LIFESTYLE

Many people struggle with mental health issues. Mental health struggles are common, with many dealing with the challenges of depression and anxiety, which can affect themselves or their peers. 

While the experiences vary, so do the way people express those challenges—whether it’s through isolation or possibly lashing out at others. 

Regardless of demographics or wellbeing, those trials creep onto everyone at some point. 

Even if you are struggling, if you see someone else struggling, the worst thing you can do is be closed off to others. Share your burden; be the person to offer resources, if possible. It can also be helpful to sit next to them and have a heartfelt conversation or have a genuine interaction with them, because there’s nothing to lose. Connecting with others and seeking professional services is how you pull each other out of the rubble. 

Rose State offers numerous resources to Raiders. These include: on-campus counseling, TimelyCare online and the Campus Resource Center, which offers free food, toiletries and clothing. 

Sara Etzkora, Rose State respiratory therapy major, said her professor was unwilling to change her lab time despite her mother being sick. 

However, this is not the case with all faculty and staff. Communicating with professors is something students are always encouraged to do as it can help faculty members understand absences or missing assignments. 

“I thought college would be all freedom and friends, but instead I’m drowning in assignments, barely sleeping and wondering if anyone else feels this empty,” said Christian Bly, Rose State computer engineering major. 

The reality is there are going to be challenges when pushing toward a goal, whether it’s through college or working hard to get a new promotion at a job. 

Support groups can help. This can be someone you relate to or someone you can simply vent your issues to without any worries. People who can help you with homework outside of class if needed and friends who can reel you in when you feel too antsy about moving up in your job. 

Overall, mental health can differ for everyone. Everyone struggles, but there are absolutely levels to it. It would be dishonest to say everyone's struggles are the same. 

In this day in age, we need to help each other out more than ever, being alone is the worst thing you can do to yourself and others. Lean on one another. There is nothing to lose, but everything to gain. 

If you or someone you know is struggling, Rose State Counseling Services can be contacted at 405-733-7373. On the SSO login, you can directly tap into TimelyCare. You can download the app and login with your student email. If it is an emergency, call or text 988 to be connected with a mental health professional.

Illustration by Michelle Johnson

What is universalism? “A theological doctrine that all human beings will eventually be saved.” Merriam-Webster. This also partially mirrors the term pluralism, “A theory that there are more than one or more than two kinds of ultimate reality.” Merriam-Webster. All religions are somewhat obscured in universalism, and they are all worshiping or following the same divine entity. While pluralism supposes the idea of different heavens and divine entities existing simultaneously.

I believe that exclusivism is more rational and tolerant than universalism or pluralism. I have bias, being a Christian myself, but the bias would still apply if the author were instead agnostic and didn’t believe in a specific religion, or if the author were from a different religion. You really can’t talk about this and not have a bias; I would say you would even need one to talk about it. Exclusivism is “The practice of excluding or of being exclusive.” Merriam-Webster. I am not going to argue that my religion is better than any other. However, I am going to argue that most religions are inherently incompatible with each other, and it is illogical.

Exclusivism can be looked at as arrogant and self-righteous, declaring my ideas are better than yours. There are many people like that, especially in the religious sector. The same can be said about universalism. Some universalists condemn others for not accepting their more open view. A universalist way of looking at it is still exclusive because they hold all of them correct, excluding the idea of only one being correct. No matter how you look at it, people are going to hold some ideas and ideologies higher than others. And that’s okay, you can very much be exclusive to your religion while respecting others.

Are you really respecting all religions if you say it doesn’t matter, and they all go to heaven? Do you really believe in what you say you follow if you think all people or all religions are going to heaven anyway? Is it all just meaningless?

Most religions are built on faith, but that faith is not blindly given out. People are logical and follow what they deem reasonable. Three logical arguments are crucial to understand why the major religions are incompatible. 1.) The Law of Non-Contradiction. A thing can’t be A while also not being A. 2.) The Law of Identity. A is A. 3.) The Law of Excluded Middle. A thing must be either true or false. It can’t be both true and false or neither.

Aren’t we really just worshiping the same God? The God of Christianity is one being revealed in three persons; this is heresy in the opinion of Muslims and Jews. To Islam and Judaism, there is one God and only one. 

“…So believe in Allah and his messengers and do not say, 'Trinity.' Stop!—for your own good. Allah is only One God. Glory be to Him! He is far above having a son!...” (Sura 4:171). “…Whoever associates others with Allah ˹in worship˺ will surely be forbidden Paradise by Allah. Their home will be the Fire. And the wrongdoers will have no helpers…” (Sura 5:72). 

Islam sees worshiping Christ Jesus as blasphemy. They believe Jesus is a prophet and not divine. “And ˹on Judgment Day˺ Allah will say, “O Jesus, son of Mary! Did you ever ask the people to worship you and your mother as gods besides Allah?” He will answer, “Glory be to You! How could I ever say what I had no right to say?” (Al-Ma'idah 5:116). In this passage in the Quran, Allah asks Jesus if he ever told people to worship him, and Jesus replies no because it only belongs to Allah. In Islam, Jesus is only a prophet and does not save the world. Which directly contradicts the Bible. Christians worship Jesus as Lord and Savior. Therefore saying that both religions go to the same heaven is illogical and contradictory in nature due to the established differences in their beliefs. 

Christianity says that the only way to eternal life is through faith in Christ Jesus, the Son of God. “...Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:11-12). Calling back to the Law of the Excluded Middle. Jesus can’t be the savior of the world and also not be the savior of the world at the same time. How can he be just a prophet while also being God in flesh? 

Buddhism and Hinduism don’t even believe in a personal god at all. Their god is impersonal. A being that transcends the whole universe and is connected throughout everything impersonally. It is abstract and goes beyond a personal deity. 

In Hinduism, you reincarnate in the world until you finally reach Brahmin (the Hindu deity/ultimate reality) and join the impersonal energy and lose your personal identity. 

While in Buddhism, Nirvana (the Buddhist deity/ultimate reality) is essentially nothing; it is the lingering sense after a candle is blown out. It is nothing but something at the same time. 

Hinduism and Buddhism do believe in lesser gods, but their ultimate being is impersonal and is what you join with after death. Islam, Judaism and Christianity claim their God is personal. The believers can have a relationship with him like any other person and He requires worship. God can’t be both personal and impersonal. That breaks the law of identity, A is A. You could say the God of Christianity exists in Brahmin or Nirvana, but that is impossible. Christianity claims that God created all things and that nothing would exist without him. He is all-powerful and all-knowing. He wouldn’t be all-powerful if there existed an impersonal thing that influenced and was a part of everything, especially something that is never mentioned in his word (that being the Bible).

The argument that everyone is climbing the same mountain and they are all taking different paths to get there is an interesting theory. However, it diminishes in credibility when you consider the end goals of other religions. If the goal of all religions were to make people better, then I think that almost all of them succeed in a general sense. There are still terrible atrocities done in the name of a higher power. 

Eastern religions like Hinduism and Buddhism believe in reincarnation until you finally ascend to the higher plane, ultimate reality or cease to exist. The timeline of the world is often depicted as a circle that extends indefinitely. If you step into a river, someone in the future will do the exact same thing while someone in the past stepped there before you. While Western religions like Islam, Judaism and Christianity have a set beginning and end to the world. The world was crafted by a personal God with a plan. To Eastern religions, everything is repeating, while to Western religions, everything is essentially new.

In Judaism and Islam, your good deeds are weighed against your bad deeds, and if the good outweighs the bad, you make it into heaven or the ultimate reality. While in Christianity, God looks at what His Son did for you in your place, making you sinless in His sight, and all you have to do is repent and put your faith in Him. This is a simplified overview of the different objectives these religions explore.

These religions worship different deities and plan to go to different places. There is a famous illustration of the blind men and the elephant. They all feel different parts of the elephant, and since they can’t see the whole thing, they all come to different conclusions. This originates in Indian tradition and is used to explain the differences between ultimate reality and shared truths in religions. This story only supports universalism. 

People are interpreting the same thing differently, versus in pluralism, where there is a coexistence of different divine realities. The problem is that the author of the parable claims to know absolute truth. They profess all religions have a little wrong in them, but by saying that, they claim to see the whole elephant. That is inherently exclusive. Truth is not relative because if it were, we wouldn’t know that the blind men were mistaken in their assumptions of what an elephant was. You can’t say someone is wrong unless you claim to know what’s right. The universalist claims to know the truth, making him exclusive in his beliefs. It only differs if you're blind and the universalist claims to be the one who can see all. This goes back to what I mentioned earlier. These religions are not touching the same thing. The elephant example can make sense of all religions having similarities at the surface, but these religions contradict each other. They aren’t all touching the same thing. They aren’t getting their divine revelation from the same place.

Dr. Guy Crain, Rose State philosophy professor, is an Eastern Orthodox Christian. “…to cut to the chase, I mean strictly speaking universalism is a heresy according to the Orthodox Church, but that's because you're claiming to know it's going to happen, not because it's not possible….” Crain does believe there is wiggle room. That wiggle room lies in different sects of Christianity and not in other contradictory religions.

To approach religion from a tolerant perspective, one can adopt a universalist approach. However, it insults almost every major religion by basically saying ‘they all mean nothing.’ I believe the focus should be shifted to what happens after death. Not enough people care about their own mortality.  

The topic is important, and people should look into it for themselves. I’m not here advocating for my religion, even though I believe it’s the correct one and you should choose it, but you should weigh the evidence for yourself and make your own decision.

Should Rose State implement more green initiatives in its campus?

At the end of each semester, students and teachers alike are left with piles of notes and papers that eventually get forgotten about or thrown away. College campuses throughout the United States produce hundreds of pounds of solid waste every year. Rose State College previously engaged in more eco-friendly practices, like recycling. Maybe it is about time for us to bring that back. 

Starting small would be ideal; the faculty and staff in every division of Rose State College use an exceptional amount of paper, for instance. Placing paper bins in offices throughout the school would make a dramatic change in the amount of waste that leaves our campus. 

On average, untreated paper typically takes anywhere from two to six weeks to decompose in ideal conditions. However, coated or laminated papers, like those used in magazines, can range anywhere from several months and even years to properly decompose.  

Rose State College is a growing school, and it would be a good initiative to implement these practices to keep up with larger schools in our area. The University of Oklahoma, the University of Central Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University all have recycling on their campuses, which shows a growing commitment to sustainability. If Rose State chose to engage in more eco-friendly practices, it would enhance our reputation as a sustainable institution.

“Recycling can educate people and help encourage responsible waste management and that becoming a recycling campus can be one more step toward making us a better campus,” said Jazmyne Boyles-Vance, an academic advisor at Rose State. 

Not only can implementing recycling on our campus enhance our reputation, but it can teach people the importance of waste management and help improve the environment.

“Having recycling on campus can help the environment,” said Angelica Flores, a student at Rose State. “One reason why is because colleges produce a large amount of waste, and adding recycling will help keep this waste from ending up in landfills, which can help prevent water and air pollution. Secondly, educating students on the importance of recycling can bring the community on campus together. This will create a habit that is lifelong and can help them create the type of environment they want to live in for the long run.” 

Overconsumption and waste reduction have been the talk of the town for Americans in more recent years, and college campuses are in the top 3 for producing a good portion of that waste.

Recycling on campus has more benefits, but there are cons that come with said benefits. Due to the amount of waste campuses produce, like paper, food, disposable cutlery and plates, it would not be cost-effective to attempt to recycle it all. 

However, reducing, reusing and recycling would cause a good portion of waste to no longer be placed in landfills, which would inevitably decrease pollution. Overconsumption of food and food waste is a big problem across college campuses throughout the country too. There are thousands of entities that have their own garden to grow food, which is later used in the cafeteria. Agriculture programs teach students about farming and cattle ranching, which is a benefit for the campus as well. This does not need to happen overnight, but a paper bin would be a good start. 

Photo by Michelle Johnson

Most people immediately picture a glass of orange juice or another citrus fruit when they think of vitamin C. This vital nutrient has long been praised as a defense against colds, an immune system booster and an important component of general health. However, ascorbic acid, another name for vitamin C, is much more than just a common cure for sniffles. This super vitamin is essential to human health, helping with everything from wound healing to cellular defense.

The human body is unable to synthesize vitamin C on its own, unlike many other animals. This implies that our daily demands are fully met by our diet. According to the National Institutes of Health, the recommended dietary amount (RDA) for adults is around 90 milligrams for men and 75 milligrams for women. That might not seem like much, but it’s important because those who do not get enough vitamin C face the risk of getting scurvy. It was a notorious sailor’s sickness that made lengthy sea trips more exhausting and caused weakness and bleeding gums.

Scurvy is not the most common disease these days, but vitamin C deficiency is still a problem, especially for those with poor diets, certain medical problems, or restricted access to fresh food.

It’s not simply a myth that vitamin C boosts immunity. According to research by the National Library of Medicine, vitamin C promotes the development and functionality of white blood cells. This aids in the body’s defense against illnesses. Additionally, it strengthens skin barriers, which helps keep viruses out of the body in the first place. Although taking vitamin C supplements won’t make you avoid getting a cold, research indicates that taking them on a daily basis may help to lessen the severity. It also helps shorten the duration of respiratory infections.

Vitamin C has many advantages outside of the immune system. Its antioxidant properties, which neutralize free radicals that can harm cells and cause chronic illnesses, like cancer and heart disease, are among its most effective functions. Vitamin C is a team player in cellular defense because of this antioxidant function, which also aids in the regeneration of other antioxidants like vitamin E.

According to the National Library of Medicine, Vitamin C is also necessary for the synthesis of collagen. The protein collagen is responsible for the formation of connective tissue in bones, cartilage, blood vessels, and skin. The body finds it difficult to keep blood vessels robust, heal wounds, and maintain healthy skin when vitamin C levels are low. For this reason, it is frequently used in topical serums intended to brighten complexion and lessen aging symptoms in the beauty industry.

The role of vitamin C in preventing heart disease continues to be studied. Vitamin C may help prevent heart disease by decreasing oxidative stress, enhancing endothelial function (the condition of blood vessel linings), and lowering blood pressure in certain people.

In the meanwhile, researchers are looking into how it affects brain function. The brain is particularly susceptible to oxidative injury because of its high metabolic rate. Although further research is required to demonstrate its significance in preventing neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, vitamin C's antioxidant qualities may preserve neurons and perhaps promote neurotransmitter function.

Photo by Pennina Jackson.

Athletes whether it’s volleyball, esports, soccer, softball, baseball and many more, all have one thing in common. It’s the fact that they are all pushing to be the best at their respective sport. However, there is a difference between trying to be the best at a sport, and adopting a healthy lifestyle that allows your body to compete at the highest level. 

To go more in depth, there are two ways to describe the way an athlete can help themselves compete to the best of their ability. You can describe it as technical and non- technical. Technical is the way they practice in their respective sport. 

So, like how a baseball player perfects their swinging stance to be able to have the best shot at hitting the ball, or a volleyball player practices their serves to make sure they hit it across the net as much as possible. 

Non-technical is your eating, sleep and workout habits that help your body perform to its best ability. 

Technical learning is the first thing you do when you first start playing sports growing up, as you don’t really lean into anything else other than learning the sport itself. Although in most sports growing up you’ll have practices where you’re running or you’ll have your coach remind you to drink plenty of water. 

This is overall a great thing to do when you first start playing sports, as you’re getting your body into good shape. But really, you aren’t able to reach your peak form at this time of your life, so being able to understand the sport from a young age and learn all of the technical things of what sport you play is going to set you apart from the rest. 

Contrary to what was stated earlier, there are instances of amazing athletes learning a sport when they are in their late teens and going on to play professionally. Although this is a minority with the right coaches and opportunity, anyone can become great.

“So for the sports that I have played, the technical things that I have worked on is, passing, spiking, shooting and being watchful to the situations and surroundings, hand-eye coordination, breathing as well,” said Samantha Walker, a Criminal Justice major at Rose State College. “It makes you better because it keeps me in shape and it helps with communication skills and the better you are on your team the more people try to push to become better themselves as well.” 

Non-technical learning can start at most stages in life. It not only helps with your body relating to sports, but it can help you feel better overall.

Just as an example two of the best athletes in their respective sport LeBron James and Chris Paul have very strict eating, sleep and workout habits. 

Even if you aren’t a professional athlete, you want to be doing all of these things to improve your body. 

“Things like proper nutrition, healthy sleep habits and personal fitness all have a big impact on an athlete's performance,” Dr. Matthew Czapla, the coach for Rose State Esports said. 

But as an athlete, you have to take all of those things to the next level because if you don't, not only will you limit your body but you’ll limit the potential of your technical abilities as well. 

Overall, technical and non-technical attributes go hand and hand with each other. But to be the best athlete possible you have to be willing to work on both of these attributes equally. The best athletes in the world strive not only to be the best physically but also the best mentally to be able to compete at the highest level. 

Photo by Pennina Jackson

As the heat of the summer fades, cool breezes usher in the start of the fall season. When the leaves begin to fall from trees and change from green to yellow and orange, the energy on campus begins to shift. You can find students walking around campus with their favorite warm drink in hand and wearing their favorite sweaters that have been locked away in their closets. The start of fall also signals the beginning of the holiday season. 

The summer heat has overstayed its welcome but the change isn’t just about the weather; it’s about the mood. When the sun starts setting earlier and the breeze picks up, campus life takes on a quieter, cozier rhythm. People pause to sit on benches under the changing trees or take the long way to class just to walk through piles of leaves. Even the most familiar spots—a courtyard, a library window, the steps of an old building—look different when they’re framed by orange leaves and golden light.

Inside, the atmosphere shifts too. The library feels warmer, more inviting. Study corners fill up with students tucked into sweatshirts, laptops glowing, headphones on and papers spread across tables. Campus cafés smell like cinnamon and caramel now, with seasonal drinks filling the air with sweet spice. Late afternoons seem to invite people to stay a little longer, sipping something warm while finishing assignments or just catching up with friends.

“I really like the feeling that fall brings overall on campus,” said Genesis Coleman, a freshman. “Things are calmer and people are getting excited for the holidays. Also, I get to finally wear all of my sweaters in my closet that I haven’t touched in so long.”

That calm also brings a little nostalgia. The approach of the holiday season is in the air—decorations starting to pop up in dorm windows, talk of fall break plans buzzing in hallways. For many students, it’s a reminder of home: the smell of baking, family dinners and cozy nights in watching comfort movies and shows. 

“Monster House is one of my favorite movies that gets me into the fall and Halloween spirit. I don’t really dress up for Halloween anymore so watching movies like that really get me in the mood for the holidays,” said Freshman Cynthia Valdiviezo.

Even the weather itself seems to shape daily routines. Mornings are cool enough for a quick walk before class, and evenings make indoor time feel welcoming instead of stuffy. The crisp air brings a sense of relief after months of heat, like a reset button on the semester.

Fall on campus is more than a season—it’s a mood, a shift you can feel as soon as you step outside. Whether it’s crunching through leaves on your way to class, sipping a pumpkin latte in the library or just enjoying the cool air after a long lecture, autumn gives students a chance to slow down, settle in and savor the small moments.

Photo by Michelle Johnson

Investing during college can seem daunting to some, especially when you have little to no money to invest with. There can be advantages however. 

Starting your investing journey during your college years has advantages. Time in the market or in the bank lets you take advantage of the eighth wonder of the world, compound interest. You may only be investing little by little, but by doing so, you gain good money-saving habits to help make your future brighter. Three things are needed before you start.

1. Be Debt-Free 

You are likely to not have any debt as a college student, and that’s a good thing. Having a credit card can be good, but if you lack the discipline to track your purchases and make sure you have enough to pay it off at the end of the month, you could be facing up to 17.24% to 26.24% APR (Annual Purchase Rate). I personally suggest not getting one. Getting out of debt actually has a higher return than investing. If you spend $1,000 on a credit card with 25% interest and you don’t pay it off on time. You end up paying $1,250, but if you pay it off on time you only pay the $1,000. Thus you get a $250 increase in your funds, by paying it off on time you fight the cost of interest.

2. Create An Emergency Fund 

Three to six months of income is typically what you aim for. If you’re living at home, your living expenses are going to be lower than someone living on their own. It’s not a bad thing to still be living at home to save money. The money spent on rent could be put towards a down payment on a house, car or other investments. Having funds for an unexpected expense is very important. A lot of people who are older and full time in the workforce don’t even have an emergency fund. Unforeseen car trouble can place you into unwanted debt, costing you more in the long run.

3. Build a Budget 

Knowing what you spend your money on is crucial to securing your wealth in the future. You can follow the 50-30-20 rule to start. 50% goes to your expenses. 30% goes to your recreational activities. 20% goes to saving/investing. This is not set in stone, though. Everyone’s budgets can be different as long as you’re budgeting. That’s the important part. If you buy a bottle of soda every day for $2.00, that adds up to $730.00 a year. If you saved that $730.00 for just one year and put it into a savings account or investment that earns 5% a year, it would grow to $931.69 after five years and grow to $3,155.02 after 30 years. Watching your expenses is key to having your money work for you instead of you working for money.

Once those are settled, you need to figure out what your goals are and what you’re building to. Are the goals short-term or long-term? 

For short-term, you want to put your money in a High-Yield Savings Account. These accounts are safe, but also don’t have as high returns as the stock market. You don’t want your money sitting around. As time progresses, money loses value due to inflation. Putting that capital to work is the best way to fight inflation.

Stocks are great for the long-term. You do not want to save for a short-term goal in the market. Stocks go up and down with the changes in the American economy, but historically, it has trended up. Now that doesn’t mean there’s no risk at all. Investing in an index fund is much safer than individual companies. An index fund is a collection of companies curated by a group of researchers. You pay a fee for it, but it is much safer. Think of it like investing in the American economy versus just one company that can lose its value overnight. You can lose your money, but only when you sell at a loss. You may see your stocks lose value, but don’t sell. You want to hold onto them for the long game. Don’t worry about momentary losses; the price will trend back upwards eventually. As a rule, don’t buy stocks just because someone told you to. You should always research on your own to the point where you are personally confident in investing in it.

What I just described is a passive way of buying stocks. You can take a more active approach to stocks, but it is way riskier. This is known as day trading. Trying to time the market is difficult. Buying and selling at the right times takes lots of research and time, which a college student probably doesn’t have. You are taxed for your capital gains (The extra value gained when selling a stock for more than you paid for it), but the rate is reduced if you hold the stock for longer than a year. Try not to approach the stock market emotionally to avoid making rash decisions.

The best time to buy is today. With the passive approach, you want to invest a little every month and not worry about the price. You are in this for the long haul. This is the strategy Warren Buffett utilities.

Famous investor Warren Buffett has been quoted as saying, “The stock market is a device for transferring money from impatient people to patient people.”

You aren’t going to see 10 times the profits in just a few months or years. But with the magic of compound interest and consistent saving, you can see your investments grow exponentially.

There are more ways to invest, like real estate, bonds and crypto. But one of the best investments, though, is yourself. Good health, education, and your own business are great examples of this.

Starting early, being consistent, and having patience are the pivotal elements of being prepared for the future. I didn’t go over all the available information, but I suggest you look at the free online pamphlet made by the SEC (Securities Exchange Commission) titled Saving and Investing for Students. There is a wealth of knowledge online and in books to help you manage your money. Building good habits while you’re young and thinking about the future is extremely beneficial. Your future self will thank you.

Photo by Alesia Kozik, provided by Pexels

For many students, the first week of school can be overwhelming. It’s easy to fall into the trap of feeling overwhelmed when faced with new schedules, assignments and expectations. Now, even though academics are vital, keeping a healthy balance is crucial to prevent burnout.

Creating a realistic routine is one of the best ways for students to achieve balance. Break up tasks into smaller, more manageable sections. For instance, create a focused study session where you take in one piece of the topic at a time. This can help avoid mental exhaustion. Implementing the “Pomodoro technique,” which involves studying for 25 to 30 minutes and taking a 5-minute break, keeps motivation levels high and enables the brain to recharge. 

Students should plan time for leisure and fun activities in addition to their studies. These times serve as stress relievers, whether it’s through journaling, working out, listening to music or being outside. Simple exercises that can boost productivity include stretching, deep breathing and taking quick walks in between classes. Students who engage in social activities, like joining a club or interacting with peers, find themselves less alone and adjusting more easily. 

Making rest and self-care a priority is equally crucial. Focus and energy levels are directly impacted by getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and staying hydrated. When it comes to studying, a rested mind is far more productive than one that is worn out. 

Combining productive study techniques with downtime helps students manage their mental health and makes schoolwork much easier. Striking a balance early on helps students perform well in class and enjoy the experience without feeling burned out, as the first week of school truly sets the tone for the semester.

Photo by Amy Rocha

This story was written by Buck’s significant other, Reece Heck / Reporter 

Kristen Buck stands at the intersection of duty and ambition as she prepares to embark on a journey with the Oklahoma Army National Guard while pursuing her dreams in the Miss Oklahoma organization. The sophomore at Oklahoma State University has been influenced by a legacy of service from her father, Maj. Christopher Buck, who has dedicated 25 years to the Oklahoma Army National Guard.

Growing up in a military family, Buck learned the values of discipline, service and time management from her father. 

“He instilled in me the importance of structure and serving others,” she said. “I’ve grown up with the Army, and even though I never envisioned joining, I felt a strong calling when I learned about the chaplain’s assistant position.” 

The 56M role, which focuses on providing support and religious services for Soldiers, resonates deeply with her personal values and faith.

Buck’s decision to enlist in the National Guard came during her sophomore year of college, sparked by a conversation with a recruiter. 

“I thought it would just be a casual chat, but when she presented the chaplain’s assistant job, I knew that was where God was leading me,” Buck shared. “I’m excited to spread the Word and serve others in uniform.” 

This calling echoes her father’s sentiments, who expressed pride in her decision to join the military on her own terms. “What makes me proud is that she’s not only becoming a Soldier but will also serve other Soldiers in her job,” Christopher Buck said.

Yet, Buck’s life is not solely defined by her military commitment. As a participant in the Miss Oklahoma organization for six years, she has built a sisterhood among fellow competitors. 

“The girls are not my competitors; they are my sister queens,” Buck emphasized. This community has provided her with support and encouragement as she navigates her dual commitments to the National Guard and pageantry.

Time management has been a crucial skill for Buck, who has juggled multiple responsibilities throughout her life—balancing pageants, sports, cheer, and her studies. “Being in the National Guard is just another opportunity I’ve added to my calendar,” she explained. Her ability to manage a busy schedule has been instrumental in her success, allowing her to thrive both as a student and an aspiring military member.

Buck recently achieved a personal milestone by winning her first local title of the year before her enlistment. This accomplishment fuels her excitement for the upcoming Miss Oklahoma competition, where she plans to share her unique story of balancing military service with her pageant journey. 

“I can’t wait to get on stage and inspire others with my story,” she expressed.

As Buck prepares for Basic Combat Training in the summer of 2025, she is determined to utilize the Oklahoma National Guard’s Education Assistance Program to help cover her tuition and fees. After BCT, she plans to return to Oklahoma State University for her junior year, continuing her studies and embracing her dual roles. Following her academic pursuits, she will attend Advanced Individual Training in the summer of 2026 before joining her assigned unit.

With her father’s legacy as a guiding force, Buck stands ready to honor her family’s commitment to service while carving out her own identity in the National Guard and the Miss Oklahoma organization. As she balances her responsibilities and commitments, Buck exemplifies the spirit of resilience and dedication that defines both a soldier and a queen.

As college students, we spend the majority of the year stressed out and busy with assignments, so naturally, we want to take advantage of the extra free time during the summer months and have fun. However, life is expensive. Food is expensive, gas is expensive, and going out is expensive - or is it? We don’t get much downtime, so I’ve compiled this list of fun and inexpensive things around the city to help you figure out what to do with it without breaking the bank. 

Go to the Park 

Parks are not just for children, and thankfully, the metro has a lot of different parks, Regional Park being one of them. Regional is just a few minutes away from Rose State and has a lot of free amenities for its visitors, including soccer fields, tennis courts, a basketball court, grills, and a low-cost swimming pool. It’s the perfect place to pick up a new hobby or have a cookout with some friends. Another option would be Scissortail Park downtown, where you can ride a bike or go skating on the smooth trails, have a picnic, fly a kite, take a photo shoot with some friends, or simply relax and enjoy a nice day under a bright blue sky. Scissortail also frequently has free events such as movie nights, exercise classes, night markets, and concerts, which leads us to the next point. 

Live Entertainment 

Festivals, concerts and open-mic nights aren’t hard to find around Oklahoma City, especially during the summer months. Consider widening your horizons at a cultural festival during Asian Pacific Islander Month or Juneteenth. Other festivals to check out include the Red Earth Festival, the Paseo Arts Festival and the Farm-to-Table Festival. As for concerts, look out for the event schedules at Scissortail Park, Frontier City and the Oklahoma City Zoo Amphitheater. These locations constantly have free or reasonably priced concerts. Other places such as JJ’s Alley Bricktown Pub, Sauced on Paseo and Factory Obscura do open-mic nights weekly or monthly where indie and upcoming artists get to showcase their work. You just might find your new favorite artists! 

Become a Tourist in Your Own City 

Whether you have lived in Oklahoma your entire life or you arrived a week ago, there is plenty to see and try. Try taking a tour downtown by trolley or an e-scooter and looking for all of the murals painted around the town. Visit a library. Go window shopping at locally owned boutiques in the Paseo district. Another option would be going to a museum. Unfortunately, locals often overlook museums, but they are great sources of entertainment. There are quite a few museums around the metro, including the First Americans Museum, the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, the Museum of Osteology and many more. Some museums, such as the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the Oklahoma City Museum of Art have free admission days, and others, like the 45th Infantry Division Museum, are free year-round. Lastly, there are so many different food options, from local food trucks to mom-and-pop shops all over the town. Go out and try something new! 

Volunteer 

Volunteering can be incredibly gratifying. It can also be a great way to spend time with friends and make new ones. Organizations such as the Regional Food Bank, Blood Bank, Humane Society and the Salvation Army constantly look for volunteers to help with various projects, so consider donating some of your time this summer to help others in need. 

Even though it seems like every breath costs money, I hope this list has helped you realize that there are many inexpensive ways to get out and have fun. If you plan on staying in Oklahoma City over summer break and don’t want to blow the budget, take advantage of this list and have a great time!

Although juggling several jobs, educational responsibilities and tuition is difficult, some students like Ethan Nicholas Steenburg demonstrate that it is achievable with the correct attitude and perseverance. It takes commitment, time management and priority. 

Steenburg highlights the need for self-care even though hard work is also important. 

“Focus on the important stuff but still give time for yourself,” said Steenburg. “Balancing all of these factors takes commitment, time management, and priority.” 

Steenburg also mentioned how time management is a major obstacle when juggling employment and school. Finding time for personal hobbies is sometimes a challenge for students as they balance attending classes, finishing assignments and working shifts. Steenburg points out that it can be really stressful thinking about projects when you also have commitments in your workplace. 

“In order to manage several responsibilities, it can be quite helpful to be able to plan ahead and maintain a flexible schedule. One way of doing this is to leave weekends as open as possible,” he said. 

The ability to stay motivated is crucial for overcoming obstacles. A lot of students aim for academic success because they know it will eventually be worthwhile. 

“For example, if I get a B, I won’t think about it after or care about it as I did really work hard and tried my best,” Steenburg said. 

Learning and personal development are more important than grades alone. This kind of mindset makes it simpler for students to persevere through difficulties without losing motivation by preventing them from becoming overly judgmental and harsh on themselves. 

For many working students, financial freedom is another motivating factor. They feel in charge and have more freedom when they can make their own money. 

Steenburg emphasizes the value of financial stability by saying, “It’s better if I can do something I want as well as save a certain amount of money.” Long hours can be draining, but the benefits of being self-sufficient and avoiding financial stress make the effort worthwhile. 

Tough days are unavoidable, and it’s necessary to remember that everyone is trying their hardest. In acknowledging this, Steenburg mentions how, “through his tough days, ”he thinks about the people he cares about and how he wants to do his best and work hard for them. Every person’s path is different. It is important to challenge yourself, but not at the expense of your physical or emotional health. Maintaining a healthy balance between ambition and self-care is important because success is more than getting through the grind; it’s about enjoying the journey. 

Tattoos have been around for thousands of years, but their meaning has changed over time. When tattoos were first invented, they served as symbols that made individuals stand out from others. They were normally given to warriors who had defeated an army or to individuals undergoing a rite of passage.

Like the practice of stretching ears as a rite of passage, tattoos held cultural and personal significance. Early tattoos were done with a needle, ink and a stick, and they were applied to the skin through a method known as “stick and poke.” Stick and poke were the first way to tattoo, but today, the tattoo gun has replaced them.

Although the methods of tattooing have evolved, the reasons people get tattoos have largely remained the same. Many still use tattoos as a form of self-expression, a rite of passage or a symbol of personal growth. However, in the modern era, individuals must also consider their professional lives when choosing tattoos. Employers often have strict policies regarding visible tattoos. Many workplaces do not hire individuals with visible tattoos because they are considered unprofessional or inappropriate.

While some tattoos may indeed be deemed unprofessional, others can be tasteful and meaningful. For example, a person may choose to tattoo their deceased grandparent’s handwriting or their parent’s birth date as a tribute. Ultimately, the perception of tattoos in the workplace depends on how they are styled and presented.

“When I was in my 20s and I was applying for jobs, I made sure all of my tattoos were covered,” said Robin Brain. “If I could get tattoos, I would make sure there was a way for me to cover them up. I never had any visible tattoos you could see when I was at work because it just was deemed unprofessional.”

Looking back at the 1990s, tattoos were largely considered unprofessional. At that time, individuals often had to travel to cities like Dallas to find quality tattoo parlors, as they were not widely available. While employers legally cannot ask about tattoos, many still hold biases, especially among older generations. Some middle-aged and older employers view tattoos as problematic because they disrupt uniformity in the workplace.

Tattoos provide individuals with a sense of identity, but historically, many employers preferred workers to conform rather than express individuality. However, as social media and modern workplace dynamics evolve, many employers now value individuality and self-expression. Businesses are shifting toward fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment rather than enforcing strict conformity.

“I think tattoos are OK in the work environment if they’re not working at a government job and if they’re not anything explicit or have any profanity or anything that would be problematic,” Alyssa Woodall said., “If I saw a politician that had tattoos, I would probably be a little thrown off because they’re in a position of power, and they are very much setting the example. 

The question remains: are tattoos in the workplace unprofessional and problematic, or should they be widely accepted? Should individuals continue to hide their tattoos from employers to conform, or are tattoos a valid form of self-expression and art?