Over the years, allegations of abuse and neglect have been brought forward by many female athletes. At 17, Mary Cain became one of the fastest females in track and field. She later joined Nike’s Elite Oregon Project and endured years of abuse, injury and body shame. Cain claims that the abuse was fueled by the fact that she was trained by an all-male coaching team, and that their training program drastically altered her body. 

Mary became unsafely thin and endured disrupted hormones due to her strict training. Her estrogen became so low that she broke five bones and did not have a menstrual cycle for three years.  She claims that her coach would berate her in front of teammates for her weight and conduct weigh-ins in front of the athletes in order to shame her. Mary’s coach attempted to put her diuretics and birth control pills that would cause her to lose water weight and get her period back.

She claims that she never took the pills, but her eating became more and more disordered. Eventually she hit rock bottom and became severely depressed and was self-harming. There should be more education provided in the athletic world about the damage that excessive amounts of exercise can have particularly on the female body.  

It has been found that those who exercise excessively are at increased risk of developing “permanent structural changes to heart muscles which scientists describe as cardiotoxic. Overexertion can also lead to a poor immune system, broken bones and mental health illness.” 

Cain’s story has raised questions in the sports world about female athletes and if similar abuse is occuring in other athletic programs across the country. As an athlete that joined a competitive tennis club in high school this story makes me reflect on not only the way that female athletes are treated but the body image standards that we are often forced to abide by. 

There is a difference between maintaining a healthy weight and being scrutinized for unrealistic body weight expectations. Much of the training that occurs in these competitive sports clubs is also run by men. Cain’s case demonstrates how overexertion and incorrect training for the female body can drastically alter female hormones and can be damaging to the body. 

The coronavirus began circulating in China in December of 2019 and has recently reached the United States. As it has swept across regions globally, it has brought mass chaos with it. As the media releases daily information about the virus, many Americans are faced with the unknown. However, this mass chaos is accompanied by poor and often inaccurate information. 

Different strains of coronavirus have been within the general public for decades, however, much of the fear stems from the fact that this is a new strain that is more virulent than other strains seen in the past. The outbreak is believed to have originated in Wuhan, China. This area of the country is densely populated with about 11 million people. Authorities from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also believe that the virus was originally spread from animals to humans but is now being spread through human-to-human contact. 

The coronavirus is spread through droplets, direct contact or contaminated surfaces, similar to the common cold or flu. Experts have noted that the virus is similar to viruses such as influenza or measles. It presents with symptoms often slightly more severe than the flu, such as fever, cough, breathing difficulties and muscle pains. The CDC is still conducting research to determine the exact mode of transmission of the virus, but it is believed that individuals are at their most contagious when they show heightened symptoms. Information about asymptomatic transmission is still unclear.

As of March 3rd, there has been 102 confirmed cases in the United States and six people who have perished from the virus, it is believed that those with underlying conditions, or “comorbidities,” are at increased risk. Since the virus attacks the immune system the elderly and the immunocompromised are also at increased risk. 

However, while the United States braced for further impact of the coronavirus, the flu has already killed 16,000 Americans. The CDC reports that this is roughly a 0.05 percent mortality rate. The coronavirus does have a higher mortality rate, thought to be approximately 2.3 percent.

The best prevention for the coronavirus is undergoing infection protocol similar to that of the flu. The World Health Organization asserts that it is important to thoroughly wash your hands, especially when you are in public places. Individuals should take commonsense measures generally advised by healthcare professionals to avoid contracting the flu-like frequently washing hands and trying to abstain from touching the face. It is also important to thoroughly cook all meat and animal products and avoid contact with wild animals.

Greek life has an impactful and integral role in the community of William Jewell. While many may have preconceived notions of what it means to be apart of a sorority or fraternity, Greek life here at Jewell reinforces not only important values but life skills that extend beyond campus.

There are three sororities and three fraternities here at Jewell. The sororities consist of Alpha Gamma Delta, Delta Zeta and Zeta Tau Alpha, and the fraternities include Kappa Alpha, Phi Gamma Delta and Lambda Chi Alpha. Many of the organizations focus on philanthropy and promoting worthy causes in their local communities. Here at Jewell Greek life has a very different meaning and purpose than what one might traditionally think about Greek life. As a member of Delta Zeta, I can speak to the significance that Greek life has played in shaping me into a well-rounded individual.

When I first joined Greek life I was surprised by the immediate camaraderie that I felt and influence that such a strong and intelligent group of women had on me. As someone rather introverted it forced me outside of my comfort zone and I was beginning to interact with individuals from all different backgrounds.

I also was pushed to better myself in every facet of life. I admired and looked up to the older students who had seemed to navigate the often tumultuous nature of adulthood and college with nothing but grace. I had a support system and I feel that this had a monumental impact on my achievements here at Jewell. I also was actively involved in philanthropic events that helped to raise money and promote Delta Zeta’s philanthropy, which is the Starkey Hearing Foundation. 

Greek life at Jewell is also unique in that there are diverse groups of individuals in every chapter. I had friends that attended much larger schools who had participated in Greek life and they would often note that certain chapters were recognized by stereotypes.

Athletes or thespians would only be involved with one specific chapter whereas here at Jewell each sorority and fraternity has a diverse and collective mix of students involved in many different activities and programs on campus. I think this is one of the most beneficial and impactful things about being involved in Greek life at Jewell. I interact with individuals involved in things that I am not a part of like sports, theater or choir. 

Recruitment occurs at Jewell in the spring. While many larger universities conduct their recruitment in the fall, I think that recruitment in the spring allows students to acclimate to college life and their academics. As a first-year, I was playing a sport at the time and trying to get a handle on college classes and I felt that the stress of going through recruitment was lessened by having it in the spring.

I also did not have a conventional route to joining Greek life. I joined my sophomore year and I have experienced both Greek life and being independent as well. However, I still interacted with members of Greek life in my classes and throughout the nursing program. Jewell’s close-knit community made me feel that I still had friendships and camaraderie even if I wasn’t in Greek life. However, I wanted to go through recruitment again as a sophomore because I really felt like joining Greek life would provide me with a lot of amazing opportunities, and it has not let me down.

Jaspers: Located off Wornall Parkway, Jaspars captivates its customers with the fresh and authentic taste of Italian cuisine. It features many traditional dishes such as its seasonal homemade mozzarella with tomatoes imported from Italy. Its ambiance makes it a wonderful place to eat with family and friends.

The Bristol: With locations  off the Plaza and in Overland Park, The Bristol has one of the best lobster bisques in the Midwest. They also have weekly fish that is caught from all over the country. Many of their dishes have fresh flavors that compliment their seafood. 

Kyoto: Located in Overland Park, Kyoto Japanese Steakhouse has incredible fresh sushi and hibachi. Their friendly staff and delicious sushi rolls make people hesitant about trying sushi local regulars. One of their most popular rolls is the Kansas Roll. 

JJ’s: Located off the Plaza, JJ’s is an old school steakhouse that has the largest wine collection in Kansas City. If you are a fan of wine and decadent cuisine, then you should check out JJ’s.  

Plaza III: Located in Overland Park, Plaza III is known as one of the best steakhouses in Kansas City. They offer a wide variety of steaks and have many sides that are big enough to share with the whole table. They have a pepper-crusted steak that is delicious, along with their homemade mashed potatoes and gravy.

The Pearl: Located in Lee’s Summit, The Pearl is new to the Kansas City area. Owned and operated by Andrew Lock’s parents, this restaurant has a delicious happy hour menu. They feature freshly caught fish as well as other favorites such as their wings and butter lemon shrimp. You also can’t leave without trying their key lime pie. 

Bonefish Grille: Offering wonderful seafood and steak options, Bonefish is known for its shrimp tossed in a spicy sauce. They also have wonderful mussels and a delicious ahi tuna dish.

Bluebird Bistro: Located off Summit Street in downtown Kansas City, the Blue Bird Bistro is known for its farm-to-table approach. It features many fresh, organic and local ingredients that are full of flavor. This is a wonderful option if you are vegetarian, vegan or have any family members or friends that enjoy supporting local and sustainable restaurants. 

Q39 BBQ: Kansas City is known for its barbeque, and Q39 has become a household Kansas City name. Their menu has many twists on traditional barbecue dishes. They have delicious appetizers, ribs, burnt ends and even pie. 

Kona Grill: Located in downtown Kansas City, Kona grill offers wonderful happy hour options. They not only offer excellent seafood options but also weekly chef-inspired dishes.