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Show NEWS A5 Dress code at UVU BY VANESSA PERKINS News Editor Having a dress code is something that college students have not had to worry about since grade school, but with universities across the country enforcing new dress code guidelines, some wonder, why the need? In 2009, Morehouse College, an African-American male college, released and implemented a school dress code when some incidents of cross-dressing were brought to the attention of the administration. However, the dress code did not only prohibit women's clothing, but it also banned other common clothing including pajamas, hats or sunglasses indoors and saggy pants revealing one's underwear. Their goal in implementing this dress code is to create an environment of young professionals and to represent the college in the best way possible. Morehouse is not alone in their mission. At least 13 other colleges and universities across the nation have some form of a dress code. Studies have shown that what people wear can an affect their overall productivity and how they feel about themselves. "When you dress down, you sit down—the couch potato trend. Manners break down, you begin to feel down, and you're not as effective," said Judith Rasband, director of the Conselle Institute of Image Management. On the other hand, research has also shown that casual clothing and having the freedom to choose what to wear Sweat pants vs jeans: does one make you a better student then the other? facilitates good morale and increases individuality. Not only that, but some people work better when they feel comfortable in what they wear, whether it be physically or emotionally. "There's a lot of parents that go here, or come straight from work or other things," said Tisha Bitsinnie, a senior at UVU. "It's easier for them if they can wear whatever they want." UVU does not currently have a dress code for its students, and there isn't a plan for one in the works. Bitsinnie, like other UVU students doesn't feel that she works any less when she wears sweatpants. "We shouldn't have a dress. When I wear sweatpants, I feel comfy, but that's it." GILBERT CISNEROS/UVU REVIEW PHOTO COURTESTY OF ISA CLUB 11 UVU students make personal connections with local Guatemalans STUDENTS FROM Al ing in establishing a clinic providing prosthetic legs to the locals. Building the clinic was the goal that started it all. Doug Wright, a former UVU student and recent BYU graduate, developed a unique prosthetic leg as part of a student competition and continued its development, allowing its users better mobility than average prosthetics. Taking his new creation, he and his team set out to bring their product to impoverished areas of the world. "Their mission was to take this into areas where there was a need, and our mission was to support that process," said Julie Bagley, Director of National Student Exchange and ISA advisor. Bagley became interested in helping them on a humanitarian front. The club began raising funds and school support early in the school year and were surprised by the big support throughout UVU and its community. Through the support of students, faculty, staff and community members, ISA sent their 11 students and two advisers to Guatemala. Because of the UVU students, 2ft Prosthetics was able to go to Tonga as well to set up a similar clinic there. From the moment they got off the plane in Guatemala to the moment they got back on, the group was involved in non-stop service. "I loved that our trip was all service, and not just one service project and then relaxing," said Communication major Kristie Kitto, who serves as the secretary of ISA. "We didn't go off to do any of the tourist things and that was the point. We were there to serve." They built a total of 15 prosthetic legs for 14 patients. Each leg was specifically made and built for each individual, requiring various measurements and took a few days before the leg was ready. This process allowed each volunteer to take on their own patient, allowing them to take responsibility of a patient and V REVIEW their prosthetic. "It was very personal. It was a very humanistic, uplifting experience," Bagley said. "I love that everyone just took on their role and built relationships with the people." Carlos, an 11-year old boy, was among the inspiring group of patients. He was a double amputee who lost his legs in an accident. With his new prosthetic legs, he was able to go swimming for the first time, which he had not been able to do so previously because his old prosthetic legs could not get wet. Some of their patients suf- "All these people show so much strength in the face of adversity," - Silvia Lobendahn ISA Assistant Advisor fered from more than just amputation. One of their other patients was electrocuted by lightening, and due to the accident, developed scars limiting the use of his hands. While at the clinic, the clinic provided the him with arm braces improving his mobility with his arms and hands. "All these people show so much strength in the face of adversity," said ISA assistant adviser Silvia Lobendahn, who works in the Woodbury School of Business in the Management Department. While some struggled to cope with the loss of their limbs, others embraced their amputation and recognized it as something that made them stronger and unique. Wright served as the overall supervisor of this project and ensured the cooperation of both the student volunteers and the volunteering engineers. "Doug was a strong leader who was dedicated to the overall vision and outcome," Blasucci said. Though their main goal was to help set up the clinic, they made sure to incorporate as much work as they could during their visit. "We went with the mission to help with the prosthetics, but we also went with the mission to touch as many things as we could," Blasucci said. They started and ended their experience at two different orphanages, one specifically for disabled children, which helped set the tone for their visit. The group immediately set to work and spent time teaching and playing with the children. "They were all excited to see us. They put on their best clothes and they all did their hair. They just wanted to be loved," Kitto said. Working in Panajachel, where they are still recovering from an earthquake, gave them the opportunity to build up a village while helping the neighboring villages provide aid to their neighbor. Building this relationship with the villages was a catalyst in ensuring the locals to help each other even after the volunteers were gone. "We left feeling so much more uplifted not from helping them, but from learning from them," Blasucci said. ISA was established four years ago and is comprised of students from all majors. The club is open to anyone wanting to get involved in local and international service work. Their experience is one that has changed them forever. "When someone returns from an experience like that, they become so much more open-minded," Bagley said. "We definitely have a group of lifetime humanitarians because they will always be willing to serve." For more pictures from their trip and to get involved, visit: http://welovethecause. blogspot.com/. ISA sells cookbooks of all their favorite recipe. You can help support their cause by purchasing one. $20 for or 1 $30 for 2. What's missing? You are. vivint. is hiring inside sales pros 888.967.5279 vivintscom/pros |