Current Stories | February 21, 2013
Everyone has stress | Kaylar Neumann reporting
Stress can be the result of many deadlines, demands and frustrations. A new study shows one generation may be the most stressed out. Many people might think the millennial generation has it easy. They're stereotyped as highly educated, self-confident and tech savvy, however they are also stressed. Daryn Skjefte a College Student said "I think that they cause me some stress because I'm learning to manage my time as a young adult and I'm learning to be away from home." A recent study done by the American Psychological Association found that the age group 18-33 is more stressed than any other generation. Experts have weighed in many theories as to why. One includes that the millennial generation has been protected from the "real world". Sarah Edwards, Assistant Professor of Counseling said "I think the, the generations as a whole have grown up quite sheltered and maybe not able to cope with hard times as much as previous generations." Skjefte then said "Coming to school I realized that my parents did a lot more for than I took notice of." But one obstacle this generation is facing in the “real world” is the job market. Where their parents were able to easily find work years ago their children are entering the workforce during an economic recession. Edwards said "Some stresses that they are facing are with entering the job market there just aren't many job opportunities for young adults compared to workers that have already been established in their field." The study states that 44 percent of the millennial generation suffers from extreme stress whereas only 20 percent of the baby boomer generation suffers from the same problems. However, one other theory is the younger generations are more willing to admit their problem where older generations would keep it all in. So even though it may seem the millennial generation has the whole world in front of them, it might actually be on their shoulders. In the study the economy relationships and money are the top contributing factors to this generation’s level of stress.
Post office changes | Will Biernat reporting
With more and more cuts being made the US Postal Service is trying to stay afloat. Many rural areas are starting to feel the effects. In small town Thompson, North Dakota, population 983, changes are being noticed. The local post office has been seeing fewer hours than ever before. The urbanization of the postal service can leave some feeling the big city blues. Karyn Hippen, Mayor of Thompson said “It leaves the rural residents thinking golly, you know, it's like everything is going bigger in city and kind of being taken away from the rural, small town feel.” While changes aren't easy to make, in this case, there are reasons behind them. Hippen also said "I can see the corporate side of it... I would imagine it's hard for the postal service to justify paying employees for longer hours, it gets hard from the small town perspective because it’s hard for residents to get there during reduced hours." Some say the older populations have the potential to be affected the most. Hippen then said “Older generations, if they don't leave town very often, they're limited in what they can do and the services that are provided for them. But, I mean it would be equally hard for any demographic to be able to get there and get their mail.” Some Postal representatives say hours could be cut in half and some days could be cut all together. In Thompson, North Dakota, the cut in hours could potentially force them into big city life. The postal service recently announced that Saturday's will be cancelled starting in August.
NHL draft | Taylor Braith reporting
This May, thousands of college students will be graduating and looking for a future career. But for a select group that career was decided before they even stepped on campus. The NHL draft happens every June, and a solid majority of the 210 players taken are high school seniors. Once drafted these young men must make a very big decision about what will come next. Zane Gothberg, University of North Dakota Goalie, said "Well I knew deep down that I was probably going to attend a university, but there was actually a chance to go play up in Canada, or major juniors they call it." Zane still remembers the day in 2010 when the Boston Bruins called him with the news every hockey player dreams of. Gothberg also said "There was kind of a whirlwind of emotions and it was definitely the highlight of my career so far." He played two seasons for the Fargo Force of the USHL junior league, and then decided college was the next step in his journey to the NHL. Gothberg said "There were different schools out East you could go to, but this was home for me, the University of North Dakota is definitely home." Of all the avenues available to these draftees, college is one that allows players to learn and grow in the classroom and on the ice. Gothberg's pit stop at UND may have delayed his drive to the big show, but for him, it's not about where you're going, it's how you get there. The NHL Draft consists of seven rounds. A player drafted from high school is committed to the team that selects him until he decides to turn pro.
Chinese dance | Timm Uhlmann reporting
People around the world welcome each New Year with celebration, the Chinese New Year is no different. This year a small town campus in Minnesota was able to join in. Many people enjoy dancing in the New Year. Malcolm Peterson enjoys dancing in his New Year a little differently. Malcolm Peterson, CAAM Chinese Dance Theater Dancer said "Dance brings people together, it's such as cliché phrase, but it's true! Dance is just this wonderful thing!” Malcolm is part of a Chinese Dance Theater group based out of Minneapolis. They visited a college campus to educate others about the Chinese Lunar New Year. Rae French, International Students and Learning Abroad Coordinator said "It's a huge deal, so we wanted to do something on our campus to really liven it up and say you know what, it's just as big a deal here in Crookston." In order to make it a big deal all you have to do is find that enthusiasm and excitement for the culture.
Peterson has more than 12 years of performance under his hat, but it all started when mom knew best. Peterson said "My mom was like oh hey look Chinese dance summer camp and signed me up for it, but it really just took a hold of me." Claire Rasmussen, Fellow CAAM dance member said "I've been dancing with Malcolm since I was five years old, I'm fifteen now, so he's like a big brother to me." Dancing has moved into Peterson's heart, but some styles get him more excited to move than others. Peterson said "There's the Mongolian style which is just these really big movements and powerful and fun and manly and just wonderful." Just as every team is more than its members, every dance is more than just moves. Peterson then said "There's a reason we call it Chinese Dance Theater, because you really get to act and tell a story. And that's why I love dance more than anything else." Through Chinese Dance Theater, Peterson discovered that sometimes moving to a new beat can help you find something pretty neat. Red silk is used during many of the dances. In China Red is the color for luck and good fortune for the New Year.
FIRST LEGO League | Katy Wilson reporting
Some kids get excited about science and technology. One young girl found the perfect way to combine teamwork, fun and learning. Katy Berg is part of a team competing against 34 other teams in a special tournament. It may help to like legos and science but most importantly people. Berg said "You get to work on a robot, you get to build stuff, you get to come here and then you get to compete you get to meet all these people." The organization is called FIRST LEGO League. It's a worldwide competition. Berg said "The best part is that you realize there are more people doing this this is a huge community of people." Kids ages 9-14 across the United States and up to 16 around the world make robots to compete. Berg also said "There are so many great experiences that you have because you learn how to work with a team. You can face challenges with doing that but by the end you usually come up with something really good by working together." The tournament is designed to get kids excited about science and technology. Lavetta Berg, Katy’s mother said "Oh it's very good especially if they like science, math and the computer programming parts of putting things together… It makes the kids learn teamwork." The kids are judged on core values. These values include working and learning together, honoring the spirit of friendly competition, and displaying gracious professionalism. However, kids like Katy have a different way of putting it. Katy said "You'll walk out a little better then you did when you walked in.” FIRST LEGO League has been engaging kids and adults since 19-98. The national competition for North America will take place in May at Legoland in California.
Flight training delays | Tasha Olson reporting
Many people get frustrated because of a cancelled or delayed flight caused by weather. The same thing can happen to pilots in training at the University of North Dakota. Katrina Kugler, Supervisor of Flight said "Our responsibility is to make sure everybody is being safe, so if there is big weather issues coming in we're going to determine the best course of action." Supervisors of flight, or SOFs, help pilots in the sky from on the ground. Not all weather affects flights, but there are some specifics to look out for. Kugler said "During the winter time icing is our biggest concern." Other than icing, the SOFs look out for wind and cold measurements as well when operating flights. Sometimes it is actually the pilot’s personal preference though. Kugler then said “We determined that there were several people coming back saying 'it was way too cold' and that 'my fingers were feeling bad' so we went no fly anyway for that situation.” Kugler says the main thing is always safety. And it is the SOF's job to assure this. Kugler said “We'll be calling out to other flights that are in the area asking for pilot reports of: what's the weather doing, how is it affecting your flight at this time, how can we help you get you to a place that's safe?" So even though flying can defy gravity, it does not always defy the weather.
