Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Since 1919

The Prairie News

Kaelin Collar

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief

Hi everyone! My name is Kaelin Collar, and I'm a sophomore majoring in biology on a pre-medical track from Oregon. I've been with The Prairie News for one year and am the current Associate Editor. Although I'm not pursuing a career in journalism, The Prairie News continues to improve my interpersonal, interviewing, writing, research and leadership skills that will benefit me in my future career. My career goal is to work in the surgical field, with neurology as my specialty. Aside from academics, I love to read, hike, work, go plant shopping, spend time with friends and family and be on the water. 

All content by Kaelin Collar
Behind the Major with Rose Lewis: a different perspective on the world

Behind the Major with Rose Lewis: a different perspective on the world

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
March 27, 2024

Rose Lewis is a sophomore working towards a bachelor of art while double majoring in English and history at West Texas A&M University. Lewis is from Amarillo and adores the different aspects of her...

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Moth Ballet with friends.

Behind the Major with Moth Ballew: doing what you love

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
March 20, 2024

Moth Ballew is a senior working towards a bachelor of art while majoring in studio art, emphasizing in printmaking and photography. Ballew is from Los Alamos, New Mexico and adores so much about art. Ballew's...

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Behind the Major with Nate Berkes: serving adolescents

Behind the Major with Nate Berkes: serving adolescents

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2024

Nate Berkes is a senior working towards a bachelor of art while majoring in English at West Texas A&M University. Berkes is from Cameron and strives to give students the best chance at their education. Berkes...

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Behind the Major with Brittni Rufus: getting others back into their routine

Behind the Major with Brittni Rufus: getting others back into their routine

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2024

Brittni Rufus is a graduate student pursuing a master's in public administration. Rufus is from Dallas and adores the field she will work in. Rufus's ideal career is to support others, especially through...

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Behind the major with Brynne Wright: a woman in stem

Behind the major with Brynne Wright: a woman in stem

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 15, 2024

Brynne Wright is a junior working towards a bachelor of science in computer science at West Texas A&M University. Wright is from Austin and is intrigued by the field of technology. Wright is interested...

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How long-term breaks affect students cognitively

How long-term breaks affect students cognitively

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 8, 2024

On average, each academic year a student will spend roughly four months in the classroom, then take several weeks off for winter break before returning to their academic routine for another five months...

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Abigail Stilwell

Behind the major with Abigail Stilwell: supporting others through everything

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2024

Abigail Stilwell is a senior working towards a bachelor of arts degree while double majoring in psychology and sociology with a minor in Spanish at West Texas A&M University. Stilwell is from Wichita...

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Alison Sweeney.

Behind the major with Alison Sweeney: helping people with their rights

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 29, 2023

Alison Sweeney is a freshman working towards a bachelor of science while majoring in political science on a pre-law track at West Texas A&M University. Sweeney is from Klein and truly enjoys the steps...

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Alli Davis.

Behind the major with Alli Davis: a field that serves everybody

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2023

Alli Davis is a graduate student pursuing a master's of science while majoring in communication disorders. Davis was born and raised in Durango, Colorado, but moved to Canyon during high school when her...

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Sydni Smith.

Behind the major with Sydni Smith: Leading the way to the Lord

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2023

Sydni Smith is a sophomore working towards a bachelor of art degree while majoring in communications with an emphasis on mass communication at West Texas A&M University. Smith is from Lubbock and has...

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Heather Ogle.

Behind the major with Heather Ogle: improving our environment

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2023

Heather Ogle is a junior working toward a bachelor of science while majoring in environmental science at West Texas A&M University. Ogle is a local from Canyon who is working diligently and tirelessly...

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Appreciating the world of science

Appreciating the world of science

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 30, 2023

On Nov. 3rd at 6:30 p.m., the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences will be hosting its first science community night in Legacy Hall.  The event aims to welcome the science alumni...

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Layla Olvera.

Behind the major with Layla Olvera: getting up and close with the Astros

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2023

Layla Olvera is a sophomore working toward a bachelor of science degree while majoring in digital communication and media at West Texas A&M University. Olvera is from Houston and is wholeheartedly...

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Michael Geeker.

Behind the major with Michael Geeker: building a company from the ground up

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 18, 2023

Michael Geeker is a sophomore working toward a bachelor of business administration while majoring in management, entrepreneurship and small business management with an emphasis in small business management...

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Jesus Rodriguez.

Behind the major with Jesus Rodriguez: mechanic in the making

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2023

Jesus Rodriguez is a junior working towards a bachelor of science degree while majoring in pre-engineering, but will declare mechanical engineering when it is applicable for him at West Texas A&M University....

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Lexi Woestman.

Behind the major with Lexi Woestman: a passion for equine

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2023

Lexi Woestman is a freshman working towards a bachelor of science while majoring in equine industry and business with a minor in accounting at West Texas A&M University. Woestman is from Fort Worth...

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Behind the major with Abigail Martin: the world of theater

Behind the major with Abigail Martin: the world of theater

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2023

Abigail Martin is a senior working towards a bachelor of fine arts while majoring in musical theater at West Texas A&M University. Martin is a local from Amarillo, and is tirelessly working toward...

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The current 2023-2024 McNair Scholars picture from left, Wendy Nayeli Galvan, Veronica Torres, Jolina Lopez, Stephanie Espinoza, Nadia Reyna, Yadhira Yaya Avalos, Alejandro Mata, Annali Flores, Kara Ramirez, Castina Dobbins, Samuel Issac and Marty Kacsh. Not pictured are Raquel Chavez and Michelle Truong.

Meet a Few McNair Scholars

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 26, 2023

A unique program that West Texas A&M University has adopted since 1999 is the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program, more commonly associated with the McNair Scholars Program. The...

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Damien Sandoval.

Behind the major with Damien Sandoval: The abilities of technological advancements

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 13, 2023

Damien Sandoval is a sophomore working toward a bachelor of business administration while majoring in computer information systems at West Texas A&M University. Sandoval is from Pampa, working long...

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Makala Graham.

Behind the major with Makala Graham: The backbone of companies

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 6, 2023

Makala Graham is a junior working toward a bachelor of business administration while majoring in business management, specializing in human resources at West Texas A&M University. Graham is from Pampa,...

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Jaelyn Galan

Behind the major with Jaelyn Galan: Changing the system

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
May 2, 2023

Jaelyn Galan is a junior working towards her bachelor of science while majoring in social work at West Texas A&M University. Galan is from Lubbock, Texas, and is working hard to succeed in her future...

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Jayci Mekelburg

Behind the major with Jayci Mekelburg: Innovating the business within agriculture

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
April 25, 2023

Jayci Mekelburg is a junior working towards a bachelor of science while majoring in agribusiness at West Texas A&M University. Mekelburg is from Yuma, Colorado, and is working hard towards her career...

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Andrea Corona

Behind the Major with Andrea Corona: Providing comfort during hard times

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
April 18, 2023

Andrea Corona is a sophomore working towards her bachelor of science while majoring in nursing at West Texas A&M University. Corona is a local from Amarillo, Texas, and is working tirelessly toward...

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Jeanine Fabbri.

Behind the major with Jeanine Fabbri: Informing others through the media

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
April 11, 2023

Jeanine Fabbri is a junior working towards her bachelor of art while majoring in digital journalism at West Texas A&M University. Fabbri is from Canadian, Texas, and is working hard at achieving her...

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Behind the major with Katie Larson: Smile your way to confidence

Behind the major with Katie Larson: Smile your way to confidence

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
April 4, 2023

Katie Larson is a sophomore majoring in biology on a pre-dentistry track at West Texas A&M University. Larson is from Wylie, Texas, and is working diligently to succeed in her future career. Larson's...

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Madi-Lynne Englund

Behind the major with Madi-Lynne Englund: Pursuing passion

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
March 28, 2023

Madi-Lynne Englund is a sophomore working towards a bachelor of science while majoring in sports and exercise science at West Texas A&M University. Englund is from Slaton, Texas, and is working hard...

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Ember Reyes

Behind the major with Ember Reyes: Caring for animals

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
March 7, 2023

Ember Reyes is a sophomore working towards a bachelor’s of science while majoring in animal science on a pre-veterinary track at West Texas A&M University. Reyes was born and raised in Ohio but her...

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Jami Allison

Behind the major with Jami Allison: Helping others

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 28, 2023

Jami Allison is a senior English education major at West Texas A&M University. Allison is from Dumas, Texas, and attends WT because it is close to home and has an excellent reputation for education...

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Inflation’s effect on college students

Inflation’s effect on college students

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 21, 2023

Inflation has been fluctuating and significantly affecting people throughout the past couple of years, specifically college students. While the government had assisted during the COVID-19 pandemic, the...

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Dakota Hacker

Behind the major with Dakota Hacker: learning to love nature

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 14, 2023

Dakota Hacker is a junior working towards a bachelor of science while majoring in wildlife biology here at West Texas A&M University. Hacker is from Houston, Texas, and has found his passion by coming...

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Francis Cowart

Behind the major with Francis Cowart: Understanding yourself

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
February 7, 2023

Francis Cowart is a 20-year-old senior majoring in psychology here at West Texas A&M University. Cowart is from Clovis, New Mexico, and has found herself a second family on campus through Jarrett hall,...

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Marisa Garcia

Behind the major with Marisa Garcia: Dance your heart out

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
January 31, 2023

Marisa Garcia is a sophomore majoring in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance here at West Texas A&M University. Garcia is from Corpus Cristi, Texas, and has found herself a family here on campus,...

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Average brain development over three years.

COVID-19 aged the brains of adolescents

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
December 6, 2022

A recently published article by Biological Psychiatry: Global Open Science discovered that teenagers' premature brains have aged by at least three years throughout the Coronavirus lockdown. Similarly,...

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Be thankful throughout the holiday season and give back.

Opinion: A time of greediness

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
December 4, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. As winter quickly approaches and Christmas is right around the corner,...

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WTs Equine Program and Horse Judging team.

WT Horse Judging team continues its legacy

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 22, 2022

One of the most prominent aspects of Texas is the livestock and horse scene. It seems that aside from the other 49 states, Texas tends to be known for livestock competitions, racing and showing, and has...

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Save stress. Plan ahead. Buy now.

Opinion: Holiday gift ideas for your loved ones

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 20, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. With the holiday season just around the corner, you are probably trying...

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The benefits of studying abroad

The benefits of studying abroad

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 15, 2022

On Nov. 10, 2022, 20 West Texas A&M University students who are a part of Sybil B. Harrington College of Fine Arts and Humanities and the Paul Engler College of Agriculture and Natural Sciences departed...

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Behind the major with Myka Bailey: Getting into the NFL

Behind the major with Myka Bailey: Getting into the NFL

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 13, 2022

Myka Bailey is a sophomore double major in media communication and public relations with advertising and applied communication here at West Texas A&M University. Bailey is from Abernathy, Texas and...

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Famous person surrounded by paparazzi.

Opinion: Media’s influence on celebrities

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 8, 2022

The Prairie News is a student-led free press. All opinions expressed herein are solely those of the writer and not those of WTAMU. Movies and tv shows have become the most popular form of entertainment...

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Rate of firearm violence in the United States.

Firearm violence in Texas

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 5, 2022

Violence throughout the United States has always been prevalent but has begun to increase significantly over the years. A part of the contribution to violence revolves around firearms. As of today, there...

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Editorial: Guidelines for WT persons publishing an Opinion piece

Editorial: Guidelines for WT persons publishing an Opinion piece

Here at The Prairie News, we are the oldest organization on the campus of West Texas A&M University. We are a student-run workplace to help inform students and the WT community about the happenings...

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Barnes and Noble highlights one of the most anticipated books of 2022.

Colleen Hoover releases “It Starts With Us”

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
November 1, 2022

Colleen Hoover has become one of the most renowned American authors in the past decade. Hoover began releasing novels in 2012 and has published 24 books with over 20 million sold. Hoover’s name...

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Signs of Seasonal Affective Disorder and ways to fight back.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: How is it different from other forms of depression?

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 25, 2022

With the months changing and the sunny days soon to become more gloomy, one thing essential to understand is Seasonal Affective Disorder, also known as seasonal depression. SAD is a form of depression...

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Nikolas Cruz, the Parkland shooter, during trial.

Parkland shooter faces life in prison

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2022

On Feb. 14, 2018, Florida endured one of its most horrific events that made history. 19-year-old Nikolas Cruz opened fire on students and staff at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in the Miami suburban...

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Rex Orange County performing on tour.

Rex Orange County Allegations

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 22, 2022

Alexander James O'Connor is known as the English musician, Rex Orange County. Born in Grayshott, United Kingdom, the artist rose to fame in 2017 after being featured multiple times on Tyler the Creator's...

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Wearing the color pink throughout October raises awareness to Breast Cancer.

Breast Cancer: a developing vaccine

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 17, 2022

In commemoration of Oct., the United States celebrates Breast Cancer awareness, where we rise against the infectious disease in the hope of developing a cure someday. Breast cancer has several different...

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Ways to avoid being harmed by social media.

How social media affects you

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 15, 2022

As advancements in technology happen every day, social media is one thing our society has become addicted to. Over the years, social media has developed several different platforms, each individually unique...

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Scene from Dahmer Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer story behind a bowl of popcorn and a remote control.

“Dahmer” Controversy

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 11, 2022

On Sept. 21, 2022, Netflix released a new documentary series, Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, which re-tells the life and crimes of the serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. The new series is the second re-telling...

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Fort Myers, FL, USA - October 1, 2022: Fort Myers FL scene after Hurricane Ian storm surge with 6 foot floods.

Hurricane Ian: how to bounce back

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 9, 2022

On Sept. 28, 2022, Florida endured one of the most disastrous events the United States has ever seen. Hurricane Ian, one of the most powerful storms in decades, hit Western Florida as a Category 4 storm....

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Adnan Syed steps out of prison for the first time in 23 years.

Adnan Seyd Retrial

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2022

On Jan. 13, 1999, Woodlawn high school senior, Hae Min Lee disappeared after school in Baltimore, Maryland. Every day after school, Lee would pick up her cousin, but her family became concerned when she...

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Linus welcomes The Great Pumpkin.

Halloween Movie Watchlist

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
October 4, 2022

Since October just began and the glory of fall is all around, the desire to carve pumpkins, figure out how to top last year's costume and devour caramel corn is creeping in. In the spirit of the season,...

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Graphic showing how alcohol can affect different body systems.

Alcohol Awareness: Get Informed

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2022

Often leaving for college is one of the most renewing feelings, since most students finally have some freedom and independence from parental figures. Due to the new and exciting transition, college students...

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Students take part in the stampede and rush the football field.

WT welcomes a new football tradition

Kaelin Collar, Junior Reporter, Associate Editor-in-Chief
September 27, 2022

As the 2022–2023 school year progresses, students, staff and the community can look forward to new traditions throughout the sporting seasons. Kicking off the latest list of traditions for the football...

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