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ACL’s, more than a physical battle

CLEVELAND, Ohio– Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are very common within the realm of women’s soccer. Women’s soccer players have the third-highest ACL injury rates in National Collegiate Athletic Association sports behind men’s spring football and women’s gymnastics. Additionally, soccer players are uniquely susceptible to muscle strains and ligament sprains due to the quick changes in direction, lateral movements, pivoting and the rapid accelerations and decelerations involved in the sport. Why is this? The fast pace that the sport calls for is why most ACL injuries occur, not even considering the contact ACL injuries. These statistics only continue to grow.

Redshirt Senior Kristen Roe, is no stranger to the rehab process of an ACL injury. Roe plays soccer at Indian Tech and is native to Saint Thomas, Ontario. Her injury occurred during the game after taking minimal to no contact while competing for a header on the pitch.

“The whole rehab process was difficult,” Roe said. “Mentally, it’s challenging because you have to realize that your body can’t function the way you’re used to. You have certain standards you hold yourself to and it’s hard to ignore them for a while to let yourself heal. Physically, rehab is exhausting. Having a teammate like Hadley Hopkins during my recovery was so crucial. It motivated me knowing that we were going through the same thing and would both be back playing together soon.”
Kristen Roe, redshirt senior

ACL tears account for up to 64 percent of athletic knee injuries in cutting and pivoting sports, and these injuries result in 120,000–200,000 ACL reconstructions performed annually in the United States alone, with a cost of around $1.7 billion annually. Not only is the reconstruction of an ACL financially increasing, it is also one of the most innovative reconstruction surgeries. The reconstruction process is constantly changing whether it’s a repair through the patellar tendon, hamstring, quadricep, or even a cadaver ACL.

Freshman Elania Monroe, is also not a stranger to the ACL reconstruction process. Monroe was receiving a pass during collegiate play and was tackled hard from her opponent, resulting in her injury. Monroe’s injury differs from Roe’s since she was injured due to contact, and not a mishap of landing. The ACL reconstruction varies with grafts, but the two both chose to use hamstring grafts. Different tracks of physical therapy due to challenges per individual is another accolade that sets these two athletes and their recoveries apart.

“What motivates me is getting back to soccer and my best self,” Monroe mentioned. “My outlook has changed since I endured surgery. I will never take stepping on the field for granted ever again or even my health for that matter. It’s a blessing to be able to play the game. I thank God everyday for giving me such a beautiful gift.”
Elaina Monroe, rising sophomore

Clinicians should be discouraged not to use strict time frames and protocols when treating patients following ACL reconstruction. ACL recovery time ranges from about four months to nearly 16 months for some. Guidelines should be followed that allow the rehabilitation specialists to progress the patient as improvements in strength, edema, proprioception, pain, and range of motion are demonstrated. Prior to returning to sport, specific objective quantitative and qualitative criteria should be met. Return-to-play testing is especially crucial for athletes wishing to get back to competition, but many can feel discouraged during this time knowing that the “numbers” needed are not met with ease. Many precautions are set in place to ensure overall health, but this recovery for an athlete is a different type of challenge.

Transfer and 5th Year Senior Kelsey Combs is yet another athlete that underwent knee surgery. Although her surgery only included her meniscus, she still partaken in similar rehabilitation efforts as one recovering from an ACL reconstruction. Similar to Monroe, Combs was injured during contact with both the ball and opponent.

“I kept telling myself that everything happens for a reason and ‘though it may not seem like it currently, sometime in the future you’ll [I’ll] look back at this injury as a blessing,’ which I do to this day,” Combs said. “I know my injury is very minimal compared to some others, but it still tests you mentally, physically and emotionally. Knowing how difficult recovering from an injury is helps me to better understand my teammates going through similar struggles, whether it’s a noticeable battle or not. You relate to one another easier and learn how strong each other are.”
Kelsey Combs, transfer & 5th year

Many physical therapists recommend having a support group or system within reach during rehabilitation. Difficult roads often lead to beautiful destinations, but it’s the journey that outlasts the view. The rehabilitation process should be seen as this journey. ACL injuries are seen as more of the physical battle at hand, but within these interviews, they are not. Mental health during such an injury takes a toll and some may never heal from that wound.

“My piece of advice would be to take videos,” Lydia Miller, senior at Indiana Tech voiced. “I remember when I couldn’t do certain activities, but now that I can, I use that disbelief I had and turn it into motivation. Work harder to be better than you were before and the comeback will ultimately be more rewarding than the setback. Little victories count too.”
Lydia Miller, rising senior

Featured: Hadley Hopkins, Kelsey Combs, Lydia Miller & Dani Blagojevic.

GVSU dominates WSU in regular season match-up on Feb., 8

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Valley State Lakers women’s basketball team showed up big against rival Wayne State Warriors, winning 71-41 on Feb. 8 at the DeltaPlex Arena in Grand Rapids, Mich.

Coming into this match-up, GVSU was ranked third in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference, while WSU was ranked fourth in the GLIAC. GVSU came out strong to finish the first quarter on top with a score of 13-4.

Building off the first quarter momentum, GVSU looked to finish on top with multiple players in double digits scoring wise. Guard Jenn DeBoer finished off the night with 16 points, only on seven attempted shots. DeBoer also garnered five rebounds, two assists and two steals.

“I think we just played with a lot of energy on both offense and defense,” DeBoer said. “We really worked together as a team on defense, which led to a lot of opportunities on offense that we capitalized on. I thought we had a lot of energy, everyone. That was a big key.”
Senior Guard Jenn DeBoer

Along with DeBoer in the scoring column was Natalie Koeing, raking in 12 points, progressing her career total to the 1,000-point accolade. Center Cassidy Boensch put up 11 points while grabbing nine rebounds and Forward Maddie Dailey shot her way to 10 points.

“We finally talked about the importance of getting stops,” said Mike Williams, head coach.
Head Coach, Mike Williams

I think we were worrying too much about missing shots, turning the ball over, fumbling it off our foot, and we just said, ‘That stuff’s going to happen.’ I think our kids are taking more of a mindset on that.”
Head Coach, Mike Williams

The Lakers will play four more games to finish out their regular season, two at home and two away, facing off with Ashland University on April 15 and Tiffin University on April 17.

“Any time you beat a really good team like Wayne State and play as well as we did, you feel pretty happy,” Williams mentioned. “They’re a really good team. They’ve beaten good teams. They can score. They can defend really well, and I thought our kids stepped up to the challenge.”
Head Coach, Mike Williams

GVSU now sits at 20 wins and 4 losses overall, and in GLIAC contention, they rank third with 13 wins and 3 losses.

The GVSU Lakers will compete in the 2020 GLIAC Conference tournament for the fourth consecutive season as the third seed behind both Ashland University and Michigan Tech.

GVSU Athletics: Senior Guard No. 4 Jenn DeBoer drives into the key off of a high-screen from Senior Center No. 31 Cassidy Boensch. The Lakers defeated WSU, 71-41, on Feb. 8.

Writing center tutors balance life as student-athletes

CLEVELAND, Ohio– The Indiana Tech Writing Center is home to many tutors and student-athletes who roam the campus. The balance of being a student-athlete-tutor may pose a challenge to some, but others have said they are certain they were supposed to do this to earn some extra cash and experience during their time.

Kayla Saffran, a senior education major, participates as a tutor in the Writing Center while also balancing her time as both a student and an athlete. Saffran is a part of the women’s soccer team on campus and attends The University of Saint Francis for a majority of her coursework.

“My typical everyday schedule can be hectic at times,” Saffran mentioned. “Usually, I’m in class from 8:30 a.m. to about 2:30 p.m. with a lunch break and little time to prepare for my next accolade of the day. After my classwork, I have training for soccer, which is usually a lift and small session with the ball; then I work in the Writing Center from about 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., depending on the day.”
Kayla Saffran, senior student-athlete-tutor

Down time is something that is not applicable to a student-athlete schedule, especially one who is also a tutor on campus. With this being said, some of the tutors are also involved in extracurriculars to where their schedules are very tight. Christina Wynn, a senior communication major, also takes on this student-athlete-tutor role at Indiana Tech. Wynn mentioned that staying organized was crucial to balancing her schedules.

“I use my planner religiously,” Wynn said. “I write down literally every single hour of my day to where everything is sectioned off to dedicate time to it. I definitely get stressed out just looking at my planner because sometimes I have to map out when to shower or eat, which can be overwhelming at times. The nice thing about the Writing Center is its flexibility. I can get some work done while being there and pencil in hours of my free time to work.”
Christina Wynn, senior student-athlete-tutor

Balancing school work, athletics and tutoring can be a challenge, but Saffran and Wynn have taken this challenge head-on in trying to manage this lifestyle. Social life is also a key component to the college lifestyle, but in this scenario, it can be very minimal, they said.

“I don’t really have a social life,” Wynn mentioned. “During the night time, I’ll watch a movie with my boyfriend and occasionally go out. I really don’t have the time to go out, and I’d honestly rather focus on my career goals and myself personally instead of entertaining others for a night out.”
Christina Wynn

The Writing Center does pose benefits for the students who work there. The students are paid and also can use their time at the Writing Center as resume builders for potential employers in the future. Saffran and Wynn both had mentioned that this is an attractive feature that the Writing Center has for its employees.

“I really wanted to make some extra spending money for myself,” Saffran said. “Having the opportunity to do this while being on campus helps me stay more connected to my peers at Tech since I also attend Saint Francis University down the street. I am going into teaching, and I love to write, so being paid for something I enjoy doing and am good at is refreshing. Being a tutor also looks very good on a resume, considering the writing background.”
Kayla Saffran

Wynn and Saffran both love to write and can use their writing knowledge helping others and learning more of their abilities along the way. They said the Writing Center is very beneficial to a student-athlete-tutor, giving flexible schedules, the ability to meet new people and providing work experience.

“It’s really convenient having an on-campus job,” Wynn said. “My whole life is on campus, so this is a huge benefit. I also get to meet a lot of new people, and the one-on-one setting is nice. I enjoy talking with my co-workers and meeting new people and even helping out some of my teammates. I really want to get into the journalism field, so this job helps build up my resume and highlight my experience within the journalism and writing fields.”
Christina Wynn

For more information about the Writing Center and other tutors, click the following link: https://www.indianatech.edu/writing-center/.

Indiana Tech Writing Center:
Student-athlete, Abigail Spencer (right), receives help from Rachel Maxwell (left), during her down-time. Some Writing Center tutors are forced to balance being a student-athlete and the time constraints that it places on their schedules.

COVID-19 limits women’s soccer team 2020 season potential

FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The Coronavirus pandemic is affecting people worldwide as well as those who are local, which includes Fort Wayne, Ind., and the many universities that inhibit the city. As a result of the Coronavirus, students have been forced to leave campus, funds have been reimbursed, and spring sports have been cancelled.

Indiana Tech, a university in Fort Wayne, is not exempt from these changes. Students have moved out of on-campus housing, classes have gone online, and sports, such as women’s soccer, have been impacted for the 2020 season.

Not only has the virus affected the current players on the roster, but it has also affected the recruiting process during this time. Incoming freshman Athena Edwards resides in Ewa Beach, Hawaii, and said it has been quite difficult to connect with coaches and players. She said that quarantine life has not been ideal in the commitment process and the many steps that follow.

“Everyone right now is in lockdown I assume, Edwards said. “Staying fit is one of our main concerns now as a team since we don’t have the privilege of training with one another in close contact. Staying fit sits on the shoulders of the individual during this time, so hopefully everyone is still taking that into consideration to prepare for the Fall. I’ve gotten to meet a few of the girls on the team. It’s hard to actually meet them in person due to where I live and the current pandemic. The few girls I’ve met have been put into a small group with me to do workouts, which makes me feel more welcomed and not scared to uproot my life here to move out to the Midwest.”
Athena Edwards, rising freshman

This lockdown has also affected some returners and even those hoping to get back into it. Senior Paxton Simerman plans to come back to compete for a roster spot for Fall 2020 after rehabbing a torn labrum, torn rotator cuff and many stretched ligaments that have spanned over three different surgeries.

“I’m super excited to come back and play the sport I love,” Simerman mentioned. “This lockdown has been difficult for many of us for many different reasons. I had just started to get my feet wet by competing in a Sunday league with some returners and freshmen while doing workouts with my roommate and attending small group training. Now that everything has been on hold due to the virus, some of the workouts and group training I looked forward to have been cancelled, which worries me about being fully prepared to endure the season. We are definitely getting in shape for the Fall season during this time, but it could definitely hurt us since we aren’t able to meet together as a large group right now.”
Paxton Simerman, rising senior

In addition to contact training, communication amongst the team has not been dismissed during this pandemic, but has altered. The team has been split into small groups where accountability has been crucial to getting fit. These groups ensure that everyone is receiving workouts and feedback on what to expect. Several of the women’s soccer players said senior Molly Ames has been a very positive reinforcement during this time.

“The communication has been neutral,” Ames said. “We have some teammates that [who] have stepped up during this time to ensure that we all really are focused on the coming season and what this pandemic can bring about. I still am working, so I’ve made sure that I’m taking precautions and making sure that I am mentally and physically healthy. I like to run to clear my head, which has also helped in keeping focus on my team and myself. As long as we all work on ourselves and take the time to reflect, I believe that we can come back a better team and be ready for the Fall season. I think this starts with you as the individual and knowing what has to be done to make improvements in your weaker areas. I’m just really trying to be all about the ‘good vibes’ for both myself and my team.”
Molly Ames, rising senior

While keeping up to date with academics, athletics and one another, the Indiana Tech women’s soccer team is trying to stay connected during this time. The uncertainty of the pandemic has affected the team in numerous ways, but Edwards, Simerman and Ames said they plan to not let this uncertain time hinder their Fall performances.

“We really are all in this together,” Head Coach, Jim Lipocky said. “I am pleased with the progress we’ve made in staying connected. Hopefully, we can get back after it come summertime for our Residential Camp.”
Jim Lipocky, head coach

Visuals by Victor:
Indiana Tech women’s soccer hosted Aquinas University Sep. 28, 2019 at Warrior Athletic Field. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, action shots and sports media for the women’s soccer team may be postponed for the Fall 2020 season.

D I E M O N, The Come Up

CLEVELAND, Ohio– Growing up, everybody always dreams of their future goals. The issue with this is that nobody actually speaks those dreams into existence or has the self-belief to endure the journey. Russ Vitale, rapper, singer, songwriter and producer lives by three essential qualities required for turning his real life into his dream life: delusion, persistence, and gratitude. Passion and self-belief are paramount to any endeavor.

“Whatever that thing is that takes you to a higher level, that connects you to the best possible version of yourself, that helps you live purposefully–THAT’S YOUR PASSION,” Russ Vitale wrote. “Delusion will give you faith when there is absolutely nothing in your present life that indicates you should believe. Persistence will provide strength to keep going. Gratitude allows you to appreciate all that you have and the achievement of your goals, both small and large. What you think about, you bring about… Get out of your way.”
Russ

Russel Vitale started making beats and exploring his passion for music at the age of fourteen. During his teen years, he decided to not be his greatest obstacle in constructing his success, but to be one of his own biggest fans. Those not a part of his journey may see that releasing eleven projects with no clout was a failure, but to him, they were just stepping stones. At the age of seventeen, he started to partner with his best friend, Bugus, where his navigation of the musical realm really took off.

Not only did he fully believe in his journey, Russ idolized his future self. He implied that you can think things into existence, speak things into existence, and believe things into existence. This is what he called manifesting. Building a dream brick by brick and turning nothing into something. His music. It’s ideally the great wall of YOU. Russ mentioned, “…when you tap into your own potential winning is just natural.”

“The key to alchemy is finding beauty in the ugly,” Russ wrote. “Get so lost in your passion that the numbers on a clock aren’t relevant. Time is an obstacle you put in your own way. You can’t put a deadline on success… YOU MUST DETACH FROM THE WHEN. Your passion is that thing that connects you to the truest version of yourself.”
Russ

Russ crafts his music into personal autobiographies. To the viewer, his music is about love, drugs, money, and his own success. What they do not understand is that the underlying meaning of his words are what reflect his journey to fame in the span of ten years. One song for example is The Otherside. Throughout the song he speaks into existence a conversation with a woman trapped within the confinement of her own thoughts along with society’s. Russ is a big believer in his law of manifestation, so throughout the song he tries to inspire the girl into her own manifestation in order to relinquish the confinements of both herself and society.

“When you are consumed by your own passion, you are not focused on anyone else. The obsession had taken hold. The energy of people you surround yourself with rubs off on you; choose wisely. Fear is the wall. Belief is what catapults you over the wall. Welcome to the otherside.”
Russ

This is just a summary of what Russ believes to be the delusion part of manifesting the dream life, but his persistence is also key in this process. One does not start at the finish line, so in that sense, dreams only work if you do. Talent is not an essential ingredient to success, the ‘X-factor,’ hard work and work ethic, is.

“The reality is that the public will praise you for what you practice in private,” said Russ. He recalls an old AP Psychology assignment where you had to draw your “personality” vehicle. Russ drew headphones.

“Headphones weren’t a vehicle according to the teacher. But for me they were. Headphones, more specifically music, transported me to cities I’d never been, relationships I’d never had, and dreams that I hadn’t actualized.”
Russ

After his high school years, Russ attended college for a year and a half to realize this was not his path. Bugus and Russ decided to create DIEMON– Do It Everyday Music or Nothing. They created their own self-belief that manifested itself into an entire other force. “…when you and one other person come together and create a whole other force… 1+1=3,” Russ wrote.

Not too long after, one of his eleven projects, Naked, was released. Naked represented the vulnerability that Russ put out into society and the music world. His mom used to always tell him to, ‘Keep his barriers down at all times and be open to receiving’.

“What I’ve discovered is that keeping my barriers down doesn’t just make me more receptive to inspiration, ideas, and success; it also allows me to be more vulnerable in my music and in my life. What most people don’t realize is that when you are honest about your vulnerabilities and when you wear them like a proud badge, then you block others from weaponizing your vulnerabilities against you. If you are upfront about your failings, your fears, your weaknesses, it is much harder to have them used against you. You can’t use me against me. I flip my vulnerabilities into victories.”
Russ

Instead of falling to the critiques of society, Russ catapulted himself into what we see now as a successful career. He inquires that there will always be a void in life that only you can fill. It is the self love and belief that Russ has in himself that helps him to take on his biggest critic, himself. This is also what inspired the underlying meaning of Don’t Fall For It.

“Society doesn’t feel comfortable unless you are wearing a muzzle. Being humble is a strange societal rule that has been drawn up to keep your own confidence in check and keep your self-belief in their pocket. Humility makes you your own worst enemy. Why spend time trying to dim your own light out of fear that it could get in someone else’s eyes? There are always going to be people who do what they’re told… There will also always be people who question, who take risks, who embrace uncertainty, and who are open to discovery. Which kind of person do you want to be?”
Russ

The final element in shifting your real life to your dream life, according to Russ, is gratitude. Russ wrote, “Celebrate what you want to see more of.” Russ uses his potential as his biggest motivator.

“When your number one driving factor is your potential, then your success starts and ends with you. It is all in your head. Don’t stop yourself from becoming a 99 just because you think you’re only a 60. The answer is YOU.”
Russ

The journey starts and ends with you. You are the only person standing in your way of whatever it is that you want your dream life to be.

“The journey is your success… Trust the process… Blind faith is your compass… The thrill of the journey is embracing newness as long as it is in sync with your purpose…Uncertainty is a wild card that should be used as fuel… breakdowns create breakthroughs… in the middle of adversity is where you discover who you truly are… It is always you versus you.”
Russ

“Keep the faith.”
Russ

Russ Photography & condensed videos.

Christina’s Creations

CLEVELAND, OHIO– Christina’s Creations is one of the newest trending, self-made companies in both Trenton, Mich. and Fort Wayne, Ind. Creator, Christina Wynn, uses her many talents of sewing, pattern reconciliation, and creativity to make her products. The products range from custom embroideries, hair scrunchies, turban headbands, altered clothing, customized hats, and painted clothing/material, surgical masks to name a few. There’s nothing Wynn cannot handle when receiving orders or requests!

“When I made Christina’s Creations, it started off as just a hobby that I wanted to pursue,” Wynn stated. I started by watching a lot of embroidery videos for some inspiration. I began with small pocket area designs and then I evolved into doing scrunchies because I realized how easy they were to make and my Mom had a lot of extra fabric around the house.”

Advertising and promoting a self-made business can be a challenge, but Wynn was able to tackle this obstacle with a millennial mindset. Some of the best ways to advertise new products is through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook. Both platforms allow for likes, comments, shares, and praise.

“The first thing I did was make an Instagram and link it through a Facebook page,” she said. “I use social media to post photos and videos of my creations which helps to promote them. This is also one of the tools that I use to my advantage in making sales for my products. Customers can directly message me their ideas or wants for products and I gain traction from this for my company.”

Wynn uses her company to help express herself and create art that is both wearable and affordable. Her company is able to ship orders out all over the United States and world which helps to spread word of her company via word of mouth of happy customers. She does have a favorite product out of them all though.

“My favorite products to make are my jeans,” said Wynn. “My boyfriend would help sketch out the designs on the jeans and I’d finish them off by painting them in. I really love to paint honestly so it’s dope to be able to combine the two things. They were a hit! I’ve shipped some to California, Colorado and Nebraska so my demographics are larger than just the Fort Wayne and Trenton areas.”

The challenges arise being a self-made business owner in terms of financial revenue. Although Wynn does not make a huge profit for her work, it’s something she loves to do and is able to share with friends and family.

“Honestly it depends on how much product people buy,” she mentioned. “I didn’t make that much money making scrunchies, but that’s okay. I don’t charge a lot for my embroidery. I wanted to make it really affordable to people so that my friends and the average consumer can purchase them without breaking their bank. I’ve been making so many reusable masks within this past week due to the COVID-19 pandemic. I made the price low to combat the issue of price gouging and have made over 70 masks so far and am giving them to healthcare professionals for free. This is the most business I’ve ever had, so it’s very exciting for me. I think that already having Christina’s Creations for a year gave me credibility and has helped me to sell masks lately. It’s amazing that I can do what I love and many people benefit from that.”

Making crafts is something many do just to pass the time, but Wynn has made this a very successful business. The overwhelming aspects of the job include multiple orders and the balance of her already busy schedule in regards to being a full time student, athletics, working and internships. Wynn handles these challenges with ease and is a great example of a self-made entrepreneur.

“I have the ability to do what I love for others. I would love to continue this endeavor after I graduate depending on the future constraints of my schedule. I really want to improve my overall company by having more strategic campaign ideas like packages, themes, and customer content.”
Christina Wynn

Christina’s Creations is one of those memorable companies that also helps to promote a young entrepreneur in the making. The freedom of expression is one that helps to give this company a lasting impression that is highly recommended by many.

“The alliteration of Christina’s Creations, (CC) I think gives the company a very memorable impression. I recently made a logo with the two C’s to help push this idea further. It’s just a very cute way to nickname the company I’ve created.”
Christina Wynn

If you’re in need of a facial mask, scrunchies, headbands, embroidered content, or innovative designs on out-dated clothing, Christina’s Creations is the one stop shop to get the work done. For more information, photos, or inspiration follow Christina’s Creations Facebook and Instagram url’s below!

Instagram: https://instagram.com/christinascreations63?igshid=qyrfv4zrre71

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/christinascreations63/

“Follow my Instagram and Facebook pages and let me know what you want. I love to craft! Don’t be hesitant to contact me directly.”
Christina Wynn

Christina’s Creations & Instagram Page.

COVID-19 from a Personal Perspective

CLEVELAND, OHIO– Imagine having the Spring Break you’ve always wanted with your best friends and teammates in Orlando, Fla., then returning home to realize that your “home,” is back in Cleveland, Ohio, finishing out your final semester of Junior Year from the bedroom you grew up in.

The Coronavirus pandemic has shut-down all schools nationwide and each state is starting to consider the fatalities that can occur. Being from Cleveland, Ohio, my commute to Indiana Tech is roughly three hours, which is a drive I do not make often. Hearing the news of campus being shut-down and our classes being altered to online has affected me in many different ways.

Being a student-athlete, Spring is considered an “off-season,” but also an opportunity to build off of the previous season. I am a Fall athlete and I participate on the women’s soccer team at Tech. This Spring season was crucial to build some chemistry that our team really lacked during the Fall, which is ultimately why we did not have a successful Fall. This “Mandatory Lockdown,” has cancelled all Athletics and training that would help to make the aspect of “team building,” quite difficult.

I also am an employee for Indiana Tech Athletics, and having all athletic events and overall seasons cancelled has hurt me financially. I use my job at Indiana Tech for pocket change and as an internship through the Communication program at Tech. Luckily, I was able to adjust the means of my internship, but I really miss interning for Tech Athletics.

This pandemic has moved me out of my on-campus housing at Tech and back home as well. The only issue with this is I am very stubborn and independent to where I love my family’s company, but also like to not be smothered by questions of, “What’s on the agenda today?” I miss my life at Tech and this Coronavirus has ripped that from me and my friendships that I built at Tech and try to continue to build on from home in social-isolation.

I never realized how so much could be taken from me in the blink of an eye. Academically this semester would have really helped raise my overall GPA, which is something I really wanted to build on. Not being able to meet face-to-face with my professors or interact with my classmates is inconvenient and belittles all the work I personally have put into this semester.

To touch on Academics a little more, we have the option to take the grades as they come, or fill out a form to consider them as a pass or fail option. The issue with this is that if I abide by this option, my course work will not impact term or cumulative GPA calculations.

“We’ll just have to take it day by day and work together to get through the semester.”
Alicia Wireman, Assistant Professor/Chair of Communication at Indiana Tech Univ.

In all honesty, this COVID-19 Pandemic has seriously affected my life, but not in a positive way. Like I mentioned before, imagine having your Spring semester unfold without the COVID-19 Pandemic. Things would be different, right?

Video Features: Terri & Dan Blagojevic, Rachel, Grace & Gloria Blumfeldt. Quick insight to my lockdown days!

COVID-19 Pandemic

FORT WAYNE– The Coronavirus pandemic has put many in fear of what will happen next. The unknown can be scary, but it is especially taking a toll on students at Indiana Tech. Sources say that self-isolations, quarantines and statewide shutdowns will not be lifted anytime soon, according to Government officials.

“Trump says the coronavirus crisis could stretch into August, may look at lockdown for ‘certain areas,” said Kevin Breuninger, CNBC Political Journalist.

This virus has schools all over the nation shut down. Indiana Tech is one of them.

“School wise it’s hard to complain because I only have one class,” said Jacob Howe, a Spring student-athlete at Tech. “But that one class got more difficult…We had a final group project which was 5-7 people workload wise, and now he switched it to individual work, which is very challenging.”

This not only affects the Americans on campus, but the International students as well. With the borders being shut down, and many communities across the country under orders to stay at home, some international students don’t know how long it will be until they can see their families again.

“Because of the isolation in the European countries at the moment I am forbidden to go home to my family in the UK,” said Luke Jones, an International student-athlete at Tech.

“Therefore, I am stuck on campus with nobody here and no car to get groceries to make food, clean, of workout.”
Luke Jones

This has affected social interactions, communication, and the campus as a whole. Universities have turned to online courses and emails as means of communication, which allows room for error in course work/credit hours for Graduation. This also forces students to leave their somewhat established lives behind.

“I’ve had to say goodbye to my Fort Wayne life which I was starting to get to love, and go back home,” said Aaron Bunch, Freshman at Indiana Tech. “I know I’ll be back in Fort Wayne in August but it’s hard when you make a new home for yourself and you have to leave it due to a virus.”

Not only has this quarantine and coronavirus outbreak affected the academics and international students at Indiana Tech, but also the athletes.

“From an athletic standpoint I’ve never not played baseball, so it’s super weird…but as of now there’s no repercussions for whatever actions are not being taken to stay disciplined during this time,” said Howe.

Having this off-time is crucial to athletes in means of health and recovery, but is also damaging to the foundation that was being built for a successful season that abruptly ended.

“I never realized how much time was really in a day,” said Howe. “To not have a scheduled training time, it’s a lot easier to get work done. But I do miss being around the guys and enduring the many hours of being with my team,”

Finally, this quarantine is negatively affecting the future plans of seniors and potential 5th year athletes.

“My plans have changed for the future,” Howe explained. “I planned on being a Graduate Assistant, but instead of planning my master’s and figuring out a job I’m deciding to take my 5th Year and play baseball instead of the whole ‘adulting’ thing.”

The unknown of the Coronavirus is what instills fear throughout our society today. My only question is when will this epidemic and quarantine end, and will we as a society be able to bounce back from the transgressions it left behind?

Digital Journalism

FORT WAYNE– Whether it’s margarita making, cooking, or breaking news, Digital Journalist Ruben Solis is making an impact on the Fort Wayne Community one social media platform at a time.

Solis, a Multimedia Journalist for WANE-15, joined the classroom discussion at Indiana Tech on Thursday afternoon. Solis spent three years in Indianapolis working for FOX59/CBS4 as an associate producer. Solis joined the WANE-15 crew in July 2018 and now is a Fort Wayne local.

“I’ve always wanted to be a reporter so I thought it was just time to go for it,” he said.“ I knew I should always be in front of the camera, then realized that digital was my fit.”
Ruben Solis

Solis creates digital content for the website, newstation, and his personal accounts to help promote the community following base in the Allen County area. Some of his content includes entertainment, breaking news, and information from outside sources.

“Once this digital thing happened it was a big conversation at work of who would switch to digital,” he said. “But no one was forced to do digital. I don’t love the uncertainty of reporting, so that’s why I moved away from reporting to digital means.”
Ruben Solis

“[Seven] people are dedicated to digital content only at the station,” said Solis. “Two times a week I’m a digital MMJ.”

Solis and other MMJ Reporters are taught to take a photo of whatever scene they attend and then take a 30 second video before even retaining information for whatever story they are reporting. Pictures and videos in this work environment are crucial due to money and engagement of the audience.

“Fridays we team up with Ivy Tech where we talk with a student chef and he/she will teach me how to cook, it’s just a small entertainment piece that I’m happy about honestly.”
Ruben Solis

The ability to go digital especially at a news station is crucial to the engagement of the viewers. Fun pieces like cooking or margarita making are what grasp the attention of viewers, and create a more personable foundation for the station and an opportunity for the reporter to be involved in the piece.

“I prefer the entertainment news because they’re more informal and I can also be involved within the story,” he said.

Many challenges come with reporting however Solis’ experience with reporting helps with the process. Some advice he suggests to future journalists is to look outside of the box and be creative to avoid uncomfortable situations.

“Some challenges involved with digital are the small tech equipment and needing to be more creative,” he explained. “[Also] you really want to stay calm under pressure…everything else needs to go in the trash if you have new information.”

Solis came with a lot of insight into the world of Journalism from the digital perspective. Although reporting is seen more as news breaking, the outbreak of digital has made it easier to incorporate more uplifting pieces that the viewers are sure to love.

“My best piece of advice is to look outside of the reporter and anchor job if you want to be part of a news organization.”
Ruben Solis

Pictured: Indiana Tech Multimedia Journalism class with Ruben Solis & Angelica Pickens.

Style for Less

FORT WAYNE, IND—A new off-campus shop is getting the attention of thrifters in the Fort Wayne area and the items have never been worn! Style for Less, one of many small businesses in Fort Wayne, is owned by Elizabeth Haynie Simerman and located at 3319 N. Anthony Blvd.

“We started getting things going October 2019. As we all know, I really like clothes and styling people so that they feel their very best.”
Liz Simerman

Thrifters enjoy Style 4 Less because the prices are cheap, and the clothing is not pre-worn. The prices range from $1-$30 depending on the brand of clothing and what all is in-stock. Style for Less includes all ranges of fashion as well, but targets every age group looking for clothing or accessories. All of the merchandise is Target brand material and is not pre-worn.

“I really appreciate that Style 4 Less is super affordable because being a student-athlete I don’t have a ton of time to work to be able to afford overpriced clothing,” said Paxton Simerman. “Style 4 Less works for me in the financial standpoint and others as well.”
Paxton Simerman, shopper

Although thrifting can be hit or miss, Style 4 Less has plenty of stock when it comes to style and their quality of clothing is not hit or miss.

“I think that I enjoy the excitement factor behind thrifting and not knowing what exactly I’ll find, or what condition the clothing will be in. With Style 4 Less, the quality of the clothing is super admirable because it isn’t pre-owned, but has that sort of “worn” quality to it,” said Lydia Miller.
Lydia Miller, shopper

Liz, the store owner, has plenty of background knowledge when it comes to fashion, entrepreneurship, and small businesses. She as inspired to open the store by her stepfather, she said.

Pictured: Liz Haynie-Simerman, store owner.

“One day Bob [Stepdad] and I were talking and he kind of planted the idea and I ran with it and figured we could start selling wholesale branded apparel here in Fort Wayne.”
Liz Simerman

With the market in Fort Wayne, wholesale branded apparel is common and also has a huge marketing bias towards it. A lot of pop-up shops, like “Halloween” come around seasonally, but Style 4 Less is clearly here to stay due to the entrepreneurship knowledge Liz and her employers have.

“Also, since I studied entrepreneurship in college this made it that much more exciting for me to start a startup.”
Liz Simerman

Liz graduated from Lake Forest College in Chicago with a degree in business and amrketing. This knowledge has helped propel the success of her company. A start-up in this town is exactly what we needed when it came to the clothing industry. With Glenbrook mall and the several thrift stores in the area, Style 4 Less is a competitive store front.

Pictured: (Left) Friend of the owner modeling some “Style,” (Middle) Kids Flannels, (Right) Friend of the owner modeling.

Shopper, Lydia Miller, is impressed by the pricing, quality, overall, experience, and much more.

“Yes I mean I was not originally knowledgeable of the shop,” she said. “I was informed of how the clothing was cheap and also how they had not only a thrifting vibe, but a professional vibe,” she said. “I’m studying to be a mechanical engineer and this is my go to when looking for professional attire for interviews and internships that are affordable to my budget.”
Lydia Miller, shopper

Being connected to the community is key to running a successful business. It helps get the word out to potential customers.

“I really try to sell the store in a sense, but after some of my friends and friends of my friends have shopped at Style 4 Less, it’s not just my word that keeps them coming back, but the merchandise and what is offered in the store,” said Paxton Simerman. “It’s special because it’s something that my family has supported from the beginning, and now that Liz is starting her own family I can only imagine the support of the store and business will grow.”
Paxton Simerman, shopper