Want People to be Kinder: Make Them Wait Tables

Most people spent spring break on the beach, hanging out with friends or catching up on sleep. However, for me, that wasn’t the case. Instead, I spent mine taking orders, washing dishes and apologizing for things that weren’t my fault.  Over break I was reminded again what working in hospitality teaches you about people, and […]

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Not Just “Jacks Being Jacks”

This past week, a video featuring South Dakota State University students using hate speech surfaced on social media and the instinctive reaction on rival campuses has been pretty predictable, to point, cringe and move forward.  Responding to bigoted behavior with dismissiveness undermines the bigger picture. What happened at SDSU exposes a much deeper statewide problem […]

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Awareness Doesn’t Equal Accessibility

Every year USD, much like many other universities’ campuses, roll out Accessibility Week with posters, events and social media posts reminding students that inclusion matters. It’s a week meant to highlight the importance of equal opportunity and celebrate diversity. Yet, while the message is uplifting and the intentions are good, the reality students face tells […]

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NFL Halftime Show, More like a Statement

This past Sunday, Feb. 8, marked the 60th annual Super Bowl with a matchup of the New England Patriots v. the Seattle Seahawks. This much anticipated game garnered the attention of millions; not necessarily because of the game itself, but instead due to the selected halftime show performer, Bad Bunny.  For weeks leading up to […]

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How Cold is Too Cold?

With the recent cold front leaving students shivering their way to classes, it raises the question of should the South Dakota Board of Regents (SDBOR) rethink its temperature thresholds for closing campus.  According to the SDBOR policy manual, “Board of Regent’s institutions remain open in all but the most extreme circumstances.” However, with wind chills […]

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History Taught Wrong

Social studies classes were never my strong suit. This was mostly due to feeling bored in class and ultimately, not wanting to study. The idea of memorizing dates, types of weapons and any facts that deal with numbers was too overwhelming. I remember always being told that history classes were taught to make sure that […]

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