Kate Kitova

Video games, in and beyond esports programs, bridge cultures across world

by OIDJ Editor

By Kate Kitova, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Video games are becoming more and more popular, and not just among young people. Although some may say this could be a problem, others have created programs to help change that narrative. Michael Aguilar, the director of eSport & co-curricular innovation at the University of Oklahoma, has been with the program since 2016. Back then, fewer than 25 universities in North America had eSport programs. Now, more than 400 that offer eSports. Jody Farmer, the assistant director of intercollegiate eSports, said OU has the largest student organization on campus at 2,800 members. The…

Jeremiah McBurrows demonstrates power of love even amid a loss

by OIDJ Editor

By Kate Kitova, Southwestern Oklahoma State University Love makes people kinder, softer and empathetic toward others. However sometimes we must sacrifice what we love. For Jeremiah McBurrows, a 15-year-old from Cincinnati, traveling to Oklahoma to participate in a camp without his favorite source of affection is such a sacrifice. “I think taking care of pets is important because animals need care and love,” said Jeremiah, who had a dog, but had to give it up after just six days because of his allergy. His family found another person to care for the dog. Now Jeremiah wishes his family will get…

Russian Students Answer Local Students’ Questions

by OIDJ Editor

This year for the first time OIDJ virtually hosted two Russian students as participants, Milana Khaikhan and Ekaterina “Kate” Kitova, both of Taganrog. Despite an eight-hour time difference that kept them working late into the night, these students learned from the OIDJ instructors, connected with the Oklahoma students and produced media work for the website. For this video project, the Oklahoma students asked a series of questions they wanted to know about their Russian peers, and Milana and Kate kindly responded.

Jensen McKey forges close connections in person and virtually, in Oklahoma and across the world

by OIDJ Editor

This year for the first time OIDJ virtually hosted two Russian students as participants. Despite an eight-hour time difference that kept them working late into the night, these students learned from the OIDJ instructors, connected with the Oklahoma students and produced media work for the website. By Ekaterina Kitova TAGANROG, Russia – I recently met an interesting girl on the other side of the world and had a short interview with her via Zoom. Jensen McKey, 15, lives in the suburb of Harrah, Oklahoma, with her parents, three sisters and four brothers, who she says are friendly, spend lots of…