A Semester in Review

Looking back on the semester I’ve really enjoyed the time I’ve spent creating blog posts for this class. It has been fun to share my ‘life’ in a way, with fellow classmates and blog post readers. A lot of my ideas stemmed from hobbies and things I love to read on my own. I also got a lot of feedback from coworkers as a majority of the time I wrote my blog posts while at work. I think I’ve been the biggest influence on how I write and create my posts. I always try to brand my information and create a personal brand that is relatable and enjoyable. I try and better my writing skills every post and take in all of the advice I can to better myself.

Something that I’ve learned regarding my work habits is that I get a lot of work done at one time and somehow that keeps me motivated. I guess I get this burst of motivation throughout the week that encourages me to write my posts, and so I sit down and write all of them at one time. Somehow this helps spark my creativity and allows me to write as much as I can. I’ve learned that if I force myself to get my assignments done at a certain time they do not turn out as well as they could. I think this also plays a part in where and how I write because if it’s not the right time or place then my posts aren’t very successful in terms of detail or style.

My favorite part about this semester has been reading my classmate’s posts. All of our posts are different in style and content and I’ve really enjoyed expanding my knowledge in other areas of life! I’ve enjoyed reading about mental health, different COVID-19 perspectives, protests, and more! It just shows how versatile we are and how we all differ in ideas.

I think the biggest challenge for me this semester has been finding stories to analyze or read that aren’t COVID-19 related. I really try my best to stay away from that subject because I honestly get annoyed on how heavily reported it is. I like to read fresh stories that aren’t related to the pandemic, it’s very relaxing and helps me pull away from reality for a while.

A post I’m really proud of is the Humans of Kearney post with Jaci Pohl about the birth story of her daughters. While it wasn’t my story, I really enjoyed the process of interviewing her, listening to her story, and putting it all together. I think one of the best things about reporting is hearing others’ stories and reflecting on them. After listening to her story and then later making a blog post about it I realized how important it is to live in the moment and always give thanks to precious moments. Another post I’m really proud of is the piece I wrote about on Thanksgiving and how far we still have to go regarding racism and oppression. Being able to write about topics that are very meaningful to me is very important and I often find that I’m able to pull together a really well-rounded story.

Something I’ve discovered about myself as a writer is that I always want to include a lot of points. I’ve learned that I’m always trying to include all of my knowledge into one blog post and sometimes that works and sometimes it doesn’t. I think I’ve gotten better towards the end of the semester at really narrowing down my blog posts and focusing on certain topics. Another change I’ve made throughout my blog posts is becoming more personable and making my posts more relatable and from the heart. I think including personal experiences and writing about what I truly care about helps bring out my creativity.

Overall this class has been really enjoyable and has helped spark my interest in writing journalism once again.

How to ease your mind during the final weeks of the semester

If a majority of your classes are anything like mine, the end of the semester is usually packed with new assignments, projects and exams. While this time can be very stressful, it’s always important to find time to ease your mind and rest.

Finding time for yourself among class work and other daily activities is so important. I truly believe it really plays into our mental health and attitude on life. Personally, I have a few things I do in my daily routine that allows me to sit back, relax and reflect.

One of my favorite self care activities is waking up a little earlier then scheduled and going to get my favorite drink from one of the coffee shops in town. Personally I am an early bird and am usually up around 5:30/6 am. Going in my car and driving to the coffee shop is oddly relaxing to me because there’s usually not much traffic at this time. This really allows me to visualize my day and think about how to stay positive while doing everything I have planned.

Another one of my favorite self care/mind easing activities of mine is taking my pups on a walk. Whether this be before my day starts, during a lunch break or around dinner time it really helps calm my mind. A plus side of this activity are loves from a furry friend. If you do not have a dog to walk, just taking sometime on your own to walk around the block and reflect is as effective.

Lastly, and oddly enough cleaning the house. While this doesn’t sound very fun, for some reason it really gets me in a relaxed mode. Organizing and cleaning while listening to music or a podcast in my earphones really helps me relax. This activity is also beneficial because then I’m getting a few chores done as well.

Finals week is truly one of the most stressful weeks in the semester. The past four years I’ve been at UNK, I’ve never had a true “dead week” or “finals week.” Sometimes this can be very aggravating but I’ve learned to just roll with it. Finding little activities like these to help ease my mind has been very helpful throughout finals week and the regular weeks in a semester as well.

What is something you do to relax in a stressful time?

My Miss USA Experience

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A longtime dream of mine has been to attend the Miss USA competition LIVE! For years I would cozy up on the couch and wait for the 51 women to grace the stage on T.V. I remember telling my mom when I was younger that someday I hope I can watch the pageant in person.

Sunday the 28th of November, my friend and I took a seven hour road trip to Tulsa Oklahoma. Sunday afternoon and Monday morning we kept busy by touring the city of Tulsa. We got to visit the center of the universe, the home of the popular Outsiders movie and did some shopping. After getting ready we then drove to the River Spirit Casino Resort to attend the 70th Miss USA competition.

Walking in I had no idea to expect that so many former Miss USA’s and state titleholders would great us at the door. It was such a memorable moment getting to see all the women I watched get crowned on T.V. in person. After we received free goodies donated by the competition sponsors we then headed into The Cove theater where the next Miss USA would be crowned.

Our seats were fairly close to the stage which was perfect! The atmosphere felt much like a Husker football game as everyone in attendance had a favorite “team” and would cheer loudly when their state was called. Nebraska made the top 16 cut and we all cheered loudly. Somehow our seats were next to Miss Nebraska’s family and friends in attendance which was really cool as we all became one big family.

While Miss Nebraska didn’t make it into the top 8 a few of my favorites did which was really exciting. The top 8 then competed in a new phase of competition that was just implemented this year. It was called a table discussion where the girls were asked a few political questions and a few light hearted questions. It was great to see how intelligent these women are, and it just reminds everyone watching that these women are much more than outward beauty.

After the table discussion the ladies did one last walk around in their gown and were later lined up for results. Miss Kentucky won the competition and will represent the United States at Miss Universe this December.

It was such an amazing experience and I would definitely recommend everyone to attend a competition like this if you get a chance. I think attending or watching on television really brings a new light to pageants and helps show you how much more there is to it.

COVID-19 & The Omicron Variant

With the recent discovery of a new COVID-19 variant, I felt that analyzing The Washington Post article on ‘What to know about the omicron variant of the coronavirus‘ would be very timely.

The article starts out by introducing the new variant and its origin. Health authorities say that the new variant was first discovered in Southern Africa, and has now been confirmed in more than 20 countries including the United States. The article then shares a quote from President Biden encouraging the American people to not panic but rather be concerned. The quote also encouraged Americans to get the vaccine and their booster shots.

The article says the variant was first identified in mid-November and that its mutations are more transmissible and adept at overcoming the body’s immune defense system. The article then talks about recent travel restrictions and that U.S. health authorities are pushing vaccinations, mask-wearing, hand washing, and other safety measures.

The article ends by saying that there is still not enough information on the variant to draw conclusions. I really liked this article because it was straight to the point and gave me the information regarding the variant that I wanted to know. It didn’t include any unnecessary information or quotes and was very neutral. At the end of the article, there were links to answers to common questions asked regarding the variant. Overall, I think this article was well done and very informative. For those who want quality information on the variant but do not want to read or do a lot of research, this article is a great resource.

How I Keep Entertained…

This semester has been one of the busiest semesters I’ve had my entire college career. Not only am I taking 20 credit hours of classes, and working almost 40 hours a week, but I’m also preparing for Miss Nebraska USA this coming March. Finding extra time to fit in entertainment in my schedule has been a little difficult this semester.

However, when I’m not completing assignments, running back and forth at work or in the gym preparing for Miss Nebraska most of the time you can find me on my couch. Finding time to rest this semester has been an important part of my weekly schedule. Cozying up with my pups and trying to get through an episode of some of my Netflix favorites is one of my favorite forms of entertainment.

When I have a little extra time on my hands I make an effort to go attend one of my 6 younger siblings’ sporting events or school activities. It’s really important to me to support them and be as present as I can. I spend a large part of my free time in the gym during the winter season watching countless hours of basketball games and cheering on my siblings.

Aside from the photography business that I’ve mentioned in previous blog posts, another hobby of mine is creating content for my YouTube channel. I love creating fun videos with friends, vlogging my travel experiences, and creating sit-down videos. While I may not be as popular as David Dobrik or MrBeast, I still enjoy the process of creating and editing content and do so as if the world is watching.

I’m very fortunate to say that my life has begun to return to normalcy, whatever that may be. I’ve been able to take a few road trips recently, celebrated birthdays with family and friends, and attended events in the Kearney area without fear of COVID-19 playing a role. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve realized how important it is to really soak in every moment of every day. I think it’s really important to find happiness and normalcy any way we can and to never let a pandemic or something similar tear at our life. Finding our own ideas of entertainment, and happiness are so important in returning to our own version of normal and I can say that I’ve found mine.

Humans of Kearney

Thanksgiving Edition

“Thanksgiving for my family varies each year but it’s always fun. Each year we switch between having thanksgiving with my mom’s side of the family and my dad’s side of the family. When we go to my dad’s side we eat we enjoy playing games like cards against humanity. Dad’s family has quite the sense of humor so things can get pretty interesting! My mom’s side, after we eat we all enjoy splitting up into teams and going on a walk throughout the town doing a scavenger hunt. We’re all pretty competitive so this also makes for a fun afternoon. I hope that soon we’ll be able to get back with each side as Covid has hindered us from doing so in the last few years.”

It’s 2021 and we continue to celebrate the genocide of millions

While the food we eat is delicious and the time we spend with family on Thanksgiving is treasurable, sometimes I wonder why we celebrate the ‘holiday.’

Something about celebrating the genocide of millions of people, theft of land and assaults on culture has never really sat well with me.

I know I was asked to tell a story about Thanksgiving, but what about the stories of the hundreds of Pequot men, women and children who were slaughtered? Celebrating Thanksgiving means we’re celebrating the US’s violence and cruelty against Native Americans.

I think the story we need to tell and continue to look at is the continued racism and oppression that many Native Americans continue to experience today.

While gathering with family and enjoying a nice home cooked meal is special and enjoyable, putting aside the truth is disruptive.

With the number of events that have taken place over the course of two years I think it’s time we re-establish the meaning of this holiday. I truly believe we have a lot to work on as a country and a human race, and we cannot do that with a government who doesn’t do enough to support the lives of those who continue to be discriminated against.

Giving thanks is important, but I believe it’s time to tell the real story about Thanksgiving, and that begins in the elementary classrooms. Sharing the story of the lives lost, and what Thanksgiving really means to many cultures.

What was done many years ago is not something to celebrate and be proud of. The events that continue to take place in the US and around the globe each and every day relating to racism, oppression and discrimination is something that needs to be talked about.

I think taking a day to celebrate, honor, mourn, and tell stories about what really goes on in the US would be way more fitting and inclusive to those who’ve lost their lives and their homes in years past.

It’s time we stand together and realize that celebrating a period of mourning is not something we should be proud of, and that is a story I would love to tell my children some day.

Humans of Kearney

“I used to work for this professor at UNK as her student assistant. I would run her errands, pay her bills and do really anything she needed me to. I would get paid weekly through checks and everything seemed fine, nothing was wrong all the checks ran through fine. Until, I received the fifth check which was flagged and returned back to me as a forfeited check.

I went to talk with her and she was no where to be found. She wasn’t in her regular office, and was unreachable through phone. When I called that day the phone said it was no longer in service. I reported her to the Buffalo County Police Department to open an investigation and the police officers began gathering evidence I had and information against her.

For the first four days she was not to be found in the system or at the UNK department as if she never existed. Two weeks later I find out that she had moved to Europe. Since she had moved to a different country, nothing could be done and I had to pay back $4,000.”

Gone Too Soon

Bonnie Richards (left) and Chandra Crist (right) celebrating their friendship a few years ago.

Since the beginning of COVID-19 the world hasn’t been the same. Many have lost those close to them, many of passed on and many are still struggling. Everyone has a different story and a different perspective on the pandemic. Some were fortunate to not be effected, and others have quite possibly lived the worst year and a half of their life since 2019.

Over time I’ve heard many stories and many experiences of those close to me regarding the pandemic. However, there’s one story that has always brought me back asking for more.

Chandra Crist, a 48 year-old Bassett native has an intriguing story on her experience with the pandemic. Crist is a diabetic and her husband Kevin Whetstine has heart disease. The pandemic has been especially heard for those who have high alert health issues. For most of the year, Crist was locked up inside hoping her husband would get home safely.

“I would sit at home, the entire time,” said Crist. “For months Kevin would go out and I was scared to death for him because he dealt with people all the time, and I was afraid he would bring it home.”

Whetstine is a Trooper for Nebraska state patrol and is coming up on his 23rd year with the force. Crist talked about how thankful she was and continues to be for his service and for all of the other hero’s who have served in different ways during the pandemic.

However, while Crist is fortunate her husband is healthy and has been during the pandemic, she has also lost someone very close to her. Bonnie Richards, one of Crist’s oldest friends passed away a year ago this month. And what Crist has to say about her passing, is very heartfelt.

“Some of my best memories were made with Bonnie, she was like a sister to me. She always cared for others and that’s why she went to get the vaccine,” said Crist.

Unfortunately for Richards, while she got the vaccine to protect others, the vaccine didn’t protect her. “She went to get the vaccine one day and the next she’s gone. They ruled it as a stroke, but I believe it was the vaccine that took her life,” said Crist. Like many others, Crist is skeptical of the vaccine, many have had life altering changes after getting the vaccine and like Richards many have passed on.

“My dad had muscle spasms in his arm, one of my uncles got a blood clot in his leg, and one of my other uncles began having issues with his gallbladder. All of this happened not even days after getting the vaccine,” said Crist.

Crist doesn’t believe any of this is coincidence, and will not be getting the vaccine because of it. “Too many people have lost their lives from something that was supposedly designed to protect them,” said Crist.

While there were many trying times during the pandemic, nothing amounts to loosing her friend. “Bonnie was a very giving person, very family oriented. Her kids were her life. She was the strongest person I knew, she truly was amazing,” said Crist.

Why the Miss USA Swimsuit Competition is still Relevant in 2021

Ladies walking around in swimsuits while wearing 5” heels on a stage. If you heard or read that sentence without any context, you might be confused, and not really understand what any of it means.

For many years the Miss USA competition and others like it have held a swimsuit competition included in their pageant. However, many do not see the relevance in this phase of competition and find it very exclusive and degrading to many women.

How does a woman walking around in 5” heels on a stage define her intelligence, grace and poise? Some might say it doesn’t and for many years I agreed with that. However, after competing in pageants and being apart of the community it comes with, I’ve come to realize the swimsuit part of competition is more than just walking in a bikini.

Aside from the confidence booster and feeling like you’re on top of the world after doing it once, I learned a lot more about myself and my body. The swimsuit phase of competition is there to help women remember the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle.

Over the past year and a half I think that through social media we’ve lost the idea on what a healthy body is. There is a new trend going on especially on TikTok that if you’re confident in your body then you’re healthy. And I do not agree with that at all. While this may come out harsh I think it needs to be said, being overweight or obese and confident in yourself is not healthy and does not mean you’re leading a healthy lifestyle.

The Miss USA organization encourages confidence but also reminds you to lead a healthy lifestyle not only physically but mentally as well.

I believe that the swimsuit competition is relevant because it pushes women to be the best version of themselves they can be. This doesn’t mean starving themselves, or never eating a piece of cake again but rather to live in moderation and stay cautious. The amount of food we consume, the amount of television we watch and the amount of time we spend laying down all come together to create a healthy or non healthy lifestyle.

While the heels still don’t make much sense to me, keeping the swimsuit competition in the pageant world does. I hope my personal experiences can provide insight to what the swimsuit competition means to contestants. And like I always say, if you don’t like something or don’t have anything positive to say about something do not watch it, do not read it, do not respond to it.