collegelife adventist
M A G A Z I N E
ghetto preacher the
Volume 1
Issue 1
SeptemberSeptember 2008 2008
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Contents
welcome F e a t u r e s
A C L
5 School Spotlight
Creator God
Atlantic Union College
S t a ff
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Canadian Union College
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Columbia Union College
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Florida Hospital College of
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Health Sciences Loma Linda
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Pacific Union College
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Southern Adventist University
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Southwestern Adventist University
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Union College
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Walla Walla University
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President/ Founder Anthony Hackett Vice President Adanna James Executive Editor Daniel Granderson Design & Layout J.A.R. Media & Design Advertising & Sales ACLmagazine@gmail.com (866) 321-4ACL
16 The Ghetto Preacher
Ghetto Preacher? Is there really such a thing? Read how Willie Ramos made this a reality.
F r o m
t h e
P r e s i d e n t
Welcome to Adventist College Life magazine! This is the place where we have fun uniting Adventist institutions and addressing college life issues. I’m Anthony Hackett, President, and Founder of Adventist College Life magazine. I wanted to let you know personally that we’ve made it a point here to keep things real, and educate soon to be college students on college life issues. We’re also here to bring you true stories from actual students that attend various Adventist Colleges and Universities in North America. Each student will be addressing college life on their own campus, making ACL magazine unlike any other magazine out there! Some young people today have a misconception that Christian education is whack! But we’re here to show you the REAL side of what Adventist college life is all about. We know you’ve all heard the horror stories of, “I can’t believe they’re actually making me go to worship.” or, “Oh! The cafeteria food sucks!” However, that’s just a couple people who just don’t like veggie links. I’m a recent graduate of an Adventist College, so I’ve heard it all (and
S p o n s o r
North American Division Education Department
to be honest I’ve said some of the very same things.) However, God has revealed to me satan’s game plan. God let me know that the enemy is trying his hardest to destroy the whole image of Adventist College Life. Not anymore though! In JESUS name, that loser we call satan won’t win this battle! ACL is here to bring you the REAL story of Adventist College life. The behind the scenes exclusive from the perspective of actual
PO BOX 5291 Hyattsville, Md. 20782 1-866-321-4ACL www.ACLministry.com
E v e r y
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Fa Real Speaks
CollegeLife
I s s u e
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Adanna Answers
If your company, school, church, ministry and/or organization is interested in being a sponsor for Adventist College Life please contact us today to find out how you can be part of this ministry.
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ACL Health
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3 THings you Need to Know
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THe Appeal
students attending the schools, while at the same time having some fun! Where else can you get this close to Adventist college life without actually being there? That’s right, only here! So kick back, relax, and enjoy Adventist College Life magazine. If you’re interested in how you can be a part of ACL magazine or would like more information about us, please visit www.ACLministry.com or email ACLmagazine@gmail.com.
collegelife adventist
M A G A Z I N E
Blessings, Anthony Hackett President, ACL
September 2008
3
ComedyCorner
school spotlight The school spotlight is the place where you will get the low down on what’s happening on the campuses of Adventist colleges and universities across North America.
What’s goin’ down ACL fam? It’s ya man Fa Real
aka “The Funny Man”. Yo, I gotta start off with simply
These are actual stories from different students that attend each school! So, here’s your opportunity to get the inside scoop on your favorite school, and on others you may have never even known anything about.
sayin’ that college ain’t no joke! Fa Real! Well… I guess for some people it’s a joke, but that’s why they’ve been in college since they were like 18 and are now about to hit menopause and be a grandparent. Graduate already!
Higher education is a great investment, however
when you draaag out your college days it can begin to hit your finances pretty hard. I’m talkin’ bout a SeRiOuS hit, like gettin’ smacked by a girlfriend cuz you told her she looked like she gained a few pounds. (And she probably did… but don’t tell her that! Duh!)
I’m just sayin ya’ll, be smart about your college
investment. Get in and get out so you can take all that you’ve learned and apply it to your careers. College is the place to be, but don’t go there just to play around, or you might get played. I’m Fa Real just here to keep thangs REAL for ya! Hollllaa!
don’t let college take advantage of you…, take advantage of college!
“Adventist college students today face both incredible challenges and fascinating opportunities. Our Adventist campuses offer a chance to interact and grow. ACL magazine is designed to enhance that communication and commitment. By listening and learning we can each strengthen our spiritual journeys. Loma Linda is pleased to support this new endeavor to grow together.” -Richard Hart, Chancellor, Loma Linda University
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September 2008
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schoolspotlight Atlantic Union College
Cadnadian Univeristy College schoolspotlight
“Baptized Like Jesus”
IN
Cindy Kurtzhals
Atlantic Union College
AUC’s Ryan Amos Tells His Mission Experience
Ryan Amos at his favorite building on campus, Founders Hall. Amos is from Somersworth, New Hampshire, and is a member of the Rochester Indonesian church in Rochester, New Hampshire.
T
orrential rains came every day at 5 o’clock the first week of the ShareHim Bible evangelistic meetings in the Dominican Republic. Water was even coming into the churches. Because of the intensity of the rain, most people couldn’t go to the churches to hear the Bible messages, which began at 7:00 p.m. Twelve mission-focused preachers from Atlantic Union College in South Lancaster, Massachusetts, were faced with about five people in each audience compared to the typical attendance of 50-100 per church. So, some of the meetings were cancelled. One student said, “Let’s pray about this.” As a result, the Lord
led them to have special sessions of prayer and provided the idea to visit people, the new Bible students, in their homes, thus enabling the students to still share the gospel. This was also the experience of Ryan Amos, a sophomore theology major at Atlantic Union College. The weather broke for the second week of the series and it was hot. Ryan found himself walking through the hot streets of Santiago to the El Remanente Seventh-day Adventist Church. He, too, was there for the college’s summer 2007 ShareHim mission trip. As Ryan prepared to speak to the 60-member congregation to which he was assigned, he wondered how his 11 colleagues were doing at their assigned churches. After the service, a woman named
Reprinted with Permission from the Atlantic Union Gleaner, June 2008, page 12
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CollegeLife
Maria Castellano approached Ryan and invited him to her home because she wished to speak with him. There, Maria brought out a drink of red soda. Ryan is allergic to red dye, yet he knew that this was her only drink and that she purchased it especially for him. He prayed, “Lord, let me get through this. Don’t let this drink clog my throat. I promise that I will go to the emergency room as soon as I leave.” As they talked, he drank slowly. His throat seemed perfectly fine. “I want to be baptized like Jesus,” Maria told him, yet at 95 years of age she worried that she would struggle to make it up the stairs to the big baptismal tank. Her other option was to profess being newly born by faith. She made Ryan promise that he would come up with a way that she could be “baptized like Jesus.” On the final Friday of the series, Andres, a member of the church, picked up Ryan and they went to a local pool to meet Maria and the pastor. There, they cut the legs out of a lawn chair, tied ropes around it, and lowered Maria into the water. The pastor baptized Maria and they carefully lifted her out. The following Sabbath, Maria came to Ryan and asked, “I wasted 95 years of my life, so how can the Lord use me?” Ryan replied, “The best thing you can do is give your testimony.” That same Saturday she did. Later in September, while Ryan was at home, he received a call from Andres. Maria had passed away, yet her last words had been, “I am going to see Jesus.” More Info: 1-978-368-2245 1-800-282-2030 www.auc.edu goauc@auc.edu South Lancaster, MA (One hour from Boston)
NICARAGUA WITH
CANADIAN UNIVERSITY COLLEGE AND ADRA
BY STEVE GARRIOCH
THE NEAR 90ºF TEMPERATURE HIT ME LIKE A TON OF BRICKS
as the doors slid open at the Managua International Airport. I had finally arrived in Nicaragua. On May 1, 2008, ten students and two sponsors from Canadian University College headed to Managua, Nicaragua on a six-week mission trip sponsored by Canadian University College and Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) Canada. The mission trip definitely classified as one of the most interesting and inspiring experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Initially, our project was to put the finishing touches on the Motastepe school located just outside the capital city, Managua. After having a brief Our team meeting with the Youth Initiatives Director at ADRA Canada and the ADRA Nicaragua staff, we learned that our project had changed. Instead of finishing the school, our focus shifted to building a two-storey teachers’ residence and office building. We were all a little bit surprised but as we got closer to the school we became more excited about meeting the kids and all the amazing experiences we were going to have over the next six weeks. A lot happened when we got to our worksite. We had had to wait for materials to arrive, spent countless hours digging holes and twisting wires, taught English to the students and teachers at Motastepe school, learned more about each other within the group; saw amazing sights on Sabbaths; and spent time with believers at churches around the country. We had our ups and our downs but with everything that took new friends Maria and her place, we have really learned a lot about God. So many times we want things to happen right away. I know, for myself, I sometimes run short on patience. I’m always in a hurry to do something but was reminded that patience comes as a result of love (see 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 to understand what I mean). If we love those around us with the love God has for us, then how can we not be patient? How many times has God patiently waited for us to come to Him? This is the reality check that I’ve needed for some time. Through the frustrations that life threw at us during our stay in Nicaragua and the frustrations within me, I’ve come to know that I can find peace and calm in the One who grants me the patience necessary for the struggles of this life. As I sit here thinking about our group’s time in Managua, I can’t help but thank s le ho undation Remy digging fo God for how amazing He is and for what He’s teaching me everyday. This is a trip to remember and I know the learning will continue my whole life. me
Steve Garrioch is a second-year Psychology major and incoming CUC SA Communications VP. Canadian University College, located in the heartland of Alberta, Canada offers over 50 undergraduate degrees, minors, and certificates. For more information give us a shout at 1.800.661.8129 or email info@cauc.ca. Stop by our website and see what CUC can do for you. www.cauc.ca
September 2008
7
schoolspotlight Columbia Union College
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences schoolspotlight
Florida Hospital College of Health Sciences Educating Tomorrow’s Healthcare Professionals Today
THOUGHTS ABOUT FHCHS "MEP 8JOUFS 4QSJOHT '-
BEYOND
EXPECTATIONS
I always dreamt of traveling. I had attended the same academy for thirteen years (it was one of those K-12 deals), and while I loved it, I needed to get out and see something beyond the place I called home. My decision to attend Columbia Union College is something I will never regret, because through its Department of Music, I’ve done things that I never thought I’d ever get to do in my lifetime. What’s amazing is that these opportunities aren’t exclusive to music majors – they’re available to anyone, including Communications majors like myself! So I could tell you about singing Mozart’s Requiem on the Carnegie Hall stage or show you pictures of Iguazu Falls or Rio de Janeiro from our music tour to Argentina and Brazil. I could tell you about how our orchestra performed for the princess of Thailand last December, or how our band climbed Aztec pyramids during their trip to Mexico. -EGAN 0AGADO PLAYS PIANO AND SINGS WITH THE #OLUMBIA #OLLEGIATE #HORALE AT #OLUMBIA 5NION #OLLEGE
I could even show you an itinerary for this summer’s tour to Greece, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey. But why settle for a few paragraphs of prose to tell you about these things when you can attend Columbia Union College and discover it for yourself!
I
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$2%!- */" 4O WORK IN PUBLIC RELATIONS FOR A NON PROl T ARTS COMPANY #,!33 3ENIOR -!*/2 0UBLIC 2ELATIONS 3-!,, &!#4 (AS ONLY EATEN TWO CHEESEBURGERS
WWW CU C E D U ENROLL CUC EDU
#OLUMBIA 5NION #OLLEGE A CHRISTIAN COLLEGE NEAR THE NATION’S CAPITAL
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CollegeLife
love the warm, inviting atmosphere at FHCHS. The campus is beautifully manicured and attention to detail is obvious. I really like the fact that there are many places around campus that are available to study alone or with a group. Another key quality about FHCHS is the professors. If I had to choose one word to describe them is would be caring. I sense that they have a vested interest in seeing me, the student, succeed. I also like the online access to my grades. I also enjoy the easy to use messaging service, which keeps me in the loop with my professor and fellow students.
-EGAN 0AGADO
(/"")%3 0LAYING MUSIC TRAVELING
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LIFE IN COLLEGE HOUSING
GOING TO A COLLEGE THAT IS 80% FEMALE 5ISPVHI UIF FZFT PG B NBMF OVSTJOH TUVEFOU
y motivation for going to nursing school is that I really enjoy helping people. And, there is nothing wrong with a male being a nurse. My classes are great! There are like 8-10 guys in them and fifty + women. I have lots of female friends. They really motivate me and help me to stay focused. There are also older, more mature students in our classes. They help us younger students to get our studies done and not procrastinate. Nursing school is all about clinicals / study groups / on-line nursing chats / time consuming—long study hours. But, I love it! After graduation, I want to work in the I.C.U. (Intensive Care Unit). That is a powerful place to work in a hospital. I.C.U. experience is also a requirement for the nurse anesthesia program which I might go into one day. I like going to school with lots of women, but, as of right now, there is no special lady in my life – no time – too much studying! But it is great having lots of casual friends and when going to a school that is 80% female – friends are easy to find (having a face like mine doesn’t hurt either).
M
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iving in College housing! These two words bring lots of images to mind. Mainly, it makes me think of lots of people living together – ROOMMATES! I have found that living in College housing at FHCHS breaks a lot of the stereotypes. Yes, we have roommates, but they really go out of their way to pare you up with someone who fits your lifestyle. It has been a good experience to live in close quarters with other people – you learn to live and deal with all different kinds of people – and you make good friendships. Living with other people in the dorm – means that there are always study groups to join – especially during finals. Another thought that comes to mind with College housing is RULES! Yes, there are rules at FHCHS, but they give us ample opportunities to be responsible young adults. The rules are there to help us learn to make good choices, be successful students, and stay safe. Developing friendships by living with a bunch of different people from a bunch of different places and rules that help us make positive choices and become more and more responsible. I guess that living in a dorm is not such a bad place to be.
$POUBDU *OGPSNBUJPO r 8JOZBI %SJWF r 0SMBOEP '- r r r XXX ')$)4 FEV September 2008
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A LLIED H EALTH • D ENTISTRY • M EDICINE • N URSING • P HARMACY • P UBLIC H EALTH • R ELIGION • S CIENCE & T ECHNOLOGY
schoolspotlight Loma Linda University ALM student column 9.08:Layout 1 6/18/08 3:20 PM
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Pacific Union College schoolspotlight
Page 1
LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY I knew I wanted to go on a mission trip, but I wasn’t quite sure where. Each year, Loma Linda sends students overseas. For me, it was a tossup between Peru and China. On more of a whim,I opted for Peru,and I’m so glad I went. I didn’t know anyone else on the trip,but there was a lot of opportunity.The week-long journey began with an eighthour flight from LAX to Lima, followed by a ten-hour bus ride from Lima to Trujillo.The last leg was another bus ride, three hours into the mountains of Peru. When we finally got there, the entire village of Cascas was there to greet us. There was a huge party, with a brass band and fireworks. You could tell that they were so happy to see us and knew that we were going to do a lot of good. Even though there was a language barrier, I had never felt so welcome in a place. We worked so much! We had two dentists on the trips
and they really pushed us to get things done quickly and efficiently, because there were a lot of people who needed help. A lot of people just didn’t know how to brush their teeth. It’s amazing to think that if we didn’t go on this trip, they wouldn’t have gotten help. We worked until dark, about six or seven o’clock. At night, the boys would play soccer with the kids and there was also a little bakery that we would support with our money. I would go to bed pretty early because I was exhausted. We saw 700 people total. The need was huge. It was amazing seeing the people and their living conditions—their dogs,pigs,and chickens.They were so happy with what little they had and I remember thinking that it was beautiful. Finally it was time to leave. They threw us a party like they did when we first got there, except this time they were saying goodbye and were crying. I definitely want to go back and do more mission work. You see the need and you see how thankful they are, and how brave they are. They are so brave when it comes to getting any sort of procedure done. It made me more aware of need. What I learned from Loma Linda University made it possible for me to help fill that need. And that’s exciting. Rebecca Burke Second-year dental hygiene student
www.llu.edu • (909) 558-1000 CollegeLife
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schoolspotlight Southern Adventist University
Southwestern adventist University schoolspotlight
www.southern.edu 1.800.SOUTHERN
UNITED BY COMMON
by Suzanne Ocsai
DIFFERENCES “WHERE ARE YOU FROM?” THE
ASKER STUDIED ME
CLOSELY FOR ANY HINTS MY
OUTWARD APPEARANCE MIGHT REVEAL. AS I PREPARED TO ANSWER THIS FAMILIAR QUESTION FOR THE HUNDREDTH TIME SHE SUDDENLY INTERRUPTED, “ARE YOU AN ISLANDER?” • “NO, SORRY,” I REPLIED, “I WAS BORN HERE IN THE UNITED STATES BUT MY DAD’S HUNGARIAN, AND MY MOM’S FAMILY IS CASTILIAN SPANISH AND PHILIPPINO.” • “WOW! WHAT A MELTING POT!” SHE GUSHED.
CROSSING A NEW BORDER
Despite my own heritage, I didn’t have many ethnically diverse friends while growing up. I was raised in a succession of small southern towns, that didn’t have much to offer culturally other than Taco Bell. That all changed when I arrived at Southern Adventist University. During freshman orientation week, the president of Southern, Gordon Bietz, gave us many points that he felt
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would aid us as we entered this new adventure. Toward the end he honed in on a particularly essential facet of a college experience—growing through diversity. “Participate in the life of the university. Go to a concert when you don’t have to. Go to a lecture that isn’t required, talk to your friends about what you learned in class, make a friend with someone from a different race,” were his words of wisdom. As I transitioned into college life, I realized how relevant this advice was to my own experience. ROLE REVERSAL
“Hey, can you hold the door for me?” I hollered to the slightly shorter girl with a wheatish-brown complexion and dark brown eyes and hair while speeding up my walk to a run. “Thanks,” I smiled, as she let the door swing shut behind us. We both turned and started heading up the stairs of the girl’s dorm. Curious regarding her ethnicity, I asked, “Are you Indian?” Now I was the one inquiring about the heritage of another. “Yeah,” she beamed.
We started talking and I learned that her name was Princy. DEVELOPING FRIENDSHIPS
A few days later, I saw Princy walk into my art class. We smiled, thankful to see familiar faces. Soon afterwards we met Rebecca—a Vietnamese-Chinese classmate. The art class became a sanctuary for the friendship that Princy, Rebecca, and I were now developing. “Sit still! I can’t draw you if you keep moving!” We’d complain laughingly to each other. During intermissions we’d run down to KR’s Place (the cool little sandwich shop on campus), buy smoothies, and hope to get back to class on time. While we made our own traditions we learned about the customs that each of us had grown up with. By the end of the year it was hard to say good-bye. I saw how much my life had been enriched by the diversity that we shared and how those differences had united us. In being different, I found that we were actually quite similar.
All Smiles :)
I
will definitely say that one of the things that stands out at Southwestern is the friendly aura that comes from the students and faculty members. One thing you won’t miss seeing is the sea of smiling faces that welcomes newcomers to campus. The friendly atmosphere encourages friendships that carry on past the school’s parameters. When I first arrived at Southwestern, I was really shy and far away from home - Kenya. My cousin hadn’t arrived yet to help ease my transition into college life. The first person I met upon arriving was a amazing person. She helped me settle in and even lent me a blanket so that I could sleep comfortably. She also introduced me to some of her friends. She and I have been friends since that encounter. Living in a dorm was also a good experience and gave me the chance to meet a lot of people. The deans try and match personalities, study habits, and sleep schedules to reduce the chances of conflict between roommates. The first semester of my freshmen year, the deans’ match was a friendly young lady who proved to be a good match and a good friend even today. As I have come to learn in my journey through college, lan-
ò
Suzanne Ocsai is a freshman at Southern Adventist University in Collegedale, Tennessee.
guage is not a barrier when it comes to friendship. Southwestern has a fantastic English as a Second Language (ESL) program that caters to a number of students. The ESL students are really friendly and eager to learn and practice English while interacting with other students. One such friend from Romania makes me smile me whenever I see her. Every time I run into her she’s smiling or laughing. As is the case at many schools, courtships between gentlemen and ladies will take place. Many find relationships that lead to life-long partnership. Believe it or not, a number of couples have gotten married before and after graduating from Southwestern. Some one remarked, “There must be something in the Keene water,” because a lot of couples got engaged this past spring semester. Another thing that pulls friendships closer is the religious aspect of the campus. Southwestern has a variety of programs that enhance the spiritual lives of students. Once a week, the school gathers for assembly where a new speaker is invited to reach out to the students. Also, Vespers is held every Friday night to welcome the Sabbath. The Keene Seventh-day Adventist Church is a short walk from campus and many students fellowship there every Sabbath. The friendly atmosphere at Southwestern has shaped me into the person that I am today. Gone are the shy days that I struggled with as I join the sea of smiles to welcome another group of Southwestern newcomers.
Name: Naomi Omwenga Class Standing: Junior Major: Nursing Plans for the future:
Be involved in the health care system. SWAU campus favorite:
The pond! I like the ducks and the squirrels!
SOUTHWESTERN
ADVENTIST UNIVERSITY E duc at i ng mind s. St re ng t he ni ng spir its. www.swau.edu | 800.433.2240 September 2008
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schoolspotlight Union College2:25 PM Magazine Template 5:Layout 1 6/17/08
Walla Walla Univeristy schoolspotlight
Page 1
Moving inForward
‚‚‚Reverse
by Michael Steingas
Being a Student is About Balance
800.228.4600 www.ucollege.edu
I
t was freshman orientation at Union College with over and as I talked to friends, they started coaxing me to reevaluate 200 disoriented students milling between meetings. I my choice. was one of them. Unsure about the roommate I hadn’t Things got worse. Second semester I had to retake met and feeling awkward in the unfamiliar setting, I caught Fundamentals of Nursing and dropped behind my class. myself still referring to my campus map despite being given Fortunately my advisor and clinical instructor, Amy Bollinger, detailed directions. talked me through the obstacles I faced. We discussed nursing Most of that weekend is a blur, but I distinctly rememas well as other options, but she didn’t shove me in either ber the confusion when we were told to split up into groups direction (although that might have been welcome at the time). according to our tentative majors. No one had told me to Strongest among the contenders for my major were come with the next four years planned! communication and graphic design. So I began to discuss I quickly thought about it. I’m not going to join the my “Plan Bâ€? options with my Public Speaking professor, Chris Blake. He calmly walked me through a series of “undecidedâ€? group. I’ve looked at English previously because I’m really into literature and writing.Yes, I could do that. Edging questions, one of which was what I wanted to do after college. my way through the crowd, I spotted I had no clue. He reassured me that I the English majors, all three of them. still had plenty of time and discussed Name: Wait, let’s rethink this. options that involved my various Michael Steingas Glancing around, I noticed the interests. Age: largest group—nursing, which I had Afterwards, I walked back to my 20 also considered before. Stable, redorm room, somewhat closer to a Hometown: rnack, Texas Ka spected and economically-sound, decision. Pre-registration was the Major: nursing would allow me to directly next day, and if I wanted a first-hand Communica tion interact with people. I had volunteered pick of classes, I had to make a deciFavorite thing about Union: and worked part-time at a hospital sion. Ironically, you have to make time Local a rt ga lleries for five years, so I knew nurses and to think in college, so that night I the job seemed like a good fit. So I ignored my cell phone, homework left the smallest group and joined the largest. and television as I weighed my options. That was how I chose my major. After a long night, I walked back to Mr. Blake’s office The awkwardness of that weekend quickly wore off as I the next day and registered for fall semester classes under my new major: communication with an emphasis in pubgot involved with praise groups, attended Saturday night lic relations, a versatile option that combined aspects of campus events and explored the galleries and coffeehouses other majors I was considering. located in downtown Lincoln. Life in Nebraska was far from dull. The steps I went through seem like they occurred in As a freshman, I tackled classes such as Anatomy and total reverse. But as I have learned, the process isn’t the same Physiology and Intro to Chemistry, and after much hard for any two people. Maybe God led me down this specific work, I was admitted into the highly-competitive program. road for a reason. But as I began my nursing courses the next year, I was able to I’m not sure if I’m done switching, although my father immerse myself in clinicals, not the classes. Nursing wasn’t certainly hopes I am. However, thanks to the time both nursgrabbing my interest, and it was difficult to stay motivated. ing and communication professors took to counsel me, I’m The more science credits filled my schedule, the more closer to figuring out what I want to do in life. As Mr. Blake I missed creative classes. They had always been more natural, pointed out, “You aren’t undecided; you’re deciding.â€? ďż˝
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I
was born in Calcutta, India on July 4, 1987. When I contracted tuberculosis, my birth mother—knowing she didn’t have the money for proper care—made the difficult decision to give me up for adoption.
I lived for a while in an orphanage, ill and malnourished. Then, in 1990, I was adopted by my mother, Jean, who lives in Walla Walla. I am still living here today, happily married and attending Walla Walla University. I have been blessed. Last quarter I took a class called Creativity and Communication, taught by communications professor Nancy Semotiuk. It was the best communication class I have ever taken. Throughout the quarter we worked on a project, mentored by a professional in the field, that required us to choose a creative challenge that would “stretch� us. I chose to write a one-act play. With the help of my mentor, I learned about script writing and the creativity it requires to communicate a message—and I learned how to balance my life as a professional and a newlywed. We’ve all heard the jokes about “Western Wedding University.� And many have found their soulmates on our campus—
though I met my future husband Joseph at an Adventist academy. We had a longdistance relationship my freshman year of college until I transferred to WWU. Last September, we were the first couple to be married on the Walla Walla University campus after its name change from Walla Walla College. Balancing the responsibilities of attending school and being married is difficult— but marriage also has its funny moments. Recently I walked into the bathroom and found Joseph scrubbing our bath mat with my hairbrush. As you can imagine, I wasn’t exactly pleased. What I’ve learned is that whether I’m learning communication skills in my classes or staring at my husband scrubbing a rug with my hairbrush, my growth as a Christian and professional is happening each moment. I have a great story to tell, and every day I try to live my motto: “My life is my message.�
A/@/6 @/23:47<53@ 1:/AA7471/B7=<( 8C<7=@ ;/8=@( ;/AA 1=;;C<71/B7=<A 4C< 4/1B( 47@AB B= 03 ;/@@732 =< B63 EEC 1/;>CA A3>B ' % 6=0073A( /1B7<5 1==97<5 23A75<
204 S. College Avenue College Place, WA 99324-1198 (509) 527-5615 Toll Free (800) 541-8900 wallawalla.edu
September 2008
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CoverStory
CoverStory Ghetto Preacher? Is there really such a thing? How can two words, that are synonymous with two completely different ways of life, be combined together? Urbandicionary.com describes ghetto as, “urban; of or relating to (inner) city life.” Dictionary.com describes preacher as, “a person whose occupation or function it is to preach the gospel.” So in essence a ghetto preacher is a person who preaches the gospel relating to urban city life. Booyah! There you have it ladies and gentleman, a ghetto preacher.
This
WAS
my Life
ghetto preacher the
Willie Ramos is a Latino brotha who is nationally
known for his urban style, street language, and love for Christ, which has led him to be labeled as the
"...but, my life
changed
when my parents introduced me to a young JEWISH CARPENTER named JESUS."
Ghetto Preacher.
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September 2008
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CoverStory
adannaanswers
ACL had the opportunity to have a conversation with Willie
Ramos, the proclaimed Ghetto Preacher. Willie Ramos is a Latino brotha who is nationally known for his urban style, street language, and love for Christ, which has led him to be labeled as the Ghetto Preacher.
Willie Ramos resides in Florida, and has one crazy testimony!
He is an ex-gang member, and will tell you straight up that he is still in desperate need of a Savior. Willie has a lot of respect for his parents, who had a great impact on his faith. “My mom is illiterate, but was smart enough to
AdannaAnswers Longdistance Relationships
by Adanna James
introduce me to a Jewish Carpenter named Jesus Christ,” says Willie.
Streetwear. Brotha Ramos told us, “My mission field is the street corners, finale.” A lot of people will look at Willie Ramos and say that he is too “street” with his message. They will judge him based on how he looks, the way he dresses, and how he may speak. However, one thing is for certain, he is a servant of God that
Cultivate a friendship. The physical properties of your partner may fade away but if you cultivated a friendship with him/her it will last long after everything else fades.
is being used to reach many of the unchurched. Young people may ask how can they approach ministry the same way as Brotha Ramos? Willie says, “Remember why you’re doing what you’re doing. We have to answer to Jesus, so if he called you to be yourself…
Keep the relationship a high priority. Avoid canceling dates or putting off talk times. This will only cause frustration and strife to your partner and your relationship. Also having counseling sessions aid in keeping the relationship a top priority in your daily lives.
do it.”
“My mission field is the street corners, the ghettos, and the alleys...” He’s not big on TV or movies, but would rather sit down and draw, or read a book by one of his favorite authors, Max Lucado and E.G. White.
Don’t be afraid to ask the important questions. If there is something on your mind, make sure you state it or ask it. There’s a difference between pressing the issue and wanting to know basic information. Have an end point in mind. No one wants to be in a LDR forever, so discuss plans and directions you may want your relationship to go. Focus on the future!
Hey Willie!!! Are you single??? “Willie Ramos is single, and looking for a
says with a laugh. Even though Willie has a tough background, he is a pretty simple guy.
Willie states, “Paul tells us to die daily. So that’s what I do; I die to self every-
day. That means I celebrate today, because I died yesterday.” After speaking with The Ghetto Preacher, we were reminded that God comes in all forms, styles, and genres.
Question:
“Next year my boyfriend and I are going to different colleges. How can we keep a successful relationship if it’s going to be long distance?”
When we begin to put limits on what God can do, how God can do it, and who God can do it through, all we do is set ourselves up to be proven wrong. Thank you Willie Ramos, for proving those wrong who always thought there could never be a Ghetto Preacher.
by ACL Staff
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Keep in touch daily. Make it a point to speak with your partner on a daily basis and also implement devotions into your daily talk times. If large phone bills become a problem, send e-mail, letters, and cards. Communication is a key aspect in any relationship, which makes it all the more important in LDRs.
Make sure you both are on the same page. You must discuss things like: How often do you plan to speak to each other? Who is going to visit and how often? Some people need a sense of closeness, so having a future date to look forward to helps alleviate the stress of being alone.
the ghettos, and the alleys. I’m warning hoods, we living in earth’s grand
woman who looks just like Jennifer Lopez with the mentality of Ellen G. White,” Willie
Whoever first said that absence makes the heart grow fonder wasn’t lying. Despite what people may think, long distance relationships (LDRs) are on the rise. They make up about 33% of all college relationships. LDRs are not easy, but they can work! Here are some ways to hold on to your long distance relationship.
Trust each other. Doubt and suspicion will only destroy your relationship, so keep clear of lies and deception. Be truthful and honest at all times and the distance wouldn’t be as great an issue as it would be if there was no trust.
His mission is to reach urban kids. Willie not only preaches the
Word, but is also a cartoonist who has founded a ministry called Escoigdo
Answer:
Adanna James is a recent graduate of Oakwood University and the Vice President of Adventist College Life magazine. She is dedicated to educating, and helping young people with all kinds of college life issues. So if there has been a question plaguing your mind about college life please send Adanna an email to ACLmagazine@gmail.com and your question may be addressed in a future issue of Adventist College Life magazine.
Stay involved. There may be times when you get down because of the distance, but make sure you stay strong and stay busy. Hang out with friends, go to the park, and pick up a craft. These things will help make the pain of your partner’s absence few and far between. Reemphasize your love and commitment for each other. Listen to your partner's concerns and communicate your own before they become bigger problems. Try not to assume that everything in the relationship is going well. And always make sure your partner knows that you care. Most important of all: have a strong foundation. With God as your base and foundation your relationship will never fail. Relationships take time and effort, so you must do your part not only to help the relationship work, but to make sure that both parties are happy within the relationship. There may be times when things may go wrong within the relationship but, when those times come it is important to remember Proverbs 3:5. When you leave everything in God’s hands and not try to rely on your own understanding, everything will work out to his glory! September 2008
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aclhealth
aclhealth
Diabetes
Knowthefacts by ACL Staff
Diabetes is a life-long disease marked by high levels of sugar in the blood. There are 3 types of diabetes: Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and Gestational diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in childhood, and is a type of diabetes where the body makes little or no insulin, and daily injections of insulin are needed to sustain life. Type 2 diabetes is far more common than Type 1 and makes up most of all cases of diabetes. It usually occurs in adults when the pancreas does not make enough insulin to keep blood glucose levels normal. Gestational diabetes is high blood glucose that develops at any time during pregnancy in a woman who does not have diabetes.
Statistics Type 2 diabetes is becoming more common in the age group of 16-28 due to the growing number Americans who fail to exercise and the increasing cases of obesity. Diabetes affects more than 20 million Americans
Americans, Asians, Pacific Islanders, and Hispanic Americans) High blood pressure High blood levels of triglycerides (Fat molecules) High blood cholesterol level Not getting enough exercise
Symptoms
Prevention
Increased thirst
Balanced diet
Increased urination
Consumption of foods low in fat
Increased appetite
Consistent exercise
Fatigue
Maintenance of ideal body weight
Approx 1 in 17 have diabetes
Blurred vision
54 million Americans have pre-diabetes, which means they are at
Slow-healing infections
Diabetes may be an illness that can cause some problems, but God is
risk for diabetes.
Impotence in men
the cure of all problems! If you are struggling with this medical condi-
7th leading cause of death among people in the age group of 18-25 6.2 million people donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know they have diabetes
Risk Factors
Treatment
tion, then we are praying for you, and we want to remind you how strong you are for living with this illness. Be blessed!
Adjustment of high glucose intake Insulin shots Monitoring of blood sugar
A parent, brother, or sister with diabetes Obesity Some ethnic groups (particularly African Americans, Native
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September 2008
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collegelife?
collegelife?
Threethingsyouneedtoknow AboutCollegeLife by ACL Staff
Fasfa What is it? FASFA is a form that asks questions about your family’s income, your income, as well as you and your family’s assets to determine your eligibility for different student aid programs.
Benefits of applying You get money to pay for school! There’s no age limit or credit score eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Must be a U. S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a valid Social Security number. Must possess high school diploma/ GED or have passed an ABT. Must be working towards an eligible degree. Must not be in default on any other federal loans. Must not possess any drug convictions.
What information is needed for application Social Security number of you and your parents. Permanent resident card or Alien Registration Card for non- U.S. citizens. Driver’s license number.
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Finding a Job Income tax returns for you and your parents. Records of any untaxed income.
When should you apply You should apply as soon as possible after January 1st of the upcoming academic year since funding for some of the programs is limited. Deadline for submission of FASFA is July 2nd of the academic year in which you wish to attend school.
Common mistakes to avoid Don’t leave any questions blank. Use full LEGAL name. Use tax returns to report income and taxes paid. Read and follow directions carefully. Report correct marital status. Remember to sign form. Don’t lose username, password, or pin if applying online. For more information contact your future school’s Financial Aid Department prior to attending to get all other necessary documents in order.
Visit : www.fasfa.ed.gov
On Campus Go to the human resources department of your school to find out what jobs are available on campus. Have all of the necessary documents readily available to fill out employment documents such as your Social Security Card and your school and home addresses. Go to the different departments and speak to the faculty and staff to see what positions they may have available. Check bulletin boards on campus for jobs available. Pray!
Off Campus
Get involved Extracurricular Activities Ask people what groups are around campus. Participate in intramural groups. Join sports groups on campus. Choirs, drama, and other organizations on campus are always fun. Getting involved with activities outside of your school work is a must because they allow you to make new friends, network, and provide an outlet for yourself to enjoy your college life.
Your greatest resource is current students at the college of your choice who know the area. Check around your school for what public transportation may be available. Be open to different jobs. Have your resume together. Get out applications ASAP. Pray! Make sure you remember that your education is priority. Whatever job you choose make sure it does not interfere with your class schedule and that you always have time to do your school work.
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TheAppeal
TheMeanCloud by ACL Staff
Matthew 8:23-27, you can read this well known story of Jesus calming the crazy storm! Just like in that story, you’ll go through lots of difficult faith-testing storms in college, but remember not to get distracted by all of the chaos that’s going on around you. When you come across those shady, backstabbing “friends” don’t worry about it because God’s got it! When you split ways with the one you thought you were gonna be with forever, remember that, “All things work for good to those that love the Lord” Romans 8:28 When the devil tries to mess with you by throwing drama in your personal relationships between you and your family, your friends, and your teachers, don’t worry about it because you already have the victory over the devil through Christ. I know many of you may know what it’s like to go through a storm, and if you’re anything like my friend you are a baby when it comes to being in a storm. Whenever he is out of the storm, all it takes is one sign of a “mean cloud” and he wants to run for shelter, and forget about what he was originally doing. RUN is his mentality! He’s constantly looking to the sky to see where the next lightening might strike, and just like the disciples in the parable he’s filled with panic of what is to come. And don’t be in proximity of his grasp during an unsuspecting thunder crash, because if you are your arm will no longer be functional due to the death grip he will place on it! Like literal storms that many of you go through, life at college could be very chaotic but remember that God has a purpose for your life, and once you keep your minds focused on him, your college life will be set, and your storms will pass!
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TO THE STAFF OF ADVENTIST COLLEGE LIFE PRAIZEVISION CELEBRATES YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS CONGRATULATIONS !!!
Gary Saunders, Founder/CEO Lisa Harris-Quailey, Business Manager Rich Herard, Program Director
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pens at p a h Y L L A E what R r e d n o w r sities? e r Ev e iv n u d n lleges a o c t is t n e v Ad Are yo u prepa ring fo in the r colle future ge and ha what t v e o expe NO idea ct?
Is your spiritu al life a big Q UESTION MARK right now, and you need some answers?
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