Students Attend Communications Conference

UNION COLLEGE

ISSUE 91.8 | 11/08/2016

A FRIDAY FOR US ALL

COLUMN LIKE I SEE 'EM

B

lack Friday is my kind of day. If you don't know what I'm talking about, let me set it up for you.

Yesterday was Thanksgiving. You sat at a table and talked with people you love while stuffing yourself to the fullest of your capability with your favorite foods.

Since Thanksgiving lunch was late in the afternoon it also encapsulated dinner, which means your food coma hit earlier than normal and you passed out hard around 7 p.m.

That was by design.

“

eight person triple threat jet jacuzzi for twenty bucks worms.

Those are the worms they advertise in the little pamphlets they mail to everybody, but in truth they only have like ten, or less, of those worms. The secret to Black Friday is to widen the horizons of what you might consider a worm.

The problem people have with Black Friday is everyone operating under the assumption that the early bird gets the worm.

“

Cut to you parking outside Best Buy at 2 a.m. and getting in a line already three hundred strong. It's in the low twenties, your flip-flops aren't insulating your toes like you thought they would, and the people surrounding you are miserable, and angry they didn't get here earlier.

To avoid things becoming heated during Black Friday, take Kevin’s advice. | Drawing: Kevin Niederman

Black Friday is a mad celebration of everything consumerist. Stores are bringing in record numbers of shoppers and making the most profit all year, and at the same time people are lining up for deals of a lifetime. Some people say it's crazy and aggressive and exhausting and not at all worth your time, but those people are doing it wrong.

Let me tell you how to do Black Friday right.

The problem people have with Black Friday is everyone operating under the assumption that the early bird gets the worm. I mean, that's technically true, but the worms they're looking for are the 75 percent off giant TV worms, or the

While all those angry, ravenous birds are in the Thunderdome straight murdering each other over a couple choice worms, you just slink on past to the smaller, more numerous worms.

I, for instance, go to the electronics center, and while the attention is on the overweight soccer mom who has a city councilman in a German suplex, I sneak over to the DVD section, seemingly untouched by these barbarians. I got every season of "Psych" for ten bucks each. It's usually forty dollars.

They have shows from two or three years ago and they’re just dirt cheap. Clothes too! I got one of my favorites hats on Black Friday for like, pretty cheap.

Then there's the line you have to wait in. They build this special aisle that's a good two miles long and the entire thing

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[ W H AT ' S I N S I DE] DORMITORY LOCKOUT | page 06 |

L O S T F I R S T DAT E | page 08 |

B L AC K F R I DAY E C ONOM IC S | page 10 |

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NEWS

ED IT O R I AL S TAF F

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Opi n io n E dit o r Gabr i el Fl ec ha s H u m o r O pin io n Kevi n N i ed er m a n Poli t ic a l O pin ion Jo na t ha n D eem er Rel ig io u s O pin ion Gi n g er Ha ny SOCI AL ME DI A

F a ce b o o k /Cl o c k t ow er ASB Snapc h a t @ asb uni onc ol l eg e Read O n lin e cl o c k t ow er.uc ol l e g e . e d u Read t h e pr in t i ssu u.c om / c l oc k t o we rA S B

Lincoln isn’t the only city with fun fall activities. | PC: arbordayfarm.org

MORE FALL EVENTS AT ARBOR DAY FARM I

n case you missed out on the ASB Barn Party, there’s another opportunity to catch up on autumn celebrations before the weather gets too cold. The Arbor Day Farm is the perfect place to spend a weekend afternoon.

“I really liked the different outdoor activities everyone of all ages can enjoy,” comments Taylor Young, a sophomore social work major. “I really liked the different outdoor activities that everyone of all ages can enjoy.”

The Arbor Day State Historical Park was the home to J. Sterling Morton who founded Arbor Day in April 1872 to signify the importance of a greener and healthier world. Since then, more than a million trees have been planted in Morton’s honor. Now, the home Morton and his wife used to live in has been turned into a museum with more than 52 rooms filled with countless historic artifacts belonging to the Morton Family.

The Arbor Day Farm and Lodge comes with different attractions at a low cost, including a nature-themed tree house adventure with interactive outdoor classrooms for young children, walking trails and treehouses. Hayrides, apple picking and corn mazes are also available and tickets sell at just $15. Activities start at 7 p.m. and end at 8:45 p.m. through Nov. 12

“There’s a lot of things to do that everyone can enjoy, even year round,” says junior elementary education major Brandyn Reeves. “The different activities make it easy to come back and have fun.”

When the fall festivities are over, Arbor Day Farm features several other activities that keep people coming back.

For example, it will host a Thanksgiving buffet on Nov. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Additionally, Christmas at the Morton Mansion is a one of a kind experience that goes from Nov. 19 to Dec. 30 with tickets available for only $8.

Weekends in December include the Arbor Day Farm trolley for an hour-long tour of Historic Nebraska City and a Christmas lights show with an admission price of $15. Special holiday-themed collections and music are featured to get everyone in the spirit.

The Arbor Day Farm is located at 2611 Arbor Avenue Nebraska City, Neb. 68410, which is approximately a one-hour drive, a nice trade-off for a day filled with fun. “My favorite activity was the apple picking,” comments junior math education major Meredith Lovell. “The farm is a great place for any Union student.”

For more information on the current activities and any upcoming events visit arbordayfarm.org.

Caroline Guchu is a sophomore studying communication.

NEWS

03

STUDENTS ATTEND COMMUNICATIONS CONFERENCE O

n Wednesday, Oct. 12, fifteen Union College students and staff headed to the annual Society of Adventist Communicators (SAC) conference in Denver, Col. for a three day conference. The conference, intended for professionals and students alike, was an opportunity to learn, grow and network with others in public relations, graphic design, photography, videography, print and digital media and journalism.

The mission of SAC is “to nurture the spiritual, social, and professional growth of society members.” For students, this convention was an opportunity to gain professional mentoring and network with future contacts for employment.

This year’s conference theme “Keep Climbing” featured lectures, workshops, panel discussions and tech talks all focused on ways to continue growing as a communicator.

to the NBC Uplink studio, where they were able to see behind the scenes The group of Union students and staff during the Saturday banquet dinner. of what goes on in | PC: Yary Jimenez a television studio.

The rest went to Karsh Hagen, a local advertising company in Denver.

Before arriving, I didn’t really see how a professional conference would be beneficial for me. Wow, I was wrong. I suppose I never realized just how much I could do with my communications degree after graduation. Touring Karsh & Hagen opened up a whole new world of ideas.

Daisy Muga, a sophomore biomedical science major, also decided to attend the conference, despite not being a communications major. She explained, “I wanted to learn more about how I can use communications to make myself more marketable in my career.

I learned a lot of new things, met inspirational people, and mingled with students from other colleges.”

FRIDAY

[ continued from page 1 ] is just lined with deals. It's a bit of a mind game since they force you to stand in that line for like three hours anyway.

I got a popcorn machine for fifteen bucks while waiting to buy those DVDs. It was a tiny popcorn machine, but, you know what? It made popcorn, and that made the DVDs that much better.

This year, I suggest you too come out the mad world of Black Friday.

Just walk the opposite direction of the crowds.

This conference ultimately allowed students to explore the world of communications and to bond together.

While some upper-division students already knew many of the basics covered in the workshops, the weekend offered something for everyone.

You'll find something worthwhile, like the anthology of “Where's Waldo?” books for four bucks, or a special meatloaf pan for ten. It's so much easier to find deals and enjoy yourself if you just lower your standards and don't try to find anything.

“My favorite part was networking— especially on Sabbath when we were able to go outside and enjoy God’s nature while walking, talking and learning from fellow photographers,” commented senior communications major Yary Jimenez.

If interested in attending next year’s SAC conference, or to learn more about SAC, visit adventistcommunicator.org.

Next year’s SAC conference will be held in Portland, Ore. While Union doesn’t plan on taking as many students next year, the hope is to continue helping students realize the value in connecting early in college with other professionals.

Just go! And if you see a fist fight between a clergyman and his neighbor's four year old over the last microwave the store has to offer, that's just a perk. Enjoy it while you can, because you'll have to wait a whole year to see it again, and nobody wants to see a five year old get clotheslined.

Personally, my favorite activity was the offsite tour we took Thursday morning. Half of the Union group went

Danica Eylenstein is a junior studying communication.

Kevin Niederman is a junior studying nursing.

A number of qualified individuals spoke throughout the weekend, including Union’s associate professor of English and communication, Chris Blake, who gave a workshop entitled “Don’t Let the Jerks Get You Down (Including the One in the Mirror).”

Blake’s workshop was intended to teach communications majors how to deal with difficult people.

04

NEWS

CAMPUS SAFETY LEVELS UP O

n Oct. 18, in response to the incident involving a suspicious person on campus, Rick Young, interim director of Campus Security, spoke at the second ASB Senate meeting about upcoming improvements to campus security. Wanting to provide the student body with an overview of changes taking place, I've decided to cover what Young discussed during the meeting and sat down with him for an interview a few days later.

Foremost, Young hopes to institute extensive training for the security officers such as learning handcuffing techniques and baton training. He’s also helping to develop an anonymous tip line students can call if they see or hear suspicious activity on campus.

rescue and relief, officially accepted the position on November 1st.

As far as the tip line, it’s still in the works but should running shortly.

Anderson and Young have been writing up a new proposal for the campus safety officers. Young explained, “In the past they were like babysitters: keeping an eye on things, but [they] really didn’t have much authority. We would like to provide them with the tools and equipment to give them great hands on experience so they could possibly go on to law enforcement or other professions.”

“Anyone can call in to the anonymous line and simply pass on an ‘I heard,’ or ‘I saw something.’ There’s a lot of people afraid to get involved. But if you see something, say something,” Young stated.

When asked when the training would start, he confessed it might take a while.

Young has been the interim director of campus security for two months now. For the past 14 years, Ron Dodds was the director, but since he was also the assistant boys’ dean, director of Union Estates and the men’s basketball coach, he eventually felt the need to hand off his position at campus security. During the interview process, Young was asked to temporarily step in, given his background in security.

However, a new campus security director was recently chosen. Tyler Anderson, who used to be the assistant program director for international

Once a tip is submitted, the security director will be immediately notified.

He can then assess if the situation requires prompt action. In the meantime, there’s an emergency info sticker being developed.

It was suggested during the Senate meeting that every public phone and computer on campus have a sticker containing emergency contact information such as the anonymous tip line and the local police number. Of course, when in doubt, 911 is still the number to call.

In our conversation a couple days following the meeting, Young further expressed his high hopes for the future of Union’s security.

“The first change is calling the program Campus Safety, instead of Campus Security,” he said. “Looking at not just the security issues, but compliance issues, [such as] OSHA requirements and chemicals stored on campus.” He showed me a massive stack of papers detailing campus safety regulations sitting on his desk.

“We have to be a community, we have to work together to keep this campus safe.”

Although Young won’t remain in the director position much longer, he concluded our discussion with his vision for the security program.

Tyler Anderson will soon lead out a revamped Campus Safety. | PC: Zach Morrison

“We’re taking our proposal to the president’s council. If they approve it, then it goes to the board and the board has to approve it. So all that said, it could be next semester or later.

However, some of the training will start next semester,” he said.

Because the training will be extensive, it will be a gradual process.

He foresees underclassmen like freshmen will join security and be fully trained within a couple years.

“However, upperclassmen on security will definitely have all the necessary skills,” he commented.

“In five years I would hope we would have one more full time person, supported by a strong student cadre, a trained group to support and learn,” he shared. “I also think student security needs to be paid more than some of the other jobs on campus. When you look at the responsibility, and what they’re required to do, and if we’re going to expect this training, we need to provide a little bump-up [in pay] compared to someone sitting behind a desk doing homework all night, when security is out walking.”

Autumn Mott is a sophomore studying communication.

NEWS

05

ASB BARN PARTY CONFIRMS FALL’S ARRIVAL

Live music uplifted the mood at ASB Barn Party. | PC: Zach Morrison

T

he atmosphere was one of enjoyment and almost childish adventure as the barn began filling with people for the highly anticipated ASB Barn Party on Oct. 29.

Put together by Union College’s ASB, the preparation for an event such as this is massive. Studio art major and senior Hannah Ashburn is the social vice president for ASB, and consequently in charge for the bulk of the event.

Ashburn says that trips to Sam’s Club are always in order for events and that making lists are the key to planning, especially for something as unique as a barn party. “I’ll remember to rent the cotton candy machine, get enough food, pay the band, get lights... But somehow I always forget trash bags…” she said.

Her preparation definitely paid off; the barn party was a packed evening of fun.

This event was held off campus at Prairie Creek Inn. When first entering the barn sight of about 100 college kids primarily dressed in plaid milled around, sipping at hot cider or licking their fingers clean of the caramel dripping from glorious red apples. The line for candy corn, caramel apples, cotton candy and nachos wrapped around inside the building.

The top of the barn featured donuteating games and spots to hangout and watch the makeshift stage where the live band sung songs like “Jolene.”

But those weren’t the only activities students could participate in. For example, located outside was the shooting range and pumpkin carving.

Pumpkin carving consistently drew the most people throughout the night, and as a bonus the three best carvings won prizes of $20-$40. Graphic design major and sophomore Leliah Dubreuze won second place and said, “The best

part of pumpkin carving is throwing seeds at people!”

Hayrides were the highlight of the barn party, the ride lists filling up quickly. For those who wanted the bonfire and s’mores experience, it was the perfect way to end the night. Riding on bales of hay and singing “Lean On Me” created a worthwhile memory.

Ashburn summarized the experience with her favorite part of the night: “The live band, and of course the cotton candy!”

All in all, it was an awesome barn party reminding us why we love fall.

Maylina Graham is a sophomore studying international relations.

06

NEWS

LOCKED OUT OF THE DORMS

Be sure you keep your ID card on you at all times now! | PC: Zach Morrison

A

t 8 a.m. on Oct. 25, Prescott and Rees, the two main dorms on campus, became permanently locked. In order to enter, students must now scan their student ID cards to unlock the doors during open hours, such as 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. This change was in response to the recent security issues we've had on campus including a stranger rummaging through personal property.

Deans Patterson and Braithwaite also announced on a pin-up in Rees Hall that due to recent activity in the neighborhood, the doors will be permanently locked to help ensure the safety of students on campus.

However, upon asking some Resident Assistants (RAs) their thoughts on the change, I was met with positive responses.

Sophomore English major Maddie Temple, who is an RA on Rees 4th West said, “Well, personally I approve of the locked dorms. I admit, having to always carry your key can be a bit of a pain, but safety is more important to me. Because we live in town where anyone can come on campus, taking precautions is necessary.”

As the week progressed, I started to hear fellow students echo Temple’s thoughts. Although a slight inconvenience, they felt safer with the locked doors. Sophomore international rescue and relief major Austin Miller shared his thoughts with me, saying, “It's about time, in my opinion. It's

a security measure that should have been done long ago. Many people here haven't experienced a break in; it's terrifying. People forget that someone could come in and take your stuff.”

“

I admit, having to always carry your key can be a bit of a pain, but safety is more important to me.

“

I’ll admit, I was initially irritated with the change. As I sat in class a few hours after receiving the notifying email, I listened to others grumble about all the security updates. First the golf carts disappear, and now the dorms are permanently locked?

When I spoke with students, I found they actually weren’t upset about having to carry their ID around, but about having to get new ID cards. If the student ID cards aren’t registering with the scanner, they should be taken up to Information Services, or new ones can be ordered through portal.

Prescott resident and sophomore nursing major Giovanni Agra was one

of the many students who had to replace their IDs. But, he’s not complaining too much. “I don’t see it as a waste of $10, because I want to be safe. It’s just more of a ‘ugh’ sort of thing. You know how everyone doesn’t like change, but it’s not really a big deal.”

Sophomore theology major and RA on Rees 2nd West Liz McDonald summed up the situation well, concluding the discussion with the thought, “I know that many people are annoyed with it, but the school is doing it for our own safety. Many colleges have dormitories locked so I don't see anything too crazy about the idea. Union wants to ensure that everyone on campus is safe and sound; I can't be angry with that.”

Autumn Mott is a sophomore studying communication.

LIFESTYLE

07

“GILMORE GIRLS” BACK AGAIN ON NOV. 25 “N

etflix recently announced that a four episode reboot season of “Gilmore Girls” will debut Nov. 25. Entitled “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life,” each episode will depict a season in the lives of the original characters, Lorelai and Rory.

“Gilmore Girls” aired between 2000 and 2007 for a total of seven seasons. The show followed a mother and daughter pair, Lorelai and Rory Gilmore (played

by Lauren Graham and Alexis Bledel), as they navigated through school, love, work and life in a small town in Connecticut.

Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Kelly Bishop and many other favorite characters on the show will be returning.

Melissa McCarthy recently confirmed her role as Lorelai’s friend Sookie.

Sean Gunn, brother of “Guardians of the Galaxy” director James Gunn, will be appearing in his former role as local “idiot” Kirk Gleason.

Even Jared Padelecki will be joining the set as Dean Forester, Rory’s old flame.

The show appears to be set in present day, nine years after the finale of the original show.

Teasers and photos from the new season confirm Rory is now a teacher and Lorelai and Luke are still going strong.

The seventh and The original final season came show had a large abruptly and as a following, and all No judgement to those binge watching all seven seven disappointment to seasons seasons before the event. | PC: digitalspy.com many of the show’s were added to fans, in part because the show’s Netflix in October 2014. The show was creator, Amy Sherman-Palladino, no popular because it portrays life, not longer had creative license over the glossing over the more harsh parts, but show’s direction. instead embracing both the trials and “Gilmore Girls” ended with Lorelai joys of simply living life. Everything in and Luke (Scott Paterson) finally the show is realistic, and the characters getting back together and Rory seem quicker, wittier and more real rejecting a proposal. Rory had also been than static fictional characters. The offered a job covering Barack Obama’s show offers an attainable ideal, and a look at an everyday slice of America. presidential campaign.

Original creator Sherman-Palladino and her husband are again in charge of the production, and fans hope the duo will revive the much loved show to redeem its abrupt ending.

Hailey Hornbeck, a sophomore elementary education major, hypothesized that these four episodes will provide closure to the fans.

Sherman-Palladino will finally be

revealing the mythic final four words absent in the season seven finale. Fans of the show will finally be able to rest easy knowing the Gilmore girls have received their proper ending.

While “Gilmore Girls” is a show from another time, it contains timeliess qualities. Witty banter, pop culture references, and struggles in life and love seem to never grow old with Lorelai and Rory. Hopefully come Nov. 25, “Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life” will uphold the ideals and timeless themes present in the original show.

Sara Roberts is a junior studying business administration.

HOUC

Humans of Union College

HOUC is compiled by Autumn Mott.

“I

just switched to math education this semester, from computer science. I had been taking a bunch of math courses for that anyways, and I just wasn’t feeling like computer science was my thing, so over the summer I decided I was going to switch over to math education. [I want to be a] math professor, but that’s way, way down the road.”

Andrew Reed is a junior studying mathematics education

08

LIFESTYLE

LOSING THE AWKWARDNESS OF A FIRST DATE O

ur generation has it pretty easy.

Millennials love texting.

This is obviously old news. But what we don’t always think of is how it affects new relationships. We have all these technologies and communication channels that no other generation has had before. These new developments are mostly awesome but have changed how we interact, namely when it comes to the first date.

First dates used to be awkward, and still can be.

Hollywood and literature have told us they the first date has stilted conversation and uncomfortable silences, an unoriginal dinner date with generic get-to-know-you questions. If you search online for awkward first date stories, you can find dozens of articles, listing things like getting your date’s name wrong or mentioning a detail about them that could have only been learned from online profile stalking.

But, are we even getting to the first date?

“It’s not a formal first date anymore, the kind where you get to know the person for the first time,” says Jessica Abrahamson, senior elementary education major. “[My boyfriend and I] didn’t have an official first date. We hung out at camp all summer. By the time we went on a first date (to Chipotle, paid for with a gift card), we already knew everything about each other. We’d been texting non-stop since camp ended.”

This phenomenon isn’t only confined to romantic relationships. Abrahamson talked about the correlation with cultivating online friendships as well.

“People become friends over texting or Facebook. The first couple times you hang out in person, it’s awkward,” she continues. “You think, ‘are we friends? I [feel like I] can’t communicate with you if we aren’t texting.’”

It seems like the intentionality of romance is fading away. Young people “hang out” and “talk” without doing or saying much at all.

The transition from friend to special friend is blurred.

“Hanging out” has become synonymous for “dating,” but where is the line defined? | PC: Jorrdan Bissell

Guys don’t casually ask a girl to dinner in college anymore. On the other hand, due to its rare occurrence, girls automatically assume a man’s offer of dinner means proposing marriage or something of equal importance. A first date balances a fine line between the two issues, with both men and women holding responsibility.

This tactic of casual hanging out and texting all the time takes away the awkwardness, but it also removes responsibility and intention. “First dates aren’t necessary because people resort to their phones to get to know each other,” says junior nursing student, Zach Krall.

“Then they don’t have to put forth effort to interact.”

Because all we do is text and hang out, the questions multiply exponentially.

“When is the first date the first date?” asks Nicholas Morrison, sophomore graphic design major. “I feel like people don’t know anymore because people just hang out. Do you have to say the words, ‘This is a date’?”

If we want to change the dating game, we have to be intentional. Have those deep conversations in person. When developing a relationship with a new friend or crush, try not to limit yourselves to texting.

Aziz Ansari, comedian and actor, recently co-wrote a book called “Modern Romance.” It investigates dating culture in today’s digital world and how it has changed with the evolution of cell phones and the Internet. At one point, Ansari writes on the ambiguity of a date versus a hang-out saying, “The lack of clarity over whether the meet-up is even an actual date frustrates both sexes to no end” (Washington Post).

And don’t be afraid of a first date, even if it has potential to be awkward.

Katie Morrison is a senior studying business administration.

LIFESTYLE

09

FROM HOLE TO WHOLE he familiar thought mostly flashed through my mind, but I say mostly because it’s so familiar the understanding of it was complete even in the blink of an eye.

"I'm alone."

Oh mercy! Even as I was praying, somehow my mind wandered back to the place of unreasonable hopelessness.

The hole in my heart bled a little.

This familiar thought has led me to many vices, especially stress eating and chocolate, video games, YouTube until 4 a,m., etc. Escaping from reality, in essence. I'm sure some of you can already guess what "alone" means.

It's basically pitiful. Alone means (read the rest with a southern accent and you'll really get the laugh) “I ain't got no woman to beee mah one an' ownlay!” I know, I know! It's really sad, isn't it?! Please restrain yourself! Stop those feelings of pity and "Awww! Poor boy"!

I'm not writing this so people will feel bad for me but rather because I think certain, probably most, things in my experience are shared by all humanity and we all have the opportunity to learn from each other.

I sat there thinking about what just went through my head and what to do about it, my man-mind basically blank (we can do that, you know), digesting the leftovers of this dilemma. Then God Kenyan Flag, from where Sterling is serving. | PC: upload.wikimedia.org

gave me a shove and I started praying again. I believe God leads us in our prayers; the answer came to my mind.

"Jesus, YOU are my Wholeness."

"Wholeness...."

"Hmmm..." I thought as an impression of revelation and comfort set in. "That works pretty well! Yeah, God, You ARE my wholeness! Thank You for being my wholeness!"

Just now I realized there better be some Biblical backup for this theme and indeed, there is.

“ Jesus, YOU are my Wholeness.

“

T

"For in Him we live and move and have our being...." from Acts 17:28. This world often tells us things like: Find yourself within, stay true to who you are, and things like that. And although I’m grateful for the way God made me, the talents and unique individuality He has put in me, my weak, sinful nature always seems to come through.

I don't want to be defined by selfishness. I don't want this alone feeling to rule over me, over the good things God has given me. I must find my wholeness in something greater than myself. The good in me which is there from God is not crowded out by Him. He completes it!

As I’ve been in Kenya, God has been trying to teach me to expect that He will use the unexpected to teach, grow and prepare me for the future He has for me.

His plan means I’m not in control of my circumstances and this is

Don’t forget to fill out the Christmas boxes in the Dick Building for the volunteers! | PC: Sterling Cornwell

incredibly hard to accept. But the thing is, when He brings something unexpected into our lives, the only real way to thrive through that situation is by surrendering control to God, by turning to a greater strength outside of ourselves.

Just think about Paul and Silas in chains, in prison at Philippi (Acts 16)!

Even in their situation they found security in something greater than circumstances. If we find our wholeness in God, He makes us a pillar, a tower of strength and influence to those around us. The love and acceptance we find in Him will be found in us when we rest our identity in what is the Infinite, Unchanging, God. Wholeness.

Sterling Cornwell is serving as an international volunteer at Maxwell Academy in Kenya.

10

OPINION

BLACK FRIDAY ECONOMICS

EMOTION IS THE DEATH OF REASON I

can’t say I’ve ever participated in the shenanigans of Black Friday.

It’s not that I don’t understand the concept, it’s simply that I haven’t found any deal compelling enough to remove myself from the comfort of my home, early in the morning, on a vacation from school, to stand in line and be pushed around.

I’m sure this will change at some point.

But the fact that millions of Americans are willing to go out on Black Friday, year in and year out, amazes me.

Black Friday encapsulates capitalism in its purest form, with low prices driving massive consumer behavior.

Aside from the substantial jump in sales that companies, both small and large, enjoy from Black Friday, events like Black Friday are crucial to the American economy.

The U.S. does well when its citizens are wealthy. When its citizens are wealthy, they’re able to go out and buy things. Ideally the merchandise they purchase would be from American companies, but either way, the company benefits, the government collects taxes and the company pays its workers.

Then the cycle repeats.

Admittedly, it would be unwise to have a Black Friday once a month; however, couple Black Friday with

Black Friday can actually be good, for you and the economy. | PC: blackfriday.com

other sales throughout the year and these events begin to serve a legitimate purpose. Not only to make companies money, but to remind the American consumer, “Hey, get out and buy things!”

“ The U.S. does well when its citizens are wealthy.

“

Some say this is no more than another example of American greed, stupidity and excess. I say there’s never been a better economic system devised in human history.

I plan on going out this Black Friday. No camping, no waking up early. Nothing too extreme, but I might as well get some sort of deal on things I already plan on buying.

In doing so, I’d like to think I’m helping the American economy.

Naturally, my contribution isn’t substantial. But, as part of a whole, the money I spend can end up making a positive change on our economy, and by extension, our livelihoods.

It’s not charity. I also benefit from this economic system, one of the wonders of modern economics.

So this Black Friday, when you go bargain-hunting, know you’re not just serving yourself. Know you’re part of something bigger than yourself.

Know you’re part of an economic movement that benefits us all.

Maybe we can all feel a bit less guilty that way.

Jonathan Deemer is a sophomore studying biomedical science.

OPINION

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THE MORALITY OF BLACK FRIDAY FOLLOWING THE CALL T

Security officers finally arrive, and both women are escorted out of the store. Neither end up with the jacket; it goes to a bystander. It's still in beautiful condition–except for the deep claw marks down the sleeve.

You gotta love Black Friday.

The history of the day reaches back into the 1950s. Once the clock struck midnight, it seemed Christmas took off with a running start. Santa appeared in Macy's. Scores of employees, scheduled to work Friday, mysteriously fell "sick." Traffic backed up for blocks as shoppers filled the stores.

Today, things have changed a bit.

Christmas starts before Thanksgiving.

Many employees get Friday off. Parking lots have expanded. People get up at 2 a.m. to wait in line. Adults act like children. Courtesy is forgotten.

We must really care about our loved ones.

I'm sure plenty of people exist out there who really do care about family and friends in their shopping. Waking up at 3 a.m. in order to obtain a desired gift for a price you can afford is noble.

Getting Christmas shopping done early is wise. Having the patience to wait in line and deal with all the crazy people makes you not much less than a saint.

But how much of the population is really that selfless?

In a 2013 poll conducted by DealNews, 44 percent of Black Friday shoppers

indicated they planned to buy things primarily for themselves. 44 percent!

Almost half. No wonder we're fighting over jackets.

Sacrifice is a little easier when it's done for ourselves. We'll spend hours waiting in line for a new TV. We'll shell out several hundred dollars to get newer electronics. We'll settle for three hours of sleep before heading out into the crowds.

“

Sacrifice is a little easier when it's done for ourselves.

sleep. What about the church's financial crisis, needing an extra $5,000 to make it? We just don't have any money to help. What about the community member who needs help moving as the holidays start? There's no way to fit it into our week.

As we head into the holidays, Black Friday in particular, let's remember to open our eyes.

Is my focus on me, or is it on God? Am I using my resources to pursue my own happiness, or am I trying to bring it to others? Do I value my family more, or something that’ll be antiquated in a few years?

Maybe I’ll let her have the jacket.

“

wo women spot the jacket at the same time. It's the last one: leather, high-quality, ultra-low price. Shoving their way through the people, one grabs the sleeve while the other holds onto the main body. Neither surrenders.

Screaming, they yank it back and forth like children fighting over a toy.

But what about the all-night prayer meeting at church that needs people to take shifts? We can't afford to miss our

Ginger Hany is a senior studying biomedical science.

Black Friday is full of crowd roaring deals, but should ahopping be for us? | PC: itprportal.com

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COACH'S CORNER

COACH'S CORNER Q

Dear coach,

First Class FREE

I’ve been sick lately and have missed many of my classes. I feel lost now and have fallen behind on my homework. Can you help me because I’m still not feeling well and I’m starting to stress out?

4203 South 48th street (48th & Meredeth) in College View

Sincerely, Sick and Stressed Student

A

Dear Sick and Stressed,

It’s not fun being sick, especially when you’re not able to go about your day because of it. Your body is trying to fight your illness to help you be in top shape once more. That may take some time. First, you need to let your deans know so they can address your condition, either by taking you to the school nurse or to the hospital. They can also check in on you to see how you’re recovering.

Second, contact your professors and arrange a plan with them. Your professors want to see you succeed and they’re willing to help you make up what you missed in their classes. Lastly, take care of yourself. Take this time to rest completely and let your body do its work. It’s tempting to watch movies all day since you’re just in bed, but instead, sleep! Try not to strain yourself and make sure you’re prioritizing helping yourself feel better.

Student Membership:

$30/month studio48yoga

www.studio48yoga.com

Get well soon!

TLC Coach

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http://www.puzzles.ca/sudoku_puzzles/sudoku_easy_245.html

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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.