By: Meredith Massman

Every once and a while, we all have a case of the Monday’s and half way through a new semester, they run rampant. On one particular Monday morning, I had a major case of said Monday’s. After deciding that the half hour I allot in my daily routine to get ready would be better spent a sleep, I realize I am going to be late if I do not hurry. Running to get to work on time, missing my Starbucks stop (I might add), I got to the office just in time.  I greet my coworkers in a less-than-peppy manner and shuffle over to the mailboxes to clock in. As I look down I realize I forgot my name tag. Ordinarily, I would leave my name tag in my mailbox, but naturally, I forgot to the last time I was working.

This situation happens to me and many of my coworkers every now and again and because of this, we have found a solution: Oneeka. Whenever I or another student in the office forgets or is having a bad day, we all know to go to the second drawer of the Office Coordinators desk and get Oneeka’s name tag. Now, one may be thinking, who is Oneeka?

That is a question I cannot answer because all I know is Oneeka worked in the Welcome Center and her name tag was left behind. However, what I can tell you about Oneeka is that she, to a certain extent, is an office life saver because my co-workerss and I always have a name tag and new idenity when we have a bad case of the Mondays. The beauty of Oneeka’s name tag is one of life’s mysteries. What draws someone to pick Oneeka’s name out of a sea of white name tags? That will continue to be a life long’s thrillers.

So Oneeka, we thank you.

So you’ve joined your organizations, found the niche you’re comfortable in, everybody is happy and … you realize that you aren’t quite sure how to balance each persona that you portray at each event. You are running from chapter meeting in your heels, to your optimistic and perky job as a tour guide, to your class arguing about LGBT rights and you’re wondering … how am I supposed to break down gender binaries while being involved in an organization (Greek Life), that only supports the thought that there are two genders?

To expand on this, I am a gender rights activist, someone who believes in breaking down gender stereotypes or even the opinion that there are only two genders (male and female). However, I am involved in an organization that draws a distinct line between male and female, and as a sorority woman I am expected to be the face of that sorority. My behavior is supposed to be classy, exhibit high morals, wear high heels and dresses, and to emphasize my femininity. In contrast, there is a separate set of expectations for fraternity men. These separate expectations directly contradict the part of me that is an activist for same expectations for all people. How do I handle this?

I call it “identity morphing.” I present myself differently to all of the people I am around, and the aspect of my persona that I am expected to portray at that moment. It does not mean that I am “being myself,” but rather only showing a specific facet of myself. It does begin to raise the question, however, should we be compromising who we are as a whole, in order to fit into our surroundings?

Sincerely,

Anonymous

By:  Mallory Apel

After being at EMU for four years, I might know a few things … so I’m sharing what I know.

When you tell people, “You’re acting like a child,” some might take this as a bad thing. I take it as a compliment. It’s important in college to find a balance between school, work and fun, so it’s nice to act like a 4 year old sometimes and just have fun.

So where can you go in Ypsilanti to find your inner child?. Here are a few suggestions:

1. THE ROCKET: Located on Michigan Ave, this novelty store has it all. If you want bacon band aids, a cat lady action figure, Ypsi merchandise or candy from your childhood, this is the place for a nostalgic flashback. Idea: Take your parents and see them act like children.
2. FANTASY ATTIC: Located in Depot Town, this costume shop has what you need. Anything you need for your Halloween costume, Mardi Gras mask or themed party costume you can find. Try on any of the hats, masks or sunglasses and just have a laugh with your friends.
3. GO TO THE PARK: Frog Island Park or Riverside Park are two good choices. Take a Frisbee or a football and a few friends and have fun. You might even see our Quidditch team practicing at Frog Island Park!
4. SNOW: When the first snow hits watch the children (aka college students) play. Find a sled and a friend and go down the hill in North Lot by the Towers. Or go ice skating on the pond when it freezes over. Have a snowball fight with a few friends and build a fort, make a snowman or snow angels. Anything you do in the snow if fun so just get out there.

By: Mallory Apel

After being at EMU for four years I might know a few things … so I’m sharing what I know.

Where to go for … FINANCIAL AID!

Financial aid can seem like a headache and a half, but it doesn’t have to be. Just follow some simple guidelines and you’ll be good to go.

The first place to go for quick financial aid questions is “Service EMU” in the Student Center. It is located across from the 24-hour computer lab and behind Starbucks on the second floor. “Service EMU” looks like a bank, with teller windows and such. You can’t sit down there but if you have a quick question that requires a quick answer go there.

For those of you that want to sit down and have a conversation about financial aid, go to the Financial Aid Office in Pierce Hall. Take the elevator or stairs and go up to the 4^th floor. Go to 403 and take a number if there is a line, otherwise find an open financial aid person.

A few tips: If you have an e-mail stating something that isn’t right … bring the email. If you have forms you have questions about … bring them. Print out the completed application for any financial aid so you have a hard copy. Be prepared before you go.

By:  Brooke Maggard

Freshman Fifteen kicking your butt? Kick it back with these top five tips!

1. Ask for no oil:  Most people don’t even notice the oil put into their pan before they get pasta or stir fry. By simply asking for no oil, you can save as many as much as 300 calories and up to 30 grams of fat!

2. Try eating an apple a day:  Apples are a filling snack for 100 calories or less. They have a high water concentration, fiber and can help prevent loads of diseases and cancers! Apples are available in almost every eating commons on campus!

3. Skip the pop:  A single pop can at a meal can add 250 calories and close to 70 grams of sugar. It is recommended that we have approximately 40 grams of sugar per day. A pop with lunch and dinner adds 500 calories and nearly 100 grams of sugar over the recommended intake. Try switching a glass of water for one pop a day and work out pop all together!

4. Drink water:  I know the last one pushed for this as well but most people don’t realize how much water they actually need to drink. Multiply your weight in pounds by .5 and that’s how much water you have to drink every day. To make drinking water a little more fun, treat yourself to a fancy new water bottle!

5. Watch your dressing:  Many people think that by eating a salad they are automatically eating healthy. Yes, there are many health benefits but some people add enough dressing to make their salad have as many calories as the meal they really wanted would have been. Start by simply adding less dressing and shaking your salad to spread it all around or try low-fat or fat-free dressings.

How are you working to prevent gaining unhealthy weight in college? Mix proper diet and exercise together and you’ll have nothing to worry about.

By:  Kerri Musick

Having a structured week is a sure-fire way to: (A) Actually get work done and (B) slip into fits of insanity. You are working your tail off getting an education, I think  know you deserve a little pick-me-up at the end of the day. I plan a de-stressor everyday … that way I’m prepared to confront the world tomorrow.

Monday: After going from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. with a full schedule of classes, I allocate the hours of 2:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. to napping. An hour nap probably isn’t healthy, but chances are I stayed up too late from the weekend.

Tuesday: As dorky as it sounds, I’m stoked I get to work! I found a job I actually enjoy going to, so it’s a nice way to keep in touch with reality. Not to mention, Glee and Dance Moms is on.

Wednesday: It’s winter. I’ll be the first to admit I take full advantage of my body being fully clothed at all times. I dedicate my Wednesday to taking long showers … and actually shaving my legs. Bless the soul that sees me workout before these suckers are trimmed.

Thursday: College Friday, sup? I typically pop in a chick flick with my roommates and pig out on carbohydrates and cry. It was a long week, right?

Friday: Friday night movie in the auditorium. Even if I don’t like the movie, it could be a potential Jeopardy question one day.

Saturday: Sleep in. ‘nough said.

Sunday: Skype with my family, boyfriend and friends back home.

By:  Meredith Massman

Books, binders and miscellaneous papers: These are typical items floating around in our backpacks. However, here are some things you may not have thought about before to put in your backpack. It’s never too late in the semester to be prepared with everything you will need. Here are a few easy steps to have your backpack up to par.

Step 1 — Find an awesome backpack design. Try for a whimsical pattern or pick one in your favorite color! Add some flair with key chains, buttons or patches!

Step 2 — Take your usual books, binders and miscellaneous papers and throw them in because let’s be honest, those papers will all end up in there at the end!

Step 3 — You will definitely need an umbrella! How many times have you been stuck in the rain and walked into class soaked? Just get a compact umbrella and put in your backpack so you will always have it!

Step 4 — Get a water bottle! No one wants to cramp up on the walk across campus! In all seriousness, instead of spending $1.50 on water, just refill your own. EMU also has fill stations in the Student Center!

Step 5 — Hand sanitizer! This is an obvious one. It is winter … avoid colds. Smack some on before you eat, open doors or hit elevator buttons. Also, they smell delightful.

No need to thank me!

By: Nicole Roser

Do you hate walking up the stairs during a hard day of classes? Do you begin panicking and hyperventilating at the mere sight of stairs? Or do you simply want to make it to class quicker and not feel exhausted and sweaty upon arrival? Well, I have taken the initiative to find out when you should take the elevator.

1. In Halle Library, if possible, take the elevator to the third floor. Even when I am in the best shape, I always ended up sweating and I’m out of breath when running up those three flights of stairs to math class.
2. In Pray Harold, take the elevator. There are seven floors. I believe this is pretty self-explanatory.
3. In the Science Complex, the elevator only goes up two floors from the entrance facing Halle Library, so you don’t look too lazy.
4. Not the residence halls. Unless you are carrying food, refrain from the elevator. The people who know you and grow to recognize you will soon start to believe you are lazy and thus a boring person. Take the stairs and look fun!

   (Be sure to let the people who only take the elevator one floor up know how irritated you are!)

By: Michelle Carter

First off, what is an NSOA?

An NSOA — or New Student Orientation Assistant — are the fun, knowledgeable students that are here to help the New Students adjust to college life at Eastern Michigan University.

1. Lots of free stuff — For each day of orientation (first four days), NSOA’s get a free T-shirt. The T-shirts typically have cool designs and are worn by all NSOAs. Also, during training, the NSOAs get free food. What college student does not want free food? On training days, they get food catered by the university. Yum!
2. LBC Credit — Students that become NSOAs get the required LBC or Learning Beyond the Classroom which each student is required to fulfill. This is important because in order to graduate each student needs to have a certain requirement for LBC.
3. Leadership Experience — Being in charge of a group of new students is a great way to show your potential leadership! You have to be strong in making decisions and creating a safe and fun environment for these students. You also have to use teamwork because each NSOA is paired with another in order to allow double the help. This opportunity is a way for students to break from their shell and truly get a feel for who they really are!
4. New Friends — There are about 100 to 150 people who are NSOAs each year (or … 100 new friends). Even only knowing these people for a few days, the relationships last and it gives you a person to wave to on the way to class or someone to catch lunch with weekly at the Student Center. Not only do you get friends from NSOA, you also will gain friendships from your new students. They will always have questions for you throughout the years of college.
5. Fun times — It is four packed days with ice breakers, food, games, tours, food and FUN! Each day there is something else that adds to the fun times and laughter that is orientation. NSOAs have to be outgoing and enjoyable to be around!

So you want to be an NSOA? Well then apply online! Go to http://emich.edu/campuslife/orientation-a-new-students to do so.

Why should you live on campus? We’ll tell you:

1. The College Experience — By living on campus you will be able to have the “total college experience.” You’ve probably never lived on a college campus before and you’ll have the rest of your life to live off campus, so why not give living on campus a try?
2. Convenience — Living on campus gives you all the convenience you need and you are close to absolutely everything! You don’t have to worry about traffic on the way to school or fighting for that dreaded last parking spot, you can literally just roll out of bed and be at class in a matter of minutes.
3. Resources — Everything you need is within walking distance from your residence hall. The library for late night studying, different eating commons for those munchies, sporting events to show off that school spirit and different academic resources like tutoring if you find yourself struggling in a class.
4. Friends — Living on a college campus opens you up to so many opportunities to meet different people! From roommates, to neighbors, to fellow munchers in the eating commons you will always find someone you’ll connect with. Residence halls even put on different programs for students to help them meet others and help build those relationships.
5. Enjoy College — Living on campus makes it easier for you to get involved. You’ll be close to so many athletic events, concerts, lectures and many MANY student organizations. So get involved with all the different opportunities right on campus and make your college experience the best it can be!