Month: April 2019

School traditions help establish the school’s identity and help a school stand out in different ways. Dixie State University has plenty of traditions, some new, some over 100-years-old, but nonetheless they are here to stay.

One of the most popular traditions at DSU is True Trailblazer. True Trailblazer is a bi-annual tradition that has been around for years, and it takes place once first semester during homecoming week and again second semester during D-Week. The tradition is simple: meet by the large fountain on campus after a school dance and grab yourself a partner and kiss at midnight while standing in the fountain. You can keep it simple by only becoming a True Trailblazer with one person or you can wild-out and become one with a plethora of different people. To top it all off, once all is said and done, you get a complimentary lip balm dictating you have completed the tradition.

Oscar Bastida, a junior exercise science major from Catalina Island, California, said his favorite tradition is white washing the “D” on the hill, and his must do tradition before leaving DSU is participating in the Taste Around the World that happens during Diversity Week.

“[DSU] students from around the world come together and make food from their culture and home country,” Bastida said. “It gives you a great opportunity to try authentic food from around the world and try something you may have not thought to before.”

Matt McIntyre, a sophomore mechanical engineering major from Stansbury Park, said his favorite tradition is casino night and before leaving DSU everyone should participate in the great race.

“The great race is a really fun and great way to end your time here at [DSU],” McIntyre said. “Putting a team together and trying to win it one last time before you left is a great way to conclude your time here.”

Alumnus Nate Hess, a nursing major who graduated from DSU in 2017, said his must-do tradition is writing in the clouds that is located in the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons building.

“The cloud wall mural is unlike anything I’ve seen at other universities,” Hess said. “You can write a personal note or memory in any of the hundreds of books that are a part of the mural. The cloud is there to stay at [DSU], so there is no better way to leave your legacy permanently here at [DSU].”

While the traditions listed are only a few DSU has to offer, students can download the Dixie State Traditions app, offered on iOS and android, and see every tradition and activity offered at DSU.

She didn’t plan on getting raped at the party, but the man she met there forced himself on her. He never expected his teacher would coerce him, seduce him, take advantage of his innocence, or that she would continue to do so until he graduated.

Two victims who never reported the crimes committed against them because they would be shamed, asked what they were wearing, asked if they conveyed any consent, which they didn’t. Two individuals who didn’t report because they felt as though they didn’t have a voice. Now they do through the efforts of “Start by Believing.”

The first thing you’ll see on the “Start by Believing” website are the words: “It’s time to start by believing.” Scroll down and you’ll see it is a global campaign whose goal is to transform the way people respond to sexual assault.

Blair Barfuss, the Dixie State University Chief of Campus Police, said he and Rep. Angela Romero brought the campaign to Washington County and DSU because he saw its direct influence and value while employed with the West Valley Police Department. He said the most outstanding issue with sexual assault is lack of reporting and the reason these crimes aren’t reported is because victims feel they don’t have someone to speak to about it or anyone who will believe them.

“The police department adopted the ‘Start by Believing’ campaign to try [to] show and demonstrate to our community, our students, staff and faculty here at DSU as well as our community that visits, that if they have been a victim, that we will believe what they have to tell us,” Barfuss said. “We start our investigation by believing what’s being reported and then we do a complete and thorough police investigation.”

Elizabeth Bluhm, Dove Center victim advocate coordinator, said “Start by Believing” is a way to introduce a change in our attitude toward victims of sexual assault. She said the campaign, as well as the “What Were You Wearing” exhibit, are both about not blaming the victim.

“Stop asking stupid questions that are judgmental or blaming and that stifle victims,” Bluhm said. “It’s hard enough to come forward. The barriers against reporting are huge and many, and if a victim is going to be questioned and harangued and treated like a perpetrator when they disclose a victimization, then they’re not going to have the courage necessary to go forward with seeking help.”

According to the “Start by Believing” website, the campaign connects victims with resources like “Seek then Speak” and “Victim Link,” which work together to break down the barriers of shame and fear in order for victims to gain information, find options and take action through dialogue using the internet, phones, mobile devices and texting.

“It gives comfort to people who have gone through sexual assault,” said Sandra Hutchings, Dove Center client services coordinator. “They see all these people come together, and their signing [of] this pledge, and it’s not just students, it’s community partners and they maybe haven’t told anybody they’ve been sexually assaulted and they’re seeing all of this and people are talking and people are there with resources, and it makes them feel safe that ‘Oh, people will believe me.’“

DSU students can participate in the “Start by Believing” campaign by going to its website, signing the pledge and becoming an advocate.

“There might be other victims who are still living in the shadows,” said Florence Bacabac, associate professor of English. “We want them to come forward and know that there are people that believe in them.”

FeelLove Coffee is the newest coffee shop in town. Walking in, you are transported to another place; from the sparkling chandeliers to the tiled mural on the floor and colorful pillows scattered along the wooden benches, it does not feel like any other place in St. George.

Lisa and Jasher FeelLove, the owners of FeelLove Coffee, opened this shop on March 23 and had it built as an extension of their Be Hot Yoga studio.

What makes this coffee shop stand out from the others in town is the variety of organic coffees offered, the magnificent decor, and the European vibe that orbits through the shop, which is shaped by Jasher FeelLove’s European background.

“Our goal is to create a space that people love to be and work [in] and express their love and joy for coffee,” Jasher FeelLove said. “And also [a place that] people can enjoy a good cup of coffee.”

Their mission statement is “magic in every cup.” It is part of their logo and printed on every cup, even the aprons they wear. They also include a Latin phrase, “nunc videmus lucem,“ which means “now we see the light.”

First-time customer Nicole Tanner said it’s the perfect place to take a break from a hectic schedule and have a peaceful space to get work done.

“It’s beautiful here and [it has] a good vibe and the best coffee I’ve ever had,” Tanner said. “There are not many places like this in St. George, so it’s great.”

The FeelLoves came up with the idea for the shop because they wanted to expand in another field they are interested in: coffee. Jasher FeelLove said their shop was built from his obsession and love for coffee. He said he was always looking for the perfect coffee, and rather than continuing to search for it, they decided to make it themselves.

They are also open to any special order or request; they will make any drink exactly the way a customer wants it.

The FeelLoves said they love coffee culture and have a unique perspective of what that means to them. Their idea of coffee culture is influenced by a European style.

Jasher FeelLove said they obsessed over every detail, making it as identical to a European coffee cafe as they could. The espresso machine is from Europe, the beans they use are imported from Italy, they offer cake by the slice, sell teas, the coffee is organic, which consists of gluten free, special extract not containing syrup, organic honey, and organic milk. Everything they make their coffee with is fresh, making it healthier and even creamier. This is what sets their shop apart from others in St. George, Lisa FeelLove said.

Jordon Robison, a barista at FeelLove, said the awesome environment and the owners’ passion about their shop drew her to the shop. It’s a whole new vibe other coffee shops don’t have, Robison said.

“The most unique thing is the way we do things here: the extracts that we use, the coffee beans that we use, everything,” Robison said. “[We use] the best possible sources.”

Lisa FeelLove said they incorporated Europe into the design as well; the European feel has been created from the ceiling to the floor to the murals and the lighting.

“That’s the idea, that someone comes here and they go to a different place,” Lisa FeelLove said. “[We wanted to] bring something back that we experience in Europe, and just share that with our community here.”

The FeelLoves have plans to keep improving their service, which includes live music nights, coffee delivery, curbside pickup and maybe staying open later than 10 p.m.

Lisa FeelLove said they want customers to have that “feel love” experience where they feel the love in everything they do, which they did a perfect job conveying to their customers.

Patryck Engen, a customer at FeelLove, said “I can tell a lot of love went into creating this coffee shop.”

Engen said the owners orchestrated a great vibe into their shop. Everything about it is unique: the vibe, decorations, music and the fact that it’s connected to a yoga studio. All these aspects make the shop more personal than traditional coffee shops such as Beans & Brews or Starbucks, he said.

“What made me come here was the name ‘FeelLove,’” Engen said. “To me this is somewhat new, [which is something] St. George desperately needed.”

FeelLove Coffee is open Monday-Saturday 6 a.m.-10 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-7 p.m., located at 558 E. Riverside Dr. 84790. DSU and SUU students can buy a 24-ounce coffee for $1 with their student I.D. If you would be interested in working here, email your resume to Lisa@FeelLoveCoffee.com and include an introduction about yourself.

Dixie State University students and faculty are celebrating Earth Day in the most Earth-saving way.

Not only are students and faculty celebrating on April 22, but they are celebrating every day and encouraging other students and faculty at DSU to do the same.

“The major thing we can do is to reduce our use of one-time use items,” said Tracey O’Kelly, adviser of the sustainability club. “It’s a bit of a struggle and may be inconvenient, but once you do it, it becomes very easy and just second nature to you.”

O’Kelly said in addition to reducing the use of one-time items, everyone can turn off the water when brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, use a reusable water bottle and cups, try to walk around campus instead of driving from class to class, and use less of everything that needs to be thrown away.

The DSU Sustainability Club said it suggests to use the recycling provided on campus. DSU provides recycling for metal cans, plastic bottles and containers, paper and cardboard.

“Every piece of plastic since its invention in 1907 is still in existence; it doesn’t biodegrade and it doesn’t go away,” said Cadence Summers, a senior English major from West Valley City and president of the DSU Sustainability Club.

In addition to physically doing what we can to clean up the Earth, we also need to recognize the political and economic impact, Summers said.

“Students should educate themselves about local conservation issues, climate change, politics and economics,” said Geoff Smith, assistant professor of biology.

Smith said if we don’t act now to start doing things to help save the planet, resources will eventually run out.

“To be clear, the planet will be fine regardless of our actions,” Smith said. “It’s us [humans] and lots of other life forms that are being hurt by the things we do. To improve the outcomes for wildlife, ecosystem services, and the health and wealth of future generations, Election Day should be the rallying date, not Earth Day.”

Summers said DSU is not hosting any events this year in celebration of Earth Day, but students can easily find other cleanup events going on around town.

The city of Springdale is hosting its 15th annual Zion Canyon Earth Day celebration on April 20 from 1-6 p.m. The event will have live music, food and climate-friendly festivities, according to the Springdale city website.

“I think that students should recognize the importance of caring for the Earth because just like a house or a dorm room or anything we need to take care of the place that we live so that it’s a pleasant place for plants and animals and people to be,” Summers said.

It’s Friday and you’re supposed to be doing homework but can’t get yourself motivated to do it. You would rather be out hiking, watching a movie with your friends, or playing that new video game you just bought. The reality is you’re procrastinating, and it’s keeping you from doing important homework.

According to a New York Times article, procrastination isn’t always about time management or being lazy. Instead, it’s linked to negative moods we have and is a form of self-harm.

Procrastination happens when we have a task that is unpleasant or difficult, and we tend to avoid that thing because it isn’t enjoyable, psychology department chair Robert Carlson said. He said without realizing we are doing it, we prioritize short-term avoidance of frustration, difficulty or pain and postpone the task.

“It can be unpleasant because they don’t feel like they have the skills to do it,” Carlson said. “It can be unpleasant just because it takes work; it can be unpleasant because they would rather do something else right now, [and] they’d rather do something more enjoyable.”

Associate psychology professor John T. Jones said students will procrastinate on a term paper because they are anxious about whether they can do a good job on the assignment, or they are worried about how good the paper will be or how bad it will be. He said working on the paper forces them to confront that fear and anxiety, so they put it off. A third cause of procrastination is something called a planning fallacy, Jones said.

“So, this is a pretty mundane cause,” Jones said. “It is that students tend to underestimate the amount of time it’s going to take to complete the tasks that they need to complete.”

According to iresearch.net, underestimation occurs even when a person is aware that tasks similar to the one they are putting off have taken longer in the past. It said motivation can play a role in how much we focus on completing a task, which fuels the planning fallacy.

“A lot of people who [are in] a depressed mood, or anxious, or something like that don’t necessarily have the motivation to start something,” said Sarah Bell assistant professor of psychology. “There’s sort of an emotional priority that comes before whatever that task is.”

Bell said our brains are trained to look for things that might cause us anxiety and as a protective measure will give us a warning that the task is stressful and should be avoided.

“If you think about a project, or think about doing something and you feel anxious, you might just put it off because that’s protecting yourself,” Bell said. “Protecting yourself from more depression or anxiety.”

Jones said a simple task like reading a chapter in a textbook can feel overwhelming to individuals who have depression or are in a depressed mood. He said being depressed can make procrastination worse and missing deadlines or doing poorly on assignments can make the situation worse.

“It’s a real struggle I think, for students who are feeling depressed and just not finding that motivation,” Jones said. “We need to be supportive of them, find ways to get them assistance and help to work through it.”

One way students can deal with unpleasant or overwhelming tasks more effectively is to break them down, Bell said. She said it’s a method called “problem focus coping” where you take a project that seems big and overwhelming and break it down into smaller pieces that are easier to manage instead of putting it off.

“I think it would be valuable for faculty and others on campus to kind of spread awareness about procrastination and when it can really make your life as a student difficult,” Jones said. “I think it’s just education and support and encouragement for students to get things done. Don’t wait until the last minute. I really stress that to my students, especially with projects that are pretty time consuming.”