the beacon - issue 14 - jan. 28

THE STUDENT VO ICE OF THE UN IVERS I TY OF PORTLAND S INCE 1935The Beacon

January 28, 2016 • Volume 118 • Issue 14 • upbeacon.com

Transfers by the numbers (Fall 2015)...

Meet the transfers...

making moves

Transfer students discover a new home

on The BluffWhile most Pilots returned

from winter break to embrace the second half of their year, second semester transfer students were moving into new rooms, taking a deep breath and starting school at UP for the first time.

I — a freshman transferring from the University of Washington — am a “new kid” myself. At UW, I experienced feeling alone, lost

and like nothing but a number. There were 6,800 kids in

my freshman class. My Intro to Literary Studies lecture was not only a mile away from my house, but consisted of 300 other students. We sat in an auditorium and the professor, whom I never met personally, stood in front with a microphone.

Beyond the long walks and big classes, the school had a dominating competitive atmosphere,

and I found meeting people and maintaining friendships exceedingly difficult. I was only there one quarter, but I knew UW was not the place for me.

Already things have been better after deciding to transfer. Here at UP, I walk to class in under five minutes. My classes have about 25 students and I’ve met all of my professors. People hold open doors and are outgoing and friendly. It hasn’t been easy starting over, but I’m really

thankful to be a part of this school’s engaging atmosphere.

And I’m not the only one who enjoys the refreshing culture of this school. Whenever I see my fellow transfers around campus, they mention things I’ve noticed myself: “People have been so nice,” “Everyone is so friendly and welcoming,” “The professors are so enthusiastic,” and most often, “The food here is SO good.”

All 90 transfers have a

story of why they came here. It appears that at the heart of each story is, “My last school was OK, but it wasn’t great. I think it’s going to be great here.” And I couldn’t agree more. Even in my few weeks of being here, I can tell that UP has a special brand of community; one that is kind, welcoming and generous. UP already feels like home.

By Hannah SievertT H E B E A C O N

Contact Staff Writer Hannah Sievert at [email protected].

Kristen Garcia • THE BEACON

SophomorePreviously Attended: Christopher Newport University, Newport News, Virg.Major: Environmental ethics and policyOriginally From: Farifax, Virg.Why did you choose to leave your last school?“Nothing bad happened at my last school. I just didn’t feel like it challenged me in ways I wanted to be challenged. It wasn’t creative enough and there wasn’t diversity…I want to expand my mind and get a better sense of the world.”

Angelica Shaw

Georgia Filler Freshman Previously Attended: Pacific University, Forest Grove, Ore.Major: BiologyOriginally From: Moscow, Ida.What do you like about the University of Portland that you’ve noticed right away?“There are so many ways to get involved here, and it doesn’t have to always be a sport. I played soccer at my last school and that was all I did...The people here, too, are so cool.”

SophomorePreviously Attended: George Fox University, Newberg, Ore.Major: Communication StudiesOriginally From: Portland, Ore.Why did you decide to transfer to the University of Portland?“People always say college is the best four years of your life. I was at George Fox like, ‘Is this as good as it gets?’ And so I’m seeing if the grass really is greener on the other side. I’m transferring to have more fun…the possibility for fun here is big.”

Taylor Stewart

David DiLoreto • THE BEACON

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T H E B E A C O N • J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O MNEWS 2

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Rodney Knox puts a real-world spin on sports marketing

It’s back in the late 1980s, what some call the “golden era” of the San Francisco 49ers.

Rodney Knox is standing in a locker room swarming with Bay-area media members. Hall of Fame receiver, Jerry Rice, is at his shoulder, whispering his answers into Knox’s ear as Knox reiterates them louder to the questioning press.

Nearly 30 years later, Knox stands at the head of a different kind of group on Wednesday evenings in Franz, teaching students how the Seahawks not making the playoffs might affect the team’s brand.

Knox teaches a seminar on sports marketing. The course focuses on giving students perspective on real life experiences from the communications side of sports.

Knox has worked as public relations assistant director for the San Diego Chargers, senior director of communications for the San Francisco 49ers and director of communications of team sports for Nike. His extensive resume made the spaces in his class highly coveted.

“He talked about it the first day of class. He went on about it for maybe 30 or 45 minutes and we were just like, ‘Wow, that is awesome,’” junior Gat Bol said. “He’s got a lot

of sports background and he makes a great connection.”

Knox’s class isn’t based in theory, but on real life experiences. He requires that students bring in topics from the real world to talk about each class. The seminar also hones in on networking.

According to Bol, Knox plans to bring in a different guest speaker from the professional world each week to talk to his students about getting prepared for the workforce.

“It’s more about showing me what you can do in a real life situation,” Knox said. “To that end, it requires the students to be really engaged and interactive.”

Knox was inspired to start teaching while pursuing his master’s degree in sports management at the University of San Francisco.

“I was 15 years into the industry and I saw the next generation of kids that were coming into the workforce,” Knox said. “So I thought, ‘Man, I have this experience now. Why don’t I try to teach at a college level so I can help kids get ready for the work force? Give them an idea of what it’s really going to be like.’”

Knox’s colleagues at USF encouraged him to seek out a teaching position on the UP campus. The level of student

engagement was what drew Knox to The Bluff. He’s enjoyed working with UP students so much that he is now in the process of trying to convince his son, a senior in high school, to attend the university.

“I’ve really been impressed with the level of quality of students at UP,” Knox said. “I’m so glad that of the institutions in Portland, I’m here at UP because the students challenge me. They’re always very engaged and have nothing but really positive things to say.”

Knox’s respect and admiration for his students appears to be mutual. For Bol, being in Knox’s class is special in several ways. Bol finds the class rewarding because of the unique perspective Knox is able to bring with his expansive career and the diversity he creates among the UP staff.

Knox is the first professor Bol has had on campus who is African-American. For Bol, this creates a different perspective, one that he finds more relatable.

“Most professors here, it’s like, alright, they look like they came from a different background than I came

from,” Bol said. “I think if you have different backgrounds, you have different stories and it brings more diverse experiences. Having just one culture teach is kind of hard, because not everybody can relate to that culture.”

Although Knox may bring diversity to the UP staff, it’s his diverse career that truly makes the adjunct stand out in the Pilot community.

He went from reporter for his high school newspaper to public relations assistant director for the San Diego Chargers in a little over a half a decade.

Knox chalks his first job out of college up to networking, a skill he encourages his students to improve upon. One of the employees Knox worked with at the sports information director’s office in San Diego State recommended Knox for his position with the Chargers.

After working with the team for four years, Knox was promoted to director of communications for the San Francisco 49ers, a job he refers to as the “hub of the wheel.” Knox served as the direct line of contact between the players and the media, along with the coaching and training staff.

It was a job he enjoyed and excelled at for 20 years.

But then Knox decided it was time for a change. After realizing he had only been working for the NFL, a privately traded entity, throughout his career, Knox sought out ways to challenge himself. He found that opportunity in Nike.

“As a PR person, that’s a whole new world,” Knox said. “The opportunity at Nike came up and it was a blessing because it was along the lines of dealing with high profile athletes or products but was now in the arena of a very global, international, publicly-traded company.”

Now Knox owns his own company, Knox Strategies, an integrated marketing firm focused on helping young, up-and-coming athletes promote their brands.

In the midst of running his own company, Knox finds it difficult yet rewarding to make time for teaching.

“That’s always the challenge being an adjunct, you have a full-time gig but you also have the teaching,” said Knox. “But most adjuncts will tell you they really do it for the enjoyment of it and to take something that they enjoy as a career and turn others on to that career.”

Students learn from Rodney Knox’s extensive experience in the sports world. Knox has worked for the Chargers, 49ers and Nike.

Kristen Garcia • THE BEACON

By Rachel RippetoeT H E B E A C O N

Contact Staff Writer Rachel Rippetoe at [email protected]. Twitter: @rachelrippetoe

I’ve really been impressed with the level of quality of students at UP.“ Rodney KnoxSports Marketing Professor


New app relieves health center pressures

The Health eXpress app is available to students seven days a week from 8 a.m. to midnight until May 1. The app provides immediate healthcare to students via video chat with doctors from Providence Health.

University of Portland students now have the option to bypass waiting room lines, appointment booking and weekend runs to urgent care.

With the introduction of the new healthcare app, Health eXpress, at the beginning of the semester, students will now be able to video chat with doctors from Providence Health to diagnose and get prescriptions for everything from flu and sinus infections to anxiety and depression. The service is free to all full-time UP students and is available from 8 a.m. to midnight every day.

“We have always had the nurse on call, but with this one we are taking it a step further,” Health Center Director Margaret Trout said. “You are actually getting the treatment you need, like antibiotics, if that’s appropriate.”

Prescriptions can even be delivered to campus for $3 extra.

The app has 12 caretakers

to choose from, depending on which ones are online and available at any given time. They are listed alongside a photo, a ranking out of five, a short description of their beliefs, language skills, schooling and years of experience.

Once a caretaker is chosen, it takes just a moment for the doctor to answer with a video chat. Students will be asked to show their UP ID for verification.

“I know when (the doctors) are working on the app, that part of their day is dedicated to the app,” Trout said.

Trout said some prescriptions or diagnoses may require blood work or other testing which can be done at the Health Center, often in same-day appointments.

The service has the advantage of bypassing making and waiting for appointments, but Trout doesn’t anticipate a significant change to the Health Center itself.

“I don’t see it freeing up our appointments, but rather being

more utilized in the evenings or if (students) are out of town,” Trout said.

The app can be used from anywhere, including outside of Portland.

However, Health eXpress is currently only set up for a trial semester and, as of now, will not be offered after May 1. After that point, UP will evaluate if it is a program worth subscribing to for a full calendar year beginning next fall.

Trout emphasized that students should still look to the Health Center for help, saying that they are better prepared than they were previously.

“We haven’t been fully staffed for a long time, but we are now.” Trout said.

The Health Center hired a new employee on Jan. 4, ending a year and a half period of being understaffed.

How it works:Michel Shively and Clare Duffy

T H E B E A C O N

Photos cou r tesy o f Hea l th eXp ress

The Beacon welcomes new Editor-in-ChiefUniversity President Fr.

Mark Poorman has appointed Malika Andrews editor-in-chief of The Beacon for the 2016-17 academic year, when it will become an all-digital publication

Andrews, who is now sports editor, has plans for new video content as well as an improved experience on The Beacon mobile app.

“We have a really skilled team that I think is excited about digital media and I’m excited to see their visions as well as mine be solidified,” Andrews said.

But Andrews, 21, isn’t waiting to bring a digital mindset to the newsroom. The junior communication studies major began a sports video podcast with sports reporter Ben Arthur last fall, and has plans to launch a digital Beacon newsletter later this year.

Andrews, who is from Oakland, California, covers the Portland Trailblazers for the Associated Press, in addition to her Beacon duties. Last summer, she interned at KOIN 6 News, the CBS affiliate in Portland.

“I try to take a lesson from every place I’ve worked, so with AP it’s hitting deadlines and keeping quality high,” Andrews said. “With KOIN, it was the importance of connecting with viewers in video and online. All of these things are priorities for The Beacon next year.”

Recently, Andrews was one of the 12 student journalists from across the country selected by the Sports Journalism Institute for an intensive summer training program that will place Andrews in an internship at the Denver Post.

Andrews has also won several journalism awards,

including national recognition from the Associated Collegiate Press for her profile of athlete Korey Thielke. She currently is awaiting word from the Roy W. Howard National Collegiate Reporting Competition, for which she is a finalist.

As part of The Beacon application process, Andrews was interviewed by faculty and staff on the Presidential Advisory Committee on Student Media, led by Fr. Pat Hannon. The panel recommended Andrews to Poorman, who affirmed the decision.

“She’s a talented, thoughtful, dynamic leader who will guide The Beacon well as the paper moves to all-digital,” Hannon said.

In her first act as editor-in-chief, Andrews promoted current News Editor Clare Duffy to the newly created position of executive editor of news and digital development

starting in the fall.Andrews will succeed Katie

Dunn, who graduates in May.“I think that Malika’s going

to do a really great job.” Dunn said. “She has a good eye for what works online and how to

draw people in that way.”

By Jacob FuhrerT H E B E A C O N

Contact Staff Writer Jacob Fuhrer at [email protected]: @jacobfuhrer

Malika Andrews will lead The Beacon into the future with the transition to all-digital. Andrews has worked for The Beacon for two years.

Thomas Dempsey • THE BEACON

Contact News Editor Clare Duffy at [email protected]. Twitter: @claresduff.

1. Download the app or log in at healthexpress.com.2. Enter the code “HEALTHYUP” for undergrads, or “WELLGRADUP” for grad students.

3. Choose a healthcare provider, wait for a video chat call and prepare to show your student ID and current validation sticker.


Serving vulnerable populations.

It was something Amber Vermeesch knew she’d be involved with no matter where she was at in her career.

It led her to a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology from Davidson College in 2001.

It’s now leading Vermeesch, a nursing professor at UP, to represent nursing faculty at the American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) National Faculty Intensive Program, where eight nursing faculty from across the country convene to discuss health care policy.

“There is a move to grow leaders among nurses,” Vermeesch said.

Through the upcoming conference, Vermeesch hopes to put a face on health care policy.

The four-day intensive program, which takes place in March, will bring faculty members to Washington D.C. to address how to change policy and serve the nation not just as nurses, but as public officers.

“The eight of us will put our heads together and come up

with a group project to help bring policy to other nursing faculty in a meaningful way,” Vermeesch said.

Vermeesch got her master of science degree in nursing at Vanderbilt University and her Ph.D. at the University of Miami.

She has made it her mission to reduce healthcare disparities amongst minorities, especially within the Latino population. She is working to take action against limiting health policies as a family nurse practitioner and seeing patients in primary care settings in addition to teaching.

“I wanted to find a way to continue working with people in various populations and cultures and actually make a difference in their health status ... There are still a lot of people who are uninsured or underinsured,” Vermeesch said.

However, nurse practitioning lacks legal uniformity across the country.

“We are effective in what we do, and we should be able to practice at our full scope. Yet in many states we’re not,” Vermeesch said.

Despite these setbacks,

Vermeesch believes health care policy is headed in the right direction.

Vermeesch inspired graduate student Erica Bailey, who is teaching a section of Nursing 310 this semester, to move into the academic world.

Bailey has gotten the chance to know Vermeesch personally through three classes and is attending the AACN Student Policy Summit, which is open to baccalaureate and graduate students enrolled at an AACN member institution.

“She’s always been supportive as faculty … (she’s) encouraged ideas and pushed you to learn more, go deeper,” Bailey said.

Dean of the School of Nursing Joane Moceri echoed this sentiment.

“Dr. Vermeesch has a curious mind accompanied by a ‘can do’ attitude. I really enjoy this about her,” Moceri said.

Meanwhile, Vermeesch is involved on campus as a member of the Presidential Advisory Board for Health and Safety. She has also cultivated a project to decrease stress and increase wellness amongst undergraduate nursing students.

She received an Institutional Review Board approval and a 2015-2016 Dundon-Berchtold Institute Fellowship for a project on ethics: “Investigating Current Issues Prohibiting Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate Students

from Voicing Their Values During Ethical Dilemmas in the Clinical Environment.”

Amber Vermeesch to represent nursing faculty at national

conventionBy Molly Vincent

T H E B E A C O N

Contact Staff Writer Molly Vincent at [email protected]: @mollyvincent19

Amber Vermeesch is passionate about minority access to healthcare. She has been selected to attend a convention on heathcare policy for nursing faculty across the country.


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Kristen Garcia • THE BEACON David DiLoreto • THE BEACON

CRIME LOG

FOR THE FULL REPORT

ON CAMPUS

Officers responded to a noise complaint on the 5200 block of N. Willamette. Residents were compliant when asked to have their guests leave. No other complaints were received.

Officers responded to a noise complaint on the 7000 block of N. Wall. The residents were compliant when asked to quiet down. No other complaints were received.

Jan. 23, 11:24 a.m.

Jan. 23, 12:23 a.m.

upbeacon.com > News > UP Crime & Fire Log

Friday, Feb. 5 at 5 p.m. in the quiet side of The Commons. Carnaval is a worldwide festival celebrated immediately before Lent every year. This year, UP’s festival will feature authentic food, craft tables, a photo booth and two performers!

Carnval Celebration

Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 7:15 p.m. in Franz Hall Room 120. Lloyd, an associate professor of psychology at Seton Hall, researches memory illusions, teaches statistics and research methods and serves on the Faculty Senate and the Board for the Center for Vocation and Servant Leadership.

Marianne Lloyd Kenna Leadership ForumTuesday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m. in Franz Hall Room 120. The Kenna Women’s Leadership Forum connects students with dynamic and successful women leaders from UP and the greater community to highlight the idea that to “Lead Like A Woman” is to lead from women’s unique experiences and perspectives.

YogaThursday, Jan. 28 at 8 p.m. in the Beauchamp Center. Come join a yoga class to get a workout for both body and mind.

5J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O MLiving Karen Garcia Living [email protected]

Generation X, Y...now Z?When asked whether he

remembered the “dial-up” tone of the internet booting up, freshman Andrew Huitt wore a puzzled look.

“Dial-up?” he said. “I don’t remember it. I don’t even know what that is.”

Most undergraduate students enrolled in 2016 were born between 1993 and 1997, which means the student body is evenly split between generations. Half are considered “Millennials,” born between 1980 and 1995, while the other half are members of “Generation Z,” born in 1996 and after.

Though the gap may seem small, clear differences exist between the two generations.

Junior history major Nicolas Vavuris remembers dial-up internet all too well. In fact, he relied on it as his primary internet source until just five years ago.

“I remember the modem

noise and watching the pictures load line by line for five minutes,” Vavuris said. “I remember clicking on a link, making a pot of tea and coming back to find it still wasn’t loaded.”

Market researchers and trend forecasters have spent their lives figuring out how to appeal to the target audience of Millennials. With the rise of Gen Zers, however, marketers are looking for the secret to capturing their seven-second attention spans.

“You have these five and 10-year-olds growing up on the iPad,” Huitt, a marketing major, said. “Technology and having screens in front of us is the future. Traditional computers — what are they called, the ones that aren’t laptops — they’re not relevant anymore. I think today’s society is always on the move, things are becoming smaller and more mobile and more portable.”

Gen Zers are native techno geeks. Digital media practically

runs in their DNA. They’re adept at using screens, apps and softwares because they haven’t known a life without it. Generation Z communicates in images, using emojis, symbols, pictures and videos to make their point. Some have even started calling them “iGen” or “@generation,” a nod to the technology that the group has grown up knowing for most or all of their lives.

On top of being more techy than their Millennial counterparts, Gen Zers have grown up in a post-9/11 world during a recession that crippled the U.S. economy. Because of this, they are predicted to be the opposite of the stereotypically spoiled Millennials — showing thrifty and hardworking tendencies. Additionally, Zers will be a generation highly open to diversity, as more of them are of mixed race.

Calling it: ‘#OscarsSoWhite’ media opinionRachel Rippetoe • THE BEACON

As February comes hurtling

around the corner, Twitter feeds are filled with news of Oscar controversy that appear to be copy and pasted from editorials and articles that went to print nearly a year ago.

The same problem, the same frustration and anger remain. Even the hashtag is the same: #OscarsSoWhite.

Just like in 2015, all the acting nominations have one thing in common: They’re whiter than the now snow-draped East Coast.

I, along with several others, wrote an editorial last year about my own frustration with the lack of diversity at the Oscars. Yet, somehow, the Academy did not hear me and my fellow angry reporters with our beckoning call for change. They didn’t jump to their feet and say “Rachel, long-time lover and watcher of our program, is dismayed by our misconduct, we must act now!” I’m wounded and shocked that my words as a college journalism student had so little impact.

But it’s not 2015 anymore, and thank goodness it isn’t. Last year wasn’t a turning point, it hadn’t reached the corner, the top of a fizzling test tube about to explode.

In 2015 it was easier to blame the film industry, to say that Hollywood wasn’t making space for actors of color to be in roles worthy of a nomination. The Academy Awards were not the root of the problem, merely the end result. In 2015 the Oscars were absolved of their sins in diversity, and the hashtag quickly disappeared.

My prediction is that this year, it’s here to stay. It’s easy to think that 2016 is just a repeat in history, identical to the year before and therefore producing the same result.

Yet, 2016 is different; it is worse. It’s is the tip of the iceberg, the year in which excuses can no longer be made and racism can no longer be opaque or questionable in the awards arena. This year is worse and therefore better.

The Academy can’t shrug their shoulders and say there just weren’t any black actors or Latino actors or Asian actors that had performances worth nominating.

As a clearly out-of-the-loop Michael Caine said, “You can’t vote for an actor because he’s black.” He went on to say, “I saw Idris (Elba in “Beasts of No Nation”) and I thought he was wonderful. I thought he would get nominated. Did he

not get nominated?” No Mr. Caine, no he did

not. That’s the point. This year, there weren’t

just two or three actors of color worthy, in the traditional Oscar-sense, of an award. There were dozens. Idris Elba makes the top of this list for his groundbreaking performance in “Beasts of No Nation.” Actors like Will Smith in “Concussion,” Michael B. Jordan in “Creed,” Benicio Del Toro in “Sicario,” and Samuel L. Jackson in “The Hateful Eight” should all have been strong contenders for best performance of the year.

Some films based on non-white stories were snubbed entirely, like “Tangerine” and “Dope.” While the films that did swing a few nominations, like “Straight Outta Compton” and “Creed,” were only present in categories in which a white nominee represents the film.

Yes, snubs have been stitched in the fabric of the Academy Awards from the start. When there are dozens of great films and performances, not all can be represented. I personally was disappointed that performances in critically acclaimed films like “The End of the Tour,” “Love and Mercy” and “Me Earl and the Dying Girl” didn’t make the cut.

These things happen and it’s best not to get too caught up in them, sure. Yet it is ridiculous

to presume that every single one of the top performances this year was delivered by a white person.

It’s not a misstep. It’s not an oversight. It’s intentional and it is now wonderfully transparent.

Although there will not be an actor of color up at the podium accepting an Oscar this year, 2016 is actually a

much better year for the Oscar diversity conversation to finally be dealt with.

Jada Pinkett Smith, Spike Lee and several others have called for boycotts of the awards. Chris Rock, this year’s host, has announced that his opening speech will reflect the #OscarsSoWhite controversy. SNL even did a skit mocking the Academy’s issue with diversity.

This is not the year in which the angry minority write editorials and get ignored. This is the year that everyone is talking about race: not just actors of color, but white actors as well. Actresses like Reese Witherspoon and Ellen Page have spoken up about Hollywood and the awards’ serious issues with diversity. Nominee Mark Ruffalo has even discussed the possibility of joining the Oscar boycott.

The reality is, level of diversity is becoming a measure of legitimacy. I don’t find an awards ceremony in which only white actors are nominated a credible measure of excellence in film. My stomach turns every time a David O’Russell film comes out with an all white cast, or when Rooney Mara portrays a Native American in “Pan.” Even my beloved Cameron Crowe’s credibility is dwindling with his films’ lack of diversity. An all white cast, or an all white number of nominees is simply one-sided; it’s not realistic.

Because of 2016, because of Jada Pinkett Smith, because of #OscarsSoWhite, the Academy is finally willing to understand that having a membership that is 94 percent white and 77 percent male may not be the most valid measure of film.

The Academy announced on Friday that it would strive to diversify not just its nominees but its voting pool as well. The Academy’s board of 51 members voted unanimously to approve a new set of requirements to increase diversity.

The greatest change is that the voting status of each member will be reviewed every 10 years. The Academy has kept tight-lipped on any other changes, but it’s a start.

Contact Staff Writer Rachel Rippetoe at [email protected].

Contact Staff Writer Cheyenne Schoen at [email protected].

By Cheyenne SchoenT H E B E A C O N

Cartoon by Nathan DeVaughn• THE BEACON

Campus split between Millennials and Generation Zers

Generation Zers, born from 1996-2025, are expected to be more fiscally conservative and racially mixed than Millennials.

It’s not a misstep. It’s not an oversight. It’s intentional and it is now wonderfully transparent.

“The Academy can’t shrug their shoulders and say there just weren’t any Black actors or Latino actors or Asian actors that had performances worth nominating.

“

Photo courtesy of Clker.com.

6LIVING T H E B E A C O N • J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O M

1 2 B L O C K S O F T A S T Y

I-405

Barista 539 NW 13th Ave$

Stop buying Starbucks when you could be getting any other type of coffee - i.e., Barista.This is the home of the first vanilla latte that I ever really genuinely liked. Messy shaven hipsters will serve you meticulously crafted drinks — especially the dark hot chocolate, or their jasmine hot tea. They have bunches of adorable little pastries, plus their homemade granola. There’s another location on Alberta just in case you are looking for something a little closer.

Andina 1314 NW Glisan St$$$

I think many great Portland restaurants turn away from their rich cultural roots when they are forced to compete in the supernova boom of the PDX food scene. But Andina doesn’t follow. It sticks to a traditional Peruvian menu and delivers on its promise. Quinoa encrusted everything, cold potato cakes, ceviche galore and nightly special soups, entrees and desserts. One of the owners, a woman clad in casual clothing and glasses, wanders around during meal service and if she recommends a nightly special — listen to her. I got the Pianono dessert special on her advice and learned the rich Peruvian history behind the layers of cake that represent the dressing style of the pope, with a dulce de leche center. Go. Now.

Tilt 1355 NW Everett St$

Do you know what the meat-sweats are? Well Tilt does. They come prepared with cloth napkins because whether it’s pie milkshake or any sandwich on the menu … you are about to get sweaty. Their Everett Street location is my favorite and perfect for a rare sunny day in the outdoor seating. The food is well priced and comes with pounds of meat, fries and some of the thickest bread I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing.

Bamboo Sushi SW404 SW 12th Ave$$

This is the last of the four sustainably yummy Bamboo Sushi installations to Portland.

Each one is unique, and the Southwest location is in the heart of (quieter) downtown complete with a sushi bar and cozy feel. I finally went for a visit last week and scored some cheap rolls off of the happy hour menu. BTW, dining includes free edamame, and if you’re still hungry after some delightful hand rolls, swing by Ruby Jewel next door for some ice cream sandwiches.

Kure Kitchen408 SW 12th Ave As $

Was your New Year’s Resolution to get healthy? Did you already fail by getting a 20 piece McNuggets? Or did you split that pint of Ben & Jerry’s with yourself? OK we can move on because Kure is an undeniably delicious solution to all your problems. They have classic acai, but recently introduced salads, soup and oatmeal.

Grassa1205 SW

Washington St $$Do you like pasta? Do you

wish to be happy? Do you want to not break the bank on dinner tonight? If you answered yes to any of these stupid questions, then you should hop on over to Grassa. Fresh handmade pasta without the fuss of being waited on is the dream. And the dream is alive on SW Washington. Let their Pork Belly Mac & Cheese ease your troubles of a rainy Portland day. Plus they’ve got homemade plain pastas available to-go in case you are in a more homemade mood.

Karam Lebanese & Syrian Cuisine

515 SW 4th Ave $$If you ever find yourself a

little bit lost, cold and lonely, this is your fix. Traditional as can be, the food is savory and full of flavor. Also: Order anything that has pumpkin in the name. And yes that might have sounded real Starbucks basic, but you will believe me as soon as you take your first bite.

Kenny & Zuke’s Delicatessen

1038 SW Stark St $$This deli is a bit of a

throwback to where the cast of Seinfeld sat around and

ate pastrami and pickles and gossiped about rent control. The dining room has floor to ceilings windows ideal for gossiping and munching. They have a killer lunch special: a half-sandwich and cup of soup for $9.50 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Also if you are stuck deciding between the pastrami and something else … don’t be an idiot. Get the pastrami.

Shigezo910 SW Salmon St$$

There’s a little bit of everything here: ramen, sushi, temaki and curry. They have happy hour specials after 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday, which is a sweet deal if you are in the mood for some cheaper sushi and their delicious happy hour tuna poke. Their menu is focused around sushi and tapas, so go with a group to get comfy sharing small plates like seaweed salad and various skewers. To get the happy hour specials, just order a drink (Kirin beers for 21+, Coke for under 21) and get ready for so many yummy tuna hand rolls. I don’t even care that I walked out of there with seaweed salad

in my teeth, or that I shared the “Lovers Poke” with me, myself and I.

As we all vow to get out of our little dorm rooms or dirty off-campus bungalows, everyone knows downtown is the place to find yourself when you’re either a) hungry b) got time to kill or c) want to spend money that you don’t have. But where do you go? Let’s start off the new year with some fresh eats to stop you from just visiting the Starbucks and Powell’s downtown as your dose of “culture” for the week. We all know you’re basic. Now admit it, quit it and visit these fabulous downtown blocks.

Contact Assistant Design Editor Hannah Baade at [email protected].


1 2 B L O C K S O F T A S T Y

Brunch Spotlight: Helser’s on Alberta

Try this at home Serves 6-8Prep Time: 10 minsCook Time: 30 mins

We all know that one person who is perfect for

you and has everything you want in life and

you would marry in a heartbeat …

but either they are Tom Brady or Seamless Food Delivery or Coke Zero and are totally unavailable because they aren’t human (sorry Tom).

Well that’s how I feel

about Helser’s.Helser’s

checks all the boxes of any typical brunch

goin’ buckaroo around Portland. Eggs benny, a long list of hangover cocktails, thick pillowy pancakes, delightful

sausage and a fair balance of savory and sweet. It manages low prices (most are $12 and under), great service and great brunch. Plus their menu includes my all-time favorite German Pancake, loaded with lemon zest and cooked to perfection. Still hungry? Grab a date for their 7-9 a.m. Monday to Friday specials and split that $5.95 plate of biscuits and mushroom gravy. Warning: May involve deep food coma.

-2 cups red lentils-8 cups water-2 tablespoons olive oil-1 medium red onion, diced

-1 leek, chopped -2 teaspoons ground cumin-4 cloves garlic-1 1/2 teaspoons salt

Combine lentils and water into a large soup pot. Simmer until lentils are cooked (20-30 minutes). While lentils are cooking, sauté the leek, onion, garlic, salt, cumin in a skillet on medium heat until the onion is soft and golden.

Transfer the sautéd veggies into the cooked lentils. Bring to a boil and then simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add black pepper, more cumin, red pepper, turmeric and ginger to taste. Serve hot with a lime wedge.

Ingredients

How to

-Black pepper, ginger, red pepper, turmeric to taste-One whole lime

All design photos by Hannah Baade • THE BEACON

yummy lentil soup

Rebekah Markillie • THE BEACON

Hannah Baade • THE BEACON


The simplicity and importance of mercy

faithfellowship

&

“Mercy: the fundamental law that dwells in the heart of every person who looks sincerely into the

eyes of his brothers and sisters on the path of life.” — Pope Francis, Bull of Indiction of the Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

One day in December, while sitting in the basement of a warm, dry, Wi-Fi-filled teahouse, a man walked out of the bathroom and immediately grabbed my full attention. Time stopped. Noise dissipated. He wasn’t being loud or disruptive; he was just straightening his slightly disheveled self. Tightening the straps on his backpack, he was like a little kid on his way into school — but his load was

heavier.He nervously and meekly

asked the room of studiers, families and scrabble players if anyone could spare some change for bus fare to the shelter. The comfortably noisy room fell silent. His face was overcome with a far too familiar look of disappointment.

Without breaking my gaze, I asked how much he needed and started shoveling through my bag. While he was explaining his extremely complicated bus route and doing mental math, I rustled through the ridiculous amount of receipts I had, and found two long-lived $5 bills. Completely flabbergasted at their mere existence, I quickly handed them over, asking if that would cover it.

His eyes filled with hope and love.

He spoke — a lot of things — I think words of gratefulness but I heard nothing. I was lost in his stiff,

tired hands and lines of life on his face. And his eyes, so dark and warm, in no way tainted by the darkness of life or filled with hopelessness — they were merely full, full of … compassion.

I noticed he stopped moving excitedly, so I figured it was my turn to say something. I said: “Merry Christmas, sir.” There were so many things I wanted to say. So many questions I could have asked. He probably could have taught me quite a few things about grace and mercy. He probably could have really showed me what it means to be merciful. But just like that, he walked out of my life.

I should have thanked him, because in that three-minute interaction I was inspired to look deeply in every human’s eyes and discover the love awaiting me. Ten dollars is an insignificant amount of what I have. But him? He gave me everything he possibly could.

He showed me mercy with his compassion and blessing of grace.

Pope Francis has challenged us to live this year being merciful to each other, listening to the call to gaze deeply and attentively at mercy, so we can see the beauty of God’s love in each of our lives.

Just a few days ago, this concept of mercy was foreign and completely out of reach from my understanding. But really, I believe it is quite simple. Mercy, being merciful, is merely the simplicity of meeting another human, peering into their eyes and offering them grace, peace and everything you have.

Tina Bachmeier is a senior psychology major. She can be reached at [email protected].

Tina BachmeierSenior

Interested in pursuing a Master’s Degree? Come to an info session to find out more about Notre Dame’s Master’s Program in Technology Entrepreneurship (ESTEEM).

Where: Shiley 232 When: Friday January 29, 12:00 - 1:00 (ish)

Who: Students with a STEM background

Food will be served!

For more information visit: http://esteem.nd.edu/

We all know college is a formative time in a person’s life.

While we’re moving through this important time in our personal development, we’re simultaneously seeking and establishing important social connections that can affect us for the rest of our lives.

Whether you’re forging a new friendship with a friendly guy in your Theology class, or you’re deepening your friendships with teammates, the people you choose to surround yourself with have a powerful impact on you.

As a fortune cookie or artistic Instagram post once said: “Your vibe attracts your tribe.”

But it’s more complicated than that, because your “tribe” also affects your “vibe.”

There are a lot of benefits to having strong, positive friendships, and it’s a lot more than just having someone to hold your hair back after you’ve had too much to drink or having someone to be your wingman.

According to the Mayo Clinic, emotional benefits of friendships include: increased sense of belonging and purpose, boosted happiness, reduced stress, improved self-confidence and self-worth, help coping with trauma and encouragement to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Research shows that smaller social networks and greater loneliness can increase your risk for substance abuse, health problems and even mortality.

But remember: There’s a difference between being alone and being lonely.

Not everyone wants to be surrounded by people all the time. Some of us get energy from being around others, and some of us need alone time to recharge.

Whatever you need to be happy and healthy is what you should do. But when being alone turns into feeling lonely — that’s when it’s important

to find your friends.And just because there are

benefits to having strong social support, doesn’t mean you should try to be friends with everyone.

Friends can be sources of stress and can be negative influences as well, so it’s important to choose our friends wisely.

But how do you find friends?Freshmen Orientation is

one of the first places we made friends at UP.

Between built-in friendship options like roommates and floormates and endless awkward ice-breakers, there are a lot of opportunities to make friends our freshman year.

By sophomore year, you’ve established a couple close friends and an array of other social connections: peripheral friends, acquaintances, lab partners, coworkers, teammates and crushes.

During junior year, you’ve deepened your friendships.

You’re probably closer to some of your friends than you’ve been with others in the past.

You may have had to help a friend deal with a messy breakup, or they may have helped you overcome the loss of a loved one.

By senior year, you have your friends. They know you better than anyone, and you trust them with your biggest fears and insecurities.

When you go to class, you recognize most of the people in the room.

But sometimes, life doesn’t work out smoothly. Friendships don’t get to develop. Your best friend transfers.

Your lab partner drops the

class. Friends become distant acquaintances. Girlfriends become ex-girlfriends.

Your crush graduates early before you can confess your love for them.

Sometimes you have to make new friends. Sometimes it’s easy.

But sometimes there’s not a bubbly blonde girl at the party asking to play a card game and be best friends forever.

Sometimes you have to push yourself outside your comfort zone in order to create new friendships.

Chances are meeting new people won’t be as scary as you think it will be. If you’re genuine and kind, most people will want to be your friend anyway.

Here are some ideas of how to make friends in non-

awkward ways:1. Attend an event on

campus. Lecturers hold discussions in BC practically every month. And if nothing else, CPB movies and Pilots After Dark are weekly staples of campus life.

2. Volunteer. The Moreau Center has so many opportunities for students to volunteer their time in the community.

If you go through the Moreau Center, they’ll probably connect you with other students, and if someone’s volunteering, they’re probably a good person and would make a great friend.

3. Join a club. UP has a club for everything: comic books, gardening, treasure hunting ... You name it, chances other people are into it too.

4. Accept invitations. How many times have you received a Facebook invite to a party or discussion group or movie screening? Instead of ignoring that little red notification, click on it, say you’re ‘Going’ and then go! And if that’s not your style …

5. Create the invitation yourself. Sometimes people don’t know we want to hang out until we ask them.

Ask a classmate if they want to get coffee after class or if that guy in your dorm wants to get breakfast sometime.

Ultimately, the effort it takes to make new friends is worth it.

Your mind and body depend on your social supports. You can’t do this alone — and you don’t have to.

Opinion 9J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O M

Lydia Laythe Opinion [email protected]

FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD

SUBMISSION POLICYLetters and commentaries from readers are encouraged. All

contributions must include the writer’s address and phone number for verification purposes. The Beacon does not accept submissions written by a group, although pieces written by an individual on behalf of a group are acceptable.

Letters to the editor must not exceed 250 words. Those with longer opinions are encouraged to submit guest columns. The Beacon reserves the right to edit any contributions for length and style, and/or reject them without notification. University students must include their major and year in school. Non-students must include their affiliation to the University of Portland, if any.

Please send submission to [email protected].

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Subscriptions are available at $30 for the year, covering 24 issues. Checks should be made payable to The University of Portland: The Beacon. For more information about subscriptions or billing questions, contact Circulation Director Manager Matt Rodriguez at [email protected].

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Jacob Fuhrer, Alina Rosenkranz, Molly Vincent, Luke Loranger, Cheyenne Schoen, Natasa Kvesic,

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Nathan DeVaughn • THE BEACON

We all need friends

Chances are meeting new people won’t be as scary as you think it will be. If you’re genuine and kind, most people will want to be your friend anyway.

“

One night this past July, I sat across from my lifelong best friend and felt a way I have never felt in front of her: uncomfort-able. It wasn’t just that we

were crammed into a diner booth with a mysteriously sticky table, or that the suffocating, 95-degree heat had left us both in a daze of lethargy — it was the conversation, which she started with a single, apprehensive question.

“Um, can I tell you something?”

She launched into how, over the past six weeks, she had been going to weekly one-on-one therapy sessions with a counselor at her school. With a shaky voice and a hand gripping her cup of water, she

told me that since high school, she had been dealing with feelings of anxiety related to her body image and self worth. Although there had been times over the years that she’d made offhand comments that hinted at some insecurities, it wasn’t until that moment that I was fully aware of how much pain she was in.

It wasn’t about me. I knew it wasn’t about me. And yet as I responded, I became overly aware of myself: of my tone of voice, how my facial expressions could be coming across, whether the words I was thinking of saying were at all overly dramatic or carelessly dismissive.

I wanted to be good, to be right, to not make her — someone I love — regret having told me something important that was hard to verbalize.

As most of us know, talking about mental health isn’t easy.

A large part of that has to do with the stigma attached to the topic, but it also has to do with not knowing how to respond. The desire to help and empathize, all the while knowing that we can’t exactly feel what any particular person is going through, can be the perfect breeding ground for awkward silences, lumps in throats and, worst of all, feelings of helplessness.

According to the World Health Organization, one in four people in the world will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime. Though working toward the destigmatization of mental illness is a vital part of underscoring the importance of mental health, it’s important to realize that moments of discomfort throughout this journey are OK. Discomfort is evidence of treading new ground, which is good when the old ground is one of stigma,

intolerance and misinformation related to mental illness.

Listening and being a support system can be challenging, regardless of one’s own personal history with mental health — but it’s worth it.

We all struggle. Let’s struggle together.

Karen Garcia is the living editor for The Beacon. She can be reached at [email protected]. Karen is a member of Active Minds, a group on campus dedicated to educating our community about mental health and demonstrating that people are not alone in their mental health struggles.

FACES ON THE BLUFFWhat do you like to do with your best friend?

“One on one basketball.” “Brunch.” “Back massages.” “Ski.” “Hang out in Shipstad.”

Nick Goulding Lucy Kelly Bridget Sloat Mitch Gilbert Taylor EllensohnSophomore Business Major Senior English Major Senior Biology Major Senior Finance Major Sophomore Mechanical Engineering Major

Thomas Dempsey• THE BEACON

10OPINION T H E B E A C O N • J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O M

Karen GarciaJunior

Let’s Talk: Supporting a friend

Few could have anticipated the wave of changes that Pope Francis’ papacy has ushered in since his inauguration in 2013.

Much of this is due to the fact that Pope Francis has brought about Catholic renewal through words and actions much more than via changes to religious dogma.

Since the beginning of his papacy, the pope has chosen to instigate change through a focus on his own character. Instead of adorning himself in velvet and Prada shoes, the

pope selected nondescript garments to show solidarity with the working class and the poor. He is driven around in a Ford Focus, a stout shift from the Mercedes-Benz “Popemobile” of his predecessor.

The pope has also shown sympathy to those long treated as outcasts by the church. Pope Francis has stated atheists living a good life can go to heaven, women who have had abortions can be forgiven and his famous line regarding gays

in the church (“Who am I to judge?”), show that he is open to questioning deeply held sentiments by churchgoers and the clergy.

Pope Francis’ words and actions ought to resonate with religious and nonreligious people of the world. Even those who do not practice the faith must acknowledge Francis’ efforts to bring about structural change in many facets of daily life. He has gone as far as to call out the financial institutions and denounce the greed he believes has driven people to ignore sensible values. He once said at a Mass to a crowd of diplomats, “The worship of the golden calf of old has found a new and heartless image in the cult of money and the dictatorship of

an economy which is faceless and lacking any truly humane goal.”

This attack on greed marks a new tone for the church, which has its own perception problems with money. A study by The Economist in 2012 determined the Catholic Church has an annual operating budget of about $170 billion in the United States alone. Surely it is a bold move to question the power of money, but Pope Francis appears unfazed in addressing critical issues in the world.

However, this is coming at a cost. Core conservatives are questioning the pope and his outspoken views. According to a Gallup Poll, the pope’s favorable rating among those who identify as conservative

dropped significantly from 72 percent to 45 percent this year. As Gallup analyzed, “This decline may be attributable to the pope’s denouncing of ‘the idolatry of money’ and linking climate change partially to human activity, along with his passionate focus on income inequality — all issues that are at odds with many conservatives’ beliefs.”

While he may be losing the battle among core conservative Christians, Francis is clearly opening the doors to those who have long felt unwelcomed by the church — and it’s about time.

Jacob Fuhrer is a junior communications major and can be reached at [email protected].

Pope Francis brings breath of fresh air to the Catholic Church

Jacob FuhrerJunior

Mental health resources:UP Health and Counseling Center:

503-943-7134Multnomah Mental Health Crisis Line:

503-988-4888

Active Minds: [email protected] or facebook.com/activemindsatup

Education resources:

WE WANT YOUR OPINIONSsend your thoughts to The Beacon

[email protected]

? ?

? ?? ?? ?

Pope Francis’ words and ac-tions ought to resonate with religious and nonreligious people of the world.

“Jacob FuhrerJunior

The U.S Track & Field and Cross Country Association selected University of Portland senior, Woody Kincaid as men’s track athlete of the week on Tuesday. This is the second time Kincaid has been named this season.

The UP distance runner finished his 3000 meter race at a staggering 7:48.89, coming in third place at the TrackTown USA High Performance Meet located in Portland’s House of Track this weekend.

Kincaid went up against professional runners such as 2013 Bowerman Award winner Cam Levins, Paul Chelimo, and the two-time NCAA indoor champ Eric Jenkins. The UP athlete came in third to Jenkins and Chelimo, but beat Levins by four seconds.

The record left Kincaid two seconds off the all-time top-10 NCAA Division I National Descending Order list for the 3000 meter.

Kincaid also holds the top 5000 time at a college level for his 13:44.34 record which was recorded at the Hoosier Open on Dec. 12.

Kincaid’s time played a key role in the Pilots boost from No. 44 in the nation to No. 20 this week.

11SPORTS T H E B E A C O N • J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O M

THIS WEEK IN SPORTS SCOREBOARD

The Pilots continue to search for their first conference win this week on the road. Portland takes on USF at 7 p.m. today. On Saruday, the Pilots play Santa Clara.

Portland looks to build on their 3-6 conference record this week with a pair of home games. First, the Pilots play USF at 7 p.m. today. On Saturday, Portland faces the Santa Clara Broncos for a 7 p.m. tipoff in the Chiles Center.

The Pilots fell to No. 36 Florida State 0-4 in North Carolina on Saturday.

The Pilots went 0-2 on the weekend, falling first to Pacific on Thursday and then to St. Mary’s on Saturday.

Women’s Basketball Men’s Basketball Women’s Tennis

Women’s Basketball

coolest part,” Kang said. “He’s a more powerful climber than me. I’m more into technique and footwork so we help each other get better.”

In Portland, Robinson has picked up the intensity of his training in recent weeks to prepare for nationals.

He’s started making a schedule for himself before heading to Planet Granite. He trains for an extra hour after climbing with friends. Extra laps on the ramp and creating difficult climb routes have become a part of the routine.

Going to yoga sessions twice a week with Revlock at the Rec Center has helped him too. Since starting halfway through first semester, Robinson says his breathing control has gotten better and helped him relax when he is on the wall.

“I am not very flexible as a climber and I have definitely seen improvements since beginning it,” Robinson said.

Robinson loved to climb

trees as a child, but never did it cross his mind that rock climbing would be a part of his future. Now, four years after getting on the wall for the first time, he will be in a national spotlight.

But he’s no longer in the shadows of the Buttermilks climbing with Kang. Neither is he at Planet Granite with Hevlock.

The spectators will expect him to perform.

And he will do just as he has always done. He’ll clear his head and quiet his body. His hands will be powdered with chalk and his feet primed for action.

When he begins his ascension up the wall, his instincts will take over.

“The simplicity of climbing is just amazing,” Robinson said.

Climbing: Robinson ups his training regimentContinued from page 12

Contact Sports Writer Ben Arthur at [email protected].

Kincaid named National Student Athlete of the Week

For a second time this season, William ‘Woody’ Kincaid was named the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Association NCAA track athlete of the week.

Photo Cour tesy o f K im Sp i r

By Rachel RippetoeT H E B E A C O N

Pilots split opening weekend

The Pilots split their opening weekend first, beating Portland State in the Lousiana-Pacific Tennis Center on Friday night then falling to East Tennessee State 6-1 in Seattle, Wash. on Monday. Portland head coach Aaron Gross said that East Tennessee had an edge on the Pilots because Portland has not played any competitive matches yet this season. East Tennessee had played four. Next weekend, Portland will return to Seattle to take on Cal Poly and then Washington on Sunday at noon.

Photo Courtesy of Brennan Robinson


Brennan Robinson climbs a rock wall in Leavenworth, Wash. in October 2015.

The Beacon is hiring a new sports reportercheck out upbeacon.com/jobs for more information.

Are you a driven self-starter with writing experience?

12J A N . 2 8 , 2 0 1 6 • U P B E A C O N . C O MSports Malika Andrews Sports [email protected]

Head online to www.upbeacon.com to check out a video on basketball player Bryce Pressley’s shoe collection.

Hitting the wallBrennan Robinson climbs his way to Nationals

When University of Portland student Brennan Robinson straps on his yellow and black La Sportiva Solution climbing shoes and smears chalk on his hands, his mind quiets. His 6-foot, 155 pound frame goes into a trance-like state when he gets on the wall.

His only focus is to complete the climb.He digs his feet into the first hold. After a moment

of testing his balance, he takes a leap of faith. He lunges toward the next hold. And then another. Robinson tunes out the few hundred spectators as he makes his way up the wall.

Now, the whole world will be watching him climb at the Bouldering National Championships in Madison, Wisconsin on Feb. 5.

“I’m going to try and not think about it and just climb,” Robinson said. “Do what I love to do and not worry about anything else.”

Robinson, a freshman living in Christie Hall, has had a successful young rock climbing career. In just a year and a half of competing, he has become a nationally ranked sport climber. A fifth place finish at the divisional qualifying championships in Portland in early January secured him a spot at nationals.

A top six finish in Madison next month will land him on the United States Rock Climbing team.

During his freshman year of high school, Robinson and his group of friends wanted to try something new. They headed to the nearest rock climbing gym.

Robinson fell in love with the sport immediately. He climbed until he was too sore to move. Then he did it all again the next day.

Robinson is well decorated, but his humble approach hasn’t changed. His mantra is the same as when he first mounted the wall: to just enjoy himself.

He can be found at the Planet Granite climbing gym in the Pearl District five days a week just hanging out. Sometimes he watches other climbers. Sometimes he will give a pointer or two.

UP freshman Jeremy Revlock, his tag-along to the gym, finds Robinson’s approach welcoming. He has never felt threatened by his friend’s prowess on the wall. Robinson often gives him tips to improve his rock climbing technique.

“We go to Planet Granite to just have fun,” Revlock said. “We never go to try and be better than everyone else there.”

Robinson’s easy-going attitude can be traced back to his childhood.

A native of Sunnyvale, California, he found creative ways to stay active as a kid. He played basketball, football, baseball and volleyball growing up. His talents in scootering gained him internet fame. He

started a YouTube channel displaying his tricks and the videos quickly took off, one gaining over a million hits.

It is because of Robinson’s curiosity and willingness to do new things that his older sister and Pilot volleyball player, Morgan, is not surprised that her brother has found success in his latest hobby so quickly.

“He’s always been the kind of person that will go out of his way to try something new,” Morgan said. “His openness has really helped drive him in the direction he is going today.”

Yet, underneath the shell of an adventurous character is an introverted kid.

Robinson competes indoors, but his true passion comes from climbing outdoors. His explorations have taken him to some of the world’s most exotic locations, but his favorite place to climb is the quiet community of Bishop, California. The town of less than 4,000 people is where he is most at peace.

He spends many school breaks climbing there with his best friend from home, Tim Kang. But it’s just the two of them. They’ll spend an entire day climbing the field of boulders known as the Buttermilks.

The inspiration to climb comes as soon as they drive past the 55-foot Grandpa Peabody Boulders at the entrance, one of the most difficult rocks in the world to climb.

“We push each other all the time and that’s the

By Ben ArthurT H E B E A C O N

See Hitting the wall page 11

Brennan Robinson climbs Xavier’s roof, a v11 climb, in Bishop, Calif. Robinson will compete at the Bouldering National Championships next month.

Photo Courtesy of Brennan Robinson

I am going to try not to think about it and just climb. Do what I love to do and not worry about anything else.

“Brennan RobinsonFreshman

the beacon - issue 14 - jan. 28

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