Collide Issue 21 by Kaitlin Schluter

collide For students, by students | October 2014 | Issue 21

Drought for days A HAUNTED HOLIDAY

warrior men

stay connected with your university’s student news

editor's note

On Changing Seasons, Bleak Headlines and Convictions Though the weather may indicate otherwise, the leaves are changing and autumn is indeed upon us. It’s a new year and new season, and Collide too has undergone some changes as we ring in our first issue with an entirely new staff and team of writers. Yet despite all the changes that come with the new school year and shifting weather patterns, some things remain the same. Whether you gather your news information from television, NPR or Twitter, what they all have in common is tragedies in their latest headlines. There’s of course the ongoing crisis between Ukraine and Russia, continual ISIS threats, UCSB shooting, death of beloved actor Robin Williams and some appalling abuses of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.

Not even the best brew of a Starbucks’ PSL can entirely ease the blows of the stream of bad news. Even when I try to give my mind a break from it all by feeding it “brain candy” in the form of BuzzFeed articles, the cynical nature of society’s responses to “actual news” is reflected in the comment sections of far less important issues. (I’m looking at you, photoshopping Beyoncé story.) What I meant earlier by “some things remaining the same” is that it seems that no matter what season of life we enter, bad news will accompany it and someone will always be there to initiate it. There also will always be something to complain about, someone to do the actual complaining, crimes to report, judgment to evade and in the words of T-Swift, the haters will continue to “hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate, hate ...” no matter how likeable you are. As our staff and writers brainstormed stories to publish for this first issue, I noticed the ease with which we came up with ideas that would reflect upon the more controversial news headlines. I believe many people mistakenly assume that

collide

journalists or reporters choose only to write about tragedies or only to identify the problems in the stories they write about without offering any solutions. Be it traditional newspaper or magazine writing, this concept of what we do is just that – a concept, and one that I’d like to challenge. My goal this year for those involved with Collide is to speak (or in our case, write) with conviction, especially when the world outside APU looks bleak. The words will not always reflect sunshine and rainbows, because life is certainly not all that. But I envision Collide as an open platform for discussing the tough stuff (“Warrior Men”), serving as a creative outlet (“A Haunted Holiday”), providing humor when you need it (“As Told By”), enlightening you if you don’t (“Hiking for Freedom”), and showing the humanity behind the stories we share (“Humans of the Zu”). This is the vision I have that I hope will not change with the seasons.

Editor-In-Chief, Caitlin Trude

editor in chief • Caitlin Trude • cmtrude11@apu.edu art director • Chrissie Cheng • ccheng12@apu.edu copy editor • Katie Brown • kgbrown11@apu.edu online editor • Paige Smith • pnsmith11@apu.edu business manager • Blake Standal • bstandal12@apu. edu faculty adviser • Kyle Huckins khuckins@apu.edu

Issue 21 • October 2014 Printed by Evoke

Collide, winner of Evangelical Press Assosciation’s Award of Excellence (First Place), 2014 mission statement

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Collide is a publication of The Clause, a multi-media student voice of undergraduate Azusa Pacific University. Our stories seek to bring people together on our pages while our ideas collide and stories impact readers. We provide narratives, inquires and dialogue in a Christian academic setting that values individual’s stories as well as community concerns. Our writers are studentjournalists interested in crafting articles that connect with readers and challenge them to grow as people and reporters.

Mail to: Azusa Pacific University P.O. Box 9521 - Unit #5165 Azusa, CA 91702-9521 E-mail: clauseads@gmail.com All checks made payable to: Azusa Pacific University, The Clause

contributing writers Kimberlee Buck • Josh Contreras • Camille Garcia Kayla Johnston • Bianca Ontiveros • Khrista Rhoades Jasmine Rodgers • Arianna Ruvalcaba • Yvette Tostado

website www.theclause.org/collide facebook facebook.com/apucollide twitter @apucollide instagram @apucollide

CONTENTS

Coffee and Conversation With Theodore Szeto

FEATURES

6 12

Drought for Days What’s this drought and why are there posters for it all over campus?

byArianna Ruvalcaba

Warrior Men

The football team’s mission to be more than great football players.

Hiking for

18 freedom

Senior Michelle Yee uses her passion of hiking for a greater cause.

SHORTS

4 10

A Haunted Holiday

Coffee & Conversation

From Print to the Big Screen For all the book lovers and film fanatics - this one’s for you.

Disneyland + Halloween = spooky decorations and even spookier rides.

Did you know your math professor is also a Broadway star?

Apple’s Latest Innovation Another iPhone upgrade? Six or Six Plus... is it worth it?

THE USUAL

11 As told by...

An APU soccer match told by an anti-expert.

16 Humans of the Zu Get to know the people of the Zu.

21 P.O.V.

Race and Police - A new form of slavery or a new sign of hope?

12 COVER PHOTO BY CHRISSIE CHENG

2 • collide • october 2014

Szeto as a beat-up Christmas caroler for the show “Nip/Tuck.”

zusa Pacific University professor Theodore Szeto is a quadruple threat; he’s skilled in singing, acting, dancing and teaching. The former stage and screen actor had stints on Broadway and is still connected to the stage as a member of the Academy for New Musical Theatre. His main focus now is teaching math, physics and computer science. Collide sat with Szeto to gain a deeper understanding of his musical passions and how they coexist with his love for teaching. Q: How did you get into musical theatre? A: Well, I was a double major when I was in undergrad, in music and math, and I ended up choosing math for many reasons. Mostly, my parents wanted me to go to a career that would pay a little more and have some security in it. … I stuck with math and went all the way through undergrad to a master’s and Ph.D. in math at UCLA. The second I graduated with my Ph.D., though, I got cast in my first professional production in a local theater here, East West Players, an Asian-American theater. So I got cast in a big musical there, and it went on to win a ton of awards and that’s how an agent found me, and from that point on, I went to more TV/film stuff. Q: Do you still have an agent? A: No longer. I stopped when I got married and had kids about seven years ago, and that’s when I kind of, not really quit the business, but I put it on hold. Q: Do you do anything musical-related now? A: I do! Music-wise, I actually serve as the worship coordinator at my

church. I also lead worship nationally. I just did a conference for like, 1,200 people in Wisconsin for the summer for a week. And I’m a member of the Academy for New Musical Theatre. We meet every Monday night and develop new musicals. It’s pretty fun; one week I’ll play an old Jewish man and work with that project for three weeks. This week I’m playing the leprechaun king, so it’s really random. We’ll develop a work from its inception, all the way to the entire first act or the whole show. Eventually it’ll get picked up and become a full production. So that’s nice; it keeps my feet wet. Q: I was told you were in Pharrell’s “Happy” music video. How did that happen? A: That was through my church! The church is used a lot as a location. Actually, Pharrell found the church first before finding us. He had a couple of singers, but then he wanted a full-blown choir. We happened to have a choir, so we all showed up and did the shoot in one day. Q: What show or project are you most proud of? A: Gosh, there are so many! I think two. “Sweeney Todd,” my very first musical ever, ran for, I think, almost a year and it won every big award. It won the Ovation Award, which is the biggest theater award in LA. And then my dream role had always been Seymour in “Little Shop of Horrors.” I did two productions of that that ran forever. It was fun! There are roles I’d still love to play, but maybe I’m too young to play now or maybe too Asian to play, but that’s a whole other thing. I did TV shows where I’d be “Chi-

Szeto in “Merrily We Roll Along” at East West Players (Los Angeles)

In Szeto’s dressing room for “Thumbelina” at the Falcon Theater in Burbank. COURTESY OF THEODORE SZETO

nese teenage boy” or whatever. In a McDonald’s commercial it was “Random Asian Couple.” They had a white couple do the same shot as the Asian couple. This was almost 20 years ago, and America apparently wasn’t ready for an Asian couple going to McDonald’s! So my commercials only ran in Asia, whereas the white couple got a lot more money for doing a national [commercial]. So I’ve kind of been on a mission to say Asians are everywhere now, so the only projects that I would audition for would be non-traditional casting, … things they wouldn’t typically cast an Asian person in. Q: Any last thoughts? A: I was OK inside not to do this dream job [Broadway] because I had something here at APU that was worth so much more, and I felt like I made a lot more of a difference in students’ lives. Because that’s really why I’m doing this. I do have an impact on students in a different way, and I think in a way that I feel is a little bit more valuable. www.theclause.org/collide • 3

From print to the Big Screen B

ooks are known to be a great source of inspiration for filmmakers. The trend of making movies out of printed material continues to keep fans raving as they wait for their beloved characters and plots to come to life on the big screen. There have been some recent releases such as “This Is Where I Leave You,” “Maze Runner” and “Gone Girl,” but here are a few more upcoming films inspired by books.

“HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY PT. I” BY SUZANNE COLLINS *SPOILER WARNING* If you have not seen “The Hunger Games,” below are spoilers for the first two films. “The Hunger Games” trilogy by Suzanne Collins will release its third installment in the four-film franchise this winter. The last time devotees saw their beloved tributes, Katniss

Apple’s latest innovation: The iPhone 6 and 6 Plus.

PHOTO CREDIT: BOOK COVER: SCHOLASTIC.COM; MOVIE POSTER: LIONSGATE PUBLICITIY

mark your calendars!

By Josh Contreras

found herself in District 13, her home destroyed and Peeta and Johanna missing. The recent teasers and first official trailer depict Katniss as the figurehead of the rebellion and Peeta in support of President Snow. Now, Katniss is taking the fight to the Capitol. The third film of the mega-franchise is directed by returner Francis Lawrence. The stars of the film will include Jennifer Lawrence (no relation to Francis Lawrence), Josh Hutcherson and Liam Hemsworth. Julianne Moore joins to star as President Coin and Natalie Dormer as Cressida. “Mockingjay—Part I” hits theaters Nov. 21.

“wild” by cheryl strayed

The critically acclaimed memoir by Cheryl Strayed comes to life, starring Reese Witherspoon as the author who penned the book. The story follows Strayed, a woman who’s suffered a lot of tragedy. She travels the entire Pacific Crest Trail on her own, which

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y J. Y

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e To

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is an 1,100 mile hike. With no experience as a long-distance hiker, Strayed embarks on the trail. “Wild” premieres Dec. 5.

“the hobbit: the battle of five armies” by j.r.r. tolkien This film highlights the continuation of the journey of Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), Gandalf (Ian McKellen), Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage) and the other dwarves as they fight to slay the dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) and retake Thorin’s kingdom. Peter Jackson will return as director of this third film, completing his second trilogy in Middle-earth. The third “Hobbit” film releases Dec. 17.

film depicts the life of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic runner who served as an airman during World War II. The biopic will feature the various trials Zamperini endured during his service, including his capture and two-year imprisonment by the Japanese. “Unbroken” comes to theaters Dec. 25.

“fifty shades of grey” by e.l. james One of the most controversial and talked-about novels comes to the big screen Valentine’s Day 2015. The film based on the erotic novel will star Dakota Johnson as Anastasia Steele, a literature student who encounters the suave Christian Grey (Jamie Dornan) in an interview for her school newspaper. The “Fifty Shades” series, though known for its explicit language and content, is for fans of the series much more than just an erotic novel; they say it’s deeply moving and captivating. Sam Taylor-Johnson directs the picture. Fifty Shades of Grey” releases Feb. 14, 2015.

these print to to the big screen films premiere before 2015

NOV. hunger games

mockingjay part 1

DEC.

wild

North Carolina mountains. Although this plot might sound like something of a cheesy romance novel, Rash scandalizes it into a worthy read. George will be played by Bradley Cooper and his wife Serena by the one and only Jennifer Lawrence. The story follows the power couple who conquer anything and anybody who might stand in their way. The discovery that George has a hidden illegitimate family prompts Serena to put her devious talents into commission. “Serena” hits theaters Feb. 26, 2015.

“insurgent” by veronica roth

Angelina Jolie directs her second film, “Unbroken,” based on Laura Hillenbrand’s nonfiction book. The

The film is directed by Susanne Bier and set during the Great Depression. The novel inspiring the film follows George and Serena Pemberton, newlyweds who wish to establish a timber empire in the

*SPOILER WARNING * If you have not seen “Divergent,” there will be spoilers below. Although “Divergent” was not as well received at the box office as “The Hunger Games,” the film still had solid ticket sales. According to BoxOfficeMojo.com, “Divergent” grossed $288 million worldwide. “Insurgent” is based on the second novel in Roth’s series, which picks up right where its predecessor ended. Tris has to find her place in a war that is about to ensue as a result of the conclusion of the events in “Divergent.” Tris is now faced with more adversity and hardship as she accepts her

Sept. 19, 2014, marked the day Apple fans have been waiting for all year: the release of Apple’s very own iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus. The new iPhone 6 is slightly bigger but thinner than the older iPhone, measuring 4.7 inches in length. The iPhone 6 Plus measures a good 5.5 inches with 1920 x 1080 resolution while the iPhone 6 has 1334 x 750 resolution. Apple updated the new iPhone system, making it much easier to pay with your credit or debit cards; it’s like carrying a virtual wallet.

According to the Apple website, the iPhone 6’s LTE download speed and bands are now much faster, especially when you connect to Wi-Fi. Also, with the new iPhone, your passcode can be as simple as your fingertip touching the screen of your phone. This feature is called Touch ID, which is compatible for phones updated to iOS 8. The starting price is $199 for the iPhone 6, but, of course, the price will vary as models change. The iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus offer a longer battery life, so for those

who love to take pictures and be on their social networks, your prayers have been answered. Along with the release of the iPhone 6, a press release revealed that the upcoming Apple Watch, similar to Samsung’s Gear S, would be available in early 2015. According to Cnet.com’s review, the iPhone 6 has a great battery life, big screen and high-quality camera. The downside of the phone is its large size, which is not everyone’s taste. Some apps have not been updated to fit the screen, hence the blurry look

“UNBROKen” by lauren HILLENBRAND

“serena” by john gash

DEC.

25 unbroken

status of being divergent in order to do what she believes is right. “Insurgent” releases March 20, 2015.

“miss peregrine’s home for peculiar children” by ransom riggs Tim Burton is signed to direct the film “Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children,” and it’s rumored that Eva Greene will star as the title role. Not much has been reported on the film, other than the director and Greene’s possible involvement. The story follows Jacob, a 16-year-old kid who is journeying to a remote island off the coast of Wales after a terrible tragedy strikes his family. He stumbles across the mysterious ruins of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, only to discover several secrets that will convince him that there is more to this place than he’s been led to believe. No official release date has been announced. However, the film should come out by the end of this year or early next year. So there you have it, Hollywood’s lineup for the up-and-coming movies inspired by books. With all the talent involved in these projects, it’s hard not to get

excited about seeing what these directors are going to do with these stories.

on some. If you can afford it and love the idea of having a long-lasting battery with a clean, big screen, give Apple’s iPhone 6 or iPhone 6 Plus a try. They’re available in stores now.

PHOTO CREDIT: APPLE iPHONE 6 PRESS KIT

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www.theclause.org/collide • 5

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISSIE CHENG

Drought for Days 6 • collide • october 2014

By Kayla Johnston

www.theclause.org/collide • 7

TOP The California Aqueduct. BOTTOM APU’s conserving water signs that are found in various lawns around campus.

8 • collide • october 2014

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISSIE CHENG

xtreme water shortages, wildfires spiraling out of control and emergency food deliveries — that’s right, California is in a drought. As of September, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, 100 percent of California was at a D-1 level, meaning “Moderate Drought,” while nearly 82 percent fell under the D-3 level of “Extreme Drought.” According to www.ca.gov, this is one of the most severe droughts on record. California Gov. Jerry Brown declared the drought a “state of emergency” in January, directing state officials to take all necessary action to prepare for water shortages and urging all residents of California to do the same. “We’re facing perhaps the worst drought that California has ever seen since records began being kept about 100 years ago,” Brown stated in a January NPR broadcast announcing the emergency. As conditions worsen, more and more restrictions are being placed on organizations within California. Los Angeles County has asked Azusa Pacific University for a 20 percent water reduction and restricted it to watering fields two days a week, Mondays and

PHOTO CREDIT: CREATIVE COMMONS

Bone Dry

Fridays, according to APU Assistant Director of Environmental Stewardship Toney Snyder. As a school striving to use resources efficiently, Azusa Pacific already has spent years taking measures to cut back on water usage. All the restrooms on campus are in the process of conversion to motion-sensing water faucets and low-flow toilets. Additionally, Snyder notes that the water district has paid for a company to come to APU and replace all sprinklers with more efficient rotating nozzles. However, with more than 10,000 sprinkler heads across campus, the process has taken nearly five months. With this level of water shortage and no signs of the heat slowing down anytime soon, many are left wondering, “What can I do to help?” Azusa Light and Water, the electricity and water provider for all apartment living areas on campus, gives easily accessible water conservation tips on its website, www.azusalw.com, and encourages its customers to do whatever they can to help. Whether that means turning off the water while brushing your teeth or cutting down on your number of car washes, the

company is pushing simple steps toward saving water. Through the DRiP Rebate Program, Azusa Light and Water customers who purchase certain water-saving appliances or convert to drought-resistant landscape materials can apply for a rebate of up to 50 percent of the cost of the irrigation system supplies. So what does this look like for college students? It’s possible to make an impact even with limited resources and funds. “I would love to be a part of the effort to conserve water, but I have no idea where to start. … I just take small steps wherever I can and hope that my efforts make a difference somehow,” junior applied health major Abbey Mast said. Mast touches on a concern that a many college students share: where to begin. According to Snyder, showers are the biggest area in which students can make an impact and reduce their water usage. “College students take 1.6 showers per day. … If you take a five-minute shower, you will use about 30 gallons of water, so we need to be more aware and try to be less wasteful every time we step into the shower,” Snyder said. “That’s where we have the biggest opportunity to save.” Every shower on APU’s campus is equipped with a water pressure lever that can be adjusted as needed. Snyder suggests students make use of this lever to limit the heavy flow of water and only use high pressure when rinsing off. When students are shampooing or washing their bodies, high water pressure is not necessary. Even something as seemingly minor as drinking from water bottles can cause a lot of damage. It’s rare to finish an entire water bottle, and when purchased in packs, students are more likely to toss one out and grab a new one before the previous bottle is empty. Mast has committed to using a refillable plastic water bottle in place of buying large packs of disposable bottles. “I find that I use the water I’m drinking more effectively when I have only have one bottle to drink from,” Mast said. “That way, I don’t have half-full bottles sitting all over

my apartment that I eventually end up throwing away; I can finish what I have and only refill when necessary.” Cutting out small amounts of water whenever possible can lead to a significant decrease in the number of gallons used per student per day. Snyder urges students to call the Department of Campus Safety or the Office of Facilities Management in the

event they see water being wasted on campus, whether that is a sprinkler causing water runoff or a leaky toilet in their apartment. There currently are no plans in place in the event the drought continues to worsen. “If we get a lot of rain this winter, it could change everything. … It all depends on what God gives us,” Snyder said.

cold hard truths about the

ALS ICE BUCKET CHALLENGE By Bianca Ontiveros

Everyone knows what amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is, right? Maybe not, but chances are you were nominated this summer for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge or know someone who was. Aside from raising awareness and funds for research, this challenge also provided some epic failures. Compilation videos gave viewers some great laughs at people who completely ruined the call to action. There were friends and family members “accidentally” dropping the bucket on the person doing the challenge, or people getting knocked out in an attempt to dump water on themselves, all hilarious! However, if you participated, let’s hope you didn’t make any of the mistakes on this list.

Ice Ice Baby

WATER THE LAWN

The purpose of the ice bucket challenge was to have ice in the water. If there was not any ice in your bucket, looks like you might have to do it again. The purpose of the sensation of frigid water hitting the body was to recreate the spine-chilling, paralyzing feeling ALS gives those with the disease.

Yes, California is in a drought and the challenge uses a good amount of water, but probably not as much as the average shower. Let’s be nice and not ridicule people for raising awareness about a good cause, but if you decide to participate, help out the grass by doing it over a dry patch.

Not A Popularity Contest

Make It Rain

Some people did it for more than just the Instagram kudos, Twitter follows or Facebook likes. The Ice Bucket Challenge was trending throughout the summer and people were extremely creative with it. Although it can be extremely fun to do, especially in 100-degree weather, make sure it really is to raise awareness about this disease and not for personal performance.

If nominated for the challenge, you were supposed to donate $100 to one of the ALS associations or literally make it rain on yourself and give. This challenge was to be completed within 24 hours of being nominated. Celebrities popularized the challenge, and many people are doing it for the fun but not actually donating. The associations also accept lesser amounts, makin’ it rain on research.

The challenge shed light on the malady commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, which can kill the motor neurons that go from the brain to the spinal cord and on to the muscles, ultimately leaving the body paralyzed. Reports show that the challenge raised more than $40 million by Aug. 27, 2014, compared with the almost $3 million raised within the same period a year before. Go ahead and join in on the laughs, fun and social good that this challenge has brought about, but be sure to keep in mind the original purpose. www.theclause.org/collide • 9

APU Soccer Match

A HAUNTED HOLIDAY Between Sept. 12 and Oct. 31, Disneyland shows its villainous side with Halloween themes throughout the park. One way this is done is through decorations, such as an extravagant display of hand-carved pumpkins down Main Street, a “Nightmare Before Christmas” take on the Haunted House and a ghost-infested Space Mountain. Walking through the park, you’re sure to see some villains from Disney and Pixar films, including Jack Skellington and Sally, with a line of people eagerly waiting for a picture with the two. Other bad guys to be on the lookout for include Cruella de Vil, Jafar, Lotso and the Queen of Hearts. Even the characters regularly seen throughout the park, such as Mickey and Minnie, get dressed up in Halloween costumes for the occasion.

Jasmine Rodgers

PHOTO CREDIT: THE CHIMES, TYLER OTTE

BY KRISTA RHOADES

As told by

Who kno ws about so nothing ccer

W If you venture to Frontierland, you’ll see a display of skeletons and marigolds for Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which takes place Nov. 1-2 of this year but will be at Disneyland throughout the entirety of the Halloween season. At the nearby restaurant, Rancho Del Zocalo, you get the chance to take part in a spirited tribute of this traditional Latin American holiday honoring those who have passed away. Over at Big Thunder Ranch is a Halloween carnival. This event includes crafts for younger kids (or those who are young at heart) and a chance to observe pumpkin carvers. At California Adventure, there is a Mad Tea Party where guests can dance into the night and take in the beautiful scenery. Another exciting event this year is Mickey’s Halloween Party, which takes place on various dates throughout the season. Guests young and old are invited to put on their best costume and participate. Mickey’s Halloween Party guests also get access to special trick-or-treat stations, a Halloween parade, photo-ops with villains, a scare-off between Mike and Sully at the Tomorrowland Terrace and a “Monsters University”-themed dance party. Tickets vary in price depending on the day and/or if one holds an annual pass. It is usually a few dollars more at the door, so be sure to pre-order tickets online.

ho’s confused, excited and mistakenly thinks she understands what she’s looking at? Me at a soccer game, of course! The Azusa Pacific men’s soccer team won 2-1 against Simon Fraser University on Sept. 13. At the end of the game, it was still a wonder to me how the squads had gotten to that point. A green field, black-and-white ball, spiky shoes, shin guards, shorts and red-and-white jerseys were the only things that made sense at the soccer game — I mean “match,” the soccer match! After almost two hours and halves of heated kicking, falling, jumping and running, I could barely keep track of the ball. Despite all my confusion, I don’t want to discount the players’ soccer skills. It is for this reason that I will not attempt to name any of them, for fear that I may misrepresent their positions and achievements. Instead, I’ll just say that the team seemed to be well-versed in soccer from the way its members were playing. The beginning of the match looked like a ceremony at Buckingham Palace. All the players lined up along the center of the field, with their uniforms whipping in the dry breeze. Out of nowhere, the National Anthem blared while the players stood quietly during the song. The pageantry seemed a bit much for a soccer match, but rules are rules, I guess. Before the game actually began, a handful of players from each team stood around the center white circle on the field — to me, resembling a crop circle — and awaited their chance to make a move on the ball. Tension mounted

as the players and crowd anticipated how Simon Fraser would make its first move. The whistle blew, and the players began to strike like lightning rods. Simon Fraser kicked the ball to the left, but seemed to be caught off guard by APU. An Azusa Pacific player was somehow able, by some feat of skill and physics, to kick the ball high into the air and across the field. For the first half, the ball was energetically jockeyed back and forth between players, with varying whistle blows and pauses in between which meant nothing to me but a lot to the crowd. As the match wore on, it was apparent the fancy footwork of Simon Fraser’s team could not keep up. Although it looked like the team would run in and try to kick the ball away at some point, its players couldn’t compare with the good backup of APU’s fast-footed Cougars. Fans sat in their lawn chairs or stood on the sidelines, understanding what was going on. Cheering from the crowd was one of the only indicators that let me know when one team had kicked the ball into the net for a point; it must be something to be a soccer fan — to know what’s going on — and reserve the right to wear face paint when your team is playing. As the match came to an end, I concluded there is little to no understanding that can be gleaned from watching one soccer match alone. Perhaps attending a few more would allow me to comprehend this complex foot game, but I’m not planning on going. Maybe it’s good to sometimes experience things that you will never understand because honestly, your brain could probably use the workout. Mine sure did!

PHOTO CREDIT: KHRISTA RHOADES

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www.theclause.org/collide • 11

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISSIE CHENG

WARRIOR MEN APU’S FOOTBALL TEAM ASPIRES TO GREATNESS ON AND OFF THE FIELD BY CAMILLE GARCIA 12 • collide • october 2014

www.theclause.org/collide • 13

“when you have

young men for a minimum of 20 hourS a week, what are you

going to do with that?” T

ate and leave the program, there’s an ‘under construction’ sign on them,” Santa Cruz says. As head coach, Santa Cruz has created standards that promote discipline, with the goal of encouraging each player to become a better man of God. Santa Cruz has built up his program with the help of coaches whose beliefs are aligned with APU’s mission of producing difference-makers. Among the coaches is NFL Hall of Famer Jackie Slater, who serves as the offensive line coach for the Cougars. Santa Cruz also recruited Carlos Rivas-Sandoval, the new defensive coordinator coach, who has been a part of NFL Minority Coaching Fellowships with the Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers. Rivas-Sandoval has brought to the team knowledge about the NFL and football as a profession. Along with utilizing the organizational standards he learned from the pros such as the time management of practices, Rivas-Sandoval communicates to players the importance of the great expectations he has of them. “We’re trying to prepare them to be great employees in whatever capacity, whatever job, whatever profession that might be,” Rivas-Sandoval says. “Great husbands, great fathers, great sons, people with great character and

The football players head to go pray at the cross on the track during practice.

PHOTO CREDIT: CHRISSIE CHENG

( TOP TO BOTTOM) Coach Victor Santa Cruz, Coach Rivas-Sandoval, and Coach Rudy Carlton

hat’s what Victor Santa Cruz says he asked himself as soon as he became head coach for the APU football team. Many college football players pursue the dream of being drafted by the NFL, but it’s not always clear how coaches from these college teams are preparing their players for the most elite sport organization in the world. In the time that they have with them, one wonders how the players are readying for the real world. With APU’s football team starting the season as a full member of NCAA Division II, the squad is going for the championships. However, the players are also in the pursuit of finding the good in all of their adversities during a transformational period of their lives. To answer his own question, Santa Cruz uses this transformational period to his advantage by making the sport of football an opportunity to change lives. He’s set the goal for the team to develop into more than just talented players. Coming from a ministry background, Santa Cruz found that in his life, coaches were the biggest role models outside the home. When he became the coach for APU, he saw his job as a golden opportunity. “Every player I have, from the time I receive them to the time they gradu-

14 • collide • october 2014

Football players huddling up with their coach on the field.

integrity — young men that are strong in their faith and can make tough decisions when faced with adversity or faced with these tough decisions.” The coaches on the team have worked together to help each player reach the standard of being a “warrior man,” reminding the athletes that God did not give them the spirit of fear, but of power, love and self discipline (2 Timothy 1:7). Junior defensive end Matthew Hackett is one of over 100 players who has been on the football team under Santa Cruz and feels this program has impacted his life in a positive way. He [Santa Cruz] wants us to hold each other accountable, make sure we’re in class on time, make sure we’re sitting in the front row, make sure if someone drops trash we pick it up after them even though it’s not ours,” Hackett said. “It’s just trying to be above average, trying not to be that stereotypical college football player —

the standard of being a better man, of being a Christian man of God,” Hackett said. There is no tolerance for players who exhibit harmful behavior. According to Santa Cruz, the coaches fall in line with the university’s judicial system and put in the right jurisdiction any needed disciplinary action. “We need to help men discover themselves; we need to help men find answers in life. ...This is a confusing world, and there’s just so many confusing messages about what a man is, and it breaks your heart,” Santa Cruz said. “Issues like domestic violence and different social epidemics that we have, we understand that it’s a failure in the accountability with the power that people have, with the power that a man has or a woman [has].” According to a database compiled by USA Today, of the 713 arrests of NFL players since 2000, 85 were made on domestic violence counts.

In recent indictments against several NFL players, many onlookers have criticized how the league has dealt with these allegations. These include the alleged assault of Janay Palmer by husband Ray Rice, the confusion behind Minnesota Vikings’ running back superstar Adrian Peterson being charged with beating his 4-year-old son with a tree branch and reports of Arizona Cardinals’ Jonathan Dwyer head-butting his wife and throwing a shoe at his son. In spite of this news, Santa Cruz continues to inspire the next generation of men. Hackett says that the head coach is encouraging him to be a “bigger and better man” and apply to his life the techniques and skills that he learns. “We’re trying to prepare them for everything, whatever their dreams are, whatever their aspirations are, that’s what we’re trying to do,” Rivas-Sandoval said.

www.theclause.org/collide • 15

Humans of the

Q: How did you and your husband meet?

Venturing through the concrete jungle to hear your stories. By Caitlin Trude and Chrissie Cheng

Q: What’s one of the funniest things your daughter does? A: She is just so vivacious and determined to do it HER way. I’ll try to help her do something and she’ll be like, “No! I’ll do it myself!” whether it’s opening a drawer or figuring out how to eat something. Amber Morales, senior applied excercise major science major

Q: What was one of the last things your family said to you when they dropped you off at college? A: If I remember right, my dad told me that if I ever needed anything, let him know, he’ll handle it; and just whenever I need to talk [he said], “Just let me know. I’m always here to talk to you, I’m always here for you.” My dad’s a big influence because I grew up with him my whole life. Seeing how he lives his life, it models the way I want to live my life. Alex Mackenzie, sophomore applied excercise science major

Q: You both are in the Pacific Islander Organization. What’s your favorite thing about being a Pacific Islander? T: Do you want to go, or me? S: Do you want to both go at the same time, like say one word. One, two, three... T: God. S: Family. God and family! Sarah DeMonteverde, sophomore graphic design major and Tiana Thompson, senior communication studies major 16 • collide • october 2014

A: We met through mutual friends – my best friend was dating his best friend – and we met on Facebook! And then I went to move to Washington and I got married, I had a baby, and now I’m back at school.

Q: Do you remember when you met? T: I’m like, awkwardly awkward, I don’t know, ha ha. Um … I guess [through] dorms. … She [Baptiste] was throwing trash away. And we both walked out at the same time and were just like, “Hey! Do you have a friend? Because I don’t have friends.” And so we both went like, “I can be your one friend here …” and so then she was like my one friend here for three days! Annelle Jho Baptiste, freshman psychology major; Tiffani Webb, freshman psychology major, and Kimberly Ferguson, freshman psychology major

Q: You said you and your grandma were close, and she’s the one who taught you how to crochet? A: Yeah, we were very close. I grew up right next door to her and so we would spend time with [her] all the time so she could teach me how to crochet, and I picked it up again before she passed away and it’s been just a way to honor her. Denise Gehring, Darling librarian www.theclause.org/collide • 17

By Bianca Ontiveros

PHOTO CREDIT: WALK WITHOUT FEAR FACEBOOK PAGE

Hiking for Freedom

deally, all females would have the freedom to pursue their dreams and goals in safe and loving environments. They would all have encouraging support systems to tell them they are worth it, that they can do anything and they are valued. Unfortunately, that’s not the reality for many girls and women in the sex-trafficking trade. According to the FBI, human trafficking, specifically sexual slavery, is a multibillion-dollar industry and the third-largest criminal enterprise worldwide. However, there is hope for freedom when people and organizations rise up to help those enslaved. For the past few years, Michelle Yee, a senior English major and art minor at APU, and Christy Stumbo, a recent graduate of University of Oregon, have hiked together to raise awareness about sexual slavery. They originally planned to hike the John Muir Trail last summer, but that idea turned into something that would be greater than themselves. They wanted this hike to stand for something they believed in: ending sex trafficking. They would call it Walk Without Fear. “When I realized this trip was going to become a reality, I wanted to do it for something more than myself. I shared this with Michelle, who felt the same way,” Stumbo says. Yee’s inspiration stemmed from a Luke/Acts class she had last fall with APU theology professor Justin Smith, Ph.D., who taught her to empathize with the marginalized. She learned that life is not just about following rules or being a good person, but seeking out those who are suffering and loving them.

“I think about the cute, beautiful girls so full of dreams, like every child that BTC brings hope to. Every precious life they free is another beautiful victory, and that is worth fighting for.”

PHOTO CREDIT: WALK WITHOUT FEAR FACEBOOK PAGE

TOP: Stumbo the John Muir Trail. 18 • collide •hiking october 2014 BOTTOM: Stumbo and Yee’s view while hiking in Yosemite Valley.

A close friend of theirs participated in medical mission trips to India, specifically in Kamathipura, the largest red-light area in Asia, with an organization called Bombay Teen Challenge. This friend shed light on conditions there and the lifestyles that many girls and women have to face in India’s sex district. “Through our community and programs, we rescue and lead women and children out of the darkest parts of society into the freedom of hope,” reads the website of BTC, a cause also supported by WWF. The pair’s trip was funded with their own money, but they started a fundraiser for $15,000 with the hope that it would go toward building a library in India to empower women through education. WWF has raised close to $6,000. “We recognize that we, as two independent young women, have been given a massive gift in being able to walk this demanding trail with freedom that most of these women and girls will never get to see,” WWF’s fundraising website says. July 14, they began their trip in Yosemite Valley. Yee had an extra hiking permit that allowed her friend, APU alumnus Andrew Earle, to join for the first few days. The third day into the trip, the group made it to Tuolumne Meadows, where Earle was going to hitchhike back to the valley. At the same time, Stumbo was dealing with an inflamed knee. A huge storm rolled in, and the two women were alone, hiding from the weather and deciding if Stumbo should continue walking. Due to the pain, they thought it best that she return home. Although the trip ended early for Stumbo, she continued to support it and the fundraising goal by blogging and mak-

(LEFT TO RIGHT) Yee and Stumbo in Yosemite National Park. ing social media updates on WWF’s Facebook, Instagram and fundraising pages. “The stories of women and girls who have been and continue to be enslaved in sex trafficking are horrific. When I look at the huge number of people enslaved in sex trafficking, I feel hopeless,” Stumbo says. “Instead, I think about the cute, beautiful girls so full of dreams, like every child that BTC brings hope to. Every precious life they free is another beautiful victory, and that is worth fighting for.” Stumbo’s decision to return home led them back to the valley. Yee, still determined to finish the hike, left her to go alone or find someone to finish with her. Once back in the valley, Yee set out to find Earle and located him at a lodge in Curry Village in Yosemite. He agreed to hike the duration of the trip. They continued until Yee sprained her ankle on a jagged trail, forcing them to stop on day 14, although their plan was a 20-day trip. But WWF’s members are still fundraising and doing whatever they can to raise awareness about their cause. “Even though we are not on the trail, we still have that story to tell. Even when I had an ankle brace on or when I was in a wheelchair for a while, I was able to tell people why,” Yee says. “We still care about these women and want people to help them, so we’re not done.” To find out more about WWF, visit www.walkwithoutfear. wordpress.com. www.theclause.org/collide • 19

[ p.o.v.]

RACE & POLICE A New Slavery or New Hope?

By Kimberlee Buck

his summer, I was scrolling through my Instagram timeline when I came across some graphic photos. I never thought I would see the day when a police officer was spraying young children in the face with mace. I remember seeing kids holding signs saying, “Please Don’t Shoot.” This is the world we live in. Let me take a step back and explain the situation. This summer, an unarmed African-American teenager, Michael Brown, was shot and killed by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri. People from state to state began protesting and rioting, causing a social media uproar. Here are the facts according to the victims’ side: Brown and his friend Dorian Johnson were walking in the middle of the street when they were told by a white police officer to get on the sidewalk. The officer drove up, according to Johnson, “almost hitting the two.” The officer grabbed Brown by the neck and fired his weapon. He and Johnson ran away, but the police officer chased after them. Brown quickly put his hands in the air, telling the officer he was unarmed, but the policeman didn’t listen. Instead, he fired shots until Brown was dead. According to ABC News, a police report from the incident stated that the officer, Darren Wilson, believed Brown was involved in a convenience store robbery that took place in the area. “After viewing Brown and reviewing this video, I was able to confirm that Brown is the primary suspect in this incident,” the police report about the robbery said. Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson and police reports said Brown was confronted by Wilson for blocking traffic. They related the young man 20 • collide • october 2014

ILL

pushed the officer into his vehicle and the two struggled before the shooting. Prior to this case, a video was released of a woman, Marlene Pinnock, apparently being beaten by a California Highway Patrol officer. For those of you who have not seen the video, let me describe it: The officer grabs Pinnock, throws her on the ground and begins punching her in the face and in the head. She tries to shield her face, but the police officer holds her down and continues punching her. CHP said Officer Daniel Andrew told Pinnock she was endangering herself by walking on an interstate highway and he tried to restrain her. The account of the patrol investigator said, “Pinnock resisted by ‘kicking her legs, grabbing the officer’s uniform and twisting her body,’ and ... Andrew ‘struck her in the upper torso and head several times with a closed right fist.’” Pinnock has agreed to a $1.5 million settlement and the police officer has resigned. CBS News reported the 51-year-old homeless woman has bipolar disorder. Her attorney told reporters she spent a month in the hospital recovering from head wounds, though CHP records dispute the injury. Why is this important? Because there are continuing problems between African-Americans and police departments, and many people believe blacks are intentionally being targeted. It seems as if our gender does not matter, our disability does not matter, and it does not matter if we raise our hands in the air and surrender. Police are supposed to serve and protect us, not brutally beat us. The scary thing is it seems incidents such as these could continue to happen even though people are videotaping them, especially if police officers get

away with minor consequences. Is that justice served? According to a survey by Pew Research, “Few Say Police Forces Nationally Do Well in Treating Races Equally,” 70 percent of African-Americans hold police officers accountable for poor misconduct. The same study showed 57 percent of blacks believe police officers fail to use the right amount of force for each situation. I recently spoke with the co-president of the Black Student Association on APU’s campus to see how the ethnic organization is going to handle this problem. BSA is currently in the process of putting together a panel with the Azusa Police Department and representatives from APU’s Department of Campus Safety. The panel will discuss police brutality, the criminalization of black men and ways to build relationships between the community and law enforcement. “There will be a formal and informal element where we ask specific questions to the panel as well as allow questions from the audience,” said Danielle Harris, senior sociology major and co-president of BSA. “The purpose is to understand their plight from their perspective and to seek solutions to the problem.” Working together with law enforcement might bring hope to a difficult situation. This opinion piece is not a generalization about all police officers. But hopefully, it is an eye-opener to the people who still think race isn’t an issue or that there is no such thing as racism. For those of us who are women and men of color, we cannot get upset and resort to rioting. Why destroy our own neighborhoods? This proves the negative stereotypes right. As children of God, we need to peacefully assemble and decide the proper action as a community.

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