News & Feature Writing

College students are always juggling, be it literal or metaphorical. 

College is a time of learning and growth. It is during college that students constantly juggle different aspects of life, including academics, social activities, and personal commitments. For most students, this balancing act can be a challenge. But for student-athletes, the stakes can be even higher, as they need to balance their athletic schedules, coursework, and everything else life may throw at them. My May Term was Here Come the Magic Clowns where I learned how to be a clown, juggle, make balloon animals, and do magic. Juggling was shockingly the hardest thing to learn.

However, many student-athletes at Morningside have to balance everything between classes, jobs, and of course their athletics. They also have the added stress of balancing the expectations placed on them both academically and athletically. This juggling act not only defines their college experience but it also tends to define their individual personalities sometimes.

College itself is a juggling act. All students experience it, whether they are an athlete or not. When I was learning how to juggle, I had to start with the basics of juggling two things at once, then when I was finally comfortable with the two I had to start doing three. There was one point where we had to try four objects at once, but that was too much for me.

Many student-athletes start with doing two things at the start of the school year; think interpersonal relationships and academics. However, once students get into their athletic seasons they have to start juggling three to four things. For most three things is just enough, if not too much. However for some, like Rachel Spier, four things (sometimes more) is the right amount. 

Similarly to how I had to learn from scratch when juggling, many student-athletes begin their college journey by balancing just a couple of responsibilities. For some, balancing one or two responsibilities at once is barely manageable, but for others like Rachel Spier, the ability to juggle multiple is second nature. Rachel Spier is a Senior at Morningside University. She is a double major, student-athlete, first chair in band, and the president of the national honors society Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK). Her typical day starts with waking up and feeding her cat Suki, going to class, and working at the Krone Center. Afterwards she has bowling practice, then she has band practice where she is the first chair for saxophone. She also has a job at the Hy-Vee pharmacy, but she doesn’t work there everyday.

Because Morningside is so sports centered, all sports games and practices are considered an excused absence. Rachel, and many other athletes, take this as an opportunity to catch up on homework over the weekend. Bowling tournaments happen from midday Friday to Sunday evenings, so the bowlers tend to make up their homework on the bus ride to and from the tournament. A bus ride can last anywhere from 3 hours to 9 and a half hours.

Rachel is a unique student in terms of everything she does and how she balances everything. During her freshman year at Morningside, she did her best to keep up with everything between schoolwork, bowling, and working at the pharmacy. Between then and now she has gotten many opportunities to participate in student groups and clubs that have, “made my Morningside experience all the better.” When asked about her experience with groups and which one has made the largest impact on her academic and professional careers she said, “the Connie Wimer Women’s Leadership group, CWWL, is a mix of interpersonal and intrapersonal skills that we as students get to improve on. The women in the group all have each other’s backs, and CWWL has made the largest impact.”

Graduate of Morningside Camrie Miranda, offered a perspective on how the experience of student-athletes differs from that of the average student. While Camrie acknowledges the hard work and dedication of her peers in sports, she also said, “many students who aren’t athletes are involved in other activities or clubs on campus. Few students are not involved in anything, but even those students tend to have social lives or are focused on schoolwork.” While on campus, Camrie was involved in many student groups as well as a member of the Symphonic Chorus choir, whereas Rachel’s time is consumed with bowling, work, band, and student groups. 

The life of a student-athlete at Morningside is defined by constant juggling. From balancing intense athletic schedules and the immense amount of coursework to maintaining personal relationships and participating in extracurricular activities, student-athletes are forced to learn how to juggle their responsibilities simultaneously. As easy as it seems, this juggling act is never truly easy. Student-athletes have to be resilient, disciplined, and have time management skills; all qualities that don’t just serve them during their academic careers but will continue to impact them throughout their professional futures.

While the challenges of being a student-athlete are unique, they offer invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the confines of college life. The dedication required to balance all things a student-athlete needs — athletics, academics, and personal commitments — shapes not just who they are through their college years, but also who they will become in the future. By supporting all students from student-athletes to choir and band kids to students who aren’t involved in anything, Morningside’s campus will not only thrive, but its students will leave with a degree and the tools needed to succeed later in life.

Oh and by the way, I still know how to juggle from that May Term.

My America typically includes the negative side of what we know as the American Dream. When we were told that this would be our next assignment I thought I wanted to do something to do with my volunteer work and possibly document some of the garbage that lays around Sioux City — as that is what I think of when I think of America. This would’ve been photos of me teaching English to immigrants at Lutheran Services of Iowa and photos of literal trash. Then I realized this would be a little poorly executed project. So, I took photo and video footage of Morningside Campus Media’s coverage of Election Night.

As Election Night approached, we did our best to stay positive. Many people in my Media Management class are unfortunately negatively affected by how the election turned out. While trying to fix up the lighting for the camera, Jesus looked at it with fear.

We checked out the microphones and the system that has failed us multiple times; both the electronic system breaking down and restarting many times before we went live and the American judicial system failing certain demographics as long as I’ve been alive.

Students from Dr. Chase Privett’s class Campaigns and Elections came and sat in the main Communications classroom to keep an eye on the election & how it was shaking down. They were there for about three hours and honestly were the glue that held the whole night together.

During coverage, we had to take notes. I was on the main floor, but got the chance to check in on Mia and Jesus. While I was in there, Jesus was taking notes on how the night was going as well both in the technical and news sides.

The political science professors almost seemed to make light of the situation. I’m sure they have to be due to the nature of their profession being so down emotionally.

College students are always juggling, be it literal or metaphorical. My May Term was Here Come the Magic Clowns where I learned how to be a clown, juggle, make balloon animals, and do magic.

However, many student-athletes at Morningside have to balance everything between classes, jobs, and of course their athletics. This delicate juggling act not only defines their college experience.

↓ Notes from class discussion ↓

Towards the end? Possibly tie things together. Even though I can still literally juggle, I sometimes struggle with juggling metaphorically.

Sports are considered excused absences — esp with games

• “The thing that’s become complicated is lifting. Which is really bothering me this semester.”

Pretty much any faculty

Possibly G

Probably a good idea to talk with someone who is not in activities (think Katie from class)

(definitely include Rachel’s whole stories)

• Describe her typical day
• Anecdote about her

The Hulu movie The Friendship Game delivers a gripping mix of horror and psychological drama. The film centers around a tight-knit group of friends who discover a mysterious game that forces them to confront their darkest fears and secrets. As they play, the stakes escalate, and the fragile bonds of their friendship begin to unravel.

The main character, Zooza (played by Payton List), undergoes a profound transformation as she navigates the chilling revelations brought forth by the game. Her journey highlights themes of trust and vulnerability, ultimately asking how well we truly know those closest to us. The tension builds effectively, and the atmospheric cinematography enhances the eerie tone throughout.

The music was probably the best part about this movie. Nothing really stood out as it played other than the music and overall ambiance. Had Corkle, the director, chosen something more upbeat and happy to play in the background it would not have been as solid a movie as it was.

While the film successfully captivates with its suspenseful moments, some plot twists may feel predictable, leaving viewers wanting more originality in the narrative. Additionally, while the friendships are richly developed, some supporting characters lack depth, making it hard to like or relate to them.

Director Scooter Corkle skillfully balances horror with heartfelt moments, maintaining a good pace that allows both dread and emotion to resonate. Although not without its flaws, The Friendship Game is a compelling exploration of friendship’s darker side, making it an interesting watch for fans of psychological thrillers. If you enjoy a blend of scares & introspection and are looking for something to watch during the spooky month of October, this film is definitely worth checking out.

Almost a year ago today it all started. Camrie, Maren, Shawna, and Sami were about to have a conversation that would change the course of the rest of their lives.

Camrie was a senior graduating the next semester just trying to get through. Political Science and English were taking up a majority of her time. She never had any intentions of roommate drama. She never had any intentions of anyone leaving. 

She would always wear jeans that flare at the bottom with either a graphic tee or sweater and a pair of Fila shoes. Her light brown hair was just past her shoulders. Today she would be seen wearing a dark sweater and dark jeans. 

The day started with her going to her 8am class in Lewis Hall, just to go back to her apartment dorm. The cat was there when she got back; Eva was just another inconvenience most days. When she got back, she could feel something was off, but couldn’t quite put her finger on it. As the day went on she got a text in the group chat. “We need to talk,” it read, “nothing serious, just a talk.” She knew what this meant. Too many of her old roommates had left without a word. She unfortunately knew what this “talk” actually was. 

Maren was a junior just going through the motions of school. This just felt like another one of those days. Bowling every weekend gets exhausting on top of school, so she was just trying to get through to winter break. She knew things were happening amongst roommates, but was hopeful nothing would come of it.

Maren could be found wearing either leggings or jeans with a simple t-shirt — usually a Morningside shirt — with a simple pair of black shoes that had a white stripe along the bottom. She still wears those shoes even though they are falling apart. Today, she would be found wearing a black shirt and gray sweatpants.

For her, the day felt like just another day. Throughout the last week or so she had been told by a roommate that she was thinking about moving out. Maren and Sami had a conversation about Sami moving out a couple times. She always told her that she wouldn’t actually move out. She always told her that she would give at least a week’s notice if she were to move out. Maren was always afraid Sami would move out without any heads up, but had faith that she wouldn’t.

The entire apartment knew how Camrie’s old roommates left; no words, only packing everything up while she wasn’t home. 

Shawna was a sophomore but a junior in credits who was just trying her hardest to live up to the standards she held herself to. Homework, studying, quizzes, and so much more were all taking up her time. For Shawna, today was just another day. Shawna had many things going on in her mind that never made it out of her mouth. 

She would usually be found wearing either black or green leggings and a black t-shirt. Her black and white sneakers were a solid part of her daily wardrobe, but the thing that stood out most was her chest length, natural ginger hair. 

She knew today wasn’t going to go well, but the other roommates would be none the wiser until that evening. Shawna had multiple discussions with Sami about what today would look like. But the other two roommates were left in the dark. When she got back after her long day of classes and labs, she was ready for bed. That fateful text came through and she tried to hide. “Shawna,” she heard, “Shawna!!” Her name was called many times, though she wanted to ignore it. She knew what she was about to do would upset everyone.

Sami was a junior who just wanted to work with her best friends on getting through the days. She knew her current roommates would be mad at her for what she was about to do. Taking care of her cat Eva was what took up a majority of her time, but she was also caught up in clubs and homework. 

Sami was always wearing straight leg light washed jeans with either a graphic tee or sweater, both usually covered in cat hair. Her shoulder length, dirty blonde hair was usually either straight downwards or up in a claw clip. Her bangs typically how she wanted them.

For Sami, today was going to be a hell of a day. She skipped her first class because she was so anxious about the coming day. Sami knew she would be the start of the end. She had conversations with Maren and Shawna about how she was thinking about moving out, but that she was not planning on it. Deep down, she knew she would never stay in that apartment. Just after Maren got back from practice, the text was sent. She knew everything was about to go down.

“We need to talk,” it read, “nothing serious, just a talk.”

The nerves started for everyone. At the beginning of this semester, everyone agreed that they would not split up for any reason. Everyone agreed that they trusted each other. Everyone agreed to tell each other if anything annoyed them. Everyone lied to each other.

It all started as a simple conversation about who needed to do what in preparation for winter break. Maren was to organize the living room and kitchen. Shawna was supposed to clean the countertops. Camrie was to vacuum. All Sami had to do was take the trash downstairs. Unfortunately these chores would all fall apart, and no one would do them.

Camrie eventually got fed up with talking in circles. She knew what this conversation was about, but didn’t want to stay up all night in an attempt to fix everything. She knew what she had to do. 

Something similar to the following happened:

C – “Can we please address the elephant in the room?” 

Sh – “What do you mean?”

Sa – “Yeah, I’m not sure.”

M – “Oh, I’m pretty sure it’s about the tension in here.”

C – “Yeah. So, who is moving out and when?”

Maren had confided in Camrie that she was being talked to about what was going to happen today, so she had some kind of heads up. She knew she wouldn’t want to be blindsided, so she felt it necessary to make sure Camrie knew what would happen. 

Shawna and Sami didn’t know this. They assumed they had the high ground on Camire.

Shawna ended up moving out the same day. She told the rest of the roommates that she already had a different dorm picked out. 

Just three days later Maren and Camrie went back to their apartment, now having one less person living in it. When they went to unlock the door after climbing three flights of stairs, they heard what sounded like crying. As they turned the key it stopped. They walked in and it started again. Sami’s room was almost fully packed up.

“I’m sorry Maren.” She said to her. Camrie was never issued an apology with her name in it. 

Then there were two. Camrie and Maren stayed out of the way for the weekend as Sami was moving out. They got back to an almost empty apartment and only a couple items that were stolen. They promised each other that they cannot take any more moving, so they decided to stick out the semester. Eventually they got a new roommate, but she was only there to sleep and nothing more. 

Today, in October 2024, Camrie and Maren are still living together. They went through the first official step of adulthood and got an apartment together after Camrie graduated. Now, they both live about 15 minutes from campus, but still have each other as best friends and roommates. It was the growth done through the last year that made them both who they are today. Camrie is an independent woman with a full time job working in refugee resettlement, and Maren who is still in school — a senior now — is doing better in her classes now than she was a year ago today. After she graduates, Camrie and Maren plan on renewing their lease for another year as they both settle into adulthood. 

The following is a conversation between an employee and their therapist. All names have been blocked out.

Growing up, the idea of having therapy online seemed futuristic. However, today a majority of my therapy is done online. Maybe not through artificial intelligence (AI), but through video calls on platforms like Zoom. In contrast, my younger brother Landon, who is 14, has been immersed in AI from a young age; from schoolwork, to daily routines, to practice, AI is everywhere. I plan to explore AI, which was once a distant concept, and how it has become an integral part of everyday life. As well as how AI has evolved from its early conceptual stages to its widespread use in education and personal life, and what this rapid integration means for future generations.

The Turing Test is one that many people know the name of, but can’t pinpoint what it is exactly. 

In 1950, Alan Turing became famous for his measure of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior known as the Turing Test. It was in his seminal paper “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” that the Turing Test was brought to the world.

That conversation from earlier, is still a conversation between an employee and something they consider to be their therapist. However, the therapist isn’t real; the therapist is AI. Here’s the unedited image, with the employee’s name still blocked out.

While AI therapy isn’t in the near future for most, there is the possibility that many people struggle with their emotions and know that they need help. The idea that someone can get even a trace of the help they may need at little to no cost to their bank account is scary to both individuals and their therapists. 

A conversation with the on campus therapist, Bobbi Meister, revealed more. She said that in her limited experience with AI, she fears people will miss that human face to face connection. “I like having that presence,” she said, emphasizing things like the human ability to empathize with each other. She also focused on the nonverbal things like facial expressions, vocal tone, body language, and empathy. Although she is hesitant on AI being used for therapy professionally, she did say, “if it is someone’s last resort, it would be better than nothing.” She was very adamant about people getting the help they need, however that may be.

Miester did have a few concerns about therapy AI. Her main one was what would happen if someone said that they wanted to harm themselves. Human therapists are trained to tell authorities when something along those lines is said. She said that the only way anything along those lines could be detected is through real people who have the ability to judge emotion; be it face to face or through a camera lens. 

Going back in history again, the Logic Theorist was one of, if not the first, artificial intelligence program designed by humans to mimic human problem-solving abilities. A computer programmer by the name of Cliff Shaw also helped in the development of the program. Developed by Allen Newell and Herbert A. Simon, the Logic Theorist. Newell and Simon proved that the program could prove theorems similar to how a mathematician would. They did this through putting their families through some math problems, to which the program would learn.

In conclusion, the journey of AI from early concepts to its current presence in areas like therapy illustrates both its promise and its challenges. While AI can provide accessible support for those in need, it raises critical concerns about the absence of genuine human connection, especially in mental health care. As highlighted by therapist Bobbi Meister, the nuances of empathy and nonverbal communication are vital in therapeutic settings. The integration of AI into our lives, particularly for younger generations immersed in technology, presents an opportunity for new forms of assistance, yet we must remain vigilant about maintaining the essential human touch. Moving forward, finding a balance between the convenience of AI and the irreplaceable value of human interaction will be key in ensuring that everyone receives the care they deserve. In this evolving landscape, the importance of fostering authentic connections cannot be overlooked, even as we explore the benefits of artificial intelligence.

I believe in following the rules (to an extent). 

I believe that when a person starts something, they should finish it. I believe in following through. When I turned 15 and started to learn how to drive and general driving etiquette, I learned the basic rule that gas stations have designated directions.I believe that people should follow those basic directions. At Sam’s Club there is a high number of people who don’t quite understand the importance of those directions. Those people are more worried about getting their gas and leaving. 

I believe that people should understand how their choices impact someone’s day. Maybe I believe that people need to think about others more than I believe in following the rules. 

The other day I went to get gas at Sam’s. My tank is on the right side of my car, opposite of most. It may just happen that I get into an accident just getting gas. The amount of time I spent in the line at Sam’s just to see that the reason our line took forever was because someone decided to go against the grain and feel special.

There are times, though, where I find it necessary to break the rules. Like when I’m not being taken seriously at the doctor, I feel the need to break the rules and social norms just a little bit. Or when my favorite show comes out with a new episode I feel like I have to break the rules and lie saying that I haven’t watched the newest episode yet.

Being told that I am just overthinking or exaggerating my symptoms made me feel like I could not trust the doctors. After I told them that my symptoms were worse than they actually were, I finally got the treatment I needed. 

I never watched the recent episode of Avatar. In fact, I never liked it. I always lied to her about liking it. I guess that might be a little more than a small white lie, but it still isn’t telling the truth.

I believe in following the rules (to an extent). Maybe I believe in doing the right thing more than I do following the rules. It most likely is my belief in considering how actions affect others. Maybe it is more of a belief in following societal norms. Whatever it is, I believe in it.

5 things I like

Humorous: my whole life, but especially during my college years, I have been told I’m funny.

Advocate: the last four years I have made it a point to make sure people who don’t have access to their voice being heard are able to get their voice heard.

Honest: honesty is one of my key points within myself, if I’m not honest about something, it will eat me up

Cheapskate: while it is usually seen as a negative thing, I like to think if I can save on things like clothing and food, I can help others out with what they need

Helpful: based on the previous, I would like to think I am a helpful hand in times of need; be it friends or family.

2 things I don’t like

Procrastinator: Again, my whole life I have pushed everything off until the last minute

Introvert: as I have gotten older, this has gone from full introvert to an ambivert. Either way the introvert part of me still exists.

The grapes are tough skinned with a cold smoothness. As it gets bitten into the juices flow out and suddenly I am reminded of bowling. The juice inside is sweet and consistent; the same flavor between each grape. The grapes are dark purple and oval.

Strawberries have always been my favorite fruit. When offered one, I was ecstatic to grab the last large one. I cut it in half with the white plastic fork. As it slid down the center, I noticed how soft it was. This strawberry was slightly squishier than others I’ve had, and slightly darker. When I bit into my favorite fruit I found it to be a little more bitter than expected. Nonetheless, I couldn’t bring myself to leave a half eaten strawberry. It was still just as good as a normal one.

As I pulled apart the peep it was as satisfying as I always wished it to be. I have never pulled them apart as my parents or teachers usually would do it. The neon green sugar covering the oval marshmellow Peep is unique. The design on it shows a little monster that looks like Frankenstein, but you didn’t hear that from me. It was squishy and super sweet. I’ve never liked Peeps, but maybe this little guy just changed my mind.

The following is a conversation between an employee and their therapist. All names have been blocked out.

Growing up, the idea of having therapy online seemed futuristic. However, today a majority of my therapy is done online. Maybe not through artificial intelligence (AI), but through video calls on platforms like Zoom. In contrast, my younger brother Landon, who is 14, has been immersed in AI from a young age; from schoolwork, to daily routines, to practice, AI is everywhere. I plan to explore AI, which was once a distant concept, and how it has become an integral part of everyday life. As well as how AI has evolved from its early conceptual stages to its widespread use in education and personal life, and what this rapid integration means for future generations.

The Turing Test is one that many people know the name of, but can’t pinpoint what it is exactly. 

In 1950, Alan Turing became famous for his measure of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behavior known as the Turing Test. It was in his seminal paper “Computing Machinery and Intelligence” that the Turing Test was brought to the world.

That conversation from earlier, is still a conversation between an employee and something they consider to be their therapist. However, the therapist isn’t real; the therapist is AI. Here’s the unedited image, with the employee’s name still blocked out.

While AI therapy isn’t in the near future for most…

Logic theorist…

Landon interview…

Conclusion…