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Question: Hello Collegian, To be brief, things have been less than ideal these past few months. I’m a sophomore here at UT, and school has been a lot for me lately. I often find myself struggling to find motivation to do anything, whether it be homework, clubs, or even spending time with friends and family. I wonder if I’m smart enough or even motivated enough for my degree (I’m an engineering major). It’s a lot of work and truth be told, my mental health has been suffering. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Answer: Hello and thank you very much for writing to The Collegian. I am very sorry to hear that things have not been the greatest for you lately. College is a lot to handle and it is certainly not a walk in the park most days. There are moments of struggle throughout, but you’ve gotten far already and I truly commend you for your perseverance. Something that I sincerely believe is that acknowledging your progress is an extremely powerful practice in everyday life. We continuously emphasize our faults and shortcomings, yet forget the improvements we make throughout. Even though your progress may be difficult to see when things are heavy, search through the chaos to find the growth you’ve made - this is what you’re working for and I promise it is there! You are doing the best you can do in your current state. Being gentle with yourself can go a long way when it comes to accomplishing your goals. It is increasingly important in such a hectic world to find the time to care for yourself - and it does not have to be time consuming. When you imagine an activity or practice that makes you content, try incorporating that (at least a little bit) into your daily routine. Remember what you are working for, and remind yourself of what you truly value and need. You are putting in your best effort and it will most definitely pay off. You are fully capable of achieving what you put your mind to. You have every ounce of skill required to get your degree and make a powerful difference in the world. Remind yourself every day that you are good enough and you deserve to be here in college with your peers. Best wishes from The Collegian!

If you’ve been wondering what the latest bus changes are all about, you’re not alone. Many students have been puzzled by the recent updates to the bus system. Students had grown to be comfortable with the ‘blue loop’ through TARTA. However, these buses have been replaced with dull-white school buses, running the same route as before. Brian Kulpa, the Executive Director for Auxiliary Services, reported that TARTA’s reign over shuttle services came to an end after a ‘contract impasse.’ He cited many reasons for the change, including poor customer service, lack of technology, large price increases, and charging for rides outside the Blue Loop. The new vendor is Groome Transportation, which serves many universities throughout the country. These vehicles are ADA-compliant, with enhanced levels of security, featuring video-camera surveillance and Rocket-card-only entrance. The buses occasionally have the radio on, with music to accompany you while you travel. While the previous app used for live bus tracking was the ‘Passio GO!’ app, a new app titled ‘TransLoc’ is currently being used. These all-too-dull jail buses are soon to be replaced by Fall. Ford Motor Company has a recall on the new ‘22 passenger buses’, and supply chain delays will hopefully clear up in time so that the buses can arrive and be branded for UT. While this new change has been confusing to deal with, international students were one of the most impacted groups by this change. Many of them don’t own cars, and have a huge dependency on buses. The new updates have finally settled in and students are slowly getting the hang of the new app as the days pass by. The newly branded buses will be much awaited for.

A set of odd new landmarks that has made its way onto the University of Toledo’s campus are the orange chimneys on the sidewalks, particularly between the Rec Center, Savage Arena, and the Glass Bowl. These strange pieces of equipment have raised several questions from students: what exactly are these things? How long will they remain here? What is their purpose? Robert Huntsman, the manager of Mechanical Maintenance, had the answers. Steam power is one of the most efficient and safe forms of energy transfer. On campus, thermal energy released from the steam is used not only to heat the sinks and showers all across campus, but to regulate building temperatures—particularly to keep laboratory equipment at a safe storage temperature. This works much like a pot on the stove: as the water boils, releasing steam, the pressure builds until the pot either boils over or the steam and pressure are released in a controlled way. This is where the orange chimneys come in; the chimneys act as a point where this steam and pressure may be released in a safe way. This avoids the negative effects of the energy “boiling over” and being lost as well as preventing hot steam from causing students any discomfort. These chimneys, however, are not a permanent fixture on UT’s campus. They are acting as temporary placeholders until the system may be briefly shut down so that the chimneys can safely be replaced by an alternative means of release. Although their time on campus will be short, the impact these chimneys have is shockingly powerful for life on campus.

UT student organizations held the annual on-campus Earth Day 2023 celebration “Earth Fest” on April 19th and 20th. Hosted by BOSEF (Building Ohio’s Sustainable Energy Future) every year “to promote sustainability on campus and environmental education,” the event included food, crafts, plant sales, and more. BOSEF kicked it off by hosting a drop-in DIY Tote Bag event at the Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women from 3:00pm-6:00pm on Wednesday, April 19th, where students could sew their own bag–with pockets! The main events took place at Centennial Mall on Thursday, April 20th from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The SGF (Student Green Fund) approved funds for the Leaf and Seed, a Toledo-based vegan cafe, to have a food truck on the mall for the second time, where they served samples of their main menu dishes. According to the President of SGF, Olivia Onago, their goal with having the Leaf and Seed at Earth Fest is to “promote sustainable eating by providing vegan samples free-of-charge, introducing students to foods they may have never tried before, while helping to protect the planet.” EGS (Environmental Graduate Students) collaboratively organized a plant sale with the UT Garden, where they sold the garden’s variety of plants, as well as a spread of succulents planted in coffee mugs. Images courtesy of Garrett Moots, a member of EGS. Even Parks Tower got involved in an Earth Fest event. From 6:00pm-7:30pm on the 20th, students painted terra cotta pots and planted seeds in them to watch their plant grow. The event also provided tips on what properties plants might have or how they can boost your mental health, perfect for the final few weeks of the semester. Though not explicitly a part of the Earth Day celebration, UT Recreational Services and Juice House hosted a “Yoga Under the Stars” event at the Flatlands at 7:30pm on the 20th. They even offered the first 25 participants a free yoga mat for their relaxing conclusion to the event. The Catharine S. Eberly Center for Women set up a follow-up event to use the leftover fabric scraps from DIY tote bags to make toys with Rocket Service Dogs. The toys made at the event on Monday, April 24th from 7:00pm-8:00pm will be donated to the Ability Center of Greater Toledo and Lucas County Canine Care and Control. All of UT’s sustainability groups rely on volunteers to help with various projects on campus. You can help these student organizations keep our campus green in any way that suits you best: promoting recycling at sports or electronic waste events, tending to garden beds, completing internships, or even participating in student government. If you’re interested in what they do outside of Earth Fest, you can find out more at www.utoledo.edu/sustainability/involvement.html

The University of Toledo’s Facilities and Construction team continues to demonstrate their commitment to the University’s mission to improve the human condition with new capital construction projects that will extend throughout the 2023-2024 academic year. “Students are always a priority for us when we are considering construction projects,” says Nicole Baden, University Architect and Director of Planning, Design, & Construction. There are a few profound changes that University students and faculty can expect to see when returning to campus for the Fall 2023 semester. One of the major undergoing projects is the improvement of hardscapes in the West Mall, located South of the Memorial Field House. This project is a continuation of the improvements made to the Centennial Mall in 2022, aimed to improve student circulation and activity. The concrete sidewalks in this space will be replaced, additional seating will be equipped, and an informal recreational space will be added to provide opportunities for student leisure. The estimated budget for this construction project is just over one million dollars and is expected to reach completion near the start of the Fall semester. Another major project taking place on campus is the three phase North Engineering Laboratory/Classroom renovation led by Senior Associate Vice President for Administration Jason Toth. Toth and his team completed phase one in 2020, phase two in Fall 2022, and the final phase will continue throughout the Fall 2023 semester and be completed by the new year. Phase I The First phase of this project included building exterior envelopes and windows, as well as replacing the old roof of the North Engineering building with a new one. Phase II The Second phase of these renovations focused on the building of a structure to create a second floor and also reinforcing the existing structures within the building shell. Phase III The Third and final phase of this project will consist of finalizing all building renovations with an emphasis on interior classroom and laboratory spaces. An immediate goal after the completion of this phase is to transfer all of the classrooms and laboratories that are currently located in Palmer Hall to the newly renovated North Engineering building. “When that project is completed, it will allow us to demolish a building by the name of Palmer Hall, where the labs and classrooms exist today. In the end we will achieve a net space reduction of over 45,000 square feet,” said Toth in a previous interview. This large renovation project is estimated at a budget of $22.5 million across all three phases and will be completed in December 2023. Classes and laboratories currently located in Palmer Hall will remain in that location until Spring 2024. The Facilities and Construction team is also working to begin construction on a pedestrian bridge over Douglas Road near Savage Arena that will safely link the academic centers on Main campus to the engineering neighborhood. Baden says that the bridge will make for an exciting way for commuters to cross campus while avoiding traffic. The construction on this project will begin in early 2024. Along with these major projects, Baden says there are constantly small renovations and maintenance projects happening around campus. “Our projects aim to improve general quality of life, ensure students are interacting with the campus, and make sure that the physical space of the campus meets the academic, safety, living, and accessibility needs of the students,” says Baden.

By Spencer Matthews Collegian Staff Writer While Toledo is known world-wide as the Glass City and the birthplace of Jeep, it used to have a different nickname. In the 1830s, Toledo was just a small settlement in the northwest corner of Ohio, a portion of the state that consisted of a vast expanse of marshy wetlands. The yet-to-be-drained marshlands were the perfect habitat for some of our favorite slimy friends: frogs. Thus, Toledo’s first moniker: Frog Town. Before Toledo’s glass industry took off in the late 1880s, the county was an environmentally diverse area with prairies, forests, and the aforementioned swamps, thanks to its poor drainage and proximity to the Maumee River. While the Glass City was built over many of the wetlands that were once home to all of the frogs and toads that previously claimed the land, they were not completely driven from the area. Even with the industrialization and loss of wetlands, frogs continued to call Toledo home, remaining to sing their frog song and protect the people of Toledo from mosquitoes. Their legacy was so lasting, that in 2001, a civic project by the Arts Commission to fill the streets of Toledo with massive, artful fiberglass frog sculptures was launched. Businesses all over the city commissioned local artists to create frog sculptures near their buildings to reflect the aesthetics and goals of the sponsors. More than 100 artists were involved in the initial attempt to spread the frogs across the city, and as the effort gained traction, even more businesses and artists joined the initiative. This allowed lesser-known artists of Toledo to get their work out into the world, while also adding to the beauty of the city and helping to support local businesses. In the 22 years since the initiative was launched, several frogs have migrated from their original building sites to different locations across the city and others have apparently hopped off into anonymity. Many frogs, however, are still prevalent landmarks around the city.

By Grannt Epstein Collegian Staff Writer, Secretary Four student leaders are vying for the two top spots in Student Government for the 2023-24 school year. Justin Rose, the speaker of the Student Senate, is running for president. His running mate is Christina Charley, secretary of the Black Student Union. They are running against Lucas Will and Tanner Schultz, who both joined SG during their freshman year in 2021 and hope to be elected president and vice president, respectively. Will is SG’s Recording Secretary and Schultz is SG’s Campus Culture Chair. Will-Schultz wants to build a stronger relationship between Student Government, minority organizations, and the University administration. They are proposing monthly meetings between SG and minority organizations, so concerns can then be relayed to the administration. Rose-Charley would like to increase student retention by creating spaces where people can be active on campus. They aim to “increase student involvement and create a livelier campus where people want to spend their free time.” Charley, a Resident Advisor at Parks Tower, said younger students have energy that isn’t currently being tapped into. “Freshmen at Parks want to be hands-on. They want to be forced out of their comfort zone,” she added. The duo is also proposing a new, less expensive parking permit valid only on the outskirts of campus. The idea is to encourage the budget-conscious student to park further out and utilize the UT shuttle buses. Parking is also a plank in the Will-Schultz platform, with the ticket advocating for students to be given “a larger voice in parking issues on campus.” They want to see a student serving on the ticket appeals committee. Will pushed last year’s referendum for free menstrual products in campus bathrooms and Schultz helped create the Sustainability Committee within Student Government. Another focus of their campaign is the “We are a Rocket” initiative, a strategy to build a stronger sense of community. They want to “be the change that implements a better sense of community involvement and engagement.” “So many things are possible, and we want to be the ones that make it happen,” Will said. “We are loud and make our presence known. We want to advocate for the quiet person.” Will is a Spanish and Economics major, while Schultz is a Biology major with a concentration in Neuroscience and Pre-med. Another plank in the Rose-Charley platform is excused mental health days for students. They would like to see them included in every syllabus. “We want to work the CASE Center which already has a touchpoint system for students” Rose said. The program would use the CASE Center to reach out to the students and work with professors as the filter for mental health days. “I hear the complaints [from the students] but no one implements those changes. I want to make a campus where I can find solutions to those problems,” Rose said. Rose is a Psychology major with a minor in Counseling. He also serves on SG’s Dining Committee, which works with Auxiliary Services. Charley is a Nursing student and is also involved with the Black and Latino Excellence Mentorship Program. “Not too many people who look like me are [SG Vice President],” Charley said. “I want to make sure the students are heard.” Voting is open April 3 through 8 on Invonet. For more info on all the candidates visit their Instagram pages at @justinandchristina4change and @lucasandtanner4ut

By Grannt Epstein Collegian Staff Writer, Secretary As of February, the student-funded solar installation at the Health Science campus has generated more than $60,000 in revenue for the university and helped UT save nearly $30,000 on its power bills. With a price tag of $350,000, the solar park was the single biggest project approved by the Student Green Fund in the group’s history. The park was built in 2020. Established in 2012, the Student Green Fund finances various projects around campus that “promote sustainability, renewable energy, efficiency, waste reduction” as well as “educational initiatives such as conferences, workshops, public classes, and internships.” “I am really excited in having such a pivotal role in sustainability projects on campus,” said Green Fund Student Manager Olivia Onago. Some of the other initiatives paid for by the Student Green Fund over the years include the solar powered charging picnic tables, benches made of recycled materials, the hammock park in the flatlands, the rain garden near Carlson Library, and the water bottle-filling stations. “Last semester, we distributed about 80 plants at the Eberly Center to serve as emotional support plants,” Onago said. They were gone within two days. The Student Green Fund receives around $90,000 each year through a $5 fee students decide if they want to pay each semester. Between 40 and 50 percent of all students opt out of the fee, according to Mike Green, UT’s Director of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency, and advisor to the Student Green Fund. While students decide if they want to help fund the Student Green Fund each semester, the group’s student majority committee decides how the money will be spent. Students, student organizations, faculty, and staff can submit their “green” or sustainable idea to the Student Green Fund Committee. The committee then decides which projects to fund and how much money each one will receive. Individual students with project requests have gone to the Student Green Fund for support. Sustainable organizations, such as SEED or BOSEF, have secured funding from the Student Green Fund through collaborative projects. Organizations that have little to do with sustainability, such as Student Government, have collaborated with the Green Fund. For more information or to inquire about a project, contact StudentGreenFund@utoledo.edu

Dear Collegian, I am a sophomore at the University of Toledo and I am currently struggling to balance everything in my life right now. I work part-time and I both like and need my job, but I am already overwhelmed by my classes. I don’t know how to make my school life, work life, and social life all work together while still maintaining my physical and mental health. I feel like I can’t succeed properly in all of them at once. How can I find a balance between multiple aspects of my life? —Seeking Balance Dear Seeking Balance, Working during school while maintaining a healthy social life can be an incredibly difficult combination. Between homework and demands from everyday life, it may feel like you’re drowning in expectations. However, it is extremely important to keep in mind that your overall well-being is the most important factor here. There is quite a bit to do on your day-to-day checklist, but prioritizing what is the most important each day could be tremendously helpful. Consider creating checklists of goals and values ahead of time for each day. Be sure to incorporate tasks from each category you find valuable. This could include spending a set amount of time with friends, then setting aside some time for homework, etc. Creating a timeline throughout your week could help you haven’t tried something similar yet. Your overall health, be it physical or mental, should always be your priority. By deciding which daily events and tasks contribute to your well-being and emphasizing them, you might see improvement in your mood. You need to create a time during the day that is strictly you time. This could be a period that accommodates your availability, meaning it could only be for ten minutes or even two hours. Do what brings you joy and relaxation, even if it is just a few minutes of contentment, allow yourself to set every chore and worry to the side and enjoy yourself. You could spend this time playing video games, exercising, or eating your favorite snack. One last point: remember to breathe. This may seem very simple, but it is amazing what deep breathing can do for your body. It has the power to release tension, ease anxiety, and set you in the right frame of focus to do every goal you have set for yourself each day. You have the power to complete each task you aim to do. Just remember not to overwhelm yourself, take care of your mind and body, and breathe deeply. Reach out to those around you if you find yourself struggling further. —Emily

Dear International Student, Today, I woke up engulfed by the warmth of my cozy blanket, yet I was alarmed by the sound of silence. I was expecting to be at home, amidst the sounds of my sister typing something on her phone or my mother’s presence on the balcony, watering her beloved plants. I woke up to an empty room and felt a familiar friend crawl up my skin: homesickness. The words, You aren’t home, kept ringing in my head, repeatedly, like an alarm that just wouldn’t go off. Today was an important day for me. I had to go to the hospital to get a chest X-Ray done for a lingering cough that wouldn’t leave me alone. My doctors in India would know me by my name, and more so, by my mother’s annoying questions. They would roll their eyes with annoyance as the hypocrite in her continued to pester them with her questions. Meanwhile, I would sit comfortably in my chair eyeing the candy jar on the doctor’s desk. Flash forward to the present. Here I was, alone, at the hospital. A nurse instructed me to follow her toward the imaging center and within twenty minutes, I got my X-Ray done. I left towards the waiting room to find a place full of warmth; families everywhere brimming with love and affection. These were people, just like me. Grandpas with grey hair and checked T-Shirts came in with their daughters, looking up at them with a hint of fear hidden deep in their eyes. Everyone needs to hear that it will be okay, no matter how old you get. With a heavy heart, I left the hospital to be greeted by a friend who got me lunch. Soon enough, I realized that love can only be parceled no matter where you are. You find it in pockets and places where you would never expect it to be there. And sometimes, that’s enough to make a difficult day bearable. So, from a friend to a friend, here’s a quick reminder for your day: that no matter where you are, and what you’re doing: it’s going to be okay. I hope this letter finds you well and brings you the same warmth that family does in tough times. I can only say this from experience, and I come bearing gifts. Here is your packet of love for the day. I hope you use it well. Love, Ruchita

By Ruchita Kulkarni Collegian Staff Writer More than 500 guests immersed themselves in the diverse culture of the University’s international community during the 45th annual International Dinner March 25. Hosted by the International Students Association (ISA), the event is one of the hallmarks of spring semester at UToledo. The auditorium in the Thompson Student Union was extravagantly decorated in vivid colors, ranging from sapphire to pearl white. Tables featured centerpieces of roses in small jars with tiny fairy lights. The stage was set to be the sky, amidst soft white clouds and a blue moon. The theme of this year’s evening was “Folklore.” A flag show, featuring flag bearers from 18 different countries, all of whom were dressed in native garb, started the evening’s festivities. ISA President Yash Shingan and Swanika Bhusari served as emcees for the event. The night continued with both vocal and dance performances from representatives from dozens of cultures by individuals and students from organizations including the Chinese Students and Scholars Association, the Sri Lankan Student Association, the Filipino American Association, UT Jalwa, UT Daebak, and UT Tribe. Another highlight of the evening was the enormous selection of ethnic cuisine for guests to enjoy. People filled their plates to the brim with food from every corner of the world. The menu included egg rolls, chicken tikka masala, pad thai, grape leaves, churros, plantains, mango pudding, etc. Non-alcoholic beverages like soda and bubble tea were also provided. Members of UToledo’s international community know what it’s like to be far away from home, but the annual International dinner did an exceptional job of making everyone feel at home here at UToledo. Awards were presented to various students for both exemplary extracurricular and academic achievement. Ao Kanemata, from Japan, was named “International Freshman of the Year” and Yash Kakade from India received “International Student of the Year.”

More than 50 students sampled tea and sweets from across the world at the Department of World Languages and Cultures’ Intercultural Tea Ceremony Feb. 23. In coordination with the Center for International Studies and Programs, Arabic language program, Japanese language program, and Asian Studies Director, the department hosted the event for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic in 2020. Ornate teapots and tea containers decorated three divided sections of the classroom, representing Arabic, Chinese, and Japanese culture at the event. Students and faculty shared conversations while testing up to nine different types of tea and a variety of biscuits, cakes, and red-bean confectionaries. The Japanese Tea Ceremony Club, revived after the reintroduction of the fall tea ceremony course, encouraged the participants to kneel alongside them as they hand-whisked matcha and introduced typical tea ceremony equipment and decorations. The nontraditional course is one of few across the United States. Professor Mariko Johnston offers the class annually to students who have completed introductory Japanese language courses. Students learn the intricate history of the ancient art, how to be a polite guest and knowledgeable host, and how to whisk the perfect bowl of matcha. Also at the event, Asian Studies Director Dr. An Chung Cheng, showed a video about the deep-rooted origins of tea in China. Tea is the second most consumed beverage in the country, and it is one of its oldest exported products. Its 3,000-year old background leaves much to be discovered for tea enthusiasts. The department plans to continue hosting the Intercultural Tea Ceremony on an annual basis.