Collegian T he Cameron University
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Monday, November 9, 2020
Volume 103 Issue 7 Photo by Lea Killian
MADISON LYDA
A CU SUCCESS STORY Lea Killian
Managing Editor CU Admissions Counselor and alumni Madison Lyda graduated with her Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Media Production last May. During her time at CU, she wrote as a student journalist for the Cameron “Collegian,” working her way from a staff writer to the managing editor. In addition to her work on the “Collegian” and being involved in other organizations at CU, Lyda had one college experience unlike any other: Being accepted into the Disney College Program. Lyda began dreaming of the Disney College Program when she was in the eighth grade and spent hours of her time researching and watching YouTube videos made by others who had been accepted. Even at a young age, Lyda was determined. “In my eighth grade free period,” Lyda said, “I was so obsessed with the idea of doing the Disney College Program that my teacher helped me draft a list of 300 questions that they could ask me in my interview. We studied every single day for an entire semester because I knew it was something I wanted so badly.” When Lyda first applied alongside 350,000 other applicants in her junior year of college, she believed her chances to be accepted were slim. From her research, she knew about Disney’s rigorous hiring process, but within a week of turning in her
What’s Inside
application, Disney had moved Lyda through all three application phases and accepted her into the program. Upon arriving, Lyda quickly learned that no day was the same as the day before, even arguing that every hour seemed different than the last. Usually finding comfort in well-balanced, familiar patterns, she was surprised at how exciting Disney’s unpredictable and demanding work schedule could be, some days having to wake up at 2:30 a.m. to get ready for work. On those days, she would get off work by 10:30 a.m. and have the rest of the day to herself. Outside of work, Lyda would attend classes taught by Harvard professors and Disney Imagineers. When she wasn’t working or attending class, Lyda began to understand the difference between living in Disney and simply visiting. Living in Florida gave Lyda the opportunity to explore every inch of the parks without the hassle and stress of a vacation time limit. “If you were hungry, you could just go to Magic Kingdom to eat a hot dog,” Lyda said. “If you wanted a beverage, you could go to Epcot and visit every country. There was no pressure to see everything because you were living there for eight months.” Even though the transition from Oklahoma to Florida was difficult at first, Lyda understood just how fortunate she was to have the opportunity. After acclimating to her new life, she never wanted to waste a second.
“It was nice because you knew that you were the lucky ones,” Lyda said. “There are so many people that can’t even afford to visit the park, and here you are, living there. I lived two blocks from Hollywood Studios. If I went to the top of my apartment building, I could see the Tower of Terror. I would always just go, even if I didn’t have a plan. I never stayed home.” After Lyda completed her time with the Disney College Program, she returned to CU to finish her degree. At this time, she also resumed her job as the Managing Editor of the “Collegian.” Print media wasn’t always one of Lyda’s passions, noting that the only reason she first applied for a staff writer position was because she wanted to use the scholarship money to help pay for her tuition. “I had no intentions of staying with it or crafting my writing or learning any new skill, but toward the end of my first semester as a staff writer, I realized that it was something I really enjoyed,” Lyda said. Through middle school and high school, Lyda felt like she was never truly taught how to write correctly. She often felt as though she wasn’t as smart or as gifted as other students, but when she joined the “Collegian,” her self-esteem began to change.
See LYDA page 2
History made with new drug initiative
“Eight Reindeer Monologues”
Interview with Preston Meek
Page 3
Page 4
Page 6
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News
November 9, 2020
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LYDA continued from page 1 “Knowing that someone actually took the time to show me how to do things right started easing my anxiety and made me feel like I was actually on par with everyone else," Lyda said. "That was when I decided to try to make the leap for an editor position.” The determination that drove eighth grade Madison Lyda to practice 300 question interviews and spend hours researching the Disney College Program had started to help her reach the brand-new goals that she set for herself. When Lyda was hired as the Student Life page editor, she was a PLUS scholar and heavily involved in RHA and PAC, making her the perfect person to write about events and organizations on campus, but what really started to garner Lyda’s attention was the layout and design aspect of the job. At first, she was nervous about the responsibility of having to not only write stories for the page, but also design something aesthetically pleasing and eye-catching. Lyda was also worried about learning the software used to design the pages and getting better at photography. However, after she designed her first page and received praise from Mr. David Bublitz, the newspaper adviser, she found her confidence again. “That reassurance and positivity from a mentor and from someone that I looked up to was a driving force behind realizing that I wanted to keep doing this,” Lyda said. “I might not be good at it, but this person is saying that I’m producing good work. Someone is saying that I am worth more than my thoughts would have me believe.” Over the semester, Lyda’s designs started to improve, but it wasn’t until the following semester that she found herself completely enthralled with the design process, often getting distracted in classes trying to come up with layout ideas for the next issue of the newspaper. Her work didn’t go unnoticed. The managing editor at the time came to her and said, “You’re going to design the front page of the newspaper.” Lyda’s initial response? “Absolutely not.” She was still unsure about her abilities as a graphic designer, but Lyda said that having someone continue to believe in her drove her to create a design she truly loved. “The design was for the Native American Student Association’s Indigenous Peoples Day,” Lyda said. “Not only was it a sensitive topic, but I have ties with that culture in my family. My grandmother was a Kiowa princess, and I wanted to make her proud.” After completing the design, she said it was the first time she felt like she had done something truly well. “The ‘Collegian’ is the reason I started dreaming for myself,” Lyda said. After graduation, Lyda applied for the Admissions Councilor position at CU. She did apply for editing positions at Disney, but when the COVID-19 pandemic began, Lyda knew the timing just wasn’t right. More than that, Lyda said she wanted to return to CU to work because when she first started as a student, she had no idea about Journalism and Media Production or the Art and Theatre Departments. “I thought that was a crime,” Lyda said. “We have incredible programs here on campus. These students are coming here and, yes, some of them want to be lawyers or teachers, but some of them of secretly want to be graphic designers, painters and photographers. The admissions team did a great job beforehand, but I really wanted to change our outlook on the way that we were recruiting students ... I wanted to show them that their brightest, most creative side can shine through with a degree here. I wanted to tell them about Dr. Matt Jenkins, who makes his own movies. I wanted to tell them about Professor Bublitz and his published collection of poetry. I wanted to tell them about Dr. Christoper Keller who basically changed the life of every student in this department. It was the journalist coming out in me. I wanted those students to be seen, and I wanted them to be heard.”
Photos by Lea Killian
Ultimately, Lyda wants perspective students to feel the way she felt when she first joined the “Collegian” and started receiving praise for something she didn’t even know she had a skill for yet. She makes it her mission to guide every student in the direction their heart desires because that is what was done for her. Being out of school has given her the opportunity to research things she didn’t have time for before, such as social media branding and marketing. With her design experience on the “Collegian,” she knows she wants to make a career out of it, and intends on applying for the Communications Masters Program at the University of Oklahoma to improve her craft and learn more about those aspects of Journalism and Media Production. Lyda also intends on reapplying for the editing internships at Disney when the time is right. Ultimately, her goal is to work for a large marketing agency, but as of the last four years, she has the biggest dream of working for Netflix. “It came to my head one day and ever since then, I’ve been dead set. I’m passionate about it and I know I can get there, because at one point, I felt the same way about Disney. Sure, it’s an offthe-wall dream and it sounds crazy, but I know I want to work for Netflix. The
“Collegian” gave me the opportunity to dream and find my passion and have hope for my future, and this was one of the goals that it gave me, one of the dreams that it allowed me to pursue. At one point, I was thinking, ‘I want to work for Netflix, but it’s never going to happen,’ and now I think to myself, ‘I want to work for Netflix. It’s not going to happen right now, but just like Disney, it will come to me when it’s ready.’” For more information regarding student media, contact Dr. Matt Jenkins at mattj@cameron.edu or Professor David Bublitz at dbublitz@cameron.edu.
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Voices
November 9, 2020
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party lines trippin’ on drug decriminalization Amanda King Voices Editor
While the presidential election rages on — and consequently, other groundbreaking news takes a backseat position — why don’t we ponder another revolutionary change in our country? Buried in the headlines this week, one state’s election hit a major historical moment for America. This state is Oregon, and this week, voters passed a ballot measure that has decriminalized small possessions of methamphetamine, heroin, and other “hard drugs.” According to the Associated Press, this measure will entirely shift how Oregon’s legal justice system deals with citizens found with “personaluse amounts” of these drugs. See, rather than facing jail time, Oregon’s residents will now have the options of either paying a small fine or attending one of their new recovery centers — which will be paid for by the tax revenue from Oregon’s booming, legalized marijuana industry. When I first saw this news headline, I was stunned. Then horrified. Is Oregon insane? Why on Earth would they do this? But after really thinking about it for more than a second, I realized that as shocking as this new approach to dealing with drug crimes is — it’s actually a good thing.
In fact, a very good thing. To start, it’s no secret that the criminalization for hard drug usage has significantly contributed to America’s prison overcrowding. I don’t think I need to explain the issues raised by overcrowding — not the least of which is that it allows for dangerous prisoners to slip through that crack called “freed as a result of overcrowding.” Moreover, hard drug usage is arguably a victimless crime — although it does generally touch the user’s life negatively, as well as the lives of their friends and family. Some of the decriminalized drugs can have dangerous effects on human behavior; however, alcohol does this too, no? And what is the difference between getting into an accident while drunk and beating someone up while high on cocaine? As far as the justice system is concerned — nothing. Regardless of whether an offender is using alcohol or drugs, it doesn’t change the fact that a crime was committed and thus, now there is a criminal penalty. This is why I think Oregon’s new initiative makes sense: In cases where addiction isn’t present, people can engage with these drugs harmlessly without facing jail time for the drugs themselves. And just like with alcohol or anything else that alters one’s state of mind, a punishment will ensue if
one’s drug usage causes harm to other people. Even in situations where addiction is present, Oregon’s new treatment centers will be a much better alternative to jail time for dealing with drug dependence. And let’s not even get into the irony of paying for said treatment centers with money from marijuana business. However, I can see why some people might think this measure is dangerous. Addiction is obviously the biggest threat here — new and existing. Now that they wouldn’t be looking at prison time for it, people might explore these new drugs — and subsequently send themselves down that long, hard road to recovery. Or, people who already partake in hard drug usage elsewhere in the country might flock to Oregon — and subsequently turn the state into, for lack of a better phrase, a population of junkies. But truthfully, I think that, regardless of whether either of these situations come to pass, decriminalizing hard drugs is a monumentally beneficial step forward for America. In fact, I think it might even make hard drugs less addictive — by way of removing the stigma of using said drugs, as well as removing the taboo nature of the drugs themselves, people could potentially be less-inclined to engage with them at all.
Or at least, less-inclined to engage with them long term. Psychologically speaking, people are usually more tempted to try something that is off limits — just look at America’s underage drinking stats. There is even a fair amount of evidence on which to base an argument that decriminalizing hard drugs leads to lower addiction rates. Although this practice is new in America, the U.S. is not the first country to push this initiative. As per the United Nations, countries such as Switzerland, the Netherlands and Portugal decriminalized small possessions of hard drugs years ago. In Portugal, the decriminalization in 2000 actually caused drug deaths to fall — while drug addiction recovery rose, and then stabilized. While the risks of Oregon’s new measure are by no means insignificant, they are definitely not insurmountable. Any negative effects are far outweighed by the progressive changes that this initiative will highlight in both residents and the legal justice system. This reform could potentially be a tremendous advance for more than just Oregon — it could be a grand step forward for America as a whole. Because personally, I think that if 49 other states follow in Oregon’s footsteps — this country will be all the better for it.
About Us
The official student newspaper of Cameron University, The Cameron Collegian is available twenty Mondays during the year. It is printed by the Lawton Constitution. The first issue is provided for free. Each subsequent issue is $1.50.
Our Views
The opinions expressed in The Collegian pages or personal columns are those of the signed author. The unsigned editorial under the heading “Voices” represents the opinion of the majority of the editorial board. The opinions expressed in The Collegian do not necessarily represent those of Cameron University or the state of Oklahoma. Our student media are designated public forums, and free from censorship and advance approval of content. Because content and funding are unrelated, and because the role of adviser does not include advance review of content, student media are free to develop editorial policies and news coverage with the understanding that students and student organizations speak only for themselves. Administrators, faculty, staff or other agents shall not consider the student media’s content when making decisions regarding the media’s funding or faculty adviser.
Letters Policy THE CAMERON UNIVERSITY
COLLEGIAN Founded in 1926 veritas sempiterna
Editorial Staff
Managing Editor - Lea Killian A&E Editors - Cam Alsbrook Voices Editor - Amanda King Copy Editor - Brittney Payette
Newsroom Staff
Staff Writers - Alison Malawey Financial Officer - Susan Hill Faculty Adviser - Prof. David Bublitz
Letters to the editor will be printed in the order in which they are received and on a space available basis. The Collegian reserves the right to edit all letters for content and length. Letters should be no more than 250 words. Letters from individual authors will be published only once every four weeks. All letters from students should include first and last names, classification and major. Letters from people outside the Cameron community should include name, address and phone number for verification. Letters can be sent by mail, by e-mail to aggiecentral@ cameron.edu or they may be dropped off to the Academic Commons 101.
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A&E
November 9, 2020
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Photos by Cam Alsbrook
Keeping up a strong rhythm: Music Senior Jacob Austin plays the piano as his instrument of choice. Throughout Fall 2020, the Music department has implemented additional restrictions to increase social distancing for vocal classes and barrier protections for instrument courses.
Things to note about the
Music Department
Cam Alsbrook A&E Editor
Over the course of Fall 2020, the Music Department has had to make extensive changes to how students do coursework and practice work. Dr. Gregory Hoepfner, one of the department professors, said the distancing for vocal education classes is larger than guideline suggestions, alongside the mask and other policies in place. “Following the university guidelines, we’re all in masks,” Hoepfner said. “Desks are spaced apart per instructions. We stay apart from each other as much as possible. Voice lessons are especially problematic since we do not have them in our offices anymore. We find larger rooms, carry the books to them, keep the students 12 feet or more away from us while they sing
and conduct the lesson with a lot more space.” Senior Khalil CabreraTosado said that classes have acclimated to the challenges of COVID-19. “For obvious reasons, I have had to get used to singing into a mask,” Tosado said. “At first, being honest, it was uncomfortable, but thanks to people out there with smart ideas, we have had innovations for our masks in order for us to sing more comfortably.” According to Dr. Hyunsoon Whang of the Music Department, students, faculty and staff are following safety protocols, and Physical Facilities contributed mobile plexiglass stands to place between students. “Students are asked to wash their hands right before their piano lessons,” Whang said. “We check temperature and wear masks during lessons. We feel pretty safe and are thankful to have lessons in person.” The COVID-19 pandemic has birthed COVID-19 inspired music pieces and transformed the music production industry. Tosado highlights the music
department for contributing to this shift and said that produced pieces try to restore hope. “I have noticed that each song that was composed or expressed through the COVID-19 pandemic was to serve as an uplifting factor for everyone to find the hope that they thought would never come back,” Tosado said. “Some of the musicians that have been inspired by the Pandemic to create are actually faculty members of the Music Department, Dr. J.D. Little and Dr. Gregory Hoepfner. These two gentlemen phenomenally create pieces.” Hoepfner said they think not enough people recognize the changes to music that were required to happen to accommodate the pandemic. “I feel sad,” Hoepfner said. “I’m guessing many people don’t realize that the songs sound good because of the editing that takes place after the recording. There is no way to have multiple people performing together in sync with today’s internet speeds. Everything must be recorded separately, and then edited together to work. It’s
interesting — but no substitute for live work.” For students struggling to deal with the pandemic, mental health needs to be nurtured by talking with others and seeking professional help, Whang said. “If we all practice good hygiene, social distancing and keep our masks on, we will minimize the risk of being infected or infecting others,” Whang said. “It is challenging but hang in there, don’t lose sight and keep the faith. This shall too pass. Be good to yourself and be considerate to others.” Tosado wishes well to those who have lost loved ones during the pandemic, and to not lose hope for a better tomorrow. “Even though things will never be the same — and change will always be uncomfortable — life will continue,” Tosado said. “Life can be just as fun and as entertaining as you start looking at this pandemic in another perspective. Masks are horrible, social distancing is horrible, but hope is still there for a better tomorrow,
love is still there to express to everyone, joy is still there when you feel discouraged. To the ones that have lost a loved one to the virus, my deepest condolences and my prayers go to you, also with the same urge to find joy and hope again, I hope you find peace.” The Music Department lists events on the Cameron calendar or in the music office for students to stay informed about upcoming events — with COVID-19 regulations in place, of course. Hoepfner said, ideally, if things go well before next spring, the department may have a broadway musical planned for Spring 2021. Otherwise, Whang said that for future students looking back on this period of the COVID-19 pandemic to note that the university has done its best to persevere alongside the leadership of President John McArthur and Vice President Dr. Ronna Vanderslice. Hoepfner wishes that people who are not taking the pandemic seriously would begin to do so. “Anyone that believes that this is a real pandemic and that certain guidelines need to be followed is doing what is needed,” Hoepfner said. “The others are just ignoring it as much as possible because of ‘personal freedoms’ and no amount of my begging is going to change their minds. “ Tosado wants people to make historical note of the COVID-19 pandemic for what it is — a chance to learn. “To the future students of Cameron, this wasn’t just uncomfortable to the students,” Tosado said. “The faculty and staff have made sure to run the extra mile to keep themselves safe as well as keep the joy of education free-roam in this campus. Look back at this moment as a reference. What happened in the past can only stay in the past, what happens in the future is up to you and how you view your journey.”
November 9, 2020
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Student Life
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CU Students Seige the Stage ‘Eight Reindeer Monologues’ cast prepares for show Brittney Payette Copy Editor
The Cameron Theatre department is putting on their production of the “Eight Reindeer Monologues” at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19-21 and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 22. “The Eight Reindeer Monologues” is an adult dark comedy about Santa’s reindeer, who accuse Santa of harassment and corruption. Santa’s reindeer end up revolting against one another, with Comet and Dasher going up against Vixen, Cupid, and Blitzen. Dancer and Hollywood are unwilling to take sides — and serve as referees. Comet and Dasher plot against Vixen and Blitzen, and Cupid tries to comfort Vixen. The cast includes Curtis Myers (Dasher), Ciara Renee (Vixen), Cole Nolin (Comet), Aubrey Waxler (Blitzen), Connor Reid (Cupid), Mark Branson (Hollywood), Shalyn Bowles (Dancer), and Dakota Barbee (Donnor). The cast and crew have been hard at work designing everything from the costumes, to the lighting, to the sets. The design team is made up of Cameron University students. Stephanie Sabol, Lawton, is
the stage manager; Sidni Blalock, Duncan, is the make-up designer and sound board operator; Maliah Davis, Lawton, is the lighting board operator; Emily Whatley, Duke, is the scenic charge artist; and Carmen Head, Alvarado, Texas, is the house manager. The director of this production is Scott Richard Klein, the costume designer is Eric Abbott, and the lighting and scenic designer is Ben Williams. Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for senior citizens, military, Cameron faculty and staff and non-Cameron students. Cameron students receive one free admission with their CU I.D. Also upcoming in Cameron’s Theatre Department is “Waiting for Gadot.” Auditions for the Cameron production of “Waiting for Gadot” are Dec. 1-3, and the performance for is Feb. 18-21. Auditions for Disney’s “Freaky Friday the Musical” are Feb. 6-7 and the performance is scheduled for April 15-18. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, seating for the performances will be limited. To make reservations, call the box office at (580) 581-2480 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Photos by Brittney Payette
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Sports
November 9, 2020
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Photo by Cam Alsbrook
Meek and powerful: Sophomore Computer Science major Preston “Ender_Blade” Meek is one of the Pickaxes’ players for the “Super Smash Bros.“ division. He joined as part of the initial roster during Fall 2019; since then, he has worked his ability to adapt to his new opponents.
Beginning of the end An interview with Preston “Ender_Blade” Meek Cam Alsbrook A&E Editor
Preston “Ender Blade” Meek of the Cameron Pickaxes’ Super Smash Bros. Ultimate division has been on the team since its inception in Fall 2019. over the course of the past year, Meek has worked hard to improve his skills in the game, pushing his technical ability as much as he can. Meek said that he has noticed his improvement, learning from the friends he has on the team. Pickaxe player Micah Elroy said that Meek’s growth rate for learning the game has been phenomenal. “If there was a mostimproved trophy, it would go to him,” Elroy said. “He went from not understanding how the game works to going toeto-toe with some of the top players from both our team and our region.” Meek’s first local event with the team was at the Extra Life charity event. “My favorite experience being on the team is probably last semester,” Meek said. “Due to being able to go out of town to a tournament with most of our players and having so much fun together — while also being able to experience and learn from the tournament as
well.” Meek joined the esports team due to a shift in interest, originally considering trying out for the League of Legends division. “I had played ‘Smash’ in the past, but only casually,” Meek said. “It wasn’t until I met a new friend through a different program that I started getting more interested in ‘Smash’. He is one of the top players of the area, and we hit it off immediately. It was then I asked to play some ‘Smash’ together. He started showing me tips and tricks and just overall helped me learn to enjoy the game while being competitive at it. It was at then I realized I also wanted to try out for the ‘Smash’ team.” Meek said that during COVID-19, the team has adopted schedule changes to break the team up into smaller groups. “We have scheduled practices that are based around our schedules that don’t last long and are only once a week, allowing me to still easily do my class work while practicing with my teammates,” Meek said. “Also, during free time, some of us might get on the online mode together and practice.” Meek also gave advice for students. “My advice for fellow students during
the semester is to not let your dreams just be dreams,” Meek said. “Make those dreams into a reality by reaching out for them and working towards them any way you can. I started out on the ‘Smash’ team as the absolute worst player on the team in my opinion. Everyone — and I mean everyone — beat me without breaking a sweat most of the time. It wasn’t until I dedicated myself to learning and applying my new skills and knowledge that I got better. Now can beat most of my teammates pretty evenly now.” Despite that, Meek credits some of the issues he faces to a lack of match-up knowledge between his characters and others, as well as still understanding how the game processes inputs with the buffer system it has. When it comes down to continued learning of the game, Meek said that he plans to work on technical skill and mentality. “I hope to improve on my combos as well as my patience at times.” Meek said. “I can get nervous and rush too fast at tournaments, making low level mistakes I normally wouldn’t make playing against my friends.” Meek’s playstyle for the game is determined in
the moment, prioritizing adaptability against his opponents. “I adapt from playing very aggressive — not giving my opponent room to think — to playing defensive and punishing every mistake the opposing player does,” Meek said. Elroy said that he wishes people understood that the game is very intricate despite its casual appearance. “I wish people understood that it isn’t a game you can pick up and play for a couple of days and hop into competitive expecting to win,” Elroy said. “Just because you beat your friend group doesn’t mean you can win a tournament first try.”
Elroy also said that he learned perseverance and willpower for the game from Meek’s journey of growth. “I learned that there is a way to keep a solid attitude and mindset despite things not going your way,” Elroy said. “Preston had to learn by losing. Yet he would always take it with a smile on his face and contemplate what he did wrong.
Eventually, he started taking games off all of us.” If not ‘Smash Bros. Ultimate’, Meek would be competitively involved in a popular first-person shooting game title. “If I could play another game competitively It would probably be ‘CS:GO’ [Counter-Strike: Global Offensive],” Meek said. “Just because of the number of hours I have put into the game and the enjoyment I get when playing it with friends.” Whether ‘Smash’ or elsewhere, Elroy and the other members of the Pickaxes’ ‘Smash’ Division agree that Meek brings an unreplaceable, positive energy to the team.
Graphic by Cam Alsbrook