Riley Prepares to Leave Union, Bailey Moves Up to Library Director by Danica

UNION COLLEGE

ISSUE 91.9 | 12/06/2016

http://gallery.yopriceville.com/

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Sabrina Riley leaves Dec. 19. | PC: Zach Morrison

Kieren Bailey will take over as the new library director in January. | PC: Zach Morrison

RILEY PREPARES TO LEAVE UNION, BAILEY MOVES UP TO LIBRARY DIRECTOR T

he Ella Johnson Crandall Memorial Library (our campus library where students can often be found cramming late into the night) has had some changes over the past couple years, and it’s about to undergo yet another one. As many may be aware, current library director, Sabrina Riley, will be leaving Union Dec. 19. Stepping up to the position is current public services librarian, Keiren Bailey.

I was able to sit down with both ladies and find out more details about this switch. Sabrina Riley has been employed as Union’s library director since June 2003. On top of her administration duties, she manages electronic resources, serials and the overall management of handling subscriptions, as well as organizing and maintaining the Heritage Room. She also assists with student reference and instruction.

Riley loves to get people excited about the Heritage room and our college’s history. Over the years, she has focused on organizing and documenting the large collection of historical artifacts, making them easily accessible to students, faculty and the public. “Stories are what get people excited about it [items from the Heritage room]—and that’s our reason for keeping something. If there’s no story to it, there’s no reason to keep it. That’s my philosophy as a historian ... I can dig up stories on a lot of stuff that people would write off and say, ‘oh, there’s no story there,’” she shared. Sometime last year, when Riley began to think seriously about her move, she opened up a word document and titled it “Library Director’s Manual,” where she has since journaled her thoughts and notes all about what she has learned during the past 13 years, which she hopes those that follow her will find beneficial. [ continued on page 2 ]

[ W H AT ' S I N S I DE] NEW ENTRANCE | page 03 |

HEART OF CHRISTMAS | page 10 |

LETTER TO THE EDITOR | page 11 |

NEWS

RILEY ED IT O R I AL S TAF F

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NEW S

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[ continued from page 1 ]

What will Riley be doing next? She and her family will be moving to Virginia, where her husband is stationed in the military. She will be working on a book about the medical cadet corp., which she has been heavily involved in researching over the past six years. Once completed, this book will be the first piece of academic writing on the history of the medical cadet corp., founded by Dr. Everett Dick in 1934. Riley will also be authoring approximately 25 articles for the new Seventh-day Adventist encyclopedia set, scheduled to debut at the next General Conference session in 2020. On top of the large amount of research writing, Sabrina stated, “Somewhere in there, I’m hoping to homeschool my boys.” We wish her all the best as she moves on—although this won’t be the last we see of her. Riley confirmed she will be returning to use resources from the Heritage room while writing her book.

Riley concludes, “I don’t always see the difference [I’ve made], but I know I’ve made an impact on some students’ lives just by being their supervisor or friend. It’s always rewarding when you help someone find their place as an adult.” Head on over to the library and say goodbye to Riley, take a look around the Heritage room and meet Bailey if you haven’t already. It’s a great place to study—plus there are Legos and puzzles for when you need a study break.

Danica Eylenstein is a junior studying communication.

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In the meantime, Keiren Bailey, our current public services librarian, works alongside Riley. She began working at Union this past May, but will move up to the position of library director in January. The search has already begun for a replacement public services librarian. This will be Bailey’s first time as a library director. She shared with me that she never imagined she would be where she currently is in her eighth academic year. When asked about her transition to Union, Bailey said it has been easy. She feels she’s already been here much longer than six months, and loves the small-city feel with the friendly, welcoming people. She finds the thought of her new position a little overwhelming at times, but is excited and looking forward to it. “I’m excited to see how we can move the library to the next level, and part of what I see going forward is working with the faculty on how we can improve on teaching research.”

From all of us at The Clocktower, have a safe and Merry Christmas! | Illustration by: Selina Jeong

NEWS

NEW ENTRANCE PROJECT

Projected sketch of what the entrance will look like. | PC: Provided by Dr. Sauder

f you haven’t already seen it by now, a rather large cementfilled hole in the ground resides on the corner of Prescott and 48th St., and yes, it will be there for a while. While the official work for a new entrance began in May, this has been a long standing plan for about 25 years; funding recently became available to bring this goal to life. The entrance was originally planned for completion by October 2016 but issues with permits and underground water mains are pushing the completion to June.

The new entrance construction plans to resume in the spring. | PC: Zach Morrison

The main motive for building the new entrance was to make the school look more professional and easily accessible to the many visitors that visit campus year-round. “It’s a project we partnered up with College View Church because their sign was falling apart and ours was basically hidden. We are hoping for more visibility on both ends,” Union President Dr. Vinita Sauder. But some students are still wary about it all. Grace Vande Gutche, a sophomore communication major weighed her thoughts. “The thought is nice but the school could be putting the money to better use; it’s not a complete waste because the church is also benefitting from it, but there are other things on campus that should be the top priority.” A few concerns that arise from the thought of a new entrance mainly have to do with time and money. There is a board of about nine alumni and constituencies—a body of citizens who elect a representative—who have been planning the building of the entrance for more than 10 years, and

the donations that came from alumni are specifically for this project. “A big issue with this is that people think that we are wasting money, but there is an actual need for this and it is going to last a very long time,” says Sauder. On the other hand, positive feedback supports the construction. “I think it’s fitting given that the area is going to be the main passageway,” enthuses Union graduate A.J. Valcin, office assistant in the Teaching Learning Center on campus. Including the entrance, there are also plans in the future for a new visitors’ parking lot and repairs to the roofs of multiple buildings oncampus. Summarizes Matthew Roque, director of institutional research at Union College, “The overall goal with the master plan and any renovations or repairs is to continue and improve the professionalism of Union College, and this is one of the things that will add to it.”

Caroline Guchu is a sophomore studying communication.

NEWS

NEW BOULDERING WALL ON CAMPUS S

ome of us may remember in August a space next to the Campus Store was under construction. It’s been coming together gradually, but many may still be unsure what this space is for. I’ll put your mind at ease: Union College is almost finished with a bouldering wall!

For the bouldering enthusiast, and the average student (such as myself), here are details about the bouldering wall brought to you by IRR Director Rick Young. The wall is expected, for sure, to open after Thanksgiving break—in other words, the day isn’t solidified, but it could be any day now. Only a lighting system remains needing installation.

Senior history education major Hailey McIntosh commented, “I think it’s cool, but it seems a bit small. I don’t think people would be able to go very high.” I asked her if she would try it out to which she responded, “I’m actually terrified of heights, so maybe, maybe not. We’ll see.”

Bouldering hours will be from seven a.m. to midnight. A student ID scanner will allow students to freely access the wall during open hours. However, students must first go through a brief training course before being signed-off to climb.

I also asked junior nursing major Kasondra Reel for her thoughts on the subject and she replied, “I love the idea of a bouldering wall. From what I’ve heard from former students in years past, the previous IRR bouldering wall was absolutely the chillest hangout, so it's nice to finally have one again to kind of have a place where people with that interest can hang out. I’m definitely going to try it.”

The reason there isn’t as much safety equipment needed for bouldering is because it’s a low-risk sport, and no one’s feet will be further than three feet off the ground.

Through an email interview with Dr. Linda Becker, she explained before the IRR program migrated from the police station location to where it currently resides, there was a bouldering wall. After IRR moved, the bouldering wall disappeared due to the police station. This transition took place three years ago, and two student senators stepped forward shortly after who wanted to make a change: Kyle Illio and Makenzy Jean, now alumni. Graduated theology major Jean shared, “The idea that our school didn’t have diverse recreational facilities didn’t feel right; it didn’t sit well with me. At the same time, my friend Kyle Illio and I were talking about the subject, and Kyle told me how it upset him the rock wall was taken away because of the newly acquired police station.” He elaborated, “We decided to collaborate on this project to bring back something taken away from the students. We were nervous at first but with a little encouragement from Dr. Becker and Mr. Young we decided to move forward with our endeavor.”

In talking to more people around campus about what they thought regarding the new bouldering wall, and receiving varied opinions, I couldn’t help but get the impression that the distinction between bouldering and rock-climbing was vague to some. According to boulderbrighton.com, bouldering is rock climbing stripped down to its raw essentials. In other words, it’s pure rock climbing without ropes and harness, and just using climbing shoes and a bag of chalk over safety mats. The technicalities of harnesses, helmets, ropes and other equipment are left in the arena of rockclimbing.

However, should popular demand arise, the school may charge a small fee for public use—Young said maybe something around $5.

Together with the Recreational Committee and Senate they made decisions to where the wall would be located and how to raise funds; the project would cost around $115,000. The bouldering wall isn’t up yet, but keep an eye out on your emails for updates! | PC: Zach Morrison

An instructor will be present for a span of four hours, from six to ten p.m., and will give the training course to those who are new. As for climbing shoes and chalk, the school is looking to implement a system where one could order both from the campus bookstore. The wall is meant for recreational use by Union College students.

Now through fundraising, private donations and careful planning (read: it didn’t come from your tuition), the project is finally coming to fruition. All this to say, if you have an idea then take it to Senate!

Sean Hendrix is a senior studying biomedical science.

NEWS

TALK WITH YOUR SENATORS … THEY DON’T BITE! A

SB Senate has been hard at work these past few months to improve campus life. Nov. 9’s meeting was filled with discussion concerning proposed bills from curfew extensions to caf hours and everything in between.

anything unless we know what people want,” she explained, elaborating, “and we don’t know what people want unless talk to us! If there’s a lot of suggestions and a lot of talk, ideas always being thrown out there, then we can come up with something good to help change our school.”

I spoke with freshman English language arts education major Ashley Bower, who represents Rees 2nd west, and she stressed the importance of talking with one’s senator. “We can’t do

In other words, if you think there should be more vending machines in the dorms, or if you’re upset that a plate of pasta and sauce costs $6.78 in the caf, talk with your senators!

rees

Prescott

1st east: Laurenlee Meadows

2nd floor: Brandyn Reeves

2nd east: Caroline Guchu

3rd floor: Wesley Rodriguez

2nd west: Ashley Bower

4th floor: Jean Christian Toure

3rd east: Michelle Thompson

5th floor: Leyberth Rosendo

3rd west: Roxanna Vasques

6th floor: Jonathan Deemer

4th east: Chloe Blackburn

7th floor: Armando Jimenez

4th west: Katie Buxton

Culver

village

1st floor: John Michael Sagarra

Jeremy Janke

2nd floor: Isaiah Delarmente

Jose Quispe

Rees annex: Bailey Dehning

Kendrick Froemming

Autumn Mott is a sophomore studying communication.

his past summer, I worked on a farm during its summer camp program. Although there were the usual barn, fields, and garden staff, I was part of the forestry group. We taught kids how to fell trees, split logs and stack firewood. We also taught them sustainable forest management. The farm had a professional forester come in and develop a forest management plan, and part of that plan was to clear saplings to allow the mature trees more growth. Whenever we’d take kids to go clear the underbrush, we’d first explain that although the “thinning” of the forest might cause it temporary loss, we were actually helping to create long-term benefits. The same is also true in our lives. When we experience disappointment and pain, it can be God’s ways of thinning non-vital aspects from our lives. His ultimate desire is for us to be happy. Although we may think we know the right plan for our lives, we must learn to let go. “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.” Romans 12:2 NLT

by. Autumn Mott

student senators

Since our brains are always overloaded, especially as finals approach, included below is a list of the senators and their respective districts.

Devotional Thoughts

During the meeting, the senators were encouraged to connect with their districts. Senators are assigned for each hall in the dorms, with three senators for village students. It’s important the student body know their senators, because they’re the students who can help make change happen.

Sophomore aspiring nursing major Jeremy Janke, who represents village students, puts it this way: “Think of your senator as someone you can rant to about how bad or good Union is, without the awkward confrontation of talking to someone in administration. If your complaint is legitimate, your senator might just be able to help fix it.

They’re the ones who can make change happen.

LIFESTYLE

FINDING THE “YES’S” IN RELIGION S

ometimes religion can cause you to feel as if you’re surrounded by a sea of “no’s.” No unclean meats. No shopping during Sabbath hours. No sexual relations before marriage. In all of the “no’s” it can seem hard to find and focus on even a single “yes.” While we’re told what we shouldn’t do while growing up, questioning the reason for the no’s and finding the yes’s should be explored on one’s own as we reach adulthood. Tyler Morrison, Union enrollment coordinator, said he was able to focus more on the “yes’s” of religion by “knowing and understanding the rules on what to do.” Understanding why God says no allows us to better understand His character as well. We see how going against what God has said has negative effects and ultimately hurts us. These hurtful outcomes prove to us we can trust God and know He only wants what’s best. Referencing 1 John 4:19, “We love because He first loved us,” Morrison emphasized that God wants us to do what would truly make us the happiest. Following God’s example by following His rules, is what would give us a sense of fulfillment. “The don’t’s when it comes to God’s law are rooted in do,” he said. When asked how this has helped in his life, Morrison began by explaining that “why” is the most important thing to know with anything. One needs to understand why they want to be a doctor in order for them to be a good doctor. The same principle applies to Christianity as well. “We have to know that God loves us,” he shared.

The conversation on what to do, or what not to do, when looking at Scripture is no new debate. | PC: Jorrdan Bissell

After becoming accepting and better understanding, we’re able stop seeing God’s rules as a list of no’s, but instead as guidelines on how to live life to its fullest and achieve happiness while doing so.

HOUC

Humans of Union College

The story of Eve in Genesis tells how Eve gave into temptation and disobeyed the one rule God had given rather than remaining content in paradise, ultimately ending in suffering for her and her descendants. We can learn from her actions, and focus on the goodness around us. Knowing what we should stay away from opens up endless possibilities of what we’re able to do. It's our habit of focusing on what we’re told not to do, rather than focusing on our other opportunities, that limits us from enjoying our lives. We should choose to enjoy and share the plethora of “yes’s” available to us, and stop resenting the few “no’s.”

Amanda McCarter is a sophomore studying biomedical science.

HOUC is compiled by Autumn Mott.

“T

hese past four months or so, I’ve really started to find out more about myself. The classes I’m taking are finally starting to feel applicable to me and it’s making me think about who I am and what it means to be me. Who is Melissa Burton and what characteristics does she have? How does it apply to me being an adult from here on out? Finding what I like to do—what fulfills me.” Melissa Burton is a senior studying business administration.

LIFESTYLE

THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK CONTINUE “S

herlock,” a BBC adaptation of “The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes,” takes the classic tales of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and sets them in modern day London. This setting allows for surprising twists on the much beloved storylines. Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Watson (Martin Freeman) live in a modern world with present-day technology, enabling Watson to blog about his experiences with Sherlock. The show contains three seasons comprised of three episodes each that premiered in 2010, 2012 and 2014. Each episode is unique with its own modern twist in the classic tales. Rachel Gregerson, a sophomore preallied health major, commented the endings are “not something you can guess,” even if you’ve read the books. It weaves a tapestry of storylines and intrigue so intricate that it’s impossible to see the whole picture until each loose end is tied up in the conclusion. Fans of the BBC show “Sherlock” have been eagerly awaiting the premier of the long awaited season four. The season was originally slated to premiere in 2016, but was delayed to January 2017. Gregerson is incredibly

Sherlock, left and his crime solving partner, Watson, return 2017 in a new season. | PC: pbs.org

excited for the newest installment to one of her favorite shows. To appease fans of the show during the almost three year long break, the producers released a Christmas special in 2015. The Christmas special was titled “The Abominable Bride” and featured Sherlock and Watson in 19th century London. Gregerson enjoyed the Christmas special, explaining, “Seeing them in period clothing was funny.” She appreciated how the episode paid homage to the time period the classic book series is set in. Fans of the show eagerly await Jan.1, 2017 for new crimes, intrigue and the same characters they fell in love with. Sherlock and Watson will continue their friendship and entertain with witty quips and Sherlock’s awkward social encounters.

1. We needed another photo. 2. If you haven’t seen this by now, you need Google. | PC: hoppins.tumblr.com

On the possible return of Moriarty, Sherlock’s archnemesis, Gregerson stated, “I didn’t not expect it.” Moriarty is an important character in the series and many fans feel the show became less interesting without his presence.

The name of the first and second episodes have been revealed. Episode one of season four will be titled “The Six Thatchers” and will be based on “The Adventure Of The Six Napoleons” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Trailers and teasers for the long awaited fourth season appear to hint that “Sherlock” may be coming to a series end soon. This upcoming season will be dark and full of consequences. Director Steven Moffat, in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, explained the new season will be, “More of an emotional upheaval. Hopefully enjoyable and fun, all the things Sherlock must always be. [But] it will be tough at times.”

Sara Roberts is a junior studying business administration.

OPINION

FEMALE MILITIA

EMOTION IS THE DEATH OF REASON O

n Dec. 3, 2015, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter announced that, effective January 2016, the U.S. military would open all occupations and positions to women, without exception. For some, this was long overdue. For others, this was a travesty. Regardless of how it was received, this action certainly sent a message. However, the question is, what message did it send? I believe, without a doubt, this came from a place of good intentions. After all, shouldn’t a country’s military reflect its values? And if those values include equality, shouldn’t the military exercise such a belief? No. It shouldn’t.

In the business world, this loses you money. In the military, this loses you lives. The Marine Corps conducted a test of combat unit effectiveness, including infantry, artillery, and mechanized units. In this test, training was completed for four months followed by a five month “deployment” in the Mojave Desert. At the end of the cycle, two women remained of the original two dozen who started the experiment.

shoulders so we could finish on time. This experience had its merits—we succeeded and failed as a team. But it also had its lessons: men and women are different, and in high stress situations, men will feel the need to take care of and protect women. Yes, there are women who could not only meet, but surpass, the requirements for combat roles. First Lieutenants Kristen Griest and Shaye Haver are two such examples, making history as the first two females to graduate from the Army’s infamous Ranger School. However, the problem is that these individuals are such a rarity, such an exception from the norm, that the cost of implementing a system designed to identify these few is not worth what it would cost the military.

All of this is not to mention What we’re talking about the distractions that come with here is the military opening placing young men and young combat jobs to women. These women in close quarters for roles can range from standard prolonged periods of time. infantry designations to elite This announcement opens all jobs, including combat, to women. If the military loses focus of its | PC: military.wikia.com, womenfothemilitary.com special operations teams. original goal, its true purpose, Either way, combat training Additionally, the Marine Corps and compromises its effectiveness for is much more demanding than non- reported that mixed-gender units a feel-good political move, American combat training. fell short on combat skills and unit lives will be lost. It’s undeniable that men are cohesion. The results of the exercise Regardless of intentions, allowing generally stronger than women. While clearly demonstrated the inferiority of women in combat roles will prove to mixed-gender units compared to malethere are exceptions, the fact remains be counterproductive to American that in the majority of situations, the only units. interests, and the cost for such a move average man is much stronger than the Even in my short time at basic is far too high to be seriously considered average woman. training at the United States Air Force by our leaders. Men will pass more rigorous training Academy, I experienced this issue. at a higher rate than women. If this is Every so often, we were, as a flight, the case, this means that every woman, required to make certain distance runs by entering training, is taking the place in a cut off time. Every flight member of a man, who statistically has a much had to pass or the whole flight failed. higher chance of passing that training Every single time we did this, I she does. would end up in a rotation of four men Jonathan Deemer is a sophomore carrying one of the females on our studying biomedical science. This is called inefficiency.

OPINION

PRESIDENT-ELECT WOES COLUMN LIKE I SEE 'EM S

o, in case you didn't know, Donald Trump is our new president-elect. I'm sure you knew though. Everybody seems to know, and everybody seems to be freaking out.

this past election? Absolutely, but it feels like people think that number has tripled since Trump's victory. Even if Trump was 100 percent for sure a minority hating racist, that wouldn't just transform the rest of the white population into racists as well.

And I don't really understand why. Let me start by saying this: there's a reason I'm not the political opinion writer. Way back when someone tried to get me into that racket, I said, “Woah there, I don't know the first thing about politics. I have no opinion to share.”

More importantly, I don't think he’s that at all. Just like every previous president, he's got his supporters, and he's got his opposition. It's easy to blame the president for everything going wrong in our country, and for everything going right, but that's rarely the fault of him at all. The president is just the face of the country right now, and yes, our current face is a little on the stupid side, but if it works out so bad, we can get a different one in a few years time.

I still could care less about politics, but what matters to me more is the reaction I'm seeing from people, and how much it baffles me. At every other election I've lived through, there's always been some strong support for the candidate who lost, but after the loss, the general vibe from the supporters has been more along the lines of, “Ah shucks I really liked that other guy. Wish he would have pulled through. Bummer,” rather than, “The world is ending! He is gonna start the next world war! We need to leave or we're all as good as dead!”

shenanigans as he wants, but that all has to get approved by the other branches of our government. They may all be Republican now, but surely they aren't all bigoted genocidal lunatics like some people have decided Trump is.

Just try not to freak out until it's fully justifiable. Maybe hold off until Trump actually commits to something horrific.

“President Trump” … maybe it won’t be so bad after all … ? | Drawing by: Kevin Niederman

During a class of mine, the call for prayer request led to one student praying that her Muslim friends wouldn't be attacked in the streets. That sounds crazy to me.

I fall victim to stereotyping, and I often say ignorant things without thinking, but it would take a lot more than some orange crusty fool taking office to get me to run into the streets and attack minorities.

Is Trump racist? Potentially, though it's far more likely that he's just an idiot with no internal filter.

Also, it’s comforting to remember that Trump has been elected president, and not crowned king.

Were there racists in this country capable of attacking Muslims before

He can try to do as much terrible racist fascist doomsday world ending

cl ip ar

tk id .c om

Kevin Niederman is a junior studying nursing.

OPINION

THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS FOLLOWING THE CALL C

hristmas!

You’ve just aced your last final and are now on your way to the airport with the ride you arranged three weeks ago (well, yesterday). There’s a nip in the air and the TSA agent is strangely chipper—it’s like they’re actually happy to see you. The plane taxis down the runway. As it takes off, all of your books, tests and homework fall out the back of your mind, to be promptly replaced by holiday lattes, colorful light displays, snowflakes and Christmas cookies. “Jingle Bells” drifts in and out of your mind. Dragging your suitcases behind you (packing for three weeks, remember?), you open the door to home, sweet home. Letting out a sigh of happiness, you step inside...only to be met by squabbling siblings, a TV dinner and the dog chewing on the head of your favorite Santa statue. Merry Christmas. In our minds, Christmas is beautiful. Holiday music surrounds us while we decorate the house and tree, laughing and joking. Snuggling in blankets and cats on the couch, we watch Christmas movies and drink steaming hot cocoa with marshmallows. At Christmas dinner, the extended family mingles happily while Uncle slices the perfectlycooked tur ... veggie-turkey … and the younger kids play nicely in the back room. Too bad things never work out that way. More often than not, the holidays seem to go a little more like this: Dad works late and Mom’s always off Christmas shopping. The tree takes

forever to put up, someone breaks our favorite ornament and half the strand of lights is out. The cookies look like they’ve been decorated by a second-grader. When we drive around to see the Christmas lights, we can’t find any. Traffic is horrible, shoppers are rude and we can’t find the gifts we need. When we finally have time to collapse on the couch, the wrong Christmas movie is on. The cat hisses when we reach for her. Bah humbug. Maybe, just maybe, our focus is misplaced. In all of holiday doings, we’ve forgotten about one of the most important parts of Christmas—other people. What do you think it is that the people who haven’t seen you for six months want most? Here’s a hint: it’s probably not more stuff. Sure, they might appreciate a new iPad. Yes, a new golf club would be nice. But more than that, they’d probably just like to spend time with you. Look back up at that list where Christmas was beautiful. Do you notice anything? We. We. We. Think about what the holidays would be like if you were completely alone. No one to shop for. No one to shop with. No one to help with the tree. No one to go look at lights with. No one to giggle and sigh through Christmas movies with. No one to share Christmas dinner. Retail would have you believe that care equals buying, but it’s not the truth. Your time is the most precious gift you can give. Jesus was born here on Earth for this very reason. He came to show

Cue ALL the decorations and loud music. | PC: Sally Becker

His love through being here. He paused in His journey to listen and heal. He gave up what He thought was important for multitudes that were hungering. It’s what Christmas is all about. The holidays won’t be perfect. Cookies will burn. We’ll miss our favorite movie. People will have arguments. The cat will climb the Christmas tree. If we think about others, however, the good times will jump out. Sharing cookie batter. Having fun making a mess with frosting. Snuggling up for a new favorite movie. Forgiving, forgetting, and playing that crazy Christmas game everyone loves. Who needs to go shopping again or make the gift wrap perfect? It won’t really matter after the 25th anyway. Walking in Jesus’ footsteps, we might just find what we’re looking for.

Ginger Hany is a senior studying biomedical science.

OPINION

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: DR. TRUDY HOLMES-CAINES R

ecently I read The Clocktower article “The forgotten meaning of racism” (published Oct. 11) and the comments on defending public statements as not being racist. I understand why many people find the use of the terms racist and racism to be overdone in today’s climate where everyone seems to have something to say. However, I do think it’s important to have some discussion about what those terms mean and why individuals may think it appropriate to use them. Definitions of racism can become fairly complex as the issues of race, ethnicity, power differentials, bigotry, prejudice and similar concepts are involved. Some basic points are important for everyone to understand. Racism involves thinking of or behaving differently toward an individual simply because of race (skin color and physical characteristics) and/or ethnic identity (cultural/racial overlay). An individual can think and express racist ideas without intending to be racist. We all absorb beliefs and expectations from the world we grow up in. Those beliefs and expectations become a part of how we see and interpret the world. They form the implicit biases we have and express. Just because someone didn’t intend to be racist doesn’t mean that what they say or do isn’t racist. In addition, ignorance and racism have probably always been connected. If someone is

ignorant about biased race judgements, or the inappropriate comments they make, that doesn’t mean the comments aren’t racist. The person who the comments affect is likely to experience the comments much more personally and powerfully. Simply citing facts and figures isn’t racist, but facts and figures are usually cited in a context. Why were they cited? What point was being made? What judgements were being made or suggested? Recently, some statistics were cited in a presentation in my class. The numbers seemed to reflect negatively on the African American community and my students seemed concerned about stating them. The presentation of the statistics is a neutral point. It so happens that a lot of data is collected using racial group distinctions. It may be useful to the data collectors or consumers to collect it in this way. But skin color and racial physical characteristics don’t make people into anything. When white people in any region are poor, no one thinks it’s because of their whiteness. Racial characteristics don’t cause people to be lazy, aggressive or anything else. Consumers of data need to remember this, and they need to stop using such data to inappropriately denigrate groups of people. Trying to understand another person’s experience and point of view would help people understand when what they’re saying is inappropriate.

The problem is most people think about what they personally find offensive or destructive, and speak from there. Instead, think about this: If you don’t have a life history of people taking things away from you, of people assuming that you’re dangerous or unintelligent, of people assuming that you’re greedy or lazy, of others insulting you because of how you look, then you don’t know what it feels like to hear more words that revive those feelings of hurt and anxiety. You think it’s nothing. Then you judge others when they react. Stop and try to imagine what a lifetime of those painful experiences might be like before opening your mouth. In trying to prevent people from using those race words to react, you can be denying their lived experience. An experience that you know nothing about. Finally, Christ calls us to bear one another’s burdens. He calls us to love others the way he loves. That kind of love seeks to lift people up. With that kind of love, when someone cries out in pain we look for ways to help remove the pain. We seek to understand the pain so we can provide resources and support to those experiencing it. If we caused the pain, we seek out Divine help to guide us in changing our behavior.

Dr. Trudy Holmes-Caines is a professor of psychology.

COACH'S CORNER

always have this plan to achieve a set of unrealistic goals over break. I’m not sure why I believe that during break I’ll have more time to accomplish such a huge list of items. This plan typically will be derailed by the distraction of Netflix, Christmas movies and my favorite—day dreaming. However, if I want to return after break with a sense of accomplishment I must be productive. I’m trying not to use the “b” word; yet, no other word will suffice. I must find “balance.” I figure I have a good three weeks to achieve this. Take out the holidays, shopping, travel and now I am down to about two weeks. How does time go so fast? If this resonates with you, here are our suggestions:

Be kind to yourself

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2. Make a realistic list

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3. Commit to finishing some items on the list 4. Give yourself permission to not finish everything 5. Include rest and fun items 6. Daily accept God’s promise in moments of stillness Enjoy your holiday! The Coaches (Debbie, Jonathan and Kian)

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The Clocktower encourages reader feedback and strives to maintain accuracy. If you have comments, please email us at cltower@gmail.com.

The Clocktower, established in 1927 and sponsored by the Associated Student Body of Union College, is published weekly during the fall and spring semesters. 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.