ISSUE 90.18
UNION COLLEGE
APRIL 13, 2016
TurboVote, furthering American democracy since 2016
The 2016 Presidential Election For those Unionites whose has generated enormous amounts states have already held primaries, of attention. With candidates like TurboVote is mainly a tool for Bernie Sanders and Donald Trump registering for the general election in the race, people who previously in November. thought themselves to be disinterested in politics have found their curiosity aroused. Many of those who find themselves suddenly drawn to the world of politics are millennials, or persons born between 1982 and 2004. In other words, most of us. But considering a significant Want your vote to count? You can do so from your dorm! // turbovote.com amount of Union students are away from home, ambiguity about how to vote arises. Couple this Should any Union students with the fact that for many college want to vote in Nebraska, they students the 2016 election will be the would only be able to do so as a first they vote in and the result is Republican, since the Democratic low voter turnout. caucus was already held on March Since the crux of the American 5, Bernie Sanders being the victor. system of government is voter The Republican primary, however, participation, ensuring as many is held on May 10, so for Unionites people vote as possible is key taking summer classes, working on to a government that is truly campus, or just sticking around town representative of the people it for awhile after finals, the Nebraska serves. Lucky for us Unionites, our Republican Primary might be their Associated Student Body (ASB) best option. is aware of that fact and is taking “It serves all parties and can be steps to contribute to American used at any time,” Mekelburg adds. democracy. So for those students who identify as “TurboVote is a site used to members of the Libertarian Party, help students register to vote,” says the Green Party, the Constitution Drew Mekelburg, President of ASB. Party or simply as independents, “Students are able to register in their TurboVote can work for them too. own state, but from their dorm room ASB hopes TurboVote will not or wherever they want.” only make voting easier for as many
students as possible but will also create a more informed student body when it comes to political issues. After all, the government works for us, not the other way around, so the more informed voters who participate, the better. Using TurboVote is as easy as the idea is brilliant. To register through TurboVote, simply go to ‘ucollege.turbovote.org’ on any computer. Once there, you will be greeted by a cute dog which promptly identifies itself as Turbo. From there, registering to vote is as easy as following a few simple steps. After filling in blanks with some basic information, any Union student can be ready to vote and not have to deal with the uncertainty and confusion of registering. No doubt, it’s wonderful that ASB has provided Union with a service like TurboVote. However, the message that ASB and Union College stress by implementing this program is that using TurboVote, simply registering, is not enough. ASB is telling the student body, “Get out and vote.” Exercise your civic duty, but even more importantly, take advantage of the opportunity provided to you that so many around the world don’t have. As the saying goes, “If you don’t vote, don’t complain.” –Jonathan Deemer
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ACA
Seven things I learned while studying in Florence, Italy Going halfway across the class, anyone?) but we’re required world to a foreign country where to take Italian language, grammar, everyone speaks a foreign language phonetics, conversation, composition and practices foreign habits isn’t and various other courses every necessarily what an introvert might call a lifelong dream. Before, leaving America wasn’t on my agenda. I opted to work Doing something new through spring breaks instead of going on high school mission trips. can teach us lessons But when the chance arrived, Italy we never even knew looked so darn glamorous! I jumped headfirst into the we wanted to learn. experience because of what travel is prepackaged to look like: the Pinterest-perfect, Instagram-filtered, Snapchat-ideal life. I was ready for semester. I’m learning, Mom and that breezy school year that would Dad! pimp out my social media and give 3. Weight gain is an actual me a break from reality. threat. Talking to a few visiting But, there’s seven things social students from other ACA schools, media didn’t prepare me for during I’ve heard through the rumor my year abroad: mill that our cafeteria in Italy is 1. Learning a language is hard. undoubtedly the best and I can’t I’m one of those students who gets argue. decent grades without too much We have authentic, homemade studying. Trust me, I’ve taken this food every day and our cooks are for granted. Italian language classes unbeatable. challenge everything I thought I knew about studying. I can’t use context clues or guess my way through an Italian conversation final. Everyone must put in the work. Which brings us to... 2. Studying abroad entails studying! Whenever I FaceTime my family back home, I hear the same exact question: “Are you actually doing Katie Morrison in a group photo op in Verona, Italy // Katie Morrison any learning at this Italian school?” to which I say, “Of course!” The only catch is every meal is a Admittedly, some classes are a bit tray of carbs: pasta, pizza, bread and easier than those I’d be taking back more pasta. Luckily, we have our in the States (sculpture or cooking next lesson to even things out...
4. We. Walk. Everywhere. Over Christmas vacation, my brother and I averaged around 11 miles a day. European cities, as my architect brother-in-law recently pointed out, are structured differently than American cities. Because Europe is older and has a longer history, the cities were originally built in a way that caters to transportation by foot rather than car, influencing both the size of car most Europeans drive—small to extra small—and the health of the average European. 5. Fashion is real. Milan, the fashion capital of the world, is only a short train ride away, and street fashion is a cutthroat game you’ll never win. We were raised believing comfort was key but apparently no one told Italy. Comfort is secondary to looking fabulous and hip every second of the day. Nobody wears sweatpants in public, wet hair outside of the home is a sin and contrary to popular belief, modesty is common. Italians dress for the season, not for the weather. That means when we had 60 degree days in January and my classmates busted out their shorts and tank tops, Italians maintained their winter wardrobe, complete with down parkas and blanket scarves. 6. Travel planning is intimidating. Weekend trips, Christmas vacation and spring break all provide new opportunities to breakdown over flight itineraries, train connections and the like. Although breaks are the perfect time to explore new places, it’s so
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ACA/NEWS exhausting to plan for 15 solid days of travel. I also didn’t budget my year abroad as I was advised to do, and maybe we would’ve eaten more over Christmas break if I had—sorry Nicholas! Luckily, the experience of a Christmas Eve service in Prague, New Years in Amsterdam, Easter in Switzerland and countless other days in London, Paris, Venice, Copenhagen and Vienna are the memories I’ll remember, not the planning.
7. My last lesson is about friendships. I came into this school year ready to travel and learn Italian. Meeting new people wasn’t a main priority and I remember semi-judging Union friends who became besties with people during their years abroad, and seeing their Instagram birthday shoutouts to friends they only knew for eight months. How could that bond be real? I was definitely surprised by how the year shaped up to be. I made friendships I know will last
forever. We’ve shared once-in-alifetime experiences in an insulated environment, resulting in deep conversations and camaraderie. Coming to Villa Aurora hasn’t changed me as much as it has encouraged me. I was nervous this year wouldn’t live up to the hype, and that travel and culture wouldn’t mix with who I am. Instead, my year abroad assured me doing something new can teach us lessons we never even knew we wanted to learn. –Katie Morrison
REVO event on April 17 hopes to raise $5,000 On Sunday, April 17, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Union College will be hosting REVO, a children’s carnival to fundraise for the American Cancer Society (ACS). REVO, short for revolution, is a “movement for love, an idea in motion, and a way of living.” The mission of REVO is to ultimately bring hope to people around the world. Nina Brab, founder of REVO, believes the power of one person can trigger a domino effect to create change in our world. REVO was brought from Rio Lindo Academy in California to Union College by David Kabanje, a senior theology major and newly elected president of the Associated Student Body. When Kabanje was a senior at Rio Lindo, a recruiter from Pacific Union College suggested the academy be the first Adventist high school to host a REVO event to raise
awareness about human trafficking. Coming to Union, Kabanje brought REVO along with him. He spoke with Briggitte Chavez, a junior biomedical science major, and they decided to fundraise for the ACS. When asked about the event, Kabanje replied, “I’m hoping, . . . praying God shows up in a big way.” The goal for this event is to raise $5,000 for ACS. His personal goal is to inspire people to dream big,
The power of one person can create change in our world encouraging people to accept the vision and use their own individual talents to change the world. Kabanje promises lots of fun for
a good cause; attractions include a yard sale, food, games, music performed by local bands and musicians, such as Mighty Magic Pants, and performances by dancers and other entertainers. A bouncy house, face painting and carnival games will also be in effect. Union students can contribute to the cause by donating items to the yard sale, and offering to help set up or tear down the event. If you would like to contribute, email David Kabanje at david.kabanje@ucollege. edu or call him at (402) 486-2508. Donations can also be made to ACS directly or given to Kabanje and his team. Mark your calendars and make your way out to Union’s front lawn to enjoy a fun time at the children’s carnival. Catch the vision, the dream of changing the world with ACS on Sunday, April 17 in front of the clocktower. –Sara Roberts
Like what you see? Let us know: facebook.com/clocktowerASB
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LIFESTYLE
Madrid vs. Lincoln When I tell people I go to school in Nebraska, most of the time the response is, “I’m sorry.” Lincoln isn’t as beautiful or exciting as bustling cities like Madrid, am I right? You might actually be wrong. My school took us on a tour of the Royal Palace in Madrid, Spain. The Palace was amazing! The walls were painted with symmetrically patterned designs which lead the eye to a ceiling depicting the sky with clouds and naked babies, a type of ceiling I’m finding to be normal for Europe. The floors we walked on were covered with plush rugs. The chandeliers hanging above us bore hundreds of crystals reflecting its lights. The historical paintings portrayed the faces of the past kings and queens of Spain. Though all amazing, my favorite place was the throne room. The plush velvet chairs sat under a magnificent ceiling on which Spain’s past hold of Africa, the Americas and other nations is told. The gold, paintings and carpet were beautiful. Most of the time I was walking around with my mouth open in awe. Lincoln doesn’t have a Royal Palace, sadly, but at least it holds one of the most imposing capitol buildings in the United States. With good acoustics, tall, swooping ceilings and painted walls
illustrating the history of the plains, it’s probably Lincoln’s most similar architecture to Western Europe. I remember spending hours walking through the capitol building on a Saturday afternoon looking down its long marble halls and up at its tall stone walls. I could almost pretend I was in Europe while walking through its beauty. In fact, I dare you to try it—let me know if it works. Fortunately, Nebraska’s State Capitol is not the only similarity
Now, take a small square of this park (1.5 acres to be exact), and slap it into the middle of Lincoln, Nebraska. What do you get? The Sunken Gardens. It’s one of my favorite places in Lincoln. When entering from the parking area, the garden begins to show its beauty with a quaint gazebo illustrating the changing seasons. This gazebo is like the gatekeeper which opens itself up to the visitor with a greeting of docile ponds and delicate flowers. While you’re there, cross the street and visit the When I tell people Hamann Rose Garden. Within these gardens, one can almost forget he or I go to school in she is in the middle of the U.S. and Nebraska, most of the simply enjoy the beauty. Madrid has historical places such time the response is as Royal Palace and Retiro Park. “I’m sorry.” Lincoln’s gems include the Capitol Building and Sunken Gardens. I can find beauty in the midst of the between these two cities. Madrid’s busy downtown district and The center of Madrid hosts a in Nebraska’s cornfields. massive 350 acre park filled with I know that the capital of a marble sculptures of famous people, country founded 284 years before a lake where people can rent boats America and the tiny capital of and more! The park is beautiful in Nebraska don’t easily compare at the beginning of April, with trimmed first glance. But, this journey to trees and green grass. Europe has taught me that beautiful I’m willing to bet it looks even places can be found anywhere as long better in the summer filled with as you are willing to open your eyes flowers, bees, birds, and the sun and heart. reflecting off of the waters of the fountains and lake. -Melissa Ratter
Looking for previous articles? Find them at: clocktower.ucollege.edu
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OPINION
Situational cellular cessation Column like I see ’em Kevin Niederman My phone? It’s pretty sweet. But I’ve also been leaving it at home for the past couple months. I can turn this cellular device into a mobile hotspot to broadcast a private WiFi network anywhere I have cellular service. I also have an unlimited data plan with Verizon. This means I have a limitless access to fast, reliable Internet practically anywhere in the U.S. I don’t need to pay for Internet because I already have it at my fingertips. That, however, all changed once I acquired roommates. My roommates wanted to pay for Internet and split the bill between us, and I obviously didn’t want that. Once they heard why, they didn’t want to either. Basically, for a while, I’ve been leaving my phone at home. People have homework to do or Netflix to watch, and when I walk out the
door, the Internet follows suit. euphoria. The feeling of freedom Now, I’ve never been one to permeates the air, like I can do what willingly go outside; everything I’d I want when I want. And I can. And ever want is already provided to me I do. inside. But sometimes I need to More than the absence of transition from one inside to another detriment, though, is the removal inside, and that requires a mediatory of pressure. I don’t know about you, outside. but my brain is full of . . . stress. And, now I know, those outsides However much I try to alleviate that are so pleasant without my phone. stress, my phone has a real handy I used to feel gagged with anxiety way of reminding me and adding on if I went anywhere without my more of its own. Leaving it behind phone. It was scary to be severed allows room to forget, a commodity I from the world. What if someone didn’t know I craved so badly. needed me? What if I missed out on Breaks from my phone are often fun or food? the highlight of my day. But all this time spent without I’m not saying having a phone my phone has been more liberating is bad in any way. Lord knows how than debilitating. On the rare chance much I use and need it, but if I’ve I do miss a phone call, text, or learned anything from my addictive email, I’m back in a few hours and tendencies, moderation is the key to receive the info all the same. a happy, healthy life. I use to dread being away from My phone might be important, a my phone, but leaving that panic necessity, but to me, time away from behind as well creates a sort of it is more so ten fold.
Small groups Fire and Brimstone Eliezer Roque Cisneros I’m personally a fan of the small groups campus movement, and a certain aspect could define whether small groups will flourish into a definitive aspect of Union’s spiritual life or burn out like a passing fad. Said aspect is trained leadership. Small groups need trained leadership. How many small group leaders know how to create an engaging, effective Bible study plan? How many of the leaders feel competent in handling a discussion that derailed off topic while still maintaining community? When speaking with Colin King,
junior theology major and men’s ministries director, he commented on the lack of direction within Campus Ministries’ handling of small groups. “I wish there was more of an emphasis on training people to give effective Bible studies,” he said. “I feel like a lot of our Bible studies have little direction.” Take note—King wasn’t bashing on anyone’s Bible study group when he shared his opinion. He was bringing attention to reality: many small group leaders threw themselves into the water with little more than floaties. I personally feel this was a smart
move on Campus Ministries’ part, because it tested the idea of successful student-led programming without deliberate supervision. It showed how small group ministry can function as a self-sustaining opportunity for students to worship and study together. However, the initial force propelling small groups was the novelty of a grassroots spiritual experience. As the semester draws to a close, the sheen and luster fade and the small groups will need unifying guidance in order to exist as an attractive option next semester. Small Groups continues on page 6
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OPINION Small Groups continued from page 5 “It’s interesting to see people step up to do ministry through Bible study and small groups,” said King. He continued, “But I think it would be more appreciated if they were trained on giving effective Bible studies to different people at different places, not just at Union but in our communities.” Small groups have a uniqueness
I believe could revitalize the “Union Family” mentality. When you can go to a Bible study anywhere on campus, you know the small experience you’re about to have is a part of a larger unified purpose and at the same time a meaningful, personal encounter with the word of God. If you haven’t been to a small group or Bible study this semester, I
say go. Go, be part of a small discussion with peers who see the world at your level. It’s a unique experience you won’t find at church. There’s something special about getting to hear opinions and perspectives on an ongoing dialogue revolving around the Bible.
Letter from the Editor Greetings Union, Welcome to the end of the semester. A time of tears, frantic pleas for extra credit, crazy studying and way too much coffee. If you’re anything like the average college student, right now you’re jacked up caffeine and way too little sleep. You haven’t gone to the gym in days, even weeks, and your social life is a long forgotten memory. Well, this isn’t healthy. I know, that’s obvious. You’ve heard it before. But honestly, Union, we need to do a better job of taking care of ourselves. Here are 5 things we can do to feel like a boss in the weeks to come while keeping our sanity: Go to bed at a set time, wake up at a set time. It’s magical. Well, actually, scientific. Your body will feel so rested if put on a schedule, and this will prevent you from getting like one and a half hours of sleep because Netflix. Right now, I’m going to bed at 12:30 am and waking up at 8:15 am. My body automatically starts shutting down around midnight, and by eight i’m stirring around in bed, usually feeling rested. Get rid of Netflix for the month. I haven’t done this because about five other people use my Netflix and I’m not the devil. But honestly, watching TV will suck the creativity out of you, which you need for those enriching (ridiculous) papers due in two weeks. Also, you’ll find you actually have so much free time. Maybe read a book instead? Okay, too far. Eat breakfast. Everyone and their mom has probably told you this already, but seriously, do it. And not just any breakfast. (I ate Captain Crunch donut flavored cereal this morning. Fail.) Eat a banana and a scrambled eggs. Or a yogurt and some oatmeal. Your body will say thank you and your brain will perform at 105% capacity. Leave your phone at home. Well, not literally obviously. But if you’re studying in the library, leave your phone at the front desk. Or give it to a friend. Or hide it in the depths of your backpack. Phones are such a distraction, and let’s be real, no one is going to call you anyway. So put the phone out of reach and get crackin’ on that homework. Say bye to your boo. I can’t study with Doug. I just can’t. He’s a constant distraction. And he can’t study with me. All I do is talk, talk, talk. So, when I need to get things done, I’ll do them in the morning, when he’s busy living life. I know, homework and studying just seems better when you have a pretty face too look at. But that C will feel like death when it goes on your transcript, so give your person a kiss goodbye and go get those As. Alright people, let’s get to it. And if you need a study break, just pick up a Clocktower for some laid back reading and Sudoku solving. Just kidding. But really. Your Editor, Natalie
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RECIPE
DIY Earth’s Devotion Body Butter I love moisturizers. If it nourishes my skin, let’s go. But, I’m not a big fan of breaking out from sensitive skin or those fake scents that just seem a bit too strong. What I am a fan of is DIY, all natural, projects. Enter: homemade body butter. Unlike lotion, this now perfected body butter recipe isn’t made with water. Meaning, a little goes a long way to create smooth skin. I’ve done the hard work for you and discovered what I consider to be
the best way to make body butter. I’m letting you in on my secret recipe. Don’t have time to make your own? You can actually purchase a freshly made jar from me, Earth’s Devotion Body Butter. Time to explain my shameless call to purchase: For my MRKT 333 class, I’m selling my body butter for a limited time. At $9.50 for four ounces, I’m not trying to make a huge profit from my fellow Unionites. But, I do need to cover my expenses and late hours of
creation. 10 percent of sales go to “All About That Grace” homeless ministry. I have four types available: eucalyptus, lavender, peppermint or original unscented. I use the exact recipe listed here, so whether you make it yourself or you want to purchase from me, you know exactly what’s going into your moisturizer. Be nourished from the inside out. Let’s talk over the ingredients I use and why.
Shea butter is insanely nourishing to the skin. While supporting healthy skin it can also help heal damaged skin. With naturally occurring vitamin E and SPF, why wouldn’t you always have shea around?
Coconut oil helps give the skin a healthy, smooth and even tone. This is due to the saturated fats that helps the skin stay moisturized, with the fat preventing moisture loss through the skin’s pores.
Olive oil gets a bad rep for moisturizing because of its initial greasiness. But, olive oil actually penetrates deep into the skin and provides a long-lasting shield of moisture to keep skin smooth and supple.
Tapioca starch makes your end product less greasy and absorb quicker into the skin.
Here’s the how-to: Notes: I weigh by weight with a small food scale. This recipe makes three four ounce containers of body butter. You will need: 4.8 ounces shea butter 4.8 ounces coconut oil 2.4 ounces olive oil 1.5 teaspoons tapioca starch 15 drops geranium oil 25-30 drops scented oil of choice *omit essential oils if unscented* 1 medium size glass mixing bowl 1 small pot 1 wooden spoon or rubber spatula A small mixer (I recommend one that doesn’t have a bowl attached) Four ounce jars with lids A freezer, if desired to cool quicker
Essential oils are not required, but if you want a nice scent and the benefits of using natural oils, pay attention. First, geranium oil is used to minimize inflammation and improve circulation while also helping the butter to last longer. The other oils are used for scent depending on which you prefer. I love eucalyptus for cleanliness, lavender for sleep and peppermint for focus. To make: Fill the small pot 1/4 with water and put on the stove to boil. Don’t put butters in the pot directly over heat or microwave them. They can burn and shea can become grainy if overheated. Add ingredients together except essential oils and tapioca starch in the glass bowl. Melt ingredients by creating a double boiler with pot. Let the mix melt completely and CAREFULLY remove from stove. After it has cooled a bit you can either a) put it in the freezer for one hour or b) let it sit on the counter for 2-3 hours. The point is you want the liquid to cool until it solidifies but don’t want it to be rock hard. Once solid, take the mixer and beat on medium until white peaks start to form. I mix mine on low-medium for seven minutes or more, depending on how whipped I desire it. Once whipped, add the tapioca starch and essential oils. Beat on low for one minute. Finally the time has come! Put the body butter into desired containers. I weigh mine to ensure they are four ounces. Store at room temperature for four to six months. Enjoy! To order Earth’s Devotion Body Butter, email earthsdevotion@gmail.com or call 816-315-2810. $9.50 for four ounces. –Emy Wood
STAFF Editor-in-Chief
Natalie Bruzon
Assistant Editor
Brittany Houchins
Copy Editor
Emy Wood
News Editor
Aubraelle Porter
Lifestyle Editor
Stefani Leeper
Opinion Editor
Enrique Quezada
Social Media Editor Layout Editor Sponsor Photographers
Aubraelle Porter Daniel Daum Pat Maxwell
Badger’s Bookshop is having an open house on Sunday, April 17! For more information contact Will Lock at 402.314.6602 or willlock@neb.rr.com.
Kasondra Reel Zach Morrison
News Reporters
Graci Escobar Jonathan Deemer
Lifestyle Reporters
Melissa Ratter Naomi Prasad Sara Roberts
Opinion Reporters
Kevin Niederman Eliezer Roque Cisneros Setheesh Moturi
ACA/SM Reporters
Katie Morrison Hailey Krueger
Hard Answers provided in next weeks issue.
J-Fiah Reeves
Answers for last weeks puzzle