The banjo gets a bad reputation. People dismiss the instrument as a cheaper version of the guitar, meant only for rednecks who live next to the bayou and live off catfish while wrestling ‘gators. However, the banjo is more than just a guitar with some twang.

Saroj Lamicchane in the first episode of his podcast, "givingBack."

Still new to the United States after leaving his home country of Nepal, Saroj Lamicchane began his first year of school at Idaho State University studying Business Informatics. Fast forward four years later and he is walking across the stage to receive a diploma for Multiplatform Journalism, optimistic about the road ahead.

This year has provided all of us with the opportunity for change. Be that getting more exercise, getting back into an old hobby, or preparing for a career change, planning to better your future is always a good thing. To meet that end, you might want to consider obtaining additional skills or continuing your education in a field that will lead to a rewarding, long-term career.

Ah, the new year: that inevitable time of the year where your jeans are fitting tighter than usual after the abundance of rich holiday food. Whether you prefer the sweet or savory foods that fill holiday gatherings, you may just find yourself craving more after you have sworn you’ve had the last bite.

POCATELLO – New Knowledge Adventures (NKA) and Idaho State University (ISU)’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) are inviting anybody 50 or older to visit the Older Adults Open House on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Chad Bannister, Bannock County Deputy Sheriff, speaks with RaeLyn Price, Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT)’s Health Programs Coordinator, during the recording of CEWT’s podcast, CEWT Talk.

Idaho State University’s Continuing Education and Workforce Training (CEWT) is collaborating with community partners to provide a Mental Health Resource Fair on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m located at 777 Memorial Drive in the R.F.C Building # 48 on the ISU Campus.

Attendees will learn about local and regional mental health resources through lectures on relevant mental health issues, including suicide prevention, crisis recognition, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and more.

One of the speakers will be Chad Bannister, Bannock County Deputy Sheriff and local school resource officer. He will be speaking about the positive effects exercise can have on those who have experienced mental health problems, addiction, or childhood abuse.

No matter who you are— from the seasoned athlete, to someone who shudders at the thought of stepping on a treadmill— anyone can bust a move and have fun doing so. More than its fun factor, though, dancing has some special benefits that you might not have given much thought to.

Do you struggle with workplace stress and anxiety? Feel like you hate your job? You just might be experiencing workplace burnout.

Elizabeth Scott, MS, defines burnout as, “...a reaction to prolonged or chronic job stress and is characterized by three main dimensions: exhaustion, cynicism (less identification with the job), and feelings of reduced professional ability”.

Ba chóir duit Gaeilge a fhoghlaim! If Google Translate is anything to be trusted, that translates to, “You should learn Irish!”

Just like the country it originates from, the Irish language is fascinating and unique. Here are just a couple of interesting facts about Irish you might not know:

Ready for a new school year? Dreading the first day of class? The great news is that there are many resources for students on and off campus to help make your semester less stressful and more successful. We put together some ISU resources for you to check out!