The
ISSUE 88.15
Clocktower UNION COLLEGE
FEBRUARY 26, 2014
THE WAYFARING CARROT
Photos courtesy of Cassandra Johnson
“I like to think [this photo] expresses the joy I find from traveling and exploring culture. I can no longer imagine staying in one place for the rest of my life. It scares me that there is so much beauty out there—everywhere—that I might miss. I may be cultivating an addiction.” (Taken from thewayfaringcarrot.wordpress.com.)
“After all the adrenaline and anticipation of the past couple days, now I’m here in Austria. And I find myself sitting in a cafeteria with unfamiliar faces speaking unfamiliar tongues. I have to admit, a small part of me can’t help but wish I were home. Getting out of my comfort zone proves challenging sometimes.” For one summer, I was The Wayfaring Carrot: blogger and world traveler extraordinaire. The above quote was a paragraph in the first post during my stay at Seminar Schloss Bogenhofen in Austria through Adventist Colleges Abroad. I studied German for a summer semester with my best friend, Maureen McCarthy. We spent mornings in classes learning the CASSANDRA language and afternoons traveling the local area. On weekends, cities JOHNSON such as Vienna, Munich and Salzburg were our stomping grounds. For that summer, castles were commonplace. Spending days immersed in language and customs I did not understand was at first intimidating, then invigorating, and I grew more adventurous during my short time there. This was apparent through the changing tone of my blog posts. Traveling became a part of my identity, a necessity for growth. This summer, I’ll be traveling to Europe with my stepsister, a professional volleyball player in Sweden. My summer abroad whet an appetite for a lifetime of exploration. Even if you consider yourself a homebody, traveling abroad will expand your horizons and change the way you view the world.
To read about Cassie’s travels, visit her blog at thewayfaringcarrot.wordpress.com.
CASSANDRA JOHNSON is a senior pursuing a business pre-med degree.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE ► DON’T COMPLAIN, CHANGE
COME TO KRUEGER IN PJs
INSTAGRAM ETIQUETTE
REJECTED IN RWANDA
OPINION, PAGE 2
ON CAMPUS, PAGE 3
CULTURE, PAGE 4
SPECIAL INTEREST, PAGE 5
OPINION
PAGE 2
DON’T COMPLAIN, CHANGE
CATALYZE CHANGE THROUGH SENATE I had a boss once who challenged my coworkers and me to never complain. Not once. Not about anything, no matter how SPENCER severe the irritation. WAY We were asked instead to take matters into our own hands, develop solutions, propose changes, and make them work. The results left a deep impression on me, and I learned that it is better to solve than to only diagnose. Everyone knows what is wrong but few know how to make a difference. If only the lesson had stuck. I have since heard myself complain, mostly about Union College. Worse yet, the complaints often end like this: “Whatever. It’s Union. Not like anything will ever change.” How untrue. Union College has a paid senate of students, an administrative wing dedicated to hearing you and putting your plan into action, and a passionate faculty and staff that will listen to suggestions and compromise in myriad ways. One way to turn your solution into reality is by writing a bill for Senate.
COMMON EXCUSES FOR NOT TRYING
“Money is for graduates and other people, so my idea is impossible.” False. Senate and their associates in Deans’ Council will help you figure out how to fund your bill. “Administration will just veto my idea because they don’t like it.” No, Senate has a real vote. If you can convince your fellow students to support your idea, Senate will do its part to mold your bill into something Administration will support. Let’s not get crazy though–this isn’t Colorado. “Senators are busy.” True, but they have to propose one bill per year. They would love to advocate initiatives their districts are excited about.
THE PROCESS 1. You have a student senator representing you based on where you live. You can find them on the ASB website (listed below) and run any ideas by them before writing a bill. 2. Senators can give you feedback and tips to make your idea more successful. They can also provide you with a template for your bill. 3. Writing a bill takes work, but it is not impossible. You will need: a title, a main goal, a baic understanding of the financial implications, and a description of your research. You do not have to craft a perfect plan through to completion. Senate and Deans’ Council will work with you in order to make a bill happen.
SPENCER WAY is a senior studying business administration.
For more information, visit asb.ucollege.edu to learn how to make a difference.
(continued on Do pageyou 6) have questions? While this social media app may not help you understand the meaning of life, it can hook you up with people who can answer smaller inquiries. From Twitter cofounder Biz Stone, this app caters to the naturally curious as well as those who stockpile uncanny amounts of trivia. Ask a question (with an accompanying picture) or offer an answer, it’s that simple. Bonus: learning that there JELLYFISH really is such a thing as a dumb question. Download Jelly and let the entertainment, inquiries, and answers ensue.
APP
OF THE WEEK
By Emily Syvertson
ON CAMPUS
PAGE 3
KRUEGER CENTER WELCOMES PAJAMAS WITH OPEN DOORS The bricks harden in the sun as light rays glisten through largepaned windows. Men in orange vests and hard hats slowly piece together CHELSEA the skeleton. Union ZUMWALT College has watched in anticipation as the Krueger Center—the new math and science building—has grown and filled with furniture. Many people lost hope in ever seeing the building completed. To all those doubters and to those who kept on hoping, it has finally come: the Krueger Center is opening. On Wednesday, March 5, the new building will open its doors to students. Those who come between 7:50 and 8:20 a.m. will be rewarded with a complimentary breakfast, and a small program will be held during the meal. The building will be open for students, faculty and staff to walk around and finally feast their eyes on the finished project. Some of you may be shaking your heads at waking
Soon the Krueger Center’s doors will welcome your sleepy heads and slippers. up and becoming presentable by 7:50 in the morning, but rest assured this event isn’t just the opening of the new building. It’s also a pajama party. So don your cutest Bugs Bunny onesie and duck slippers and stroll on over to the party. Rumor has it that you may glimpse
President John Wagner himself in his bedtime best at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. CHELSEA ZUMWALT is a senior studying nursing and pre-allied health.
STUDY ABROAD The Adventist Colleges Abroad (ACA) director Odette Ferreira is coming to Union College along with representatives from Germany, Spain, and Italy. If you’re interested, keep these things in mind: Deadlines to apply to ACA are March 31st for the academic year (2014-2015) and May 30th for the summer (2014). After applying, get a passport and fill out your FAFSA forms as soon as possible. If you are serious about applying, visit Tamara Seiler, the ACA coordinator for Union College, in her office in the Division of Humanities or email her at tagoodri@ucollege.edu.
TALK TO THE ACA REPS Friday, Febr. 28 & Monday, March 3: The ACA representatives will be in the Ortner Center lobby throughout the day handing out info and answering questions. Monday, March 3: The ACA representatives will show a video and host a Q & A session in the President’s Dining Room at 6-7:30 p.m. Bring your own dinner, but save room for some free dessert. Please RSVP to Tamara Seiler at tagoodri@ucollege.edu so she knows how many cheesecakes to order.
CULTURE
PAGE 4
FIVE BLOGS YOU SHOULD FOLLOW I get it. Blogs are so 2004. WordPress and Blogger have given way to Facebook and Twitter. But wait—that’s not quite true. A blog by STEVEN definition is “a personal FOSTER website or web page on which an individual records opinions, links to other sites, etc. on a regular basis.” Social media has turned everyone into a blogger. So, eager young blogger, instead of posting about why an unnamed yet obviously recognizable person bothers you or that depressing song lyric, why not post relevant content that your friends would enjoy reading about? After all, a blog is only as good as its content. To get you started, here are five blogs that I recommend: mensweardog.tumblr.com
1. “Menswear Dog.” Shiba Inus are cute enough by themselves, but when they are dressed in J. Crew’s spring line-up, they’re “totes adorbs.” The creativity and design that goes into this blog will easily keep you entertained. 2.“This Song is Sick.” This is my favorite music blog and I’ve been a loyal follower for years. If you love electronic, indie and hip-hop and want to know what bands your friends will be listening to, this is the blog for you. 3.“Designspiration.” If you are a creative person, then this blog is a must. Whenever I need project inspiration, this blog is one of the first I take a gander at. The designs are incredible and inspire me to create something new every time. 4. “Coffee and the Newspaper.”
thissongissick.com
designspiration.net
It’s menswear. It’s incredible food. It’s everything a classy man wants in picture form. Ladies can enjoy the well-dressed men and the food as well. 5. “Loves to Picnic” No, Big Rich(ard Young) didn’t pay me for this promotion, but I have to say that I love to peruse his blog from time to time. He posts great content, a lot of which includes you and me. The list of incredible blogs goes on forever, but you just need to ask yourself, “What do I like?” Trust me, there’s a blog out there devoted to it. Learn to expand your tastes and blog often.
STEVEN FOSTER is a junior studying communication.
coffeeandthenewspaper.tumblr.com
lovestopicnic.com
HOW TO BE AN OBNOXIOUS INSTAGRAMMER KATIE MORRISON
Social media is blowing up. If you don’t have a Twitter or Instagram account, you are the minority. So how do you stand out? Here are a few ways to rile up your fellow
Instagrammers: 1. Hashtag thoroughly. The whole idea behind hashtagging is brilliant. It connects thousands of different photos from all over the world with a shared word or phrase. Take advantage of this by hashtagging every possible thing that comes to mind. When someone posts a picture of their dog and the list includes #brown and #cuddly, I’m personally thrilled. People find it necessary to point out such obvious details. Forget using hashtags just as witty
punch lines. 2. Take selfies, especially mirror shots. Sometimes you’re just feeling super fine and you want photographic evidence. Sometimes you feel that way three times a day. Selfies are especially appropriate when yoga pants are your best friends. Add that mirror/messy room combo and you’re golden. 3. Post everything you eat. There are entire Instagram accounts devoted to posting quality photos of healthy foods or snacks that make you want to eat your weight in fruits and veggies. But those can get boring. People want to see your late night snack of M&Ms and Gatorade. You don’t even need a filter or good lighting. 4. Use day-of-the-week hashtags. Faithfully post daily hashtags such as Man Candy Monday, Woman Crush Wednesday,
and Throwback Thursday. But forget giving a shout-out to your boyfriend or best friend. When every single picture on your feed features Ryan Gosling or Beyoncé, your followers’ self-esteem and patience will skyrocket. If your posts aren’t repetitive, you might find yourself losing followers faster than Justin Bieber—an admirable feat. 5. Show us your workout pics. We don’t feel bad enough about ourselves. We want you flaunting your shirtless muscles. So please. Continue. If you find a copy of this article on your pillow, consider taking these tips to heart the next time you post a picture.
KATIE MORRISON is a junior studying business administration.
SPECIAL INTEREST
PAGE 5
REJECTED IN RWANDA A SURVIVAL GUIDE “I’m sorry, there is simply no way you can conduct research in a refugee camp.” My heart sinks to the bottom of my soggy shoes MICHAEL as I stare at the portly ROHM Argentine behind the desk. “But I’ve—” I sigh and turn toward the rain-spattered window. And inhale, one, two, three, four, five, and hold, hold . . . hold; now exhale and repeat. The breathing exercise seems to work, but I still feel the urge to rip my hair out. I would rip his out, too, if age and genetics hadn’t already done so. I want to draw a map of exactly how far Oregon is from Rwanda. I want to rant about the hundreds of hours in airplanes, buses, boats, ferries, trains, mutatus, motorcycles, and longhaul trucks. Not to mention the border crossings, the wild animals, the swindlers, and the threat of detainment in Zimbabwe. But none of that matters now. I will not be conducting research in a refugee camp. The purpose of my trip in Africa has popped like a balloon. I am in a foreign country, a
soaking wet foreign country, with no money in my pocket, no plans on my agenda, and no ticket home for another month. Here’s how to avoid this when planning to volunteer, work, or conduct research overseas: • If you have a specific plan then you need to arrange it far in advance. But not too far in advance. Trust your heart, but it’ll probably be wrong. • One phone call is the equivalent of 100 emails. I’ve tested this. Unless you have talked to somebody of importance on the phone consider nothing set in stone. • Allow for change. If you have your mind set on interviewing mothers in a refugee camp, at least have a backup plan. In fact, always have a backup plan. • Cash is king. Never rely on the ATM. Mo’ plastic, mo’ problems. • Have a sense of humor. If you can’t laugh about wandering dejected around a strange and stormy capital city where few people speak English and nobody cares that you’re an American college student just trying to get by, what can you do? If you have an answer, please find me and tell me.
• Be adaptable. This is the key. Sometimes the best opportunities present themselves after the most crippling disappointment, but you have to be willing to go where the adventure leads. Bounce back, take a chance, and discover something great. Because of government policy, I never interviewed a single mother in a refugee camp. However, the portly Argentine, the director of a non-profit, allowed me to spend a week at one of the refugee camps in the Southern Province of Rwanda. After that I stumbled into an opportunity to follow a group working with economic empowerment and peace and reconciliation, which is now the focus of my current research project. In the end, everything worked out. It was messy, complicated, and stressful, but it did work out.
MICHAEL ROHM is a senior pursuing a personalized degree in international relief and communication.
UPCOMING EVENTS SUN 23
MON 24
TUE 25
WED 26
THU 27 General Assembly, 10:30 a.m. @ Administration Building
FRI 28 Vespers: Power Pac, 7:30 p.m. @ CVC
SAT 1 CVC services, 9 a.m. and noon V2, 6 p.m.@ CVC
Power Pac, 7 p.m. @ CVC
2
4
3 Nursing application deadline ACA Q&A and video, 6-7:30 @ President’s Dining Room
5 Tuition Freedom Day Chapel, 10:30 a.m. @ CVC
Student Recital, 7 p.m. @ Engel Hall
6 Spring Career Fair, Noon LEAD Committee, 2:30 p.m. @ Administration Bulding
Faculty Senate, 10:30 a.m. @ Administration Building
ASB Mr. & Mrs. World Pageant @ Thunderdome 7
8 Graduation gown orders due
CVC services, 9 a.m. and noon
SPECIAL INTEREST & SPORTS
PAGE 6
ASK AMBER
Dear Amber,
AMBER ALAS
I am going on my second semester of college. I am a bit embarrassed to admit how homesick I still get. Many people were homesick last semester, but it seems like everyone got over it—except for me. The distance between my family in Colorado and me is really starting to affect me. What can I do to keep these emotions from getting the best of me?
Sincerely, Homesick
Dear Homesick, It’s understandable that you feel this way. You have left behind what was familiar and comfortable to you, and now you are trying to get adjusted to this new chapter in your life. Just because other people aren’t mentioning they miss home doesn’t mean they don’t. Leaving my home in California was really tough, and it always got harder when school and work stress got worse. When I lived at home I had my whole support system. I’ve learned to cope with homesickness by taking extra steps to make sure I reach out to my
family. Here are my suggestions: Call or text them more often. Even if it’s a simple “good morning.” Give them a random phone call every once in a while. Connect on FaceTime or Skype. Video chatting makes longdistance conversations more personal and fun because you can actually see your loved ones’ expressions. Plus, if you have an iPhone, you can do it from anywhere you are. Send them letters or little gifts. Be old fashioned and write to them or send them mini packages full of holiday goodies or souvenirs from Nebraska. Keep mementos. When you come to school, bring little pieces of home with you. Maybe it’s a blanket you sleep with when you’re there or a framed family picture. Talk about your feelings with someone. Don’t just hold them in. Talk to a counselor, a teacher, a friend or roommate. Get involved. Participating in campus activities can help you make new friends and relieve some stress on the weekends. Be patient. It does get easier with time. You just have to work at it and make small adjustments.
Sincerely, Amber
AMBER ALAS is a senior nursing student.
Have a question or situation that you think could benefit from someone else’s perspective? Ask Amber at www.tinyurl.com/uc-askamber. All inquiries are anonymous, so you get the insight without being in sight.
MEN’S BASKETBALL FINISHES SEASON It is no secret that the Union College Warriors men’s basketball team had a rough season, finishing with a record of one win and nineteen DAN losses. CARLSON The team battled through injuries that perpetually changed the lineup. Team captain Tyler Morrison said, “One of the positive values players learn from the game of basketball is perseverance. When the structure of the team is constantly changing, it is hard to build team chemistry, and our record
portrayed that. However, our record did not show the heart and perseverance that was displayed both individually and as a team no matter what the odds, score, or record was.” The men scored their first win just before Christmas break and were looking forward to carrying that momentum into the next semester. With the return of sophomore Cody Cowin and the addition of senior Chavez Morris, team spirits were up. But the wins never came. The Warriors had many close games second semester, but they did not add to the win count. When asked about the season, head coach Ron Dodds said, “I don’t feel like I
got the team in game shape, and sometimes it’s just tough to win. But I felt that we grew as a team throughout the year and we fought hard.” The Warriors men are looking forward to a fresh start next year and are hoping to maintain the same positive attitude they held throughout this season. They would also like to thank the fans for showing support and consistently providing the loudest gym to play in.
DAN CARLSON is a sophomore communication major.
EVERYTHING ELSE
PAGE 7
THUMBS UP/ THUMBS DOWN FROM UNION COLLEGE STUDENTS Morgan Huffman: being over.
to winter break
Elaina Griffin:
to Juan Pablo :)
Ean Hammer:
to Samsung.
Sarah Ventura: picks.
to the librarian book
Mollie Cummings:
to juicing.
Melissa Ratter: to the hard workers involved with 50 Years Later (Union’s play).
The Clocktower Staff Editor-in-Chief Copy Editors
Emily Syvertson Taylor Roberts Aphelandra Messer Sierra Clark Layout Editor Spencer Way Opinion Michael Rohm On Campus Chelsea Zumwalt Steven Foster Culture Cassandra Johnson Katie Morrison Special Interest Amber Alas Tyler Ellis Sports/Tech Dan Carlson Amanda Ashburn Student Spotlight Emily Wood Online Cody Blake Photographer Online Content Manager Megan Prescott Michael D. Steingas Sponsor
#UNIONUNITED
Feedback The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy. If you have comments, please email us at cltower@ gmail.com. The Clocktower is published weekly during the school year by the Associated Student Body of Union College, 3800 S. 48th St., Lincoln, NE 68506. The opinions expressed are the opinions of the writers and are not to be construed as the opinion of the editors, Associated Student Body, Union College, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
Instagrammers: L to R, top: @jacobpro_; @klucar; @hannahbanana1769; bottom: @callmedart; @d_pintoo; @guurl.
Student Spotlight EXPERIENCE THE SPIRIT
UNION UNITED
MEET DAVID
Photo courtesy of Amanda Ashburn
Normally when I interview someone for this column, I’m getting to know them for the first time. However, this time I wanted you guys AMANDA to get to know my dear ASHBURN friend David Kabanje. A theology and social work major originally from Zambia, Kabanje has a big heart and a love for Jesus that draws people to him. AA: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take three things with you, what would you bring? DK: My mom. She’s my heart and soul, such a great support. I’d also want my Bible and Theresa Southerland. That
woman can cook! She was the head cook my second summer working at camp. What are three things you love? I love wisdom. Like the little, everyday kind. The stuff you hear from others or the quotes you discover by accident. I love the satisfaction I get from helping others. I also really love singing in the shower. I think the steam does something. It’s like I’m Beyoncé, but the male version. More than anything though, I like to see people happy. I know that’s four things. It’s okay. When did you know that making people happy was something you loved? It started in high school. I was a pretty self-centered kid, but in academy I got into
ministry. I was able to see the perspective of others and realize their needs. I spent a lot of time with my dean, Jason Foster. I was always amazed by the way he treated others. He’d talk to anyone, anywhere. I would ask him, “Dean J, do you know that guy?” Most of the time he never did, but he treated everyone as a friend. So you mentioned summer camp earlier. How long have you worked there? This will be my fifth summer at Laurel Lake Camp. Why do you love camp so much? Oh man, so many reasons. I love the nature and location of Laurel Lake. It’s also awesome meeting the new staff every year and watching people grow. Camp feels like home. It gives a lot of heartfelt lessons. Camp is a place to learn. What about Union? How did you decide to come here? I remember sitting on my bed and being frustrated about where to go for school. I wanted to go to Walla Walla for a girl, but I knew that wasn’t the right reason. I prayed and decided that I’d go to the first college that picked me up. I got accepted to both Southwestern and Union around the same time. Taleah was persistent though, and it paid off. I felt like Union actually wanted me and not just my money. Do you think you made the right choice? I’m still trying to figure that out. Falling in love with Union is a day-to-day process. I know that nothing is ever for sure, but each night I go to bed with a sense of peace, and that’s all I can ask for. Can you give our readers a piece of advice? Be honest with yourself. Be honest with God. Just because you can’t do it doesn’t mean you’re worthless. God will always have your back. AMANDA ASHBURN is a junior studying language arts education.