Mount Hood

Low time commitment extracurricular activities

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle editor

Being a student in itself is very time consuming for most, but many college students are also forced to juggle assignments, work and social life, as well as some other commitments like extracurriculars. Working students know the struggle of trying to piece together a schedule that stills allows basic necessities like eating and sleeping.

While certain extracurriculars and school involvement activities look tempting, it can be hard to find a slot in the calendar to fit them in when life is constantly busy. For the student dedicated to both academic and financial success, here are some extracurricular activities that won’t make too big of a dent in that already limited time supply.

 

Intramural Sports

Those who have seen recent articles of the sports section may already know some about intramural sports. Essentially, they are more casual teams than the club sports, and anyone can join. More information can be found at Western’s website.

 

Peer Tutoring

For students with a 3.0 GPA or higher, there’s the option to become a peer tutor and help other students understand their course material. According to Western’s website, tutors can typically expect two to six hours of tutoring appointments to be booked per week. An upside to becoming a peer tutor is that students have the option of volunteering or being in a paid position. For more information, go to wou.edu/advising/tutoring.

 

Conversation Partners

This is one of the least time consuming activities that will also help another Western student. By signing up for conversation partners, you agree to meet with a foreign exchange student once a week for a minimum of an hour. All that’s required is having a casual conversation with the other student, as this will help improve their conversational English skills. Conversation partnering is ideal for students who like schedule flexibility and are interested in learning about other cultures. If interested, contact the program managers at cp@mail.wou.edu

 

SAB activities

Western’s Student Activities Board regularly organizes events for students to enjoy. For those who are interested in casual, fun activities to get into the school spirit, it’s easy to find a calendar of events on Western’s website or on the bulletin boards in the WUC. These have the benefit of not being mandatory and easy to work around a schedule.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@mail.wou.edu

Must-see places in Oregon

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Western students coming in from out of state, or even out of country, may have noticed that most Oregonians love our state. It’s full of diverse landscapes and natural beauty. While Oregon is full of extraordinary places to explore, there are a few that stand out — and with good reason.The following is a list of places that, in my opinion, everyone should make an effort to visit while they’re here and have a chance. Some are conveniently located only a few hours’ drive or less from Monmouth while others are a bit farther and better for a weekend adventure.

 

Multnomah Falls

This iconic landmark can be found along the Columbia River Gorge and is a popular spot both with residents and tourists. About half an hour east of Portland, the falls is home to the Multnomah Falls Lodge and features a hiking trail to the top of the 620 ft. drop.

 

Silver Falls State Park

One of the best things about this park is that it’s less than an hour drive from Western. The state park’s entry near the south falls offers a view of the largest, more well-known waterfall from which there’s an option to keep walking onto the trail of 10 falls. The south falls are a must-see, however, because the short trail down takes you behind the waterfall for a unique vantage point.

 

Crater Lake

Oregon’s only national park can be found farther south of the state. The lake, located in the caldera of Mount Mazama of the Cascade Range, is famously a stunning, clear blue. Visitors from the Monmouth visiting overnight should be aware of the difference in climate and likelihood of much colder weather due to the altitude.

 

Bend

The town of Bend and the nearby towns of Sisters and Sunriver are near the famous Three Sisters Mountains. Located in central Oregon, the town is also where the Cascades meet the high desert of central and eastern Oregon and showcases some of the different landscapes the state has to offer.

 

Highway 101

There are many towns on the Oregon Coast that offer stunning views of the coastline. Highway 101 connects all of these and takes visitors along a scenic drive. The highway connects a number of popular towns to stop in and enjoy the coast, such as Newport and Florence. Newport is home to two lighthouses open to the public and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. Florence features the Heceta Head Lighthouse as well as multiple excellent locations to see tidepools up close.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of WolfmanSF

Getting served at Mundo’s Cafe

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Something new has appeared in Monmouth, sitting quietly on Broad Street. A small white eatery, Mundo’s Cafe, which opened in June, is a petite restaurant specializing in breakfast foods. Curious about this new business and intrigued by the nicely decorated exterior, I decided to give the cafe a try and see what they have to offer.

I found the menu, which is posted on the front window, interesting in its variety. It includes classic American foods, such as pancakes and burgers, as well as some traditional Mexican ones such as enchiladas. I immediately decided on the enchiladas as they are one of my favorite dishes.

On stepping inside, I noticed right away that the subtle cross-cultural theme continued inside. The upper half of the wall next to where I sat is papered in various world maps, and over the wall on the opposite side are clocks showing the times of Tokyo, Athens, Mexico City and a few others. I was the only customer in the cafe.

As I took in the surroundings, I was greeted by the friendly waitress and ordered my food. I also asked if the owner was around and free to have a brief conversation with me.

The owner introduced himself as Reymundo Soto. It’s his name that really ties the whole idea of the cafe together. He told me his mother used to call him “Mundo” for short — hence the name of the cafe — and it so happens that “mundo” is Spanish for “world”. He also told me he hasn’t had many students in so far, which is not entirely unexpected since they are still settling in, but he hopes traffic will pick up soon.

A message he wanted to pass along was that he is open to customer feedback about whether he should expand on the menu.

“I’d like to, after two months or three, come up with new orders,” he explained in regards to him trying to get a sense of the customers in Monmouth. He also passed on the reminder that happy hour is from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends.

Overall, I enjoyed my visit to Mundo’s cafe and the enchiladas he made, which came with a healthy serving of fried rice on the side. However, seeing that the menu focuses on breakfast for the time being, I would recommend it mostly for breakfast, lunch or brunch. My other comment is that while it’s also a dinner option, the drink menu is very limited. I do, however, appreciate the affordable prices as a student who can’t always splurge on a night out. Overall, I see myself likely to go back and try some breakfast foods and enjoy the unique atmosphere.  

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

Small-town transformations

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Some returning students may have noticed differences in Monmouth and Independence this fall. The neighborhood was busy making changes while the students were away. Over the summer, Western’s town and its neighbor has gained and lost a few businesses – though more have been lost so far than gained.

Perhaps the most noticeable change is the one nearest to campus. Now gone is the familiar red Bobablastic truck on Main Street. The bubble tea selling truck, which sat across from Main Street Park, shut down some time after spring term ended and took with it the covered picnic table area. Lovers of bubble tea don’t have to worry, however – DIY, a tea shop that opened last winter, has quickly become a popular place to buy all sorts of drinks, including bubble teas.

Also lost is the Happy Dragon, the Cantonese restaurant in downtown Independence. The restaurant was once reviewed by Statesman Journal food critic Brooke Jackson-Glidden, who called their Peking duck a “must try”. For those willing to take the drive, the family that owned the restaurant has moved to Portland and hopes to reopen there. For lovers of Chinese food, Monmouth fortunately still has Sing Fay’s on the corner of Monmouth Avenue and Main Street.

Independence also lost another beloved eatery that previously sat on Main Street. The Three Legged Dog, an Irish restaurant and pub, had to permanently close its doors this summer due to lease issues and late rent, according to the Statesman Journal. The restaurant has always struggled with costs and ultimately had to cease operations, however it’s brunch Bloody Mary bar will be missed by many.

However, Monmouth gained a new business not far from Western. Mundo’s Cafe officially opened for business a few weeks after the end of last spring term.

The area of Monmouth and Independence may have suffered some losses while students were away, but their removal will likely allow for other businesses to take shape. Once the excitement of the start of term settles, students will have a chance to take a look at how the town has evolved since their return. Both returning students and those who never left will have a chance to see what is next for Western’s hometown in the coming months.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Patching things up

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Fall has officially arrived, and it’s not hard to see why it’s many people’s favorite season. The trees on campus turn beautiful colors, the weather turns back into what most Oregonians are used to, and, of course, pumpkin themed everything appears.

This month, it also means Halloween movies on TV and people on social media showing off elaborately carved pumpkins.Whether you love the fall aesthetic or the anticipation of spooky Halloween activities, visiting a pumpkin patch is a fun way to embrace the season of scares and spice. For all the festive students out there, here are some nearby pumpkin patches to visit for all your jack-o-lantern needs.

Airlie Hills Farm

The closest pumpkin patch is Airlie Hills Farm, which is not far off of Highway 99 just south of entering Monmouth. Open on weekends, this location offers you the opportunity to pick your own pumpkin or select the perfect pre-picked one. While there, visitors can also enjoy some of the refreshments available or other activities such as hayrides and mazes.

Vince Woods Farm

Another option can be found in Salem. Vince Woods Farm, in addition to offering the classic pumpkin patch and corn maze, also contains the pumpkin forest featuring an old Southern Pacific “gently haunted” caboose. Hours of operation are 10 a.m to 6 p.m.

Davis Family Farm

Located on Highway 20 in Corvallis, Davis Family Farms not only offers the essential October produce but also has a nursery and sells other farm-fresh produce. Regulars also know them for their fresh, homemade donuts available for purchase. Of course, no pumpkin patch is complete without the hayride or corn maze, which you can find here as well. The farm is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Sauvie Island

This farm, located in Portland, is a longer drive but makes for a fun day trip. Many of its activities, like the haunted corn maze and hayrides, are free. This location is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

 

Contact the author at howllifestyle@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

What New Student Week didn’t tell you

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

Every year, hundreds of new students come to Western and have the opportunity to participate in New Student Week. This eventful week full of activities includes helpful resources for students finding their way around as well as an entertaining way to kick off the school year.

Whether they attended New Student Week or not, many students either walk into their first day feeling prepared and confident, or walk in feeling slightly overwhelmed and anxious. Both types of students will probably look back on this year having learned some life lessons that could only be learned through experience; these lessons can’t be explained during orientation.

To save some time — and hopefully a few mistakes — a number of upperclassmen shared what they wish someone had told them when they were just starting out at Western.

When asked this question, Morgan Taylor, senior education major, referred to the responsibilities of being an adult.

“Transitioning into becoming an adult was very challenging in general, but as a college student we are expected to manage all the generic adult responsibilities while also juggling college. I was not prepared. You really have to teach yourself how to work with a budget and work while maintaining (your) mental health.”

Senior communications major Michelle Soutar was a transfer student when she participated in New Student Week. Wanting to immerse herself in the new student experience, she signed up for a weeklong trial of dorm life before school. The initial experience was not what she was expecting. The connections being made were beneficial to most of the new residents, but for her they wouldn’t be permanent.

“(I was) watching a community grow that I wouldn’t be included in”, she said, referring to the dorm-specific bonding events. When asked what she took away from this, she commented that it “made me utilize my counselor even more. It’s good to have someone there to talk to you directly…As a consumer in the community of college we have a voice. Be and do the change you want to see.”

A perspective from another student also focused on the learning curve of time management.

“Don’t take an 8 a.m. It sucks”, are the honest words from junior business major Casey Brown. “Or at least if you’re not an early bird.” He adds that it’s important to not to spend too much time partying and avoiding class, but it’s good to have balance. “It’s fine to go to that party as long as the important stuff gets done.”

Now that New Student Week is over, it’s time for the new students to begin they their experience and make their own mistakes to learn from. Fortunately they have access to the many resources at WOU as well as the experiences of others to get them through these first challenges.

 

Contact the author at rmeyers17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of: Paul F. Davis

 

Organization for the disorganized

Rebecca Meyers | Lifestyle Editor

On the first day of class, it’s usually easy to spot the type of student with a color coded planner and neatly outlined schedule. For me, unlike these students, organization can be a challenge that requires constant effort. For those who need it, I’ve put together a number of different ways to stay organized when the common suggestions fall short.

It’s important to remember that not everything works the same for everyone. In my case, I used to repeatedly buy planners with the intention of using them throughout the year, hoping I’d keep the habit like some of my classmates. However, the pages would remain empty after the first few weeks of classes. I figured out that, as a visual learner, I also remember things better when I have frequent visual reminders.

This year, instead of buying a planner, I bought a large calendar and hung it near my desk, where I would clearly see my schedule laid out for me. I then applied this logic to my to-do list as well. Instead of writing it down in the back of a notebook, I wrote it on a whiteboard next to my bedroom door. It’s harder for me to miss that online assignment when it’s literally staring me in the face. For me, having a visual aid is effective, so students should consider trying multiple techniques until they find the one that works right for them.

It’s not just space but also time that can be utilized to keep life straight. Many of us have had the experience of being out with friends, ready to have a good time, only to be followed by the nagging feeling that something’s been forgotten. It can be helpful to get into the habit of checking Moodle, email or the calendar or planner in those short moments between classes or before work that might otherwise have been spent on social media. This reduces the chance that that assignment will be remembered at 2 a.m. the night before.

Another challenge is that it’s easy to become overwhelmed when there’s a long list of things to do and no plan. Even if planning out every hour of your schedule isn’t your strong suit, even taking small steps in advance will help get that assignment started quicker.

While living the ultra-organized life isn’t for everyone, that doesn’t mean us disorganized people need to shoulder more stress.

 

Contact the author at rmeyers17@wou.edu

Photo courtesy of Paul F. Davis

 

Western Oregon University

Facebook   Instagram   Twitter  YouTube

WESTERN OREGON UNIVERSITY
345 Monmouth Ave. N.
Monmouth OR 97361

503-838-8000 | 1-877-877-1593

Tools

Campus Maps
Canvas
Find People
Portal
WOU Email
Technical Support

Resources

A-Z Index
Accessibility
Academic Calendar
Class Schedule
Jobs at WOU
News
Explore WOU
Partnerships
Student Services
Freedom of Expression

Western Oregon University’s Land Acknowledgement
Western Oregon University in Monmouth, OR is located within the traditional homelands of the Luckiamute Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855 (Kalapuya etc. Treaty), Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are a part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians.

Accessibility    Public Records    Privacy    Student Consumer Information

WOU prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by WOU.