretum has some educational purposes, as well.

Some professors take their classes and labs there for study.

Some of these methods can range from studying the plant life itself to helping manage the area. Others take students there to snap pictures, appreciate the natural space, and other educational activities. The cross country runs through the shade of the arboretum for both practice and local meets. ∎

Chronotype yourself to better sleep

BY DELANEY WEISEND Wilmington College freshman, Katie Lindeman, tosses and turns throughout the night. She gets six hours of sleep one night and nine the next, feeling exhausted after both nights.

Lindeman is not alone.

Many college students on campus have difficulty sleeping throughout the academic year because they do not have an accurate routine schedule. The first step to getting a good night's sleep is knowing one’s chronotype.

A chronotype can be described as a person’s biological sleeping pattern. It influences one’s “appetite, exercise, and core body temperature,” according to sleepfoundation.org. Chronotypes can be classified into four categories: lion, bear, wolf, and dolphin.

Healthline.com describes each category: Lions are early risers and usually fall asleep by 9 or 10 p.m.

Bears’ sleep cycle follows the sun. They usually wake up and fall asleep easily.

Wolves have difficulty waking up early. Their greatest productivity typically occurs between 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. and again at 6 p.m.

Dolphins have difficulty following a routine sleep schedule. Their greatest productivity occurs between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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Chronotype (cont.)

According to aricove.com, 10 to 20 percent of people are

Sleeping disorders, such as insomnia, sleep apnea, and

classified as lions, 50 percent are classified as bears, 15-20

narcolepsy, can prevent people from getting the sleep

percent are wolves, and 10 percent are dolphins.

they need.

Knowing one’s chronotype can be very beneficial to

Light can mess with one’s body. A person needs

developing a sleep routine. It can also aid in feeling well-

“darkness, in terms of triggering that melatonin that will

rested when a person wakes up.

make us drowsy.”

Vicky DeSensi, Associate Professor of Psychology at

The ability to wake up at the end of a completed sleep

Wilmington College, explains sleep consciousness and

cycle allows for a person to feel lively throughout the day.

hygiene:

Remembering one’s dreams is a sign that they are getting

Sleep is a “semi-standard state of consciousness. We are

good sleep because dreams typically occur during the

still in touch with our environment on a certain level.”

REM stage of the sleep schedule.

A bio-psycho-social perspective allows one to look at

There are many aspects to getting the proper sleep a

biological, psychological, and social reasons that they are

person needs. The first step is to know their chronotype. This

not getting enough sleep.

can provide helpful tips and a schedule.

Good sleep hygiene helps to make sure that a person gets

Next, a person should practice proper sleep hygiene.

enough hours of sleep to function properly.

Winding down, turning off screens, taking a hot shower or

A key component of good sleep hygiene is calming

bath, limiting caffeine intake, and reserving stimulants for the

oneself before trying to rest their body.

mornings are excellent methods.

“When you sleep, it helps you to solidify your memories.”

Sleep deprivation can cause: Cognitively - loss of focus, cannot retain information

Finally, knowing one’s own body and listening to it will greatly increase the amount of rest a person receives.

Lindeman took the chronotype quiz and discovered that

Physiologically – lead to physical health problems

she is a wolf type. She said she plans to follow an example

A person to be “susceptible to getting into an

schedule and get the proper sleep she needs. ∎

accident”

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Hey Freshmen!

BY KATIE EASTER As the 2022 graduating seniors of Wilmington College

"Do not be afraid to reach out to others. Network, network, network! It will give you so many opportunities, I promise!" –Anonymous "My advice is to try new things. Now is the time to be creative and explore new things! It’s all a part of the journey you have just begun." –Macie Schaffner

pass the torch to the next class, they have some words of

"First and foremost, I learned to not be afraid to get

advice to share.

involved, there are so many great opportunities no

The time they spent on campus the past four years was

matter whether it is Greek life, philanthropy activities,

dedicated to learning and gaining experience about life

working at the college farm, or being involved with

both on and off campus. They leave behind nuggets of

homecoming. They have all given me countless

wisdom to help the classes of 2023 and beyond:

memories that I will cherish forever. Another thing I

"Always say 'yes.' You never know what great things may

learned was to gain that connection with your

come from one simple word." –Caroline Liggett

professors because they are there to mentor and guide

"Take advantage of every opportunity that comes your

you with class stuff or even personal stuff too." –

way, even if it’s out of your comfort zone. Make sure

McKenzie Riley

you work hard, but also enjoy your time here - it flies

"It's okay if you don't know what you want in life right

by!" –Taylor Ayars

now. Take a deep breath and do what you think is best

"I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the future is

for you." –Anonymous

uncertain. It is based off the choices you make now.

"Pull that all-nighter, take that risk, and eat that extra

Celebrate all your accomplishments and all you have

cookie. This is the time to make mistakes and find

done in your short time here." –Anonymous

yourself." –Anonymous ∎

Bumbling with blooms? No worries.

We've unlocked the flower code for you

BY EMILY KESTERMANN

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Imagine heading to the flower shop, ready to buy your loved one a beautiful bouquet of flowers. When you arrive, you become confused and overwhelmed with the options available to you–so many flowers in so many colors. Each has its own meaning, but which will convey the feelings you desire? No worries. Here is a list of nine common flowers and their meanings: 1. Roses ~ Red: love, yellow: jealousy, white: innocence, dark red: mourning, pink: happiness 2. Lilies ~ White: purity, yellow: happiness, orange: passion, tiger-lily: pride 3. Carnations ~ Red: love, white: pure love; innocence, yellow: rejection, pink: remembrance; love, striped: refusal 4. Daisies ~ Innocence, loyal love 5. Magnolias ~ Nobility, love of nature 6. Peonies ~ Happy life, bashfulness, shame 7. Tulips ~ Declaration of love, fame 8. Orchids ~ Beauty, thoughtfulness, refinement, femininity 9. Gardenias ~ Secret love, sweetness

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How colorful is your diet?

Chances are, not enough

BY LILLY FRIZZELL

Bright colors please our eyes, but what do they do for our health?

A colorful diet often includes oranges, greens, reds, yellows, blues, and other colors. These colorful foods are often healthy and do great things for our bodies.

“The colors of my food are limited. I’ve never given it any thought before now,” said Ed Frizzell, consumer and parent of a

The more colorful the food, the better. I try to add color to my diet, which means vegetables and fruits.

MISTY MAY-TREANOR

college student.

Any non-artificial color that can be incorporated into our diet has countless benefits for humans.

Samantha Renner, dietitian, says artificial colors, "do provide a wide variety of colors, but they do not provide the different array of nutrients of those naturally [derived from] fruit and veggies.”

The compounds that we gain from the colorful foods are what specifically benefits our bodies and our health.

"Different phytonutrients, which provide different nutrients, are based on their natural colors,” said Renner.

Each color can target a certain body part or aspect of health.

So, the next time you visit the grocery store, take a walk

For example, green foods have benefits including anti-

through the produce section and admire the variety of colors.

cancer, anti-inflammatory, brain health, cell protection, and

While observing those colors, think about what colors you can

many others. These green foods include asparagus, avocado,

incorporate into your cooking at home.

broccoli, cabbage, celery, cucumbers, and spinach, to name a

Go ahead. Taste the rainbow. ∎

few.

“I would assume that the benefits of a colorful diet include vitamins and nutrients,” said Frizzell.

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RESUME REDUX A few tips and tricks from fellow students.

BY STELLA SCOTT

#1

#2

#3

#4

A BETTER HEADER Tip #1 Every resume should have a header. In your header, you should have your name, address, and phone number. If you are a student, you should have your student email as well as your personal email, and sometimes you may want to add a photo to the top of your resume.

TARGETED TRAITS Tip #2 When writing your resume, you should highlight qualifications that speak to the position you’re applying for, including past work experience, volunteer work you have done, and related achievements.

AAAAAND ACTION! Tip #3 When writing your work history or your volunteer work, include bullet points explaining what you did in that role. Bullets should begin with action verbs and explain the main tasks or responsibilities you had while in that position. Make sure these bullet lists are short, to the point, and easy to read.

MATCHY-MATCHY Tip #4 Before writing a resume, you want to look over the job description. This will help you determine the structure and content of both your cover letter and resume, making sure to tailor your credentials accordingly.

#5

COLOR ME EMPLOYED Tip #5 Finally, for the kicker, consider adding a touch of color to your resume. Whether it be at the header or as a border, subtle but intentional color can draw the eye of the person reading your resume. Stick with one color only.

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CAMPUS CORNER

THE RURAL OASIS OF WILMINGTON COLLEGE

BY CARLEY ASHER

About a mile from campus “as the crow flies” is a 267-acre oasis rich in diversity and history.

As a vital academic resource for the Agriculture Department

The Academic Farm is truly the cornerstone of our program.

CHAD MCKAY

now for decades, the Wilmington College Academic Farm lives up to the mission of offering “hands-on learning” opportunities “by the acre.”

Chad McKay, a 2013 alum of the Wilmington College Agriculture program and recently tenured faculty member was named Farm Financial Director in the fall of 2021.

“The Academic Farm is truly the cornerstone of our program,” said McKay. “It brings to life our academic program, connecting theory to practice in an applied and intentional

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way.”

Campus Oasis (cont.)

McKay, who began his teaching career at Wilmington

McKay, Czartoski, and Cockerill also welcomed three

College in 2015 as a visiting Assistant Professor, was able to

additional faculty to Agriculture in 2021, including Jason

cherish the opportunities he had to work alongside the late

Parrish in the agronomy area, Tania Burgos Hernandez in

Harold Thirey (1977 to 2020), Monte Anderson (1985 to

soil science, conservation, and agroecology, and Javonne

2020), Tom Stilwell (2001 to 2019), and Randy Gerber (2003

Mullins in agricultural education. Each has worked over

to 2020).

the past two semesters to connect coursework from their

“These individuals harrowed the way in establishing opportunities at the Academic Farm. We are forever thankful for the groundwork they laid for students,” said McKay.

respective programs to the Academic Farm.

What do they have to work with? Well, a lot actually.

Highlights of the college’s Academic Farm include its 267 acres of land, utilizing conservation tillage and rotational

Trent Czartoski, a 2018 alum of the Wilmington College

grazing methods for sheep, cattle, and goats; a fully-

Agriculture program, was named Farm Manager also in the

functional rainwater recycling system, which irrigates the

fall of 2021.

high tunnel gardens; a Temple-Grandin inspired cattle

Czartoski is a firm believer that the Academic Farm is

chute system; poultry coops; plant and manure

“the students’ farm.” He may manage the operations,

composting systems; and the Tom Stilwell Living Crop

however, he insists students do the work along his side and

Museum, which features more than 100 different species of

influence management decisions based on their academic

unique and heritage crops from across the globe,

and career aspirations.

transplanted into the ground during the summer months

And he is not the only one looking to students for inspiration.

and used for identification and research during the fall semesters.

In the Fall of 2021, Corey Cockerill, named the new

McKay says the Agriculture faculty and staff are looking

Academic Chair of the program, began repurposing the

forward to the future and continuing to “advocate for

greenhouses, raised beds, and high tunnel gardens in

student focused, hands-on experiences that are unique to

order to launch a new student-led Campus Farmers’

a college like Wilmington with its highly integrated

Market. Between the months of August and November,

academic farm.”

Cockerill and her student volunteers picked produce each

Up next, McKay, Czartoski, and the entire agriculture

week to sell at the lunchtime market–an effort Cockerill

team hope to expand on experiences for students by

said was meant to “connect farm to fork in a more

updating current equipment, testing fertilizer rates within

intentional way on campus.”

trial plots, implementing cover cropping systems, experimenting with edible landscapes, building out additional composting systems, and utilizing artificial insemination technology within the beef herd.

“There is so much opportunity here,” said McKay. “It’s just a matter of focus and time.” ∎

“IT BRINGS TO LIFE OUR ACADEMIC PROGRAM, CONNECTING THEORY TO PRACTICE IN AN APPLIED AND INTENTIONAL WAY.” -CHAD MCKAY, ON THE ROLE OF THE ACADEMIC FARM

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Honoring Tom Stillwell’s sui generis Legacy

BY CARLEY ASHER

The late professor, Tom Stillwell, began his journey at Wilmington College only after his grand sui generis adventure around the world was winding down.

Stillwell, who served as an Assistant Professor of Agronomy in the Wilmington College Agriculture Department from 2001 until 2019, retired from a long and eventful career that took him to nearly every continent on the planet to enjoy time with his wife, Norma Duran, and their family.

The term sui generis, which means “of its own kind,” truly defined Stillwell’s approach to both life and his academic career. And it was that unique journey of his that was the inspiration behind the creation of his Living Crop Museum at Wilmington College.

Initially located adjacent to the college’s equine facility, the Living Crop Museum featured a variety of heritage grains, forages, and horticultural crops from around the world. Stillwell also took many of the crops on the road, featuring them in displays at events like the Clinton County Corn Festival.

After Stillwell’s passing, Assistant Professor of Agriculture, Jason Parrish, with the help of his colleagues and several students, relocated the Living Crop Museum to the Academic Farm within the high tunnel and raised bed gardens.

The department honored Stillwell’s sui generis legacy by dedicating the crop museum as “The Tom Stilwell Living Crop Museum.” It is used each fall in coordination with courses to teach seed and plant identification agriculture. ∎

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and

lessons

on

international

Must read books to welcome spring & give your post-semester brain a rest

BY COREY COCKERILL

Prof picks

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Greening up your camping habits

BY ELISE SNARR For all young campers and hikers getting ready to embark on an adventure this summer, here are some eco-friendly habits to improve your camper carbon footprint.

Most of society knows not to litter, but it still happens. Looking at the state of campsites and hiking trails, it is clear this is an ongoing issue.

In an article written by National Geographic and contributor, Cathy Healy explains, “Trash Travels estimates that plastic bags can take 20 years to decompose, plastic bottles up to 450 years, and fishing line, 600 years.”

To address the pollution in these natural areas, lovers of the outdoors, some entrepreneurs, have created a variety of tricks and tools that aim to help reduce any negative impact on the environment from camping. These environmentallyfriendly practices have the potential to reduce potentially-harmful tendencies, leaving natural spaces, well, natural.

According to Global Conservation Force, “Many studies have shown that when litter already exists, people are more likely to continue littering in that same area.”

So what is an eco-conscious camper to do?

Milena Wahl, a student at Wilmington College, is an avid explorer of nature.

When she gets the chance, she makes it a priority to spend some time outside and in the fresh air.

“In regard to the preserving of nature while enjoying adventure a good rule of thumb is to ‘leave no trace.’ The biggest waste I see in my hikes and runs tends to be from plastic food or drink containers,” said Wahl.

There are a variety of ways to reduce, contain, or get waste to the proper places of disposal. Embracing these practices is sometimes just a matter of

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Eco-camping (cont.) habit.

For Wahl, it just means proper planning.

“Generally, I like to plan ahead by bringing reusable water bottles and snack containers. If I have waste, I keep it in my pack, or if I ditch it, I make sure it’s biodegradable. Apples are great snacks for hiking because they are more durable in a pack and the core can be tossed after eating," she said.

There is a growing love for this adventurous lifestyle, but with more people comes more waste. The need to establish better practices in carbon-conscious camping is evident.

Green Peace USA is a non-profit that works to address through the hazards of pollution through both public education and policy.

According to their website, “Only about 9% of [plastic] has been recycled, 12% has been burned and the remaining 79% has ended up in landfills or the environment.” ∎

Tips for greening up your camping habits Biodegradable shampoo bars are a wonderful alternative that have zero waste and still provide you with clean and healthy hair.

It is quite tempting to bring plastic utensils because they’re convenient and you can get them just about anywhere. Fortunately, both recyclable and reusable utensils are hitting the market as well and we can find them in most department stores. It’s a simple and obvious trade-out.

Forest fires are always a risk when making a campfire.

With an open fire to cook food, so much can go wrong.

However, camping stoves are an easy substitute that greatly reduces risks. They cook your meals and don’t have a nearly as large an impact on the campsite.

Staying on the topic of food, every camper has their go-to snacks. Whether granola bars or crackers or fruit snacks, most come in individual wrappers. Instead of bringing multiple packages with a chance the wrappers will blow away in the wind, give reusable bags a chance. There are various sizes of these resealable baggies, and they keep food just as fresh.

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STUDY SNAPS

"The secret of success is to do the common things uncommonly well.”

- John D. Rockefeller

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A six-step guide to tackling your finals

BY MEGAN SCHWENDEMAN As spring has sprung and the semester draws to a close, students far and wide are faced with possibly one of the most stressful times of the semester– finals week.

Perhaps you procrastinated and are now down to days, even hours, to study and absorb all the information you can for the test. Or, maybe you have a “tenpager” due that you haven’t even started.

Does this resonate? Never fear! Below are tips you can follow to increase focus and productivity so you can keep your head in the game and bring home those high marks.

1. Look into tutoring if time allows ~ Wilmington College offers a variety of support through the Student Resource Center to its students to utilize. This could take the form of signing up for Supplemental Instruction (SI), going to the Math Center, or meeting with a Writing Assistant at the Quaker Writing Center!

2. Utilize the 50/10 rule ~ For every 50 minutes that you are studying, spend 10 minutes resting and allowing your brain to decompress. This allows you to have better focus and increase the amount of information you can remember.

3. Know yourself ~ Whether that means studying in complete silence or in a busy environment, or by yourself versus with friends, know the conditions that help you work efficiently.

4. Stay hydrated ~ This one seems like a no-brainer, but it is one that many college students forget. Keep a full water bottle by your study area and remind yourself to hydrate. This can also ward off headaches.

5. Hit the high points ~ Determine what information is most likely to be on the test. Divide your time between all the sections. If you are studying from a textbook, and are low on time, read the introduction and conclusion, where most of the main ideas are located.

6. Finally, eat a balanced meal before the exam ~ Be careful with what you eat right beforehand; you want to make sure that you are providing the nutrients that your brain needs to do its best when crunch-time comes.

Now that you have the tools to study and learn efficiently, go ace that exam! ∎

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When stress and anxiety collide, there is hope, and help Students and student athletes face increasing pressures to be it all and do it all.

Sometimes it's too much.

BY STELLA SCOTT

College is one of the most stressful times in a young adult’s life.

Typically, a college student goes from living with their parents to living with strangers. The work piles on and on as the semesters go. Between homework, classes, midterms, and finals, college is stressful. It is easy for students to fall into depression or have anxiety and feel like there is nothing they can do for it to get better.

A study from the American Psychological Association (APA) found that “53 percent of college students have experienced some form of depression.” Many of these students are doing it on their own, not reaching out to anyone. Just suffering alone.

This also includes student athletes. Students who are constantly with other people can struggle with their mental health as well.

Recently, Harry Miller, offensive lineman for Ohio State University, has medically retired from football due to his mental health. For a long time, Miller hid his mental health issues. No one would have expected that he struggled with his mental health with all the things he has achieved. He was valedictorian graduating from his high school. He was one of the nation’s top recruits. He held a 4.0 grade point average as a mechanical engineer major, while playing football. He even volunteers in Ohio and has gone on a mission trip to Nicaragua to build homes for families in need.

But he still had a hard time adjusting to college life.

In an interview with Today he said that he didn’t have a hard time in high school, but he felt overwhelming

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expectations and attention at a high-profile college like

Mental health (cont.)

Ohio State. By telling his coach, Ryan Day, he was having suicidal thoughts he was able to get the help that he was needing, and this saved his life.

Telling someone that you are struggling, whether it’s a friend, family member, teacher, medical professional, anyone, even if it might be difficult could save your life.

Miller’s announcement came out nine days after the announcement that Katie Meyer, a star soccer goalie from standard university, took her own life.

Meyer was a star goalkeeper, the team captain, she majored in international relations and was on the Dean's List. According to news reports, she was on Facetime with her parents the night before. She was described as “happy” or “in great spirits”, even though she had a lot going on.

Resources to help Whether it’s due to disciplinary actions, too much on your plate. Whatever it might be, as a college student you must know that they are resources around you that may be able to help you.

At Wilmington College, it is free to talk to a registered counselor as many times as you need. Kazi McDowell is one of the counselors at Wilmington. McDowell said what Wilmington offers when it comes to counseling services is quite unique.

Wilmington currently has two licensed counselors. The services are self-scheduled–you don’t have to call or email.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8225 to call or text HELLO to 741741.

You can simply go to the Wilmington website click “current student” at the top of the page, scroll down and select “student support.” There you will see the “Health and Wellness” tab that, if clicked, will walk you through making an appointment. Anyone can do this any time of day.

If you or someone you know needs help, there are resources on campus. Even if it is a friend or roommate, you can reach out to the staff at the Health and Wellness Center and let them know what is going on.

Wilmington staff also work closely with the college’s athletic programs and teams to ensure their mental health is a priority. They offer trainings to the coaching staff and to the athletes in the areas of time management, selfcare, and suicide prevention to ensure a whole-systems approach.

McDowell said that the goal of these training sessions is “have students watch out for other students.”

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health problem, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8225 to call or text HELLO to 741741. ∎

Graduation: check!

What's next?

Grads reflect on leaving the 45177

BY MONTANA DAVIS

Jordan Johnson, another recent Wilmington College graduate, said, “I prepared for graduation by finding my passion and job shadowing, interning, and [taking] seasonal positions. I worked in the summer and got experience to know if this was something I would enjoy doing.” Both agreed that Wilmington faculty and staff helped them to find career paths, even if they didn’t know exactly what they wanted to do when graduation.

College seniors across the globe are readying for graduation. And while most are excited about submitting final papers and final exams, the prospect of facing what’s next can be overwhelming.

How do you prepare for life after college? Take it from these recent grads, who have words of advice.

“I prepared for graduation by making sure I have an up to date resume with references, and lining up job interviews of

Ultimately, the answers came.

“My previous positions helped me prepare for a fulltime position interview,” said Johnson.

Regarding advice they would give to seniors graduating next month, Weber said, “Don’t stress so much–everything will work out one way or another in the end. Enjoy your last semester of classes and with your friends.”

Johnson added, “Employers expect workers to make

interest to my career and where I wanted to be

mistakes, create an ‘ope’ moment. But what they really

geographically,” said DeLanie Weber, a recent Wilmington

look at is how you react, recover, and/or ability to

College graduate who is now employed with Montana Public

apologize when the mistake happens. Mistakes will

Health Corps as an AmeriCorps service member.

happen, but reaction keeps a job.” ∎

"I WORKED IN THE SUMMER AND GOT EXPERIENCE TO KNOW IF THIS WAS SOMETHING I WOULD ENJOY DOING." -JORDAN JOHNSON, 2021 WC GRADUATE

24 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

Making self care a priority is super important, and taking time to relax from hectic schedules is a crucial part of work-life balance for the typical college student.

But how? And perhaps equally important, where? “[I enjoy] Just being in nature and surrounded by wildlife. Getting away from distractions like my phone and social media and people is a way for me to relax,” said

Serenity now!

But where to go for a bit of R&R?

Alana Parsons, a freshman at Wilmington College.

To the luck of Wilmington College students, there are a variety of outdoor places to relax, and especially enjoy the springtime weather: Hazard Arboretum on campus Circle of Benches between Denver and Bailey Hall The Tiny Park on Main Street (adjacent to Jen’s Deli in downtown Wilmington) 4-C Bicentennial Trail (connects at the end of the

We've put together a list of the most relaxing spots around.

BY ABIGAIL POPPE

Hazard Arboretum) David R. Williams Memorial Park Cowan Lake State Park Caesar Creek State Park And even on rainy days, you can always find a “book nook” or a “coffee corner” in which to find some solitude, including: The Watson Library (On campus) Wilmington Public Library (in town) The Underground Kava House Kairos Coffee

SPRING/SUMMER • WITNESS | 25

Blocking in to block out A block-schedule approach to filtering out the constant distractions

BY RILEY EBERHART

Do you struggle with sitting down and completing your homework at one time? Are you constantly switching between the twenty-five tabs that are always open on your computer? This could mean that you need a new strategy for accomplishing tasks.

Block scheduling is the practice of delegating large chunks of time towards one type of task, which will help not only your focus, but also your efficiency.

Aytekin Tank, founder and CEO of JotForm, argues “Block scheduling can also help you produce higher quality work in less time.”

Think back to high school. Each hour of your day was divided by class-type; science, then math, then English. Block scheduling is essentially that.

Splitting your time is as simple as saying, “From 9:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday is just for sending and responding to emails.”

It’s just a matter of figuring out what overarching topics you need to dedicate time to, and how much time is needed for the task at hand.

26 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

Block scheduling (cont.)

If you need a little more push to get your distraction-less time, the Student Resource Center (SRC) and the Watson Library are great places to establish a routine of refocused

item into a calendar and note which tasks you should remove distractions from.

College students are constantly hit with different forms

work. Schedule a tutoring appointment or just go and sit

of distractions. From TikTok to people yelling in the

down for an hour–it’s all about finding what works best for

resident halls, they all run the risk of pulling your attention

you.

away from important tasks. Block scheduling is a tool you

Start by splitting your to-do list into different categories

can use to silence your phone, focus on just one task, and

like homework, reading, working out, in class time, club

get a few more hours back in your day for more enjoyable

meetings, relaxing, etc. Then give yourself a rough estimate

activities. ∎

of how much time each task will take. Finally, plug each

“BLOCK SCHEDULING CAN ALSO HELP YOU PRODUCE HIGHER QUALITY WORK IN LESS TIME.” -AYTEKIN TANK, FOUNDER AND CEO OF JOTFORM

SPRING/SUMMER • WITNESS | 27

WALKABLE WILMINGTON

Saturdays on campus are great.

Saturdays just a few blocks west of campus are even better.

OPINION BY LUCY ENGE

Wondering how to spend your Saturday on campus?

Just take a stroll downtown to discover some of the unique features of walkable Wilmington.

Here are my top spots: Coffee is the perfect way to begin any adventure particularly when enjoyed on a lovely front porch. Stop by Kava Haus (187 E. Locust/8 a.m.—2 p.m.*) for a fresh brew and one of their wonderful Saturday morning warm cinnamon rolls. If you find yourself at Kava around lunchtime, their custom pizzas are the best in Wilmington —try my favorite combination of sweet peppers, onions, feta, pesto, and red sauce.

Leaving Kava, head next door to For A Song and A Story (201 E. Locust/10 a.m.—5 p.m.*) to browse not only nearly

8,000 used books but also everything music and some antiques. Be sure to also ask about their variety of music and language (French, Spanish, and Cherokee) lessons.

If it happens to be a Saturday between May 14 and October 15, walk over to the Courthouse block to check out The Clinton County Farmers Market (8:30 a.m.—12 p.m.) with highlights including potatoes, or “Quaker Taters,” from McCormick Work Horse Farm; carrots from Henson Family Farm, LLC; and lavender and other herbs from Emerald Gardens. And, Kava Haus’s Kava Kart can be found here too—just in time for that second morning coffee.

Continue on to the newly expanded Art House (70 W. Sugartree/12 p.m.—7 p.m.*) where you will find yourself

“PEOPLE

IN

SMALL

TOWNS,

MUCH

MORE

THAN

IN

SHARE

CITIES,

A

DESTINY.”

-RICHARD

RUSSO

Walkable Wilmington (cont.) surrounded by delights. Shop locally crafted gifts, get

that are nestled throughout the charming tree-lined

creative with their “anything art” studio time, or pick up

streets. You never know where you might find the perfect

some art supplies priced affordably with a sliding scale

treasures like felted acorns at The Yellow Heart (31 W.

model.

Main/10 a.m.—4 p.m.). Or end your adventures with

Just around the corner, step into nature with a walk on

taking in a matinee at the historic Murphy Theatre (50 W.

the 1.2 mile paved Luther Warren Peace Path set between

Main/see website for details), dessert at the General

two creeks and with its covered bridge. And then cool

Denver, or homemade cider sips at the Tin Cap.

down from your hike with a frozen yogurt treat from Papsi’s Place Sweets and Treats (115 W. Main Street/12:00

Tag us @wcwitness on Instagram with pictures of your own Saturdays in downtown Wilmington. ∎

p.m.--9:00 p.m.).

Just around the corner in the heart of downtown, sit down to Mexican food at Fiesta Veracruz (37 W. Locust/11 a.m.—10:30 p.m.) before exploring the many small shops

SPRING/SUMMER • WITNESS | 29

The historic Murphy Theatre is located in downtown Wilmington.

30 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

SPRING HOBBIES & CRAFTS: WOODBURNING The winter months and even days can feel really long but here are some fun ways that can help the time go by faster, and you can do them right in the comfort of your own home or dorm room!

BY ELISE SNARR

#1

#2

#3

#4

GATHER THE GOODS Grab your keys and head to the closest home improvement store or hop online. Fortunately, this isn’t an expensive hobby. Most wood burners can be found for $20 or less and they come with a variety of exchangeable tips.

CHOOSE YOUR WOOD While you're at the store, select the type of wood you’d like to use. Any kind of wood will work, but I recommend pine or any soft wood if you’re using a stencil. Also, avoid pieces with multiple knots if you’re using an imprint stencil, as it will not indent on the knots.

TRACE OR FREE-HAND If you aren’t free-handing your work (I don’t) be sure to purchase a stencil or outline to copy down the print onto the wood. This can be as simple as printing off an outline from your computer and tracing over the lines with a sharp pencil to leave an indentation and no pencil mark. Just make sure your dimensions fit the size of your wood.

A FEW TRICKS O' THE TRADE To keep your outline or stencil from moving, use tape on each side to keep it in place. It doesn’t harm the wood at all.

Before you jump into your first project, take time to get used to the various tips on a piece of scrap wood. ~ Have a lamp shining directly on the wood so you can see the indentations clearly.

Take your time, go slow, and enjoy!

CAMPUS UPDATES

A breath of fresh air After years of COVID-19 restrictions regarding masks, the campus community is slowly emerging (and with toothy smiles to show).

BY KRISTEN WHITAKER Spring brought a breath of fresh air for students on campus– quite literally.

After years of masks and mitigations, the COVID-19 pandemic situation eased on the Wilmington College campus, allowing mask requirements to be relaxed.

For the first time since 2020, students were able to attend classes, labs, activities, and club meetings and be present in campus buildings without wearing a mask for the first time.

“Being able to see someone’s full face while communicating with them is something I took for granted before COVID came about,” said student body vice president Samantha Riggan.

“With the new protocol, I have definitely noticed a shift in campus.”

The loosening of mask protocol marks a milestone in the college’s journey through the COVID-19 pandemic, especially for upperclassmen who have navigated most of their college experience in tandem with pandemic protocols.

The news provided a ray of sunshine for campus, and just in time for spring.

“It seems this change has encouraged students that we are finally starting to transition out the difficult years and are moving into a fresh season,” said Riggan. ∎

32 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

"This little spunky miracle" A student's POV on livestock management at the Academic Farm EDITORIAL BY KRISTEN WHITAKER Tucked in a small Ohio town lies a campus with quaint brick

“There are so many components to agriculture, definitely

buildings. Trees are beginning to bloom and daffodils are popping

when it comes to animals having babies,” said agriculture student

up.

Libby Giffen. “You feed these animals, make sure they have

The birds sing as busy students travel from one class to another.

A mile from its grounds, dozens of lambs and kids are experiencing spring for the first time. Fields that will feed not only the college’s animals but also the student’s store of knowledge are being planned for. Does this place sound familiar?

adequate bedding and housing, and love them. Then you have to wait all this time to see this little spunky miracle. It truly is an amazing experience. I am lucky to be a part of it."

Have you made a trip to the Academic Farm to visit the adorable four-legged baby animals?

Taking the time to appreciate new life around us helps us to

It’s Wilmington College.

reflect on the areas of our own life that need a fresh start. Right

Beauty and new life is springing up all around us, whether it’s

now the fields of the Academic Farm are brown and bare. With

the flowering trees on campus, or the new lambs and kids at the

the beginning of spring, plans are being made that will turn the

Academic Farm.

fields into abundant lush crops–a stark contrast from how they

Springtime is a welcome season after the darkness of winter, and breathes new life into a world that seemed to be dead.

appear now.

Springtime brings a second chance for the world to once again

Agriculture is an industry that begins the majority of its life cycle

become vibrant, alive, and fresh. Second chances at life aren’t just

in the spring. But are we taking advantage of what this special

for the natural world. Each and every day is our chance for a new

season can teach us?

start. From struggling academic grades to difficult relationships

In agriculture, miracles of new life and transformation are everywhere.

with others, turning our life’s winters into springs is necessary for our personal worlds to thrive. ∎

SPRING/SUMMER • WITNESS | 33

Healthy habits in a hurry Recipes dedicated to keeping you healthy and happy

BY DELANEY WEISEND

34 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

Healthy Eating According to clarke.edu, healthy eating habits include: Eating a good breakfast Keeping healthy snacks on hand Eating plenty of foods that are rich in calcium; calcium builds up bone mass and muscle and nerve function, while preventing blood clotting and osteoporosis that may occur later in life Limiting sugar intake Drinking lots of water Another great habit is to add a fruit or vegetable to every meal.

Recipes (cont.)

Guacamole Snack time, anytime.

3 avocados Yellow or red onion Roma tomatoes Cilantro Jalapeno Garlic Freshly squeezed lime Pinch of salt “Slice three ripe avocados in half, remove the pit and scoop them into a mixing bowl. Then use a fork to gently mash them to your desired level of chunky or smooth. Add the onions, tomatoes, cilantro, jalapeno pepper, garlic, lime juice, and salt and stir everything together.” Enjoy!

10-Minute Baked Potato ‘Perfect for a night-in!’

1 russet potato Olive oil Salt 2 slices bacon Shredded cheese, fresh chive, sour cream (if desired) “Carefully pierce potatoes with a fork. Oil the potato well and sprinkle with salt. Add two slices of bacon to the plate and heat in the microwave for 7-9 minutes.

Crush the bacon and save for later. Once cooled, cut the potato vertically and scoop the inside lightly. Add the cheese and microwave for another 30 seconds.

Add the sour cream to the potato. Top with crushed bacon and chives.”

Enjoy!

No-Bake Granola Bars Perfect grab n'go Quaker 1 minute oats Nuts Dried fruit Peanut butter Honey Plastic wrap Stir desired amounts of oats, nuts, dried fruit, peanut butter, and honey together and press into a square shape before refrigerating overnight. Cut them up into individual bars and wrap them up in plastic.

“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love." / Giada De Laurentiis /

SPRING/SUMMER • WITNESS | 35

FOODIE FEATURE

YOUR COFFEE HABIT MAY BE BAD FOR YOUR POCKETBOOK, BUT RESEARCH SUGGESTS IT'S GOOD FOR YOUR HEALTH

BY EMILY KESTERMANN

Cozying up with a cup of coffee at the end of a rainy spring

"I don't need an inspirational quote.

I need coffee."

day is a near perfect way to end the evening. What could be more perfect?

Knowing the coffee you are drinking has many health benefits for your body.

Caffeine, one of the main components of coffee, is a central nervous system stimulant that will increase your energy level and assist in combating fatigue. Caffeine can also increase physical performance, awareness and get rid of extra salt and water by more frequent urination. Studies have also shown that coffee can lower the risk of depression.

“That pick-me-up you get from a foamy cappuccino may not

36 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

Capitalizing on coffee (cont.) be a figment of your imagination. Several studies have

“Researchers have found that coffee drinkers have a

found that the more coffee a person drinks, the lower their

lower risk of liver cancer and colorectal cancer—two of the

risk of depression,” said one doctor from the Cleveland

leading causes of cancer deaths in the world,” according to

Clinic when exploring the possible medical effects of

the Cleveland Clinic study on caffeine benefits.

caffeine.

Since coffee can reduce the risk of fatal and life-

Coffee has even been linked to supporting brain health.

This means that coffee can lower the risk of neurological

threatening health issues, research has shown that coffee

diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s

drinkers are often living longer. Coffee has also been

disease. ∎

shown to protect DNA from becoming damaged.

Rachael Link, writer for Healthline, said, "Coffee could help extend longevity, thanks to its multitude of potential health benefits.”

Drinking coffee has been shown to reduce heart disease and lower the risk of having a stroke. Coffee will increase the amount of blood being pumped through the body, lowering the risk of heart failure.

According to doctors at John Hopkins Medicine, drinking at least one cup of coffee a day is associated with lowered stroke risk for women, “which is the fourth leading cause of death.”

Consuming coffee can also increase the protection of your liver and lower the risk of having cirrhosis. Studies have also shown that coffee has also been connected to a reduced risk of certain cancers including liver cancer.

SPRING/SUMMER • WITNESS | 37

Witness this: We've rolled out a new website and blog for 2022, featuring all of our magazine content and more.

Check it.

BY COREY COCKERILL

Dusting ourselves off, knee-deep in revival mode, we, too, are getting fresh.

In tandem with our second edition of The Witness magazine, we've decided to overhaul the Witness website and social media content to offer a bit more flair.

Over the next several semesters, we plan to go interactive with our content—blogging, Tweeting, and even podcasting our way into 2022 and beyond.

Wherever you are out there, we will Witness.

38 | WITNESS • SPRING/SUMMER

POETRY FEATURE

AWAKENING

BY KAITLIN ARMSTRONG

Hear me out, It’s not offense, it’s observation, I’m trying to make hist’ry in this nation.

Words still matter, they always have, But now we use them as an axe.

Say something different, sit back, watch chemicals react.

My words are my own.

My beliefs above others’ thrones.

I’m not trying to build bigger walls, I’m rebuilding bridges, In hopes of helping when others fall.

Predestined for greatness, My endgame, defeating darkness.

Fear you are a constant enemy, But I dare not let you make the end of me.

My path is clear, though vision blurry, I’ll fight my way through this obscur’ty.

Hear my rising battle cry, As the armies of mine enemy, I descry.

My fight is not offense, it’s transformation.

I want to leave this world with inspiration.

Greater things still lie ahead, Hear me out, my goal, thus said: “To burn the blackness of the night, And introduce the dark to light.

Let me be a roar so deafening, This is my awakening.”

Eyes open, pens out.

We are the Wilmington College student operated news agency dedicated to serving the campus and the community. #eyesopenpensout wcwitness.com @wcwitness