Opinion
Loving USD means letting it go
There is something specific about loving a home that you know will be temporary. Every year, approximately 2,000 students graduate from USD. This year, I am one of them. Over the past four years, I have grown to love USD and make it my home, even knowing my time here would be short. […]
A letter from the Managing Editor: One last story
Like all things in life, things eventually come to an end. For me, my time with The Volante is concluding since I am graduating from the University of South Dakota this May. When I first came to USD in fall 2022, I started off as a reporter/photographer. I mostly took photos at football […]
See you in August
With the end of spring semester every year comes celebration as finals are over, the sun is out and students are free for the summer. However, beneath all of the “see you in august” promises and sappy Instagram posts remains a gloomier reality. The beginning of summer break also means the loss of community, and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Summer Break Should be Shorter
Summer break is swiftly approaching, and many students will not be on campus again until next semester. I have always loved summer break. The weather is beautiful, and you have the opportunity to be outdoors more. You can lounge by the pool, soaking up the sun, or you can wait until it gets dark outside […]