Columnists

On the value of internships and related experiences

By Michelle Stangler

November 1, 2023

Nearly 15 internships, multiple freelance writing and related opportunities, and one fellowship project.

Without context, that might seem like a lot, and you may think I'm broke. There's some truth to that statement, but with 365 days in a year, there's ample time to invest in opportunities to learn and grow. Some opportunities were weeklong, and some didn't pay as much – most were compensated through an hourly rate, scholarships, or travel reimbursements – but they were valuable in many ways.

UWRF cadets take on 26-mile Bataan March

By Joshua Brauer

April 21, 2023

Walking is not something that many people consider a notable activity. It is a means to reach a destination, a way for the students at UWRF to move from one class to another, but, for three cadets from UWRF’s ROTC program, walking would come to symbolize much more. 

Student makes memories with UWRF’s International Classroom

By Anna Gunderson

March 18, 2023

I’ve always been told that studying abroad for a semester would be an experience I’d never forget, and that could not be more true. After spending time with 11 amazing students, seeing the world, and exploring new cultures, I have not only been able to grow in my education, but as a person. 

UWRF new animal policy 'lets the dogs out'

By Lexi Janzer

December 14, 2022

UWRF’s new animal policy does not protect those with service animals and service animals in training. Campus can already be difficult to navigate for people with disabilities, and adding restrictions to which places people with service animals and service animals in training are allowed to traverse creates unnecessary struggle for everyone.

COVID cases stay low as temperatures begin to rise

By Polly Covert

April 23, 2022

As the temperature outside rises here on campus, the number of positive COVID tests are going down. With masks optional on campus, taking small steps forward and out of the pandemic has been a success so far.

Family heritage influences annual holiday traditions

By Emma Statz

December 6, 2021

When one thinks of traditions or family rituals, it is likely that we in turn think of holidays. The things that happen every year or places where everyone goes when everyone gets together to celebrate.

Alumni Spotlight: History of UWRF alumna scholarship

By Isabella Forliti

April 15, 2021

“Mothers and daughters are connected. In ways we don’t even know.” Tricia Burger told me this about her mom, Helen Alexander Kuyper Evans. A UW-River Falls Journalism and English alumna from the class of 1969, Evans is remembered by her family and friends as someone who could light up the entire room as soon as she walked in. Evans had a whirlwind of a college experience and left a mark on River Falls that is still remembered today. 

Post-pandemic world raises lifestyle questions

By Isabella Forliti

April 15, 2021

After over a year of masks, social distancing, and living in a mainly online world, we are starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel. With vaccines becoming increasingly available to all age groups, some more relaxed guidelines are being put into place. People are anxious to get back to some kind of “normal” without knowing what normal means at this point? After months of not having to get ready to go out, how do we all adjust and “re-enter” the world?

Are online classes providing quality education?

By Melissa Thorud and Isabella Forliti

April 15, 2021

Now that we have been taking many courses through distance learning and online methods, it may be time to look at what we have actually learned during the past 10 months. Though there are many challenges that come about with online learning, in a global pandemic it was necessary. 

On politics and the coronavirus

By Reagan Hoverman

March 12, 2020

In 2020 it can be very disheartening to discuss anything remotely related to politics. When in a relationship with someone that has significant political differences, I think there are a couple of ways to work around that situation.