Molly Lowney
Articles
Quarantine from the lens of a photojournalist
Like everyone else, life has shifted abruptly and dramatically for these seven photojournalists. Although The Beacon continues to work remotely amidst the coronavirus pandemic, photojournalists face new challenges as they attempt to capture images that represent the stories we continue to write. They are faced with the grief that comes from what they have lost in the transition, the frustration that comes with helplessness, and the anxiety of not knowing what will happen next.
Environmental Justice Immersion brings revelations from UP's backyard
"Acrid smoke pierced the skyline of the Gorge. Panicked townspeople rushed to evacuate the local elementary school and find safe refuge. The groundwater was contaminated. Old-growth trees burned and lost forever. I opened my eyes and looked at the seemingly normal train depot in Mosier, Oregon. I tried to imagine the scene of destruction caused by the oil train derailment in 2016. The pebbles on the ground started dancing and our group looked down the tracks. The rumble of an approaching train never sounded so evil."
Students self-express through stickers
We have all seen it before. You walk along your merry way and see countless people with their water bottles layered in copious numbers of stickers, making the actual color of the water bottle hardly visible. Behind the sound of the tip-tapping of fingers flying, typing notes and papers on keyboards, is the image of a completely sticker-covered laptop. With all the opportunities for self-expression stickers make available to us, even refrigerators can gain opinions and personalities. The Beacon decided to talk to students about their stickers, setting out to discover the reasons why students love putting them on just about any surface and the meanings behind the ones they chose.
Faces of Lent: Community members share why they celebrate
On Wednesday, University of Portland community members could be spotted around campus with black ashes smudged into the shape of a cross (more or less) on their foreheads. Members received these ashes at an Ash Wednesday Mass, a day to kick off the Lenten season where the application of the ashes represents the Catholic belief that people are made from dust and will return to dust. In commemoration of this day and the season of fasting, praying, and almsgiving before Easter Sunday that is Lent, The Beacon got to talk to these members about why they are celebrating the season this year.
STAFF OPINION: News flash, your metal straw won’t save the turtles
I hate to break it to you, but using a metal straw isn’t going to save the turtles. And yes, while you definitely should reduce your plastic waste, don’t mistake a nudge with comprehensive change.
STAFF OPINION: It’s not your life: How to talk to undeclared majors
There’s a way to talk to undeclared students that isn’t condescending or aggressive. You can lift them up and provide resources to them without pressuring them into choosing before they are ready.
Pilots Paint celebrates LatinX Heritage Month
On Tuesday night, Diversity and Inclusion put on Pilots Paint for Latinx Heritage Month. Students had the opportunity to create art inspired by the painting “Manacá” by Tarsila do Amaral, a Brazilian female artist. The event was in collaboration with Mesa Redonda and Women of Color.
Entertain Me: 'Lover' is a return to the light
On Aug. 23 Taylor Swift released her newest album titled “Lover.” With 18 songs in total, “Lover” leaves the darkness of “Reputation” behind, bursting with bright pop choruses and heartbreakingly honest ballads.
Staff Opinion: Three life lessons Buddy the Elf taught me
Buddy the Elf is my Christmas role model and has changed my perspective on the holiday season overall. I think "Elf" is such a great movie because it makes you laugh, cry, cry while laughing, question your eating habits and remember at the end what the spirit of the season is about. Without further ado, here are three life lessons that Buddy the Elf taught me.
QUIZ: Which Halloween DCOM are you?
For many UP Students, Disney Channel Original Movies (DCOMs) are an iconic part of their childhood. Whenever October, or as Disney dubs it “Monstober,” rolls around, old and new Halloween DCOMs are played all month. Have you ever wondered which spooky film defines you? Take this quiz to find out which Halloween DCOM is your “spoopy” soulmate.
