Gazettenews for and by students

Issue 20 March 1, 2019

A panoramic view of a frozen Geneva Lake following a light snowfall.Photo by Kevin Eggert

Ah, how nice it is to have a snow day. No classes to wake up early for, an extra day for the procrastinating student to get his or her work done (or not), a day to relax inside nice and warm as opposed to walking across campus in the cold or driving on icy streets. All of this sounds comforting and perfect, until students and professors alike realize the consequences that come the next day, especially if there have been more snow days this semester than in the past 7 years combined. For much of this January and the beginning of February, students came into the classrooms wondering if there would even be a remote chance of later classes running or even if they would have a class in the morning due to frigid temperatures

or blizzard conditions. Everyone enjoyed this for the first few snow days, until that week in January

when we had to cancel classes 3 out of 5 days. Some of students felt their grasp on class concepts strained, when they couldn’t remember what they had learned two weeks before in anatomy and physiology. Others worried about how they’d make up the reading they’d left in their dorm when they went home for a planned two days that turned into four. Professors had it the worst of it all, however. With so many days out of the classroom, professors became slightly irritated with the weather and became even more worried about getting all their content in before the end of the semester. Improvising was key to combat this. Some professors resorted to online class sessions on Moodle where students would discuss topics in a slightly chaotic, but fun and productive manner. Some sent out messages saying to go over the PowerPoints posted online and be prepared

for discussion (whenever that would be). Some left the classrooms open for students to enter and work on group work. Overall though, all professors were adaptive and maintained their curriculums as best as they could due to weather circumstance and an occasional uncooperative Internet. That’s the best thing about this campus: adaptability and flexibility. We’re in the woods of Wisconsin on the shores of Lake Geneva. Weird weather shifts and strange environmental changes are to be expected to a degree. However, everyone is able to adapt and still get their education while still staying safe and comfortable when Mother Nature has a nasty mood swing. No matter what life throws at GWC, the campus will always find a way to bring forth quality education to its students, the new tomorrow.

Snow Day Panic On CampusBy Mariah White

As part of his Grand Challenges class for social work students, Professor Todd Tedrow took students to the Old Firehouse in Woodstock. Woodstock has a number of homeless - some in the community do not welcome them, but the Old Firehouse is a center where homeless people may come during the day for meals, conversation, camaraderie and medical treatment in a basic clinic periodically. When we were there, Professor Tedrow cooked a lunch of pizza casserole and we, the students, served the meal to the clients and heard their stories and narratives. It is only open from 9am to 3pm and after that the homeless leave, but, while we were there, it was quite an experience.

A Grand ChallengeBy: Marlene Vail

Social Work Students enjoy some Jenga as part of their work at the Old FirehousePhoto Provided by Todd Tedrow

Page 2GWC Gazette Clubs & Organizations

Join Us!By: Lorena Villagomez

For the last few semesters, it has become a tradition for students to volunteer with the organization Feed My Starving Children. Due to the immense interest in volunteering with FMSC, the Student Nursing Association and Students for Social Justice have decided to once again offer the opportunity for students to go and volunteer.

Feed My Starving Children is a nationwide non-profit organization whose goal is to feed children around the world. In 2017, over 1.2 million volunteers packed more than 333 million meals, reaching individuals all over the world. We want to continue increasing this number. On behalf of SNA and S4SJ, I hope you guys can join us once again to volunteer with Feed My Starving Children. The event will take

place on Monday, March 25th at 7:00pm to 8:30pm at their Libertyville, Illinois location. George Williams College will provide transportation to those students who wish to ride on the bus. Space is limited. If you wish to participate email Jenna Nimmer at jnimmer@gwc.aurora.edu . Look out for more information on this upcoming event!

Social Work Club Goings OnBy: Marlene Vail

The Professional Closet is a free resale shop where any student can take professional/career clothes off the racks to use for interviews after they graduate or in obtaining field internship positions. The idea behind it is that many students do not own a lot of business type clothes and this annual project by our club, which is open to all students, gives them access to professional clothing without spending a lot of money. Any clothes they can use they can retain. The club is currently collecting donations, so feel free to ask co-workers or family for any donations they would like to give to aspiring students ready to interview. Please give donations to Wendy Seerup in Lowrey 105. The clothing will be made available to share with students in April, just in time for the end of the semester. Additionally this semester, the Social Work Club is collecting knitted scarves for “Chase the Chill”. As soon as we gather enough, we will distribute to the community.

Responsible SolutionsBy: Casey Burmeister

Responsible Solutions has done a couple of activities this year which include the Great Backyard Bird Watch, growing herbs such as basil, rosemary, dill, cilantro, and thyme, and doing the annual maple tree tapping.

New Club: Photography Clubby Dora Contreras

Are you interested in photography? As part of Photo Club, I took this photo from the setting of the steps of the Conference Center looking towards the Lake. The purpose of our club is to just be able to improve our skills when in comes to photography and learn new things about it! We meet in the Beasley Campus Center during lunch on alternate weeks. Our next meeting is set for March 11th, we hope to see some new faces!

Meg Makasiar, Anna Featherstone, Dora Contreras, and Casey Burmeister try to stay warm while tapping maple trees for Responsible SolutionsPhoto Provided By Casey Burmeister

Club Members hang clothes on the rack in their Professional ClosetPhoto on right provided by Marlene Vail

Page 3GWC Gazette Around Campus

GWC Feels the Love for St. Valentine’s Day!By: Kevin Eggert

St. Valentine’s Day is a special day for many and this year was no exception. Aiming to help students see the spiritual aspect of this day, the Spiritual Advisory Council put together a gift bag for each undergraduate student. Each individual bag contained a Valentine’s card, chocolates, and even heart-shaped lollipops! These gift bags were then handed out to students in class, but with an even bigger surprise. Eros, the god of love (also known as Cupid), had come to visit the students as well and hand out the gifts! Students learned about the backstory and meaning of St. Valentine’s Day, and also learned about Cupid, who was equipped with a large bow and two powerful arrows. As one student put it, “It was the day of love!”

Pettit Center Ice Skatingby Meg Makasiar

On Friday, February 22, students attended an event sponsored by Intramurals where we went ice skating at the Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee, WI. The Pettit Center is an Olympic Training Site, speed skaters train and compete there. The facility also used for hockey, figure skating, and indoor running. The students who came along were all excited to skate. We put on our skates, and braced ourselves for the first steps on the ice. Luckily, it was only a matter of time before everyone got the hang of skating! While we took laps around the rink, hockey games were in session, kids in speed skates raced by, and runners kept their pace on the track that surrounded the ice. Overall going to the Pettit Center was a good experience for everyone who attended!

All Things Disney by Meg Makasiar

On February 21st, Disney trivia night was hosted by GWC Residence Life. The residents teamed up in pairs and tested their knowledge on all things Disney. Prizes were awarded to the top three scoring teams. With movie snacks on the line, trivia was a great way to have some friendly competition

RA Corner

February is the New DecemberBy: Lorena Villagomez

Winter this year has decided to prolong its stay and I can say, on behalf of all the GWC students, that we are over it! Students are no longer happy that classes are getting cancelled. Instead, they are worrying about all the missed work because of the snow days. Due to the stress caused by the multiple snow days, the RAs teamed up to create a relaxing afternoon for students who were stuck in the residence hall buildings due to yet another snow storm. The RAs with assistance of the Residence Hall Director

provided students face masks to relax on their snow day. Many residents showed up to the event. While some did face masks on a daily basis, others had never done a face mask. It was remarkable to see the students explaining to one another what the different face masks were used for and how to apply them. For an hour the students got to destress while they applied face masks and watched an episode of Criminal Minds. It was wonderful to see everyone out of their rooms not worrying when the next paper is due or how much studying they need to get done to get an A on the upcoming exam. Though this event was last minute, the students who participated seemed to appreciate

having something to do during the snow day. This is the time of year in which students get bored of being in their rooms due to the cold weather. The student life team is trying their best to provide events for the residents that will get them out of their rooms and into the community. Events, such as doing face masks, are a great way to develop a tight-knit community where students are comfortable to participate and get out of their comfort zone. As the semester continues, more and more events will be held in the residence hall buildings to continue developing the community. Let’s hope that spring gets here quickly so some of these activities can involve enjoying the nice warm weather.

amongst the residents on campus. The 1st place winners of Disney trivia were Adi and Hollie, Nick and Cheyenne were in 2nd place, Dora and Casey took 3rd place. The night was filled with laughter and fun! Trivia night would not have been successful without the help from Resident Hall Director Makenzie who prepared the trivia questions, checked answers, and prepared the prizes. Resident Assistant Dora had the job of

answering questions for her team, while she kept the scoreboard updated at the same time. A special thank you to the both of them. Since the Disney trivia night was so successful and everyone had a blast, the residents asked to have another trivia night! RHD Makenzie has a Disney Channel trivia night in the works! So if you are up for another challenge, stay tuned!

As a freshman, or a transfer student like I am, it can be difficult to attend events or sometimes it is scary to do something new. Intramurals and the other clubs at GWC, provide fun opportunities on and off campus, encourage you to get out of your comfort zone, and provide new experiences with your fellow students. My advice to anyone who is unsure if they want to attend events is: take opportunities as they come because the events that are offered through clubs at GWC end up being an experience to remember, and a great way to meet new people!

Page 4GWC Gazette

GWC Gazette Staff and Contributing Writers: Advisor: Dr. Harvey President and Co-Editor: Julia Kranenburg Co-Editor: Mariah White Contributors In Order of Appearance: Mariah White, Marlene Vail, Lorena Villagomez, Dora Contreras, Casey Burmeister, Kevin Eggert, Meg Makasiar, Ashlee Hohensee and Ashley Martin

Creative Corner

Captured By: Ashlee Hohensee

There’s something about a smile that makesMe force this machineTo capture each moment in clarity.Every dimple,Every impurity,Like the wrinkle that appears,When you smile and laugh.Every color that fills your skin.Captured. Having your picture taken, a challenge.Every imperfection pointed out,A reason to erase the moment,Where you were happy,Surrounded by family and friends.You, genuinely you.And that’s the beauty of photography.You, halted in that moment.Captured.Tough Love

By: Ashley Martin

Tough love is what I was taughtI knew the day was comingYour kidneys were failing, and you foughtYour fur was silky and goldenBig soft dark amber eyesSeeing you sick, everything unfolded Plain white bricked wallsCold metal table with a warm bodyNothing but blank stares while I bawledThe body become a zombieWith a shrug of the shouldersHands on my back walking out Only a collar to rememberMementos, what’s that?A pat on shouldersWalking care free planning the dayTough love is what I was taught

Midnight SongBy Mariah White

Silver bullet, eyes of amber stone through haunting hickory wood,Hunt for the warmth of night’s yellow light, yet all is silent still.

Midnight has come at last this winter night with gentle stars.A small lit clearing is up ahead, where all that lives is silent still.

Liquid rose from beating engine frees her icy fur with warmth.Wordlessly, the moon gently glints welcome, but all is silent still.

The small silver being gazes at the giant orb of light above.She lifts her head in greeting, and yet, all remains silent still.

The song repeats and goes to all who live amongst the trees,The saddened call reaches, but all remains calm, silent and still.

But wait, a loud horn screams. Damn the morning loon’s song!She must retreat, her prayer unheard. Return to wood, silent and still.

On the Lake Path GWC to Fontana Photo by Marlene Vail

Cold Reflection & BeaconPhotos by Kevin Eggert