Volume 98, Issue 12

Walla Walla University

the

Collegian 23 January 2014 | Volume 98 | Issue 12

6

10

Debt-pocalypse surviving college loans

12

23

As you and your myWWU account know too well, college is spendy. It’s not just tuition that breaks the bank: choir music, yogi burgers, books, the general fee, caf costs, and dorm costs add to a towering sum.

Nathan Stratte assistant editor

As Assistant Editor, Nate produces Briefing, helps plan special issues and ensure cohesion of content, directs the feature section, and works with the copy editors to eliminate pesky typos, malapropisms, and misalignments.

If you have a financial situation like mine, you got an email this week telling you that you officially have two-or-more thousand dollars more in debt

8–14

3–7

Context

Perspective

@ jessikabear

News | Fundraiser News |#thecollegian Calendar

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Grant Perdew

Assistant Editor Nathan Stratte

Head Layout Editor Alix Harris

Head Copy Editor Carly Leggitt

Head Photo Editor

Kurtis Lamberton

News Editor

Carolyn Green

Feature Editors

Brooklynn Larson Katie Pekar Brandon Torkelsen

Opinion Editors

Carlton Henkes Rebecca Williams Andrew Woodruff

Fashion Editor

Brenda Negoescu

Sports Editor

Grayson Andregg

Religion Editor John Lubke

health & Outdoors Editor Justin Mock

Diversions Editor Eric Weber

When I was doing financial clearance at the beginning of this quarter, I had to ask: does this school have to cost this much? While the sticker price is reduced by scholarships, grants, loans, or subsidy, it’s often a lot for us or our parents to pay now, and in the case of loans, a lot for us to pay later. As you probably know, an American college education hasn’t always been as spendy as it is now: according to Bloomberg News, the cost of getting a university education in the U.S. has soared 12-fold since 1978. Instead of being able to work our way through college we have to take out huge loans that will follow us for years.

photo by peter flores

Opinion | Religion | ACA/SM | Snapshots Diversions | Column

Travel Editor

than you had last week. The thought of spending college money differently (on ski trips or fundraisers for Peruvian orphanages, for example,) raises some important questions: Is what we spend on our degrees really worth it? Will we really get a higher paying job?

Will higher pay be enough to afford high student loan payments? And what is the real payoff of college, anyway — are we just buying a fancy piece of paper or a better job or are we learning important things, like how many rhetorical questions in a row is too many?

In this week’s featured article, Brandon Torkelsen looks at the current state of college loans and discusses ways people are trying to reform the system.

I especially encourage you to read Brandon’s feature (p.15) as well as Micah’s column (p. 14) this week so you can become more informed about loans and what you can do. More broadly, I encourage you to take this week’s discussion of loans as a reminder to do what inspires you in college — you may as well get your money’s worth.

15–17

feature

photo by kurtis lamberton

Debt-pocalypse: Surviving College Loans

18–24

life

photo by creative commons

Arts & Media | Food | Fashion | Outdoors Science | Local | Sports | BackWord

Layout Designers

Joe Hughes

Erik Edstrom Andralyn Iwasa Ian Smith Jenna Thomas

If you are interested in contributing to The Collegian, contact our page editors or the editor-in-chief at aswwu.collegian@wallawalla.edu. The Collegian is boosted by regularly incorporating a wide range of student perspectives.

Food EDitor

Copy Editors

Cover Credit: Kurtis Lamberton, @pflostagram, Peter Flores, Creative Commons

Local Attractions Editor Timothy Barbosa

Rachel Blake Jassica Choi Lauren Heathcock

Arts & Media Editor

Staff Writers

The Collegian is the official publication of ASWWU. Its views and opinions are not necessarily the official stance of Walla Walla University or its administration, faculty, staff, or students. Questions, letters, and comments can be sent to aswwu.collegian@ wallawalla.edu or grant.perdew@wallawalla.edu. This issue was completed at 2:15 a.m. on 23 January 2014.

Jon Mack

Science & Technology Editor

Andrea Johnson

Backword Editor

Lester Biggs Savannah Kisling Lauren Lewis

Creative Writing Editor

Office & Distribution Manager

Chad Aufderhar Rachel Logan Rachel Blake

Columnists

Madeleine Boyson Micah Hall

Haley Coon

For information about advertising, please contact aswwu.ads@wallawalla.edu.

The Collegian | Volume 98, Issue 12 | 204 S. College Avenue College Place, WA 99324 | collegian.wallawalla.edu

CONTEXT

flu season // Savannah Kisling

Staff Writer The H1N1 flu, which is similar to the swine flu from the 2009 epidemic, is currently widespread throughout the state of Washington. At hospitals in Washington where cases were tested and reported to the World Health Organization, over 20 percent of cases were of the same strain.

This flu is distinguished by its prevalence among the 18–64 age group, which is what comprises the main demographic of college campuses. While most cases aren’t serious and are just debilitating for a few days, there have been at least 19 deaths in Washington state attributed to this year’s flu. It is currently the peak of the flu season and if you are worried about getting sick, it is not too late to get the flu shot.

Cross-country travel and long delays in airports during the holiday travel season likely led to the spread of the virus that now spans 35 states. Those in the Pacific

NEWS | 3

Northwest have been hit particularly hard.

If you are getting sick, please do your fellow students a favor and be cautious about spreading your germs. Adults are contagious one day before symptoms show up and up to five days after; children, on

the other hand, are contagious up to 10 days after the appearance of symptoms.

As always, wash your hands before you eat and after you do something that might

C: What is your diet like?

Staff Writer

Behind the “classics line” of the Walla Walla University cafeteria is the director of food services and cafeteria general manager, Miles Rottman. Rottman works diligently behind the scenes to provide WWU students with healthy and yummy food. I interviewed Rottman in hopes to understand the caf and the man behind the food.

Collegian: Where did you attend school and what degree did you earn?

Rottman: I went to Point Loma Nazarene University in California. I received a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and Economics. I loved the beaches there; my first quarter of my freshman year really reflects that. I got bad grades. Right outside the boys’ dorm were sandy beaches and the surf.

C: Do you have a family?

R: Yes, I have a son working in Portland.

Have you ever heard of the show Grimm?

Yes, well, he is the computer graphic design guy that makes the humans morph into the monsters on the show. And my daughter lives with us with her three kids [and husband].

If you believe you have the flu, please see Campus Health and Wellness, located in Meske Hall. The staff can diagnose common illnesses and injuries. They

“ The flu is distinguished by its prevalence among the 18–64 age group.”

the man behind the food // lauren lewis

spread germs (especially if you plan on visiting the cafeteria).

R: About 30 years ago my stomach just stopped digesting animal proteins.

So I have been a vegan for the last 20 or so years. That has kind of morphed in the mission we have here at the caf. I am trying to show [at the caf] that vegans and vegetarians do eat well and eat flavorful food. That is why we have broken down all the foods to a minimum. Instead of just shoving sweet and sour chicken in your face, we have broken down the meals so that the students can have options and make their own meals.

also have the ability to help you work with your professors so can better stay on track in your classes.

President Executive VP Social VP Spiritual VP

FEBRUARY 3 Declaration of Candidacy* due

FEBRUARY 18 Primary Election

FEBRUARY 25

C: Who are the food contributors at the caf?

General Election

R: Our main contributor here is Sysco, but we also use an Adventist company for most of our “faux” meats. For odds and ends we sometimes buy from Andy’s, especially when I am curious about something or when I am just being weird. Our executive chef, Caleb, has created an original “faux meat” recipe that we use in most of our by lester biggs recipes and in this Sodexophoto district.

I don’t believe we should be eating food with an ingredients list that is really long and filled with words that we can’t pronounce. I believe in providing food that is the way it is supposed to be — as healthy as can be.

*Available online or in the ASWWU offices

photo by arella aung

run for aswwu

CONTEXT

FUNDRAISING | 4

$100 000

To Build a Home is a fundraising project in which our team here at Walla Walla University is very interested.

When we were first acquainted with it, we thought it was a perfect opportunity to make a difference in the world. In essence, the point of the project is to build an orphanage in the Checacupe region of Peru, which is about two hours south of Cuzco.

Percentage of infants who die before they are one year old.

The need is great. In the closest surrounding communities there are 200–300 orphans, and in the entire region there are about 2,500. Currently, the closest orphanages are in Cuzco (two hours north) and in Puno (three hours south), so there is no place for the orphans of Checacupe to go that is close. Often, families either do not support the orphans at all, or only do so for only a very short time.

000 550, 8.9% 3.5%

34%

Percentage of Cuzqueno students who expect to succeed in math.

Percentage of children under age five who experience chronic malnutrition.

Our contacts in Peru have a great passion the see this project through for their people. We here at Walla Walla University have the resources. Together, we will build an orphanage.

Austin Roberts Fundraising project Co-manager

Percentage of children in Peru who work to help support their families.

Estimated number of children in Peru who grow up without parental care.

1.7%

30% 60%

Percentage of infants who die before they are 30 days old.

Percentage of children 0–5 years old living in poverty.

$5500 LEARN MORE & DONATE AT TINYURL.COM/ PP6T3E

CONTEXT NEWS | 5

Club Spotlight: bscf // lester biggs Staff Writer

This month, Black Student Christian Forum has a lot planned for its club members and the student body. These events are not just for Black History Month, but also to keep students entertained with good Christian fun during these cold months.

Impact, which happens every other weekend after vespers, will be a bit different on January 25th. This time it will be an open

“Students will be able to hear Pedrito Maynard-Reid speak in Village Hall.” mic night. During this event, students will be able to perform anything that they would like, such as poetry and songs. Also, on Sabbath, January 26 students will be

able to hear Pedrito Maynard-Reid speak in Village Hall for the Berean service at 10:30 a.m. To finish up this weekend of events, there will be a ’50s themed roller skate night at the youth center, on January 27 at 7:30 p.m.

With Black History Month coming to a close, BSCF has a lot planned for the

“There will be a '50s themed roller skate night.” weekend starting January 31–Feb 1. The events that will be taking place include Midnight Mayhem in the library and an ice cream feed. During this time, students will be able to enjoy great food and participate in many games and fun events. These activities are planned to not only give students something to do on the weekends but also to give them the opportunity to fellowship together and relax after a week of classes.

cultured events to the students at large in this school and it is also a club which brings blacks, Hispanics, and whites together to fellowship with one another and mingle with people who are different from themselves,” says BSCF President Kofi Twumasi.

Other things to look out for are BSCF giveaways which happen year round and great prizes such as free Panda Express and Mongolian Grill, milkshakes at The IceBurg, and ice cream at DQ. “We definitely try to come up with new events that we know our members enjoy and creativity is what propels the club,” said Twumasi.

If you have not joined a club or are looking for one that constantly has events going on, then BSCF might be the one for you. To join this club, you can log on to myWWU, find the Clubs tab, choose this club, or any other you find interesting, and click join. Or, you can show up to one of these events and talk to Twumasi or any of the other officers directly.

OPEN POSITIONS Webmas ter G raph ic Des ign er Collegian Nourishment Coordinator Collegian Distribution Manager

how to

Apply

1. Download application from ASWWU website.

2. Send your résumé, application, and cover letter to aswwu@ wallawalla.edu.

3. Wait for your interview.

“Our club serves two purposes: For one, it is to bring a flavor of African American

SENATE UPDATE Portland Update: compassion can heal Feeding the homeless is coming up on February 8! Here's the plan: We'll meet at the dorm at 1:30 p.m. to make sandwiches, then leave at 2 p.m. to head to downtown. When you travel through Portland, it’s difficult to ignore the fact that there is a huge population of people living on the streets. Now we have an opportunity to give! When you're in nursing, it’s easy to focus on a patient’s body system — to focus on the healing end of it. We want to “fix people up,” essentially.

But sometimes, we forget healing involves the entirety of a person; physically and emotionally. As behavioral scientist Steve Maraboli says, “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” ― Taylor Higdon

New Business F.L. 8 — Funding for Collegian Special Issue Old Business G.L. 8 — Employment Authorization and ASWWU Hiring F.L. 10 — Extended Hours for Peterson Memorial Library

CONTEXT 6

#thecollegian

expires 4/30/2014

expires 4/30/2014 expires 4/30/2014

All-You-Can-Eat Buffet $7.99

TUESDAY

Phad Thai or Thai Noodle Soup $7.00

all day every tuesday

with purcahse of any entree

choice of wonton pot sticker spring rolls

Thursday, Friday, & Sunday 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Thai Tea or Thai Coffee

cannot combine coupons | not valid with any other offer

@jessikabear

1 FREE

FREE

@pflostagram

Buy 2 Dinner EntrĂŠes Get

@spencer_eldevik

@collegianfashion

thai cuisine

1528 e. isaacs (509) 529-8889

CONTEXT 7

week in forecast 23 jan

Thursday

36° 23°

24 jan Friday 36° 23°

photo by arella aung

photo by erick juarez

Around The World 7 p.m.

The Atlas

25 jan Saturday 41° 23°

photo by erick juarez

Vespers: Music Department Concert 8 p.m.

University Church IMPACT Open Mic 9:30 p.m.

SAC

28 jan tuesday 48° 34°

photo by troy isaacs

Berean Fellowship 10:30 a.m.

Village Hall SM International Lunch 1:15 p.m.

Fellowship Hall

CommUnity: "Two Journeys, One Destination" 11 a.m.

University Church Speakers: Carl Cosaert and Dave Thomas General Recital 7:30 p.m.

FAC

Blanket Drive 2:45 p.m.

U-Shop Parking Lot Choir and Orchestra Concert 4 p.m.

University Church

31 jan friday

1 feb saturday

3 feb monday

4 feb tuesday

photo by flickr user jeffreyturner

photo by arella aung

photo by ivan cruz

photo by flickr user leo reynolds

photo by joshua mckinney

photo by ivan cruz

photo by aswwu

photo by troy isaacs

41° 32°

42° 28°

38° 29°

Vespers: BSCF Black History 8 p.m.

University Church

ASWWU Sweetheart Social 8 p.m.

WEC Gym

CABL Cabining Departs

CABL Cabining Returns

Undergrads: Last Day for 50% Refund

38°28° 28° 48°

CommUnity: "Away From Home" 11 a.m.

University Church Speaker: Montgomery Buell

photo by arela aung

PERSPECTIVE OPINION | 8

collegian

WISDOM

Listening with Purpose // Carlton Henkes

Opinion Editor This week a good friend of mine asked me something that I have been hearing for a long time: “Why would you ever pay for music?”

Just $2,000?! O__o

Study says mining SE Alaskan gold deposit will harm salmon.

Goldfish reps push for compromise.

Quentin Tarantino cancels next film after script leaks.

Andrew Woodruff

Spoiler: Everyone dies.

Naturopathic acupuncture?

=

Brazilian porcupine falls off lamppost onto a woman’s head.

And a fair question it is. Like, “Why would someone pay an outrageous monthly fee for cable television so that they can complain about having nothing good to watch on 1,000+ stations?”

C A Matter of Deduction //

C

Protesting Utah student pays his $2,000 tuition in $1 bills.

C

Accidentally burnt down their house, too.

C

Family uses fire to un-toilet-paper a tree in their yard.

Of course, she did not mean to insinuate that music is a waste of hard-earned money.

It would be a rather cold soul indeed who would suggest such a thing. Rather, she meant something along the lines of, “Why would you pay for something that you could get for free?”

Opinion Editor BBC’s Sherlock is a hit and a brilliant story.

Lately, amidst the Sherlockian buzz, I’ve been hearing a lot of psychological terms thrown around. In an early episode, Sherlock Holmes is accused of being a psychopath and retorts that he is a “high-functioning sociopath.”

In the spirit of the great detective, I took his advice and did my research.

For decades, the terms “sociopath” and “psychopath” have meant exactly the same thing; that is, a person prone to violent and destructive, repetitive behavior. The Diagnostic and Statistics Manual’s (DSM) diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD) or its international equivalent (DPD) were the only credible testing methods used to diagnose this type of behavior. In 1970, Bob Hare introduced the psychopath checklist, based on years of clinical research.

It quickly became the most objective and reliable testing tool, though still revised every decade or so.

In the past I had just laughed it off, thinking I was old fashioned. Maybe I didn’t want to deal with torrenting albums. Maybe I didn’t want my music library to disappear into The Cloud. (Whatever that is.)

Then I remembered the sense of allegiance that I feel for my favorite bands. It is quite like a feeling of patriotism. No matter how obscure they may be, I am ready to fight to defend their honor as legitimate musical artists.

If a band holds a concert to an empty venue, does it really make a sound? When a group is not supported by its followers it loses steam and dies. Or worse, the lead singer goes on to produce solo music.

Instead of a bumper sticker supporting the next presidential team, I could be supporting my bands. Binders make a great board for stickers. Backpacks make an excellent

What is the cause of this zealous partisanship? Much like politicians or civil rights leaders, most bands stand for certain messages. When an important ideal is portrayed through music, I want to support it.

canvas for pins. Vinyl records deliver a

Bands are some of the most influential voices in the world today. For many people, music is the most influential voice in their lives. I want the voices I approve to be heard.

are many.

Further research suggested that Dr. Hare’s “psychopaths” were neurologically different than the ASPD’s “sociopaths.” Functional MRI’s and PET scans gave researchers the necessary clues to understanding the distinct characteristics of the psychopathic mind.

Scans of psychopaths have shown damage in specific areas of the brain (e.g. orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, etc.).1 Neurologists can essentially look at a monitor and tell if the subject is a psychopath. What this does not tell us is how and when the damage originated. Were they born wired wrong or did it develop from trauma?

Research indicates that psychopaths do have permanent under-activity in certain areas of the brain. These developmental anomalies are distinctly visible via brain scan and can be detected very early, often as early as adolescence.2 For example, hearing emotional words (abortion, funeral, etc.) increases activity in two areas: the left temporal lobe for verbal processing and the amygdala for emotional processing.

Psychopathic individuals hearing emotional words show no response from the amygdala.3 Under-active brain anomalies can usually be found in both sociopaths and psychopaths, although worse in the latter.

Luckily, only one-third of those diagnosed with ASPD meet the severity of malfunction required for psychopathic criteria. This is

unique product for your money, something you can’t get digitally. And now many are including the digital tracks along with the vinyls anyway. The campaigning possibilities So, when I pay for something that I could get for free, I stay informed and do it on purpose. the key. Not everyone who behaves like a psychopath thinks like one. An individual may even score high on the Bob Hare checklist without exhibiting the associated neurological deficiencies. It quickly becomes important to make a distinction between those who are psychopaths and those who likely developed psychopathic qualities due to trauma. Hence, the resurgence of the word “sociopath.”

A psychopath is an adult scoring extremely high on the Bob Hare psychopath checklist, exhibiting severe lack of remorse and a complete lack of empathy. A “highfunctioning sociopath” is an individual who meets criteria for ASPD, but is likely capable of genuine empathy and relationships.4 If psychopaths are born, incapable of intimacy, perhaps sociopaths are made, molded by traumatic experience. Sherlock makes his point by self-identifying as a sociopath. He is distinguishing himself from psychopaths like the criminals he catches. Below his cold and calculating demeanor, Mr. Holmes might just be a man of great principle.

1. http://tinyurl.com/qcuabsn.

2. http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/182/1/5.full.

3. Pemment, J., Psychopathy versus sociopathy: Why the distinction has become crucial, Aggression and Violent Behavior (2013), http:// dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.avb.2013.07.001.

4. http://www.mentalhealth.com/dis/p20-pe04.html.

PERSPECTIVE RELIGION | 9

Is Christianity Necessary? // Benjamin Ramey

Contributor When I think about how God relates to Ryan Bell and his “year without God,” I am reminded of my friend Simon. Simon is a fish, a beta given to me by my beautiful girlfriend just last week for my birthday.

Every day Simon expects to be fed and every day I feed him. If fish were sophisticated enough to process information and form rational opinions Simon might form an opinion about me and my existence. He would have questions about where his food comes from and why he can’t leave his tank.

Lots of different ideas would come by his way, some helpful, some not. The one thing that is for sure is that he would have a lot of searching to do if he wanted to know who I am.

What struck me the most about Bell’s exploratory journey into atheism was that he considers this to be “a continuation of [his] spiritual journey,”1 a way to explore his own doubt and come to terms with the difficult questions that Christianity, specifically Adventism, couldn’t answer. I applaud this man; he had the courage to take the next step, following his path wherever it leads.

Bell is not ignorant in the ways of the church; rather, he is well-versed in them.

He spent 20 years as a pastor and earned three theology degrees. He knows the inner workings of the church and for him, they fell short. It was time for something new.2 Bell’s critics in the Christian community have expressed concerns for his salvation and

Campus Ministries

have been earnestly praying that he will wake up and come to his senses. Just the other day I was talking with a friend who feared Bell is crossing a line because Bell knows better.

He knows the truth and is earnestly rejecting it! So first, let’s establish what I mean when referring to truth in relation to life in this context and what difference it makes in our lives.

I would like to point out that Jesus said He was the Truth.3 I take this statement very literally. The true nature of God is represented in the loving character of Jesus.

He is the full manifestation of every thing that is good, perfect, and holy. Teachings and representations of His character can be seen everywhere: books, media, nature, and Collegian articles.

Everything created by God was called good and produces life full of peace, joy, and acceptance both here and in the age to come. There is nothing that is inherently evil: everything evil is a distortion of some good thing that God created and these lead to destruction. That being said, all created things have the potential to represent destruction or recreation.

This is not to say that all beliefs and practices are ‘equal’ or that they all lead to the same place, but rather that God is not contained within the boundary of our Christian religion. For someone to reject God, he or she would essentially have to reject love, good food, sex, conversations with friends, art — all the good things that God created for us to enjoy and engage in.

As David says, “the earth is the Lord’s and everything in it.”4 To reject God is to reject life.

We now have presented a God who is represented everywhere, in every good thing — a God whose inclusion has no limits. A God like this does not run from our fears or put our doubts aside — He is a God who is with us.5 Seeking truth outside the church is considered dangerous because we fail to see that God is outside the church, too.

So, then, is Christianity necessary? Do we need Christianity to live fulfilled lives that promote peace and equality? The answer, one might think, is that we need religion in order to be the kind of loving and gracious people God intended us to be, but that is not necessarily true.

Atheists can produce a life of compassion just as well as Christians. It is a beautiful thing when a person who isn’t a Christian chooses to live for others. If I don’t feel obligated by my title to treat others with kindness and do not act generously just out of fear, I would begin to live the way Christ wants. The focus shifts from self-centered goals to actual devotion to others. This is not to say that I cannot do the same thing as a Christian, but it is much more difficult. Just like in Job, I have been preached to from the moment I broke forth from the womb until now, when I must love my neighbor because the Bible tells me so.6 As long as having compassion on others is only inspired by a command, atheism provides a more Spiritfilled alternative.

I am not a Christian just because I believe that there is a God. I believe that love and acceptance are fundamental truths that must be expressed to everyone. True Christianity is represented when the difficult questions

Words dedicated to the act of devotion have the power to move souls in immense ways. The words on the right, sung by Hillsong in their song “Oceans (Where Feet May Fail),” have done this to me. The first time I heard these words I thought, “This is the very essence of my faith journey and experience.” Faith, for me, has always been unexplainable and indefinable. But then I heard this song and my experiences were clarified. When I have made decisions based on faith and have surrendered myself to the Spirit, tremendous experiences have happened. It is true, I have been led deeper than my feet, my plans, could ever wander and I was strengthened by those times. So, I encourage you in this: let the Spirit lead you to the places without borders, where all you can do is trust Him. I guarantee that your life will be enriched by the depth of that walk.

— Rachael Coon

are asked and the troublesome doubts are expressed. Along those lines, Bell should go on this journey because it is what Christianity is about: seeking. He’s exhausted from trying to make sense of the church. He’s trying to make sense of life.

Now, back to Simon: I’ll do my best to let him know that I’m here, I’m real, and I care about him. I could give him evidence by letting him chase my finger or read to him while studying for history. Regardless of whether Simon believes I exist, I will continue to feed him every morning because I am his loving caretaker and he needs me.

I want him to thrive and live a long, happy life — that’s the true nature of my character.

When the tank gets dirty, I’ll clean it. The water will get rough and he will be put in some strange places, but at the end of it all he will be in a cleaner, happier environment.

1. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ national/religion/seventh-day-adventistpastor-plans-to-flirt-with-atheism-for-12months/2014/01/03/63bab1b2-74b0-11e3-bc6b712d770c3715_story.html.

2. Refer to the religion section of last week’s Collegian for more on Bell and his “Year Without God.” 3. John 14:6.

4. Psalm 24:1.

5. “What We Talk About When We Talk About God” Chapter 4 – Rob Bell.

6. Job 38:8.

“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders Let me walk upon the waters Wherever You would call me Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander And my faith will be made stronger In the presence of my Savior”

PERSPECTIVE SM/ACA | 10

4,928 Miles Away // Peter Flores

with the addition of wonderful children, it is a paradise. Anyway, I am here to tell you about the experience I have had teaching.

Yokwe Aolep! (Hello everyone.) My name is Peter Flores and I am 4,928 miles away from Walla Walla, missing all of that cold and rainy weather (not). Currently, I am stationed at Majuro atoll as the music, choir, and 12th grade Bible teacher at Delap SDA. Majuro may be the most beautiful place I have seen in my life: Coconut trees and smiling children cover the landscape of this narrow-yet-populous island. I have taken up snorkeling/free diving here and some of the shots I have gathered of the surrounding reef life amaze me. Some of the guys and I have reached depths of about 65 feet, but don’t tell our principal that. It is constantly humid and extremely windy. I live right on the coast so I get a nice salty breeze. We have our difficulties — blackouts, water shortages, cockroaches, ants, and such — but overall,

I teach a 12th grade Bible class and it may be the most difficult thing I have done in my life. The students ranged from dedicated to the textbook definition of lethargic. It was so hard to learn their names at the beginning of the year because none of them would talk to me — not a single word. During my first attendance call, only one person said “here,” and I had to approach each of them to learn who they were. Now we get along like family and some of them have even brought me gifts to class, but I still worry about them. Some of them aspire to be engineers and doctors so they can help their fellow Marshallese people, and the rest are just content with the lives they currently lead — mostly laying around, sometimes getting into trouble because of substance abuse or minor infractions with the law. It is tough knowing that their outside lives are leading

Majuro

photo courtesy of peter flores

them down the wrong path. That being said, Bible, especially in high-school, is not supposed to be a hard class. I try to assign projects and material that is more interesting than difficult, but some of them still manage to fail completely. One student didn’t even attend the final. Next quarter, my goal is to make sure that no one fails by making the most of the work in-class and motivating them more than anyone else in their life has.

They need this — they may not have another chance and I may be the last teacher of religious-type material they have. I love all of the students in this class. They have become major parts of my life.

Honestly speaking, this is the major trouble I am having while being away from my comfort zone. I never thought that this is what being a student missionary would be like. I knew that it would be humid and cereal would be $9 (Cinnamon Toast Crunch), but I didn’t think I would care this much about people I hardly know. They look up to me for some reason — even though I am fairly short — and I hope I don’t let them down.

Pray for me and the students at Delap SDA, and make sure you pray for all the other missionaries scattered across the globe. Oh, and to Grant Gustavsen, Frankie Bones, and Timmy Barbosa: hello.

PERSPECTIVE SM/ACA |11

Amari // Cassie Stenquist Bangladesh

“I don’t want to use this,” Bani, the orphanage’s nurse-in-training, said as she leaned over our tiny baby, Amari.

A week and a half earlier, Elise and I would never have imagined that we’d be here, sitting in this concrete doctor’s office.

Mrs. Waid had mentioned the possibility of needing to pick up a new baby. With the orphanage already near capacity, we assumed it wouldn’t happen. The next morning, a pounding on our door woke us. The pastor and Mr. Waid stood there.

“They’re leaving to get the baby in five minutes!”

We ran outside, said a prayer together, and hopped in the truck for the two-hour drive to the village.

When we arrived, we were ushered into a courtyard surrounded by mud huts. The sound of deep mourning met our ears as we saw the family and friends of the deceased mother on the ground, their bodies shaking with uncontrollable sobs. It was then that we saw the auntie and father appear. The auntie was holding a tiny bundle and as we peeked inside, we realized that this was the baby.

Elise and I looked into the eyes of the father and aunt and saw so much pain and sadness.

We looked back down at the baby and began to weep.

“I don’t know if she’s even going to make it home, girls.”

The three of us worked as quickly as possible, pulling out a bottle of formula to heat, putting on new clothes and a diaper, and swaddling the bundle. Then we held her.

Tears flowed freely, much like the prayers our hearts cried out to God. We gathered up our things to leave.

In the courtyard, the women mourning pleaded with me in Bangla, tearfully. I didn’t understand anything they were saying. All we could do was hold each other while we cried. Elise carried the baby back to the truck. One of the baby’s aunts came up and clung to her, pressing her face against the little one’s cheek and taking her into her arms for one last time. Elise pulled the infant

back into her own arms and all the villagers began to place money on top of her. I didn’t know how to leave these women here alone, so I said the only Bangla words I knew, “Ami tomakay valovashi” (I love you). The auntie held onto my hand through the window until the truck pulled away.

As we drove, we sat in shock over what had just transpired. A storm began to roll in.

The thin trees that lined the dirt road began to sway violently and thunder rumbled. This was the first rain we had seen in Bangladesh; it seemed fitting. We tried to make the baby drink, but in two hour drive, we could barely force 5 ml into her tiny body.

“I’ll give you girls the privilege of naming her,” Mrs. Waid said to Elise and me. But we were all worried; our baby wasn’t very responsive. We constantly checked that she was still breathing. Her right eye was infected and leaked a yellow mucus. But she was absolutely beautiful. We had already fallen in love.

Back at the orphanage compound, we volunteered to care for the baby — she had already completely stolen our hearts.

We named her Amari Hope. Amari means everlastingly strong and lovely. We prayed constantly that she would be able to live up to all the hope that her name held.

In the first week she weighed approximately 2 pounds. After another week: 3.6 pounds, and we regained hope that our little one might make it. She was getting stronger every day, but we noticed that sometimes she struggled to breathe during feedings.

We decided we would take her to the doctor the next morning.

That’s what brought us here.

Bani was holding a thermometer that had just been pulled out of the armpit of a sick, elderly, Bengali woman. Without any sanitization, the doctor passed the same thermometer to Bani. Elise, Bani, and I sat in shock.

“Can we have an antiseptic?” Bani finally asked.

The doctor looked at us and laughed, “In your country, cleanliness is very important.

In our country, our people are poor, so our patients are poor, so cleanliness is not so important.”

He had intended to be humorous, but Elise and I glanced at each other with wide eyes. We realized that he had summed up the reason that poverty continues to plague our world. Because the people are poor, their whole quality of life is poor. Poor cleanliness, poor eating, poor living conditions ... the list goes on. But instead of trying to change it, they settle for poor. I was shocked, saddened, and enraged all at once. Then I looked back at Bani, who had finished cleaning the thermometer and was walking back to the baby, and realized that she thought differently — that meant there was hope.

We left the doctor’s office with four new prescriptions and the advice to take Amari to the hospital right away. It was decided that Amari would be moved to the clinic on campus where one of the Bengali ladies would take over 24/7 care for her. Neither Elise nor I were prepared to give her up.

The doctor had diagnosed her with a chest infection. Amari now had five different medications (the fifth was medicine for a thrush infection in her mouth). We were hesitant to leave her in such poor care.

We were told there was a hospital in Bogra that was relatively clean. After a few calls, we found out that the pediatric unit was equipped with an incubator so we drove to scout out the facilities.

photo courtesy of cassie stenquist

Elise and I had been told that the hospitals here were bad, but nothing could have prepared us for what we saw.

The exterior was deceivingly decent, but quickly gave way to the dingy interior.

The hallways were filled

with garbage, sheep, a cat, and people.

The hospital cots that lined the rooms were rusty and the mattresses were stained various shades of brown. The pediatric wing was even worse. The rooms were far beyond their maximum capacity. Sometimes two children and their caregiver were all together on the same cot. Beds had been brought into the hallway as overflow, and when those filled up, people laid on the floor.

Quarantine was obviously not an option here. We didn’t see any doctors or nurses until we walked into the infant room, where the incubators were kept.

“Are these the incubators?” Mrs. Waid asked, indicating the ancient looking equipment lining one side of the room.

“Yes, but these no work long time,” one of the nurses said in broken English.

We all turned and looked at each other, thinking the same thing: We never asked whether or not they worked. We were then called into a doctor’s office and told that it was extremely important for the baby to stay at the hospital for a few days. None of us had any desire to leave her in a place like this, but we realized it might be the best option, so we left Amari at the hospital with Bani and her new caregiver.

The next morning, back at the orphanage, Elise and I sat on pins and needles waiting for word on the situation at the hospital. Finally, we heard from Bani. Their night had gone from bad to worse. Amari had been moved into another room to share a dirty bed with three other sick babies. It wasn’t until they got back that we found out that 14 babies had died in that same hospital room in just two days — some of them in the bed next to our baby. We were so thankful that our beautiful baby had made it, despite the circumstances, and was showing improvement.

Amari is now just over a month old and weighs 4.4 pounds. We are ecstatic with her progress and are so happy that she is in the good hands of a devoted caregiver. Elise and I go and visit them both often. We never imagined that we would take care of such a fragile little life and were so very thankful for all the support and prayers we received from home. She is a perfect little miracle that is forever in our hearts.

SNAPSHOTS

WELCOME BACK BASH

OCCUPY12 ASWWU | 12

photo by timothy torres

photo by timothy torres

photo by vitaliy krivoruk

photo by timothy torres

photo by vitaliy krivoruk

PERSPECTIVE DIVERSIONS | 13

Eric Weber

Diversions Editor & Pontificator

Cease & Desist //

My family is pretty crazy. They’re a bunch of doctors and teachers with big personalities and even bigger mouths.

There’s also a lot of love in my family; it may be hard to see among pictures of twisted ovaries and stories about students and their shortcomings, but it’s there. Lots of love. Recently my family has found that there are some things we can’t talk about: one being politics, and the other being the church. It’s kinda like when someone farts in a room and everyone just sits there silently, refusing to acknowledge the stench. Someone may say something in passing about religion or the president and everyone goes silent, continuing to go on with their duties. We all have our go-to conversation starters to divert the conversation. I will ask my aunt if she has any new vegan recipes, my mom will ask her brother how teaching is going, and my brother may pinch one of the surrounding infants, as to create an auditory smoke screen. Here’s the real problem, and it has nothing to do with my family’s myriad of communication mishaps but everything to do with the fact that society has made religion and politics into the two things that people are unable to talk about: Why aren’t we willing to talk about or share our strong beliefs? Is it because we’re scared of change? Or are we scared of understanding why we believe something? I think it’s our society’s acceptance of exclusionary language and surrender to political and religious indoctrination that tells us we are absolutely right. The “Them–Us” mentality doesn’t foster discussion; it alienates people. Believing in something because your parents do is not a good reason. This is generally the time when my brother shoves the nearest cousin to the floor, my father texts me a cease-anddesist order, and my mom yells “LOOK! House Hunters International is on!” So, that’s how arguments happen ...

PERSPECTIVE COLUMN | 14

Student loans: Like normal loans but better // Micah Hall

Columnist

Many of my loyal readers might not know this, but I do more in life than just write stories to please you. My greatest life work is not the book I wrote (which you can buy on Amazon.com for the low price of only 99 cents; go to micahhall.com to learn more. Remember, this is a limited-time offer, because when I get famous, I will raise the price.) I have a life outside of writing. I also work in the loan office here at Walla Walla University. Because of this, I know lots about loans and other college-related finances.

What follows is a plan to live after college while eating and living.1 First, you need to get scholarships. I had many friends at U-Days who said, “I don’t want to spend 30 minutes writing an essay when you can only win $100.” That is ridiculous. If you win, that is $200 per hour.

If you don’t win, you only lost 30 minutes. I won five scholarships2 and made $850. That isn’t much compared to your school bill, but it is a lot considering I would have to work slightly over 91 hours to earn that much money. Scholarships don’t take a ton of time and they can save you thousands. Do them.

Next: Work, if you can. Working isn’t all that hard and it gives you money to spend, along with money to pay off part of your bill.

This is money you would have to pay back, with interest, later.

After that, you can get loans. The tip here is: Pay them off. One of the many things people don’t think about in regard to student loans is that the people giving you the loans actually want their money back. One of the least effective ways to retrieve the money they lent you is to ask for more money than you can give them. The best way to get the money back is to work so that you have money to eat and live long enough to repay your loans.

Student loans often have very low minimum payments.3 If you can’t pay that, there is an easy fix. Tell the people you are paying that you can’t pay them. You

can get your payments adjusted based on income and amount of debt. Your minimum payment could be as low as $0 per month. If you can’t afford to pay anything for 25 years, your loans could be cancelled. If you work in certain public-service jobs for 10 years, your loan can be cancelled.4 If you call and need a couple of months to find a job or just pay off other debt, they can be deferred. Basically, if you can’t pay right then, you don’t have to.

It is hard for them to take your money if you don’t have money to give.

Now, there is a moral to this. The people who give you loans are kind and understanding. They will help you in any way possible. To reward their service, please pay off your loans. They gave you money; it is only fair that you give it back.

1. Take note: Unlike most of my columns, this one has real information. Listen to it.

2. Be impressed.

3. I deal with Walla Walla University loans, which are much smaller than most government or private loans. Government loans of $25,000 have an average monthly payment of $290.

Private loans vary widely based on the people offering the loan. While the contract might be boring, it is important to read it since it will follow you for possibly 10 years or more.

,

4. These specific cancellation requirements apply to government loans. Many providers have deferment options and will adjust your monthly payment based on ability to pay, but you need to read your contract for the specifics.

Since almost all students qualify for government loans, these cancellation requirements are still worth mentioning.

leadership award recipient // Elliot Fletcher

FRESHMAN, NURSING MAJOR

CHURCH OF PHILADELPHIA

This church service provides a unique student-led worship service focused on fellowship, friendship, and walking with Christ. It is a safe environment for sharing personal testimonies and learning about the love of Christ.

When: Saturday mornings, 10 a.m.

Where: 128 W. Whitman Drive (the brown house across from Rigby)

FEATURE 15

Brandon Torkelsen Feature Editor

debt-pocalypse SURVIVING COLLEGE LOANS

Once upon a time, college was universally considered a good idea.

Unfortunately, that is no longer the case. Over the last several years, college tuition prices have been rising exponentially. Since 2004, the prices of a four-year degree from your local state school has increased 33 percent, from $4,9621 per year to $8,596 per year. At nonprofit private schools, prices have risen 23 percent, from $17,655 per year to $27,352.2 This tuition spike cannot be blamed on one single factor, but states have been cutting their funding to state school. As state funding drops, federal funding has been increasing and school have been raising tuition without having to worry themselves with losing their states’ support. Today’s students are left to foot an ever-increasing school bill.

photos by kurtis lamberton

FEATURE 16 PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE

One way that students save money is by attending state schools instead of private ones. The national average cost of in-state tuition at state schools is $18,756 less than their private counterparts, although they offer much less financial aid. While some students may be discouraged by the quality of their state’s schools, students can attend many other regional colleges through programs like the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE).3 WICHE includes schools in 15 western states, and among other things, it allows students to pay 1.5 times the in-state tuition of a member school, reducing undergrad payments by $7,500 per year.4 This program enables students to attend many colleges that would otherwise be a financial impossibility.

WWU’S FINANCIAL AID BENEFITS

Here at Walla Walla University, students average about $8000 more debt than the average American graduate. Tuition ($28,737) is squarely below the average nonprofit private colleges ($40,917) and above in-state public schools ($18,391). However, WWU provides students with an average of $21,566 in financial aid, leaving the average out-of-pocket contribution at $8,959.

WWU STUDENT RESOURCES

Stephanie Onthank, associate director of loans, says, ”Walla Walla never wants to see a student default on a loan. We’re available, even after graduation.” Walla Walla students and alumni are enrolled in Life Skills®, online courses that address money issues in and after school. It is run by USA Funds, a nonprofit corporation that helps students prepare for, access, and achieve success in postsecondary educations by providing and supporting them with financial and other valued services.5 Students can access these by going to wallawalla.edu/life-skills.

PLIGHT OF DROPOUTS

The group is hit hardest by college loans is dropouts. Only 46 percent of American’s freshmen finish once they start. One reason for this may be that, over the last 40 years, the percentage of high school graduates in the workforce has dropped from 72 to 41 percent, meaning that more students are trying to go to college.6 Since dropouts don’t finish a degree, they have not increased their earning potential. Thirty percent of students who take out loans end up dropping out. These borrowers are less likely to find jobs and more likely make less money when they do. Dropouts account for 46.2 percent of student loan defaults (compared with 3.7 percent for students who graduate). An additional 36.4 percent of loan defaults belong to students who graduated with certificates.7

SABBATH JUBILEE PLAN

Walla Walla University President John McVay recently proposed a new 10-year vision for WWU. Part of the “Decade of Sabbath Jubilee” is that “Walla Walla University will develop and implement low-debt and no-debt trajectories to help students more easily live as post-graduates in productive service to God, church, and the world.”8 McVay said the school intends to help students to “make choices of vocation based on call and conviction, and not have their shoulders weighted down because of student financial aid. Some of it is thinking ahead, some of it is working hard, some of it is gaining a salable skill.” The school is hoping to help students on whatever trajectory is right for them, whether that looks like working at a higher-paying job or spending their first year at community college (with a WWU advisor).

FREE EDUCATION

Jordan Weissmann, a senior associate editor for The Atlantic, writes about a new possibility — free public college. Surprisingly, the government already spends more on higher education than it would cost to provide college for free. In 2013, students paid $62.6 billion in tuition to state schools. The federal government approved $69 billion in non-loan financial aid over the same time period. Over $25 million of that money already went to state schools.9

PAY-IT-FORWARD

Last summer, Oregon’s Legislature passed a bill to explore the possibility of eliminating tuition altogether. Under the Pay-It-Forward model, in return for free school, graduates with four-year degrees would repay 3 percent of their income for 24 years while students with two-year degrees would repay 1.5 percent.10 While this idea may not be the solution, law-makers across the country are working to alleviate the strain currently being placed on students.

FEATURE 17

how to find out All graphs and their data taken from: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2013/06/student-loan-debt-charts.

what you owe

In 2012, 71 percent of graduating college seniors had $29,400 taken out in loans.11 Walla Walla students borrow slightly more frequently; 81 percent of students have loans averaging just over $36,111 each.

CHECK YOUR STATUS AT:

WWW.NSLDS.ED.GOV To view your information, all you will need are: - Your Social Security number - The first two letters for your last name - Your date of birth - Your Personal Identification Number (Assigned to you when you completed the FAFSA)

Note: NSLDS does not display information about private student loans. For information on those loans, contact your lender.

1. Adjusted for inflation.

3. wiche.edu.

6. http://bit.ly/1g2EKV3. 9. bit.ly/1dxlbfW, bit.ly/1fdNYsP.

2. All non-WWU tuition statistics come from 4. bit.ly/1dWyb35. 7. bit.ly/1eD43ta.

The College Board. WWU statistics were provided by Student Financial Services.

5. bit.ly/1dQJdZb. 8. bit.ly/1efsqKg.

10. huff.to/1c5GmtL. 11. bit.ly/1bhwqrA.

LIFE LIFE

CULTUR ARTS & EMEDIA 18

films that are not like taco bell // Chad Aufderhar Arts & Media Editor Film and television are often guilty pleasures of mine when I am stressed and want to just spend some time mindlessly drifting through a few hours of a dull weekend. Like Taco Bell, it might seem like a good idea late at night, but it doesn’t make me a better person. I get far more excited about films that resonate with my life or the world around me in a meaningful way.

These are a couple that recently made it onto my favorites list because of that.

Rocket Science I found this film last week because Eef Barzelay, a singer/songwriter previously featured in this section, did the soundtrack. In this 2007 film about love, revenge, cellos, and high school debate competitions, Barzelay’s soundtrack is almost another character in the film. It acts as an emotional narrator of sorts and it really filled out the film. This was the first time I watched a movie because of the music in it and I was not disappointed. Rocket Science easily made it onto my favorites list.

Reece Thompson plays a young boy named Hal who has a severe stutter and is recruited to join the debate team by its current star Ginny Ryerson (Anna Kendrick). Don’t worry — it

doesn’t devolve into the cliche finding-one’svoice storyline. Hal says at the end of the film, “you know it shouldn’t, it really shouldn’t be, like rock-rock-rocket.” Rocket Science is not about perfection, but about finding a voice and a way despite it. It won me over by not ignoring the reality of life or victory in small things, things like pizza.

Bill Cunningham New York Fashion is a wonderful form of creativity and self expression, but I have not always seen it that way. Only recently did I gain respect for fashion and now I wish I could be more adept at relating to it. This film is a portrait of one of the most interesting, positive, and beautiful people I have seen. Bill Cunningham is one of the most well-known fashion photographers, but this documentary is not only for people who already know his name. He is a great example of the power and positivity that emanates from someone doing what he or she loves. Cunningham, 80 at the time this was filmed, has been a fashion photographer in New York for many decades. As I watched this film I saw the idea of fashion in a whole new light. I always assumed the fashion world was filled with uppity elites who determine how everyone else will strive to dress. Bill takes pictures of things he thinks look beautiful regardless of who is wearing it and where it is.

His attitude towards life, expression, and art is so infectious. I hope to find a place in the world someday like he has.

ASWWU Video

songs for sliding trees tiny.cc/slidingtrees

Wooden Indian Burial Ground “White Bats” This Portland band does psychedelic garage rock well, so well that you might just find yourself dancing with this sweaty, fuzzy, reverb monster.

New Madrid “Juniper” They pull from some of their southern rock roots to produce a cosmic and poppy Americana-infused rock that makes me long for the sunny humidity of Athens, Ga.

Mr. Gnome “Snow Slide” Experimental music that does some weird things, but is surprisingly catchy. This is a band to watch if I had to name one.

Real Estate “It’s Real” “A Taste of the Pudding” ASWWU Videos come out every Thursday. You might have seen it in last week’s CommUnity. So now it’s online, including some deleted scenes that were just too much for the church! vimeo.com/aswwu

Thursdays at 9:37 p.m.

Some warm pop from New Jersey. It is almost guaranteed to improve your disposition, even if you are stuck in really bad traffic.

LIFE

FOOD | 19

Andrea Johnson Food Editor

I find it hard to draw the distinction between authentic and authentic-inspired food. Especially with the glut (ah, what a word!) of food blogs/sites/ magazines/books making the rounds right now. And I’m pretty sure I have/follow them all. Seriously, I spend so much time reading about food, it’s a wonder I’m still in school. Anyway, I’m here to give you an exciting Indian (or is it Indian-inspired?) curry recipe straight from Julie Pierson, graduating senior, biology major.

But first, some questions: AJ: What is your favorite type of food?

JP: Mexican food.

AJ: What food have you made that you are most proud of?

JP: This recipe, although I am pretty proud of some desserts I’ve made recently.1 AJ: Where do you find cooking inspiration?

JP: Pinterest. Well, not always. My friends, really.

AJ: What would you like to learn to make?

JP: I’d like to learn to make more breads, like foccacia and such. And I would like to make “perfect” muffins.

The Food Fiend presents

lentils

and

lassi

RED LENTIL CURRY INGREDIENTS - 1 ½ cups lentils - Water to cover lentils - ½ medium onion - 2–3 garlic cloves - 1 can coconut milk - 1 15-oz. can diced tomatoes - 1 6-oz. can tomato paste

- ¼ tsp. turmeric - ¼ tsp. cumin - ¼ tsp. curry powder - 2–3 tbsp. curry paste - ¼ tsp. salt - 2–3 limes

In a medium-sized pot, add lentils and fill with water, ½ inch over the lentils. Place over med/high heat. In a separate pan, sauté onions and garlic until they are soft and translucent. Add 3 tbsp. coconut milk and turn heat to low. When lentils have absorbed most of the water, add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, turmeric, cumin, curry powder, curry paste, and salt, and turn to med/low heat.

After five minutes, add coconut milk and onion mixture.

When lentils have softened, add lime juice, and adjust spices and water as necessary.

AJ: Where do you like to go out to eat?

JP: Taqueria Yungapeti! I go there at least every other week.

1. She’s talking about this one. It’s heavenly. http://tinyurl.com/frozen-raspberry-swirl. photo by andrea johnson

notes and suggestions - Remember to stir lentils periodically to keep them from sticking to the pot.

- Curry paste is more important than curry powder. If you have to choose, go for paste, as it is more flavorful.

- Get to know your curry paste. Some can be quite spicy; so if you’re unsure, add a little at a time. Better safe than sorry.

- Or, if you have mild curry paste and want more heat, add some cayenne.

mango and raspberry lassi INGREDIENTS - 3 cups frozen mango - ½ cup frozen raspberries - 1 1/2 cups plain yogurt - ¾ cups milk (I used almond)

- 2–3 tbsp. honey - ¼ tsp. ground cardamom (opt. but recommended)

Blend all ingredients. Feel free to adjust ingredients for desired flavor and consistency. Drink and enjoy.

- For faster cooking time, soak lentils for 1–2 hours. Bring up to heat before adding remaining ingredients.

- Curry is good. Curry with naan1 is best. photo by andrea johnson photo by andrea johnson

1. tinyurl.com/deliciousnaan.

LIFE FASHION | 20

Style Challenge with Rory Ross // Brenda negoescu Fashion Editor This is Rory Ross, another one of our Style Challenge participants. Rory was the first to inquire about the project and decided he wanted to be a part of it. We were very excited to work with him, as he decided he wanted to give us a total of $240 to put together an entire wardrobe for him.

Brenda: Why did you initially decide to take part in the style challenge?

2 pairs of pants Grey twill pants, $18, H&M; Brown pants, $20, H&M

OUR PICKS

Budget Given: $240 Total Spent: $245

2 sweaters Dark blue knit sweater, $14, H&M; Cream knit sweater, $5, Goodwill

2 pairs of shoes Gray leather sneakers, $28, Call It Spring; Brown suede high-top sneakers, $35, Call It Spring

1 jacket Quilted faux leather jacket, $34, Forever 21

3 T-shirts Black, white, and grey crew neck T-shirts, $4 each, H&M

1 vest Down vest, $25, Forever 21

1 Henley button shirt Henley button shirt, $6, H&M 2 button–up shirts Chambray button-up shirt, $10, Forever 21; Plaid button-up shirt, $14, Forever 21 1 tie Red tie, $2, Goodwill 1 scarf Circle scarf, $10, H&M

BEFORE “BESIDES GETTING THE AWESOME CLOTHES AND LOOKING GOOD, I HAVE ALSO RECEIVED A BOOST OF CONFIDENCE WHICH HELPS ME BELIEVE MORE IN MYSELF AND ACHIEVE MORE.”

Rory: The main reason that I decided to take part in the style challenge was that I am getting ready to graduate and start working in the business world, which means I need to look my best and dress for success, rather than just throwing things on or wearing sweats.

B: Do you feel you got value out of the project?

R: Most certainly! My money was well used and again I feel like a new man with the renewed confidence in myself, and definitely stylish, prepared and ready to take on whatever comes my way. I’ve been receiving a lot of compliments.

For more about Rory’s style challenge, visit www.chiffonandcherries.com and www.diarylamode.com

AFTER

Skii

photos by kurtis lamberton

STYLE PROFILE Jordan Spady

Spanish, Pre–Physical Therapy Who/what is your style inspiration?

I don’t really know that I have a specific inspiration, but I do kind of keep up with Jackthreads. I like really bold colors and designs.

photos by brenda negoescu

Sport Coat: Calvin Klein Shirt: Mossimo at Target Jeans: Levi’s at Kohl’s Shoes: Filas at Jackthreads Watch: G-Shock Scarf: Jackthreads

ASWWU APPAREL NOW AVAILABLE! ASWWU.WALLAWALLA.EDU/STORE

LIFE

OUTDOORS | 21

Outdoor Destination: Leavenworth // Justin mock

Student Spotlight: Snowy Snack

Health & Outdoors Editor As Presidents’ Day weekend (February 14–17) fast approaches, the time for planning is now.

This weekend, commonly referred to as Snow Frolic weekend by many WWU students, is an ideal opportunity to get outdoors and participate in some winter sports. Since our travel editor, Jon Mack, has the week off, I thought I would share an outdoor travel destination that lies only three and a half hours from Walla Walla and would be a great fit for the upcoming snow frolic weekend.

Leavenworth, Washington, is a small city of about 2,000 residents located on the East side of the Cascade Mountain Range near Wenatchee. The city is modeled in a Bavarian style and has the appearance of a German mountain town. The city’s full schedule of activities and events can keep any visitor busy in town, but the surrounding rivers, trails, lakes, and mountains have great things to offer to any outdoor enthusiast.

photo by cathy cabrera

This past week, Tyler Wiseman, a WWU sophomore and native Canadian, told me about a Canadian dessert that’s worth sharing. It even involves the outdoors.

You will need a patch of fresh snow, some maple syrup, and a popsicle stick. Carefully drizzle the maple syrup in thin lines across the snow. After the syrup cools to a firm yet pliable consistency, roll the thin strip around the popsicle stick, creating a knob of syrup the end of the stick.

As the health editor, I must warn that maple syrup should only be eaten in moderation. However, I am planning on getting some maple syrup ready for any future snowfall.

photo by aweekendaway

photo by leavenworth . org

photo by espn . go . com

Skiing and Snowboarding

Snowshoeing

Other Activities

Leavenworth is a great location for skiing or snowboarding. The city itself is home to one local ski hill with two groomed hills that are serviced by rope tows. In addition to this local hill, there are two larger ski resorts, Mission Ridge and Stevens Pass, just a short drive away.

These two full-sized ski resorts, which both offer more than 35 downhill runs, boast about their high frequency of sunshiny days and their dry powder.

With nearly nine miles of snowshoeing trails, the city of Leavenworth is a great place to try out the sport of snowshoeing for the first time. The three different trails offer sections of varying skill level and terrain, and some trails are even lit after dark for night snowshoeing. Also, if you want to take your snowshoeing to the next level, the Okanogan–Wenatchee National forest is nearby, offering some less tame snowshoeing locations for the more experienced.

Besides skiing and snowshoeing, Leavenworth offers other winter activities — both the classic and unusual.

Leavenworth offers sleigh rides, snowmobiling, sledding, and tubing, providing everyone with a way to get outdoors in some form. Also, several local businesses offer dog sledding tours upon reservation, giving visitors a chance to be pulled through the snow-covered trees by a team of sled dogs.

Weekly Winter Warm-Up

To get active this week, go ice blocking. All you need is a block of ice purchased from the grocery store and a good-sized hill. Sit on the ice block and let gravity do the rest.

It is a cheap and fun way to sled even without the snow.

LIFE SCIENCE | 22

Can you do a loop-de-loop on a pogo stick? // Joe Hughes

Science & Tech Editor Alright, I’ll admit it: I’ve been talking to myself again. Mostly about a question — a question so bizarre, so irrelevant, and so fantastically awesome that I just had to share it:

Can you do a loop-de-loop on a pogo stick?

I really didn’t know the answer to this one until I sat down and did the numbers.

The first thing that’s really odd about looping on a pogo stick is that you always bounce away from the surface. This makes things difficult because when you bounce at the top you’ll move towards the center and have trouble bouncing again. This makes pogo loop-de-loops much harder than unicycle loop de loops, which are just as absurd, but mathematically trivial.

Because of the bouncing at the top thing, I wasn’t too optimistic about it at first, but then I remembered that people do pogo backflips all the time, so couldn’t they just tap the wall a few times on their way around? Well, that’s where we are going to start — the three-bounce walkover.

goes

Bounce 1: The Approach This is the set up. Aim to land at the 5:30 position on an analog clock. Line up, breathe deep, and get ready for ...

Bounce 2: The Muscle This is the big one — explode out of the bottom at 7 m/s, tilted back at 15 degrees.

Once you extend, you’ll want to tuck your knees and bring the pogo stick close to your body so you don’t catch the tip on the walls as you lean back and rotate over. If your center of mass has a velocity of exactly 7 m/s, you’ll want an angular velocity of 98 rpm so that you can extend and push off the top of the loop. Push just hard enough to give yourself .25 m/s of extra velocity straight down. This leads us straight into ...

Bounce 3: The Catch So now you’re going .25 m/s headfirst towards the ground, which is about half a second away, but don’t panic. You’ll want to keep that rotation up, and the extra downward velocity you gained will keep you away from the far wall, so feel free to extend.

Remember to spot your landing; you’ll be touching down at about the 6:15 position on an analog clock. Once you land it, feel free to whoop with joy and spray champagn-erMartinelli’s all over the place.

But what if you want to do more than just touch the top on your way over? Well then the loop troop is for you.

Bounce 1: The Approach Channel down the runway at about 2 m/s, keep your eye on the 4:30 mark on the loop and go for it. Land and position yourself for ...

Bounce 2: The Arc Lift off at 4.95 m/s at 45 degrees backwards. While this is less speed than the walkover, you will have a bigger velocity c h a n g e , so you’ll definitely feel your legs t o m o r r o w.

Lean back hard once y o u ’ r e airborne and pull your knees to your chest while you rotate, keeping the foot pedals tight to your feet. Extend and touch down at the 8:30 mark on the other side to the loop. You’ll be coming in at about 45 degrees from horizontal, so this is a tricky landing. Try and cushion the landing to dissipate some of your speed.

dr

aw i

ng

sb y

jo

eh ug

he

s

Oooh, almost forgot! Assumptions: radius of loop = 2 meters, max. Take-off speed = 7 m/s (world record for height would indicate 7.58 m/s maximum). Max. angle against vertical: 30 degrees.

The maneuver something like this:

Bounce 3: The Recovery If you can come out of this well, you’ve made it. You’ll want to leave at 24 degrees from horizontal, which means you actually want to pitch down a bit. Swing your feet forward to land back on the ground and begin celebrations.

But what if you want to get more than one bounce at the top? Physics says no. Because you always have to bounce away from the surface, you can’t get more than one bounce in the upper arc. If we let ourselves bounce at an angle we can get it up to 3:15 and as far back as 9:15 (half our max. departure angle), but no more. Also, that’s not allowing any room to rotate the pogo stick, so we’d have some serious trouble not catching it on the walls.

Now if we had a decreasing radius loop, things would be different. Since the ground would always come up to meet us faster than it did last time, we could (theoretically) get as many bounces as we wanted at the top. We’d probably run into some issues with size of the pogo stick and strength of the person, but that’s another article.

So, now we’ve shown it’s physically possible to do loop-de-loops in three different ways on a pogo stick. I guess the only thing to do is build a loop and wait around for someone with the balls to try it.

Got a question?

Have a bonkers question? Have a serious question? Want to talk about cats in space? Send me questions on anything as serious as electron spin or silly as frostingcovered rabbits on pogo sticks and I'll do my best.

— Joe (joseph.hughes@wallawalla.edu)

LIFE LOCAL/SPORTS | 23

I've Been to the Drive-In // SEAHAWKS & BRONCOS// TimOTHy barbosa

Grayson Andregg

Local Attractions Editor I’ve come to the startling realization that my appreciation for heavy fog isn’t as unwavering as I once believed. As the sun sets around 4 o’clock in the afternoon every day and I eat my dinner in the pitch black darkness of night, I think back to the warm, blissful nights of summer that seem too far in the past to remember and too far in the future to anticipate.

Seeing as the booming metropolis of Walla Walla is supported mainly by the presence of college students, I remember how the valley reverts to a simpler mindset during lazy summer days. Once a thriving industry, drive-in movie theaters lost relevance as the vacuum tube went out of style, but the valley stubbornly held tight to one. Just over the Oregon border (which is like two minutes away — I find it remarkable how few people know that), the Milton–Freewater Drive-In stands abandoned every winter, waiting for spring to appear. I’m looking forward to going back again and experiencing a novelty unique to this area, and to being back in the warm embrace of spring.

Also, I have a terrible awareness of the passing of time. Punxsutawney may have its groundhog to mark the end of winter, I have the Milton–Freewater Drive-In.

Sports Editor “The Seattle Seahawks are going to Super Bowl XLVIII. This has been a dream to hear for those of us in the great PNW ever since that disgrace of a Super Bowl back in 2005, but this year it is going to be much, much different.

Now I’ve got nothing against the Denver Broncos, in fact I rather enjoy watching them, but this one is going to have ‘no love lost, and no love found.’”

— Richard Sherman

The NFL’s all-time best on-paper offense against the NFL’s #1 defense, 4th all-time, might be the greatest Super Bowl matchup of our generation.

No one could’ve asked for two more different, or more dominant, teams. Is the deep, talented backfield of Seattle built to stop Peyton Manning, possibly the greatest quarterback of all time? Is the front line of Denver strong enough to hold down Marshawn Lynch, arguably the hardest person to tackle in the NFL? Next Sunday’s game is not only going to be thrilling but also heartbreaking, for some of us.

Good luck to everyone — try not to let the game ruin friendships or your love for the game.

photo by francis miller

Local Events Ice Chalet 50’s Night Skate

Grease

YWCA Ice Chalet Gesa Power House Theatre Jan. 26 from 4:30–5:30 p.m.

Jan. 31 & Feb. 1 from 7–9 p.m.

Admission: $2. Rentals: $3 Admission by donation.

Break out the poodle skirts and Be sure to catch this classic show leather jackets and come on by performed live by Lincoln High to sample the doo-wop on ice. School.

Complimentary root beer floats will be given out and good times The Boys Next Door are sure to be had.

Little Theatre of Walla Walla Irish Jam Session Feb. 7 & 8 from 8–10 p.m.

Admission: $14 Journey’s This is the story of four men with Jan. 29 from 7–9 p.m.

This free gathering of Celtic various mental disorders living in musicians promises a unique a group home. The play offers a experience. Bring a kilt and get humorous but honest perspective a free beard. Nah, not really. of the mentally disabled and their But new musicians are always relationship with society. Read more about the play online. welcome!

One Act Play Contest

Harper Joy Theatre Feb. 12 & 13 from 8–9 p.m.

Adults: $12. Students: $8 Be the judge of Whitman College’s own festival of one acts! Students write and submit original scripts, which are performed and then evaluated by the audience.

Ballroom Dance Lessons

Milton Freewater Community Building Feb. 2 from 3:30–5 p.m.

This free lesson beckons all those in pursuit of a little bit of refinement. Come get some class in Oregon.

photos under creative commons

The wolves The Walla Walla University Wolves have been on somewhat of a hot streak these past couple weeks. The men’s basketball team has won two of their last three games, including a big 111–92 win over Multnomah University. Player of the game goes to Luke Spady for the second straight week: Spady scored 34 points in 25 minutes with an 84% shooting average. We needed that, Luke — thanks for the amazing effort.

The Lady Wolves lost on Sunday night 81–55, but I’d give player of the game to Karly Joseph, who tallied 16 points and 7 assists in the game.

Keep attending the games; I think a win streak is on the horizon for both our teams. Try to keep calm in these next few weeks when it comes to sports.

It’ll be hard.

photo by bleacherreport . com

back

word

The Art of Flirtexting // There is nothing more stressful than trying to flirt with someone through texting.

Texting is the reason for so many mixed messages, crossed signals, and messed-up intentions (and that’s just from texting your grandma). It’s a minefield of punctuation acting as facial expressions and letter abbreviations masquerading as full phrases.

With acronyms such as “AWGTHTGTTA” (which is short for “Are we going to have to go through this again?” Yes. This is actually a real shorthand.) showing up in texting conversations, how is anyone ever supposed to flirt effectively?

Wanna g2 *$ & get a drink? BC u r DDG & 14 ur :D DISTO? !?!

Yeah. Exactly.

Flirtation is an art form that can lead to a potential meaningful relationship. But how do you make the transition from awkward shoulder pats and over enthusiastic laughing — you know the kind, the, “HA-HA-HAOmg WHY am I laughing so loud??” — to witty textual banter?

Flirtexting (Boom. New word.) can be great and convenient, but it could also be completely disastrous. Once, I took a picture of myself wearing an outfit I was hoping to wear the next time I saw my crush. I sent it to my friend with the caption: “Think he’ll like it? :p.” In classic over-hormonal fashion, I sent the text to him by mistake. I feel like there is still a dent on the wall of my Conard dorm room where I threw my phone in despair.

Slip ups likes these, and other texting faux pas, can be avoidable if you can whirl up some self-control. New flash: Getting the number of your crush isn’t the hard part (especially if you get it off the Mask — which I don’t recommend), the hard part is putting your best foot (or keyboard) forward in making a good impression.

So before you press send, remember these few simple guidelines: 1. Don’t always text first. Sometimes?

Absolutely. Always? No. I know, I know, you want to know what they are doing right now.

This very instance. This very heartbeat. Where

verbatim

Rachel

Logan BackWord Editor

on this campus are they consuming oxygen? In the caf? In the library? Can you join? Can you?

4. And lastly remember: there is a distinct hierarchal order to emoji grins.

2. And then the question: Why didn’t they reply? It’s been four whole minutes. Now five. Now six. What are they doing? Maybe they didn’t get your text? Should you send it again? It probably didn’t go through ... NO. Unless they are in a very dark hole (the Rigby computer lab, for instance), then they got your text, and then, they didn’t reply. Freak out not. This might mean they are actually doing something during they day, like going to class, or something. ...

The :) indicates friendly, sweet interaction

3. Wait. Oh. My. Goodness. They replied.

Yep. That was not an imaginary chirp this time. That was actually the sound of their text (typed by their actual fingers) flying through the air and landing in your very phone. Now you need to reply so they know you got it!

Even though they took an hour to respond, a two minute wait time is long enough ... STOP. Take a breath and wait. Let them think you are doing something other than staring at your phone (even if you aren’t).

What is something awkward that has happened to you while texting someone?

“Once I was texting two different guys at the same

The :p is teasing and playful The (; is flirty, but cautious The ;) is distinctly flirty It’s important to recognize the significance of each face so that you know how to use to use them properly. The feelings you convey with: “Hey :)” is completely different than “Hey ;)” Don’t confuse them.

All jokes aside, it’s important to remember the reason behind your texting. Texting can be a powerful tool to use to get to know a person, but it can also be easy to abuse. In a lot of ways it’s easier to flirt through texting than in person, and that can lead to trouble. Before you know it, you can be sending winks here, winks there, and then you have four different girls or guys thinking that you are into them when you are really just being loose with your emojis. Just like in real life relationships, it’s important to have respect for the person you are talking to. xoxoxo :D :) :p ;) Rach

confession

time, my ex and my new boyfriend. I sent a text to

“I'm going to be a weird Alzheimer's patient, don't you think?”

— Deborah Silva

“If this turns you on, I've accomplished my mission.”

— Curt Nelson

“And sex, for that matter.

You don't want to miss that.”

— David Lindsey, on how chromosomes work

“What does it taste like? Lemons?”

— Sara Segura, interrogating a friend about a kiss

“We all know that size does matter to some extent.”

— Janice McKenize, on muscle fibers

my new boyfriend telling him about my ex, but I realized accidentally sent it to my ex instead.”

“When I'm texting a new girl I'm always doing that awkward waiting thing. You know? She texts back after five minutes, so of course I need to wait six ...”

“My friend once texted someone to ask if they knew the sexual orientation of our friend

Sincerely, Please Don’t Shine The Spotlight On Me

Heather*. But instead of sending the text to our friend, she sent the text about Heather to Heather. Awkward.”

“I was sitting in the car with my friends Silvia* and Kayla* driving on the way to dinner. I texted my friend Silvia across the car to ask her if she knew if our friend Kayla had been dumped by her boyfriend of several years. But I sent the text to

Have something funny to report?

Email me at: Rachel.Logan@wallawalla.edu

So you know that Christmas concert that the choir did? A couple of us may or may not have performed in just our robes, shoes, and socks ...

Kayla by mistake. It was even more uncomfortable when it turned out she had been dumped.” *Names have been changed to preserve anonymity.

To submit anonymous confessions, type: wwuconfessions.tumblr.com into your browser and click the Ask Me Anything button at the top.