From the North

In the last decade or so we’ve started hearing more and more about mental health. An awareness that wasn’t once there, is now alive and growing. I think back to my gap year before entering college and speaking with Representative Tom Dent in Washington state — a conversation that would have a lasting impact on me. Representative Dent impressed upon myself, and those with me, the power of availability and a listening ear. We talked about the alarmingly high rates of suicide and mental health issues in the agricultural industry. In that conversation, a wall had been broken down — an industry known for its “rub some dirt on it” attitude became seemingly fragile. Not a fragileness that came from weakness, a fragileness that came from real vulnerability.

As I sat in that office I thought back to my story — one where others around me had to step in and help me through this thing called life. I think sometimes we forget that; we forget that we can’t do life alone. Whether we’re talking about mental illness or not, it’s crucial that we learn to accept help along the way.

No matter who you are, or where you are in life, I think we can all admit that life is hard. For us college students, we’re navigating a new normal. I like to joke that we’re all just a bunch of fake adults that are trying to learn what it means to be a real adult. But, truly, what does it mean to be a real adult? How do we navigate a sudden onset of bills, the stress of navigating demands and the social pressure to do everything thrown your way. I’ve often felt the pressure of being active on campus, excelling in classes and building the brightest future for myself. The truth is, I can’t do it all and that’s okay.

I want to encourage you that, no matter where you’re at in this journey, there’s a place for you in this discussion right here on campus. The Counseling and Mental Health Center is a great resource for students. The center offers a range of mental health services and helps train mental health professionals. They are on the third floor of Forney Hall and open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can schedule an appointment by calling 208-885-6716. If you’re looking for a place to relax and meditate, there is a weekly Mindfulness Drop-In on Wednesdays from Noon-12:20 p.m. on Zoom. If you’re interested in becoming a Wellbeing Ambassador, you can get connected with that on Wednesday, Jan. 24 in the Student Recreation Center room 102 from 5-6:30 p.m.

College can be hard and we’re all in different places in this journey. Know that no matter where you are, it’s okay to be there. But, with the help of one another we can grow and become stronger. Embrace those around you, invest in those around you and lean on those around you when you need it most. Most of all, know that the University of Idaho is a place you can lean on for support when you need it. It’s okay to not be okay, Vandals!

With college comes a lot of incredible things, new friends, personal growth, academic achievements, you name it. But, for years, college has stood for a sense of financial struggle — ever heard of the “broke college student?” For a lot of college students, that isn’t just a saying, it’s a livelihood. As I’m reflecting back on my four years in college, I can see the points that have felt a little like that. What also stands out though, is the investment other people have had in my college career. I have been blessed to go through college getting scholarships every year. While I may have been a little “poor” along the way, the debt I will graduate with is far less than it could be.

Scholarships are more than just financial though; students have to prove themselves worthy of someone's investment. We must maintain a grade point average, fill out lengthy applications and in some cases even go through interviews. We are tasked with selling ourselves as a worthy investment. In return, scholarship donors are looking to students and saying, “we believe in you, you are worthy of investment, I want to be a part of your success story.”

That’s the side of scholarships that truly ignites me. It’s all too easy to look at ourselves and not see our worth or potential. I’m a strong believer in needing a community to rally behind you. People who are going to pick you up when you are down, people who are going to challenge you and propel you forward. In a lack of better terms, scholarship donors are your community in college.

One of my biggest donors throughout college has been from a private endowment. It’s something I’ve come to really appreciate. Over the years she has become invested in me personally, not just academically. Each year when I get ready to apply or have just applied for her scholarship, she calls me to catch up. She asks me about school, about my future and about my involvement in the community. She can read about any of those things in my essays, but her taking that step to call me and ask directly has become something I love. I know that I’m more than just a random person to her.

The College of Agricultural and Life Science has a number of donors just like her — donors who truly care about the success of students. Just a few years ago, I met a lot of these donors at a scholarship appreciation dinner hosted by the University of Idaho. I and other students got to meet with the donor's face to face, thank them for their investment, share our stories and hear theirs. It was an invaluable experience.

These scholarships are just beginning to open, and it’s time to start applying. One of those scholarships is the Chobani scholarship, a four-year scholarship open to students from the Magic Valley. After four years, the scholarship accumulates to $20,000 and it is specific to our students and engineering majors. You can apply by visiting the CALS website.

I know from experience that it can be disheartening to keep applying to scholarships when you fear receiving a rejection letter. Take a deep breath, know that you are worthy of investment and sell yourself.

Career Fair and Networking Night

It’s that time of year again — we have CALS Networking Night and the University of Idaho Career Fair right around the corner. For many students, this means that internship and career opportunities are just one step away. However, that one step can feel like a momentous trek through the unknown. What do I wear, what do I say, what do I bring, what if they don’t like me, what if someone is more qualified than I am. I asked U of I Adjunct Professor Don Shelton, former executive editor at the Seattle Times, for some advice to help our students out. Here’s what he said:

What should students wear?

“I'd suggest business casual. No jeans, shorts or tennis shoes. Think khakis or slacks, sweaters or collared shirts. No baseball caps. You don't need to wear a suit and tie, but a blazer would impress. Look professional and business-like. You'd rather be overdressed than underdressed.”

What do we need to bring?

“I'd bring a notepad for taking notes and contact information, your resume and if you have a business card (not mandatory for students), bring it. Oh, and bring your smile and a firm handshake. Being personable and engaging is huge. Most of us feel uncomfortable in these settings, in fact most people feel uncomfortable, but push yourself out of your comfort zone. It gets easier each time you do it.”

What should a student include in their elevator pitch?

“First of all, be yourself and be engaging with whomever you talk to. Think of it less as an elevator pitch where you're overtly trying to sell yourself and more as a conversation where you're trying to get to know someone who has experience (and maybe a job) that can help you launch your career. Be sure to tell them about yourself, though, and sell yourself and your superpowers (more on that later) in a conversational way. Also be sure to show interest in them and their company (or whatever). And always thank them for their time and get their contact information so you can grow your network (and your networking skills).”

What are employers looking for when a student first walks up?

“Someone who is engaging, personable and makes a good first impression. Just by walking up to someone and introducing yourself, then asking about them is a good step. It shows initiative. Smile, look them in the eye and shake their hand firmly. Be an active listener — nod, make eye contact and even repeat back what you've heard them say if it's a key takeaway. Make them remember.”

What advice would you give to students as they prepare for networking nights and the career fair?

“Few people are good at networking, making contacts and finding mentors at first. It takes practice. But few things are more important in your career than networking. I was clueless at first. Almost every job I've been hired for (or hired someone else for) was because of a relationship I'd made. Either I'd met them or someone I knew and trusted recommended them to me. Think of networking as relationship building and it doesn't sound so intimidating. Don't underestimate yourself. Most of us suffer from imposter syndrome — that nagging fear that we're not good enough. You have to ignore that self-doubt and put yourself out there and believe in yourself. I believe everyone has a superpower — something they are great at that they can sell to employers. You just have to believe in yourself enough to find that superpower and confident enough to sell it. That superpower can be as simple as being creative and able to think outside the box. Or it can be the ability to adapt quickly to new situations.”

If you’re feeling a little nervous, that’s okay. Remember to take a deep breath and have confidence in yourself. You never know who you’re going to meet at the Career Fair and how that will change your trajectory. Hopefully these quick tips ease your fears a bit, but most importantly, helps you prepare in the coming week. Good luck, Vandals!

Living in Moscow has been one of my favorite things about going to college here. The community that loves us college students so well. I can’t express my gratitude enough for the extra parents and mentors who have poured into me over the years. In fact, my biggest word of encouragement to underclassmen would be to get involved in the community of Moscow as a whole, not just the community we have at the university. To do that, I wanted to share with you a few destination spots to check out in town.

First and foremost, as corny as it sounds, my favorite place in town has become the local public library. It is located on Jefferson St. and is such a cute little building. I love that it is a quiet place to go and relax — they have books, computer space, a children's section, etc. I find that after a long stressful stretch, it is relaxing to go mindlessly browse the endless options of great reads. They also hold local events often. The best part is that library cards are free with proof of residency, so you can read as many books as you want, for free. Sounds like a deal for my college kid budget. They are open Monday-Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

If you’re looking for a little more thrilling option, there’s Moscow Axe Throwing. I have yet to check this place out but have heard great things! It is on Third Street, near campus, convenient for walking to. They have five different reservation packets depending on the number of people you want to take with you. This would be perfect for a small-group hangout, a parent and family weekend activity, or a larger event you may be planning. They are open seven days a week from Noon to 12 a.m. You can book a ticket online now.

One place I’ve been visiting more often in the last year is the local Village Center Cinemas in Eastside Marketplace. Currently, they have Lisa Frankenstein, The Chosen Season Four Episodes, Anyone But You, Wonka and Argylle. If those movies aren’t piquing your interest, the Kenworthy downtown always has great shows playing. You can check out both the Village Center Cinemas and the Kenworthy Theatre online. Be sure to invite your friends along and enjoy a relaxing night out with one another.

These places just scratch the surface of local activities here in Moscow. There are so many coffee shops, stores, outdoor trails, etc. Don’t be afraid to explore a little bit and make connections with locals while you’re out and about. You never know the affect others will have on your life until you let them in. Moscow is a pretty great town, take advantage of it.

Finding employment as students can be challenging. We are told time and again that school comes first, but that can be a challenging concept when you’re also trying to pay the bills. The University of Idaho and CALS is determined to make it possible for students to prioritize school while still making enough money to live comfortably. In CALS we often hear about on-campus jobs at the different farms, but there are many other on-campus jobs through CALS. The best part is these jobs can help build foundational career skills. For Jenna Whitaker, an agricultural science, communication and leadership (ASCL) major, this looks like running a social media account for the Deep Soil Ecotron facility.

Whitaker is originally from Moses Lake, Washington and has always loved writing. While in college, she searched for what her career goals are. Recently, she decided to switch her degree to ASCL and pursue a career in communications. Whitaker is passionate about bridging the gap between consumer and producer — a skill she is already implementing through her on-campus employment.

On-campus employment isn’t new for Whitaker, however. She has worked at the U of I Sheep Center for the last two years and has loved it. When she started thinking about taking on a second job that was more closely aligned with her degree, she knew she wanted to try to stay on-campus. After reaching out to CALS faculty, she was contacted by directors for the Deep Soil Ecotron facility about the possibility of starting up their social media.

Whitaker is now in the development phase of this project and is just starting to brainstorm and develop posts that she will roll out soon. She will not only be able to work with other employees on campus, but also reach out to other partners on the project. She is excited at the opportunity to not only build her skill and knowledge base, but also her professional network through this role.

Prior to taking on this role, Whitaker didn’t know anything about this project. However, since learning about it, she is excited to share with the public what is going on. She believes that awareness and knowledge is key in bridging the gap between those involved in the project and those who are not. This leads to one of the biggest pillars in her development phase — education.

While Whitaker is starting fresh in social media development, and in her knowledge of the project, she is confident that she can get the job done. The university is giving her a safe place to practice and develop the skills necessary for her career beyond college. This is the case for many students in CALS. Whitaker encourages students to consider on-campus employment just as she has.

If you’re wondering about other employment opportunities on-campus, check out what is available on Handshake. You can also reach out to any faculty or staff members in CALS for more information. Don’t be afraid to take a leap of faith to start developing career skills while still here on campus. Happy job hunting, Vandals!

Get Outside

It’s starting to get warmer in Moscow and I can’t wait to start spending more time outside. We are surrounded by lakes, mountains, trails and more. For me, warmer weather means more walks outside, and more studying in the fresh air. Today, I want to celebrate this warmer weather by sharing a few outdoor activities.

This last summer, I decided I was going to buy myself a hammock for the very first time. My goal — to sit outside and read for hours. I found my favorite place to do this was at the Spring Valley Reservoir. It is a beautiful area out near Troy surrounded by trees. There are spots to camp, fish and picnic. The reservoir covers 49.2 acres, and the waters are open all year. I found that this place had a certain bliss to it. I could be around others if I wanted, but I could also find my own little nook to hang out in. Learn more about Spring Valley.

Now, while I admit I love spending time outdoors when it’s warm, I’ve never enjoyed hiking. However, it’s hard to live in Idaho without hiking sometimes. My favorite spot that I’ve found so far is Idlers Rest Nature Preserve. At Idlers Rest, you can hike on either side of the road, and every trail I’ve been on has been fairly easy. In fact, last time I went I was with a family with young children, for whom the path was perfect for. There were tons of trees to keep it cool, and even a creek.

If you don’t want to venture out of town, there are tons of parks in Moscow that you can hang out at as well. My favorite is East City Park on Third Street. It has tons of space for people to hang out at, play sports, picnic and for kids to play at. I also enjoy hanging out at the Jim Lyle Rotary Park and the new arboretum on campus.

Whether you’re just looking for a place to hang out with friends, or if you’re looking for a challenging outdoor activity, you can probably find your place in Moscow. After this long winter, take advantage of the little bit of spring we still have left. I’ll see you out and about!

I think it’s all too easy to feel like we have to be working and achieving non-stop to be successful. I don’t think I realized that this was quite how I felt until I took a step back and realized that the reason I never rested was because I felt guilty when I did. I don’t know if any of you all have felt that way, but it has taken me a long time to accept that it’s okay for me to take care of myself first. Even harder, to accept that when I take care of myself first, I am better able to take care of others later.

This abstract idea of rest being vital for yourself and for those around you can be easy to understand on a surface level. But how do you play this out well? What does it look like to rest but not be lazy? How do I hit deadlines if I’m resting? How do I communicate my need for rest with others? I don’t think I can answer all those questions, but I can tell you what it looks like for me.

I had a friend one time tell me that resting didn’t have to look like laying on a couch, eating popcorn and binge-watching Netflix. It certainly could, but it didn’t have to. This shifted my way of thinking on the topic. What do I find restful? As an introvert, it means that others aren’t invited into that rest. My phone notifications are off, and I typically don’t make plans with others. So, what do I do?

Now that the sun is coming out again, one of my favorite things to do is go for short walks from time to time. Typically, this is somewhere near my house, I throw in my AirPods and ignore the world around me. I love just being able to drown out everything. No people talking, no assignments looming, just me, my thoughts and a few cars buzzing by. I find myself refreshed anytime I do this.

When it’s not as nice out, I find myself hanging out at home. Recently, I’ve been watching This Is Us and that has consumed most of my resting time. This Is Us has been the perfect amount of storyline where I want to keep watching, but I don’t feel like I must be completely watching. I can play games, make dinner or clean the house during that time. If I’m not binge-watching Netflix, I’m probably reading a book that is challenging me personally. Right now, that is Living Fearlessly and Boundaries.

The consistent thing each week during this time, is that I don’t do anything for school or work. My notifications are off, I don’t make a checklist of things to do the next day, I just ignore it all for the entire day. It’s encouraging to know that rest doesn’t have to look consistent each time I do it, and it doesn’t have to be consistent with one another. I challenge you to find what rest looks like for you during spring break. Enjoy your time off, and we’ll see you in a week!

It’s starting to get warmer and lately I’ve been craving a little road trip. It can seem like there’s no time to leave Moscow in the busy season of classes, but there are so many places that you can go for just a little day trip.

The closest place I love to go is out to Deary. There’s a cute little bakery called The Pie Safe Bakery & Kitchen (Pie Safe) and they have such good food. They also have a ton of handcrafted items that are fun to browse through. The town itself is pretty cute and there’s a park right next to Pie Safe. The drive is only about a half an hour and the bakery is open from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays. I just got my cousin to go out there with me in the fall and I think I’m due for another trip out there soon.

If you’re more of a city person, going up to Spokane and Coeur d’Alene is a great option. The drive is about an hour and a half but is totally worth it. Each of those places have great restaurants and shopping options, and you can hit both cities in one day. When I’m up in the area I love to go shopping at North Town Mall, get a good meal, go to a concert or go to Costco. There’s even a movie theater inside of this mall that my friends and I have went to. It’s a great option if you’re looking for something you can’t find in Moscow, or if you haven’t gone to a bigger mall with friends in a while.

One of the further places I’ve heard people like to travel to is Lookout Pass. We still have a little bit of time left in the ski season and my roommate is always talking about going here. The drive is about two and a half hours, and she can usually carpool with friends. They leave early in the morning, ski all day and get back that night. It can make for a long day, but she has talked about how pretty it is and how much fun she has when she goes.

There are so many neighboring towns with great spots to go hangout and explore. I even enjoy just driving down to Lewiston to go shopping. No matter your reason for leaving town, it’s always fun to see the areas surrounding the place you live. Try new restaurants, see what outdoor activities there are or maybe go for a shopping spree. You never know what cool places you’ll find when you step out of Moscow. Where’s your favorite place to go for a little day trip?

Parent and Family Weekend

It’s been a few semesters since my parents made it up for a Parent and Family Weekend at the University of Idaho. But they come up often enough and I always cherish the time that we get together. I know that every time my mom is headed up to see me, she always wants to know what we’re going to do before she gets here. I think deep down she’s really just excited to see me and wants to talk about it. But if your parents are like mine, and they’re already planning their trip to Moscow, I thought I’d share my top five tips for when parents come to visit.

1. Take time to rest with one another. I know this sounds so silly, but just think about the last time you took time to truly relax with your family. I know for myself that when I’m with my parents I’m always dragging them from one place to another. But when you take time to just sit with one another you can connect, share with them what college has been teaching you (personally and academically) and talk with them about any struggles you’re going through. As much as your parents want to see where you live and go to school, they ultimately just want to see you — let them in.
2. Make your parents a meal. That’s right, get in the kitchen and make something that you can enjoy with one another. I often find that when I’m in my hometown I just want my mom to cook for me. But she’s been doing that for my entire life. Treat your parents to a special meal and invite them in if they want to spend time with you in the kitchen. I bet your parents will appreciate seeing that you can cook even if it is Top Ramen.
3. Make a plan with your friends to introduce your parents to one another. I’ve found that often our friend’s parents can also become people who pour into our lives. My parents love meeting the people impacting me daily. It has been so much fun watching them meet my friends and their parents.
4. Show them our community as a whole. There is so much more to Moscow than just the University of Idaho. Take them to your favorite restaurants, stores, coffee shops and outdoor scenes. The places we live impact our lives so much and your parents want to know what kind of community their children are immersed in.
5. Take advantage of all the opportunities the university offers. U of I and the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences plan a ton of social activities for us to participate in with our parents. In the past my parents have gone to sporting events, checked out the arboretum and went to a beer tasting event. This year CALS will be hosting a wine and cheese tasting, and the Plant and Soil Sciences Club will be hosting Parent and Plants Sessions. These events are $20-$25 and you can learn more on the Parent and Family Weekend website.

It’s weird and scary growing up for both us and our parents. Parent and Family Weekend is a great opportunity to show your parents that you’re safe, becoming independent and are connected to a community of support. Don’t be afraid to let your parents in and remember to have some fun along the way.

Course Registration

As prospective students visit campus for UIdaho Bound and seniors prepare for graduation, we find ourselves in transition at the University of Idaho. A movement from one semester to the next is among us. While for some it means a large transition, for others it just means it’s time to get ready for the next semester. The most universal way we’re doing that right now is through registration. You heard that right, we are just days away from registering for fall classes. In case you find yourself a little behind right now, I thought I’d give you a few action steps to get prepared.

1. Get your roadmap set. One of the most helpful things I’ve done for myself is created an excel sheet of all the classes I needed or wanted to take while attending U of I. This excel sheet often changes as I learn about classes, but it always gives me a good starting point. I take note of what semesters they’re offered, how often they’re offered and what prerequisites are required. It’s important to know when you need to take them to make sure you don’t get behind.
2. Contact any instructors you might need permission from. I have run into multiple classes at U of I that I need instructor permission to enter. To get that permission you have to contact the instructor and they have to give you permission from their end. This is the thing I always forget to check when I’m registering for classes. Luckily, I’ve had good luck with professors being quick and responsive. But it’s better to get ahead rather than panicking while you’re registering.
3. Add all your classes to your shopping cart. Once I have decided what classes I want to take, I add them to my shopping cart through Schedule Planner. If you have them in your cart when you go to your advising meeting it expedites the process. You will be able to see what conflicts you have, what is available that semester, what your schedule will look like, etc.
4. Schedule an appointment with your advisor. Hopefully you’ve already done this, but if not here’s your red flag warning to do so. Before you can register you have to meet with your advisor to get your advisor hold lifted. Your advisor will make sure you’re on track to graduate, you’re taking the right classes, and will be able to answer any questions you may have.
5. Set a calendar reminder for your registration time. Registering for classes is on a first-come, first-served basis and you want to register as soon as you can. I cannot tell you how many times I forgot to register when my time opened. It is super easy to set a reminder to avoid this unnecessary stress. You can even have Siri or Alexa set your timer for you.

Good classes can make your experience at the university so much better. Don’t be afraid to take a few extra credits to get the classes you want to take just for fun. But, most of all, do the work ahead of time to make sure you can register for all the classes you need to take to stay on track. You can check your registration time.

Favorite Outdoor Spots

It seems that each week has its ups and downs when it comes to the weather. I guess that’s just how it is around Moscow this time of year — one day it is snowing and the next it’s sunny and 75. In the spirit of the little bit warmer weather, that is hopefully going to stick around here soon, I thought I would share some of my favorite outdoor spots on campus.

If you’re looking for somewhere to play volleyball, study or anything in between, both Guy Wicks Field and the Tower Lawn on the north side of campus are great places to hang out. They are big enough fields that you can either be active or relax without having to worry about others being in your space. They are also conveniently located close to the dorms, LLCs and the apartments off of A street. Guys Wicks Field also has a path you can walk around surrounding it.

If you’re anything like me, you probably are looking for a quiet place to study while looking out at the beauty of campus. One of my favorite places to do this on campus is the roof of the Education Building. I’ve found that I can study independently with no distractions up there, and if I get cold or need an outlet, I can just go back inside. I guess that makes it the perfect place for the finicky weather we’re having right now.

Probably one of the prettiest places in our area, however, is our arboretums. I especially love the south side of the new arb where there is a cute little wood bridge and barn. This is the perfect place to get out, take some pictures, go on a walk with friends and learn about the different plants they have.

There are so many different spots on campus that are perfect for any activity this time of the year. Remember to get your nose out of the book, stop scrolling on social media and get outside every once in a while. It’s the perfect season for a little fresh air. Be sure to check out these spots while your parents are in town as well!

As seniors it can be difficult to feel confident and prepared to walk out into your career. Some of us struggle with imposter syndrome, others of us aren’t sure what to expect. Maybe you have felt that way in the last little bit, and maybe you feel that you are well on your way to a successful career. No matter where you are on the scale of these emotions it’s important to stop and remember how far you’ve come in the last four or so years. This growth is exactly what our apparel, textiles and design (ATD) students are showcasing through their capstone projects.

ATD students Chloe McDougal, Tess Richardson, Ellie Hafer, Juli Howell, Claire Smith, Asiah Brazil-Geyshick, Avery Clark, April Tetwiler and Emily Romanowski have just finished their final line that will be on display at the Moscow Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center. The lines focus on encapsulating what they’ve learned throughout their time with their program, become a portfolio piece and incorporate sustainability. Each designer has taken their style and made something fresh and individual.

Senior instructor in the Margaret Ritchie School of Family and Consumer Sciences, Lori Wahl said, “All nine have really different consumers and really different lines.”

Each of their lines incorporate a central theme and four different looks. You can see each of these designs during their showcase hosted by the Moscow Chamber of Commerce starting on Monday, April 29. It’s located at 411 S. Main Street and the showcase will be up until May 10 for our community to come to view. On May 10 there will be a closing reception from 5-7 p.m. where designers will be present to answer questions about their projects. There will also be awards given during this reception.

It’s safe to say that these ATD students have become more knowledgeable as each year passed and it’s exciting to see how that has all come together in one final project. If you’re wondering how to support our CALS seniors this is a great opportunity to celebrate the achievements of these ATD students. Congratulations Chloe, Tess, Ellie, Juli, Claire, Asiah, Avery, April and Emily on creating such incredible capstone projects. Good luck as you continue pursuing your passions after your time here.