UTAH TECH UNIVERSITY'S STUDENT NEWS SOURCE | March 25, 2023

Month: September 2021

Podcasts: How to navigate life

by Sydney JohnsonPosted on

Stay tuned for money advice, how to enjoy college life, and tips on how to handle all of the changes college brings.

As podcasts are considered one of the more popular ways to get news in modern-day media, they make it easy for an individual to get valuable information but continue to multitask. According to Startup Bonsai, 94% of podcast listeners do other tasks as they listen. Podcasts are something that can be easy to enjoy in the background.

There are podcasts from news outlets to fashion advice. Here is a list of podcasts that will be beneficial to your college experience.

Tiny Leaps, Big Changes

Photo courtesy of Tiny Leaps, Big Changes.

The Tiny Leaps, Big Changes podcast is hosted by Gregg Clunis and oftentimes guest speakers. There are over 800 episodes ranging anywhere from eight minutes or longer. This podcast is designed to help individuals with the big and little changes in life. Clunis provides listeners with strategic ways to help boost their lives. A couple of the episode titles are The Truth About Decision Making, How to Get Better Sleep, Three Resources to Stay Focused Challenge Yourself Daily, and Learning a Second Language.

The podcast is beneficial for students as it provides quick and easy information. It will not only motivate you as a college student but also help to guide people with strategic ways to go about life decisions.

Money Confidential

Photo Courtesy of Money Confidential.

Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez, the host of the Money Confidential podcast, is recognized nationally as a money expert. She provides information about the world of debt, student loans, salaries, and even how to talk about money. Each episode is around thirty minutes long and is packed with information.

A podcast about money is for everyone and is especially relevant for college students. According to Saving For College, it is essential college students have financial skills as it will only benefit their future with money. College students are at a time in life where they need to determine why money is important and how it can affect their life.

Rodriguez provides adequate information about money for not only students but individuals at any stage of life.

Collegehood Advice

Photo courtesy of Collegehood Advice.

The host of this podcast is Katy Oliveira, a teacher, higher education administrator, and college instructor. There are 160 episodes and each one revolves around support for college students. The advice given in these episodes goes anywhere from a love life in college to how to stay ahead of your homework.

The Collegehood advice podcast is, in essence, a college life coach. You are provided with ways to enhance your college experience along with tips to be successful in college.

The College Investor Audio Show

Photo courtesy of The College Investor.

The College Investor Audio Show is a podcast dedicated to sharing information from the College Investor website. Host Robert Farrington founded the College Investor podcast and website. He provides students with information to be successful in everything surrounding money in college.

According to the website: “Robert Farrington has shared his successful student loan and wealth building expertise with thousands of young adults, both online, in person, and as a contributor to major publications such as Forbes and Huffington Post.”

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Children of Hope Academy looking for volunteers

by Emma BrownPosted on

Dixie State University students have the opportunity to volunteer for those with special needs.

The Children of Hope Academy is a non-profit charitable corporation that assists parents with help for their special needs children. It provides the opportunity for their children to reach their full potential.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the academy has had a harder time recruiting new volunteers.

Sherri Dial, director at Children of Hope Academy, said: “At the moment we are all volunteer-based. We try to have a volunteer for each student and then we tell them to help students be excited about learning and help them work on their goals.”

Children of Hope Academy needs volunteers Mondays – Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Anyone who is looking for an opportunity to serve and be part of a community can come at any time for even just an hour once a week.

“I like to be close to Dixie so I can get volunteers from Dixie,” said Diana Wade, founder of Children of Hope Academy.

Wade knows there are students at DSU who can be volunteers. One way a student from DSU can volunteer is by conducting a cooking class every Friday for the students.

There is more than one service opportunity within the Children of Hope Academy. They are looking for students from DSU to help with yard care, social media, and working hand-in-hand with the special needs students.

From the beginning Children of Hope Academy has been helped by the service of the community.

“This school is the greatest story of service in the community that I’ve ever experienced,” Wade said.

According to Children of Hope Academy’s website, “The story of the Children of Hope Academy begins way back in 1976 when Diana and Alton Wade welcomed their beautiful daughter Cindy, who was born with Downs Syndrome, into the world.”

Wade started the Children of Hope Academy in her home with eight students. In 2010 the building that they are now located in was donated for Diana to continue teaching.

Companies and organizations throughout St. George stepped up to offer help in renovating the building at no charge. In order to continue to give learning opportunities for special needs, volunteers are a great need.

Students who are looking to volunteer have the opportunity to do so. As you serve at the Children of Hope Academy you will learn along with the students.

If you are interested in volunteering, email nacdcoha@gmail.com. Children of Hope Academy is located at 1008 E 200 S.

“For a student to come and volunteer here they’d find out that they [special needs students] are growing,” Wade said. “Just watching them learn to do something that they couldn’t do before is so rewarding.”

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OPINION | COVID-19 vaccine should not be required

by Kristi ShieldsPosted on

Authorities of universities, businesses, airlines, states, etc. should not be allowed to require someone to have the COVID-19 vaccination to enter their premises or use their services.

Now, I’m not an anti-vaccination person. I get all my vaccinations and my 4-month-old son has gotten all of his so far and will continue to; however, under the circumstances of the COVID-19 vaccines, it’s not right to force someone to get one. 

These vaccinations are new and although the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Association, not every person is going to react the same to a vaccine; therefore should not be forced to get it. The Centers for Disease Control stated symptoms from the vaccine include pain, redness and swelling at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, chills, nausea and fever.

Additionally, the FDA collected data following the administration of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 Vaccine, which determined increased risk within a week following the second shot.

According to the FDA website: “The observed risk is higher among males under 40 years of age compared to females and older males. The observed risk is highest in males 12 through 17 years of age. Available data from short-term follow-up suggest that most individuals have had resolution of symptoms. However, some individuals required intensive care support.”

If the risk is highest among a young age group of males, and individuals from 17-49 years old only make up 25% of the hospitalizations and 5% of the deaths — which we don’t know the percentage who were immunocompromised — then I don’t see the point in healthy young individuals needing the vaccine.

I personally have not gotten the vaccine because I was nervous about how it would affect me while being pregnant. My husband got a high fever from his second shot and I didn’t want to risk getting a fever and harming my baby. I am currently breastfeeding and have been told by a few mothers that their babies didn’t want their breastmilk for a short period of time after they got the vaccine.

I am now considering getting it because it will be easier to attend a concert in October and visit Hawaii in December — two things I’ve had planned since the pandemic began.

I either have the option to get the vaccine or have a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the concert or travel. Hawaii even sets specific guidelines as to where you get the COVID-19 test and which one you can get.

It is unfair to push people into a corner like this just to be able to live their lives.

That being said, the vaccine is not overall bad. It can definitely benefit people, like the elderly or those who are immunocompromised. My mom is diabetic and shortly after she got the vaccine, she contracted COVID-19; her only symptoms were fatigue and a headache. I’m relieved she got the vaccine because who knows how bad her case would have been without it.

This leads to my next point: The vaccine does not prevent you from getting the virus or spreading it, it is merely a prevention treatment. The fact that it doesn’t actually prevent you from getting or spreading it, why should it be required? Yes, it should be encouraged, especially for those who are at higher risk, but for a healthy teenager who likely will not get a bad case of it if they contract it at all, it should not be forced on them.

We all have the agency to make our own choices. We live in a free country — or what’s supposed to be a free country. Something like a vaccine that we are putting in our own bodies should not be required.

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Credit card debate: To have or not to have

by Hannah HickmanPosted on
Deciding how to manage your finances can be a challenge. Listen to what Dixie State University students have to say about getting a credit card to decide if it’s right for you.

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OPINION | Not enough representation for POC on campus

by Yara Al-BadriPosted on

Representation for people of color on Dixie State University’s campus is heavily lacking.

According to St. George Utah Population, 87.96% of St. George residents are white. Due to St. George being predominantly white, students of color are not widely represented on campus.

Students of color not being represented well through their schools can cause a feeling of isolation. As a student of color myself, I have felt very isolated from my peers due to the differences in our lives culturally.

An article by the The Daily Universe stated: “African American students make up less than one percent of BYU students. Jackson and other African American students expressed feeling like outsiders because their race differs from the majority at BYU.”

Students statewide are expieriencing the same sort of isolation; this expierience isnt exclusive to DSU.

The conversation of diversity on campus has been brought up, but students of color are not being heard. Everyone has the right to their political freedoms, but oftentimes I find myself sitting in silence to ensure my safety in order to not set off another student because of my views. It’s become tiring educating my professors and peers about the racial injustices they will never have to face. 

“Diversity on college campuses enhances the educational experiences of students of all backgrounds,” the The Center for American Progress stated. “Evidence gathered by the Century Foundation suggests that racially integrated classrooms can reduce students’ racial bias, improve satisfaction and intellectual self-confidence, and enhance leadership skills.”

Minorities cover more than half of Utah. It’s time for a small town like St. George to open up to learn from them. DSU has the opportunity to learn from its multicultural students, allowing more culture to flow into academics.

“Let’s create truly inclusive, culturally competent experiences so that our students can stay, can feel a sense of belonging, they can leave with the degree they came for and ultimately reflect positively on their higher education experience,” The Deseret News article stated.

We don’t live in a post-racialism society and it’s time for DSU to really put in the effort to educate professors and students about the trials and tribulations minorities face. There is no chance for students of color if our education system isn’t making the effort to get educated themselves.

Change comes from listening, educators and staff. DSU can be doing more to showcase all the unique cultures that walk its campus by having a louder voice. Embracing culture is beautiful when done respectfully. Students being able to experience a culture differing from theirs would help eliminate the isolation students of color feel.

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DOCUTAH provides students with hands-on polytechnic experiences

by Emma BrownPosted on

Dixie State Univeristy’s DOCUTAH event involves students and staff, giving them a polytechnic experience.

DOCUTAH is an international film festival that features over 100 films from dozens of countries with numerous topics. Fourteen DSU students produced films that have been featured at DOCUTAH over the years.

“All films that our digital film students create are the result of rigorous training in the latest technology that is at the heart of modern filmmaking,” said Phil Tuckett, director of the DOCUTAH International Film Festival.

During the week of Nov. 1 – 6, special events will be happening to highlight the films in DOCUTAH. The live band from Los Angeles, Angelo Moore & The Brand New Step, will highlight the film, “ForeverMoore; The Angelo Project” on Nov. 4.

Six students from DSU were included in the production of “ForeverMoore; The Angelo Project.” All six students have gone through DSU’s digital film program.

Eric Campbell, a senior digital film major from Payson, said, “For students, getting a chance to help out on professionally made films is extremely beneficial because it gives them hands-on experience and an insight into what exactly it takes to make a film.”

Campbell’s job was to make the post-production sound as clear as possible. Removing background noise and increasing the quality of older media sources used in “ForeverMoore; The Angelo Project” with digital tools.

Campbell said he gained real-world experiences from working on this film. The hands-on experience provided is also compatible with DSU’s new polytechnic focus.

Digital film producer Tisa Zito said, “By providing that education in tandem with the theoretical, we are cutting out that grey area many graduates fall into with diploma in hand.”

During the week of events for DOCUTAH, dozens of international filmmakers will be on campus.

“Networking is also an extremely important part of the business, so making connections is good for any future job opportunities,” Campbell said.

Not only does DOCUTAH give good publicity for the students but it also promotes the digital film program at DSU.

Campbell said, “Having a selection that comes from filmmakers based here in southern Utah allows our locals to display their work and talent alongside filmmakers from across the worldwide film industry.”

As DSU transitions to fit the polytechnic focus, more hands-on learning will be implemented into all programs to give students opportunities similar to the digital film program.

“Filmmaking in itself is the very definition of experiential and applied learning,” Zito said.

DOCUTAH is an outlet for students, faculty, and staff. It showcases the polytechnic approach within the digital film program.

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Dorm room decorations to spruce up your bedroom

by Emma BrownPosted on

During the school your dorm room is your space to study, relax and live.

In July 2019, HGTV sent out a survey asking students about the importance of decorating their dorm room. According to HGTV, 82% of students say décor impacts the perception of their happiness, and 76% pay it impacts how successful they will be in their studies.

Mollie Hosmer-Dillard, visiting instructor of art, said: “If you spend the time to make the space feel nice, with good lighting, not too much clutter, nothing that impedes your movement, then it will have a positive impact on you on a daily basis.”

Homesickness

Living in a dorm is short term, but decorating it to suit your personality can affect homesickness.

Emma Sollis, a freshman graphic design major from Salt Lake City, said, “Having a place that you can go back to after a long day will make it feel more like your own reality instead of something similar to a hotel.

School is hard work so a place where you feel safe is comfortable when you moved away from the comforts of home.

Loft beds

Loft beds are handy to help students make the most out of small dorm rooms. With enough space under the bed, belongings can be stored with room to spare.

Bed risers are an affordable and safe way to lift your bed a few feet higher. To stay even more organized and maximize your space, use totes to place your belongings under your bed.

Lighting

Dorm rooms may not come with adequate lighting, but bringing lamps or string lights can help make the atmosphere more comfortable.

“Getting a few little lamps or a string of lights is an easy way to give a space a nice atmosphere,” Hosmer-Dillard said. “Make sure to look at the color temperature of your light bulbs and get warm ones.”

Our body has a natural rhythm that follows the light of the sun. Lighting indoors should be planned to help that rhythm stay on track. Warm lighting helps make you feel comforted whereas cool lighting helps you stay awake and focused.

Pictures

Pictures are a way to bring loved ones with you to college. One or two large pictures can suffice, but a collage of many pictures is a fun way to remember home.

Sending pictures online to a drug store such as Walgreens is an easy and cheap way to make a large statement picture collage.

Rugs

The carpet in dorms has been stepped on by hundreds of students from past years which can wear it down. A rug can bring more color and comfort to a dorm room all while covering worn down carpet.

Using a rug in a bathroom is great for in front of the sink too. You can even color coordinate between your room and your bathroom.

Plants

Miss your pet? Get a plant. It can be inspiring to watch a plant grow as you go through the semester.

Indoor plants that don’t require much care such as a succulent or even a few fake plants can liven up a small space.

The app Planta helps you to keep track of when to water plants to keep them healthy.

Scents

Candles are not allowed in dorms, but there are different ways to make your dorm smell good.

Room sprays are a quick way to add a smell to your dorm room, maybe even a scent that reminds you of home. Another option is essential oil diffusers. They are a natural way to add a scent to a room and can even be calming as they diffuse the smell into your dorm.

Comfortable bed

To stay on top of your game and be your best self at school, you need proper sleep. A comfortable bed with blankets and pillows that fit your personality can transform your dorm.

A thick throw blanket can help add color and texture to your bed as well as warmth. A large selection of comfortable and sturdy throw pillows can be moved around to support you while relaxing or studying.

“Its your space so making it your own is so important,” Sollis said.

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Get ready for Career, Internship Fair

by Madisyn DwigginsPosted on

Dixie State University Career Services is holding its annual Career and Internship Fair on Sept. 30 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. in the Gardner Ballroom Center.

From noon to 2 p.m., students have the option to get a complimentary professional headshot taken at the fair to use for their Handshake or LinkedIn profiles.

This fair is designed to help students meet with future employers, gain experience and knowledge about their field of interest and to see what work skills are needed.

“One of the best ways to explore your career is to interact and engage with professionals in fields and industries that interest you,” senior career counselor Rochelle Blatter said. “It will help validate your career path and/or help you find direction and information to help you make career-related decisions.”

Blatter said part of the Career and Internship Fair students have the opportunity to attend a student internship panel at noon. Students who attend will hear from past students who have completed internships and their experiences from it.

“I was able to apply things I had learned in the classroom while getting hands-on experience that is vital for my resume,” said Emilee Sheehy, a senior communication studies major from Riverton.

Through internships, students are able to decipher if the career path they are on is the right one for them.

“Internships are wonderful opportunities to utilize your experience,” said Chandler Whitlock, academic adviser for College of Humanities and Social Sciences. “Not to mention you can learn more about potential career paths.”

The Career and Internship Fair is also recommended for students who have already completed internships.

“Any experience is good experience,” Whitlock said. “A different internship can help develop your resume and offer networking opportunities that you can rely on for references.”

The fair includes common jobs but also job opportunities students may not have heard of.

“Students may be surprised to find some less obvious job opportunities that they otherwise would not be aware of,” said Michele Tisdale, academic adviser for College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

This event includes a variety of employers willing to give DSU students internship and career opportunities; this will allow students to make a plan for their future.

To attend the Career and Internship Fair register through Handshake or visit the Career and Internship Fair in the Gardner Ballroom Center.

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Blaze your own trail: Major, minor exploration fair

by Nasya ManciniPosted on

Trailblazers should get ready to blaze their own career trails with the Major and Minor Exploration Fair. 

Students can explore the Major and Minor Exploration Fair Sept. 29 from 1-4 p.m., in the Gardner Center Ballroom. DSU offers 71 different majors, 45 minors and 51 different certificates.

At this event, students can plan to visit academic advisers and career coaches to discuss the academic opportunities available to students. Academic advisers and career coaches will be able to help with all career planning questions. This fair is for prospective and current students that have considerations about exploring different majors, minors or certificates. 

Senior career counselor Rochelle Blatter talked about how beneficial the fair can be to all students. Blatter wants students to understand that even though they might already know their major, this fair can help if they want to add a minor or certificate in addition to their major. Blatter said students should consider adding minors into their degree as it gives students extra expertise.

Blatter advises students to look into the certificate programs DSU has to offer as they require fewer credits; this gives students more opportunities without committing to a major or minor. Blatter says that students can take certificates to job interviews, have on their resumes and that it sets students apart. Blatter also said any level of student can benefit from attending. 

“You make a lot of decisions right now with your career and future,” Blatter said. “In order to do that you really need to have the right information and see what opportunities are available. Anything you engage and interact with now is going to help you in your future.”

Brooks Brunke, a senior theater major from Austin, Texas, said he wishes he would have explored a minor in combination with his major because it would have given him a broader idea for careers and work. Brunke said with an added minor it would have given him more knowledge within his field. Brunke said students can broaden their horizons by going to the fair. 

“I don’t think anybody should be stuck to one thing,” Brunke said. “If you’re passionate about multiple things, keep going for it. Don’t just limit yourself to one thing.”

Academic advisers from each DSU college will be at the fair ready to advise students in the right direction. Bryan Jacobs, senior program adviser for communication and media studies, said the fair is full of information that he calls a great big shopping mall of opportunities. Jacobs said students can embellish their degrees with minors.

“If you’re not sure what the long-term goals are, it’s a really good way to test things out,” Jacobs said. “A minor can offer students more skill sets while building and preparing for more versatility when you graduate. This fair is a good time in your life to feel empowered to explore.”

Jacobs said he wants students to feel safe in this environment to come to look and explore a variety of opportunities. 

Get signed up today by registering through Handshake or by visiting the Career Services on the fifth floor of the Jeffrey R. Holland Centennial Commons or by calling 435-652-7737. 

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