Pursuit | Summer 2016

Volume 6. Issue 4. Summer 2016.

Privilege It's all a matter of perspective

Bringing the refugee crisis to light

Do As the Locals Do: Touring Chicago in 24 hours

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FEATURES Do as the Locals Do

Learning from the locals brings extra color to 24-hour stay in Chicago

I am a Syrian-American

Bringing the refugee crisis to light

Privilege:

It's all a matter of perspective

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6 3 0 -12 -57

Cover photo illustration by Lauren Koski and Caleb Bol Hand-lettering by Allison Cordova Cover image does not depict source used in "I am a Syrian-American," but is the illustrator's own creation using a stand-in model.

CONTENTS CONTENTS Travel 6 What to Eat & Who to Meet Brunch in downtown Los Angeles 8 All-Terrain Camping in the deserts, mountains & beaches of Southern California

Arts

18 Spring Music Reviews 20 Moulage Rouge Bringing theatrical wounds to life 22 Hollywood's Gospel The retelling of biblical stories

Relationships

24 Opportunities Yesterday, Memories Tomorrow Here's to the last 4 years and the graduating class 26 How to Make (Almost) Everyone Love You According to some fellow Lancers, here is how to do just that 36 Old School Snack time, loads of laundry, another college tuition and even their own age cannot stop these women from pursuing their diplomas.

Lifestyle

38 Bem-vindo ao Rio Lancer alumnus fights for Olympic spot 40 Hasta Ma単ana Why it's always good to come home to Ancho's

Trends

44 Unwrapping the Pink Tax Truth Are women paying higher prices for prettier packaging?

46 Chalking It Up To Sufferance Are gender roles unhealthy?

48 Consider Your Closet How minimalistic wardrobes can lead to socially conscious clothing choices.

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PURSUIT

staff

Lauren Koski

1

Makenna Sones

2

Jared Overstreet

3

Caleb Bol

4

Brooke Biddle

5

Courtney Coleman

6

Krysta Hawkins

7

Mariss Eanes

8

Tyler Rhode

9

Raine Paul

10

Jim Veneman

11

Sonya Singh

12

Dr. Michael Chute

13

Editor-in-Chief

Managing Editor Photo Editor

Design Editor Relationships Editor Arts & Trends Editor

Lifestyle & Travel Editor

Assistant Photo Editor Assistant Photo Editor

Graduate Assistant Photojournalism Consultant Asst. Director of Student Publications Adviser, Director of Student Publications

Contributing Writers: Leti Bernard, Iona Brannon, Hannah Burnett, Ashley Dinkel, Katie Kostecka, Monique Koszty, Kaylyn Kuntz, Jared Overstreet, Raine Paul, Randy Plavajka, Katie Ring, John Victory Contributing Designers: Brooke Biddle, Allison Cordova, Ashley Lopez, Lisa Orona Contributing Photographers: Brooke Biddle, Randy Plavajka, Nadia Nawabi, Lauren Shelburne 4 | PURSUIT

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In

URSUIT of a

Homeland 1

“And (Abraham) went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God… having acknowledged that (the faithful) were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one.”

Hebrews 11: 8-10 & 13-16

R

oaming the unfamiliar streets of Turkey, carrying bundles of belongings and small children through Lebanon, f loating in the Aegean Sea — millions of displaced refugees are scattered across Europe.

Their homeland has been overrun; now, they search for whatever comes close to the home they have lost in the Syrian conf lict.

In the United States, colorful cries ring out for the church to be their homeland from the cycle of humanity’s hatred.

Some may trek for miles across the mountains, deserts, valleys and oceans to find a homeland in creation’s majesty.

Others may search for it in the acrylic faces on a canvas or atop the tallest skyscraper.

All of our souls are pursuing a place called home.

This soul-sought homeland is not one that has an address. Ultimately, it is not another human, nor an emotional release, nor a spiritual state. Truly, it Photo by Jessica Bills

is not even heaven itself.

I oftent imes forget a cr it ica l component of what makes heaven so splendid — God himself.

As we model our lives like those listed in Hebrews 11, let us not forget that the heart of our homeland is the heart of the king. It is the embrace of the Savior.

We seek his adoption of our souls as his own sons and daughters. As we receive adoption and enter into this homeland, we are given identity and freedom. Though not because we deserve the sparkling splendors awaiting us in heaven — we do not — nor because he has freed us to live for ourselves — he has not. We live a radical response for others.

In his love, our arms stretch out to the displaced, knowing if it costs us, we have nothing to lose because of his allsurpassing providence. May the story of Andy Alchehayed, American-Syrian and Lancer, help shape the way you consider the Syrian conf lict.

We remove f ingers from t he Church’s calloused ears to understand the sufferings of our brothers and sisters of different races and ethnicities. We begin a conversation about relieving their pain.

We can also then glorify God in every fantastic terrain and modern marvel of the globe as we share our homeland with those we meet.

In the silly stories and the heavy ones, I pray Pursuit has prov ided examples of how the homeland of Christ changes us.

Identify what it is you are pursuing, fearlessly struggle through the diff icult conversations, think critically and refuse to settle for the easy answer — f ight for the truth.

In pursuit of Him,

Lauren Koski Editor-in-Chief PURSUIT | 5

TRAVEL

WHAT

to eat

Mendocino Farms, The Farm Club

Brunch in Downtown Los Angeles Written by Brooke Biddle

W

hether you wake up early looking forward to a heaping plate of breakfast, hold out for a later brunch or crave more than the PB&J on your lunch break, food breeds happiness.

For tourists, visitors and locals looking to find good food in a fun environment, Los Angeles is the place to go.

Taste is a privilege one can explore in the world of food, especially in L.A. Take a look at a few must-visit afternoon food stops, what to eat and the people you should meet.

BLU JAM CAFE 7371 Melrose Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90046 Price Range: $$ What to Eat? Crunchy French Toast Who to Meet? Jason Baker, waiter for Blu Jam Café since the day it opened nine years ago.

B

lu Jam’s Crunchy French Toast is egg brioche dipped in their secret batter, rolled in crunchy corn flakes and grilled to perfection, topped with fresh berries, served with powdered sugar and vanilla bean sauce.

Bite into this signature delectable breakfast dish with the satisfaction of deepfried dough and decadence of French toast with a crunch.

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The earthy and contemporary atmosphere of Blu Jam Café envelops guests as Justin Bieber and Jason Derulo songs sound subtly over the speakers, and it is clear, this is not your typical “grandparent’s” brunch spot.

“Brunch is it. This is what we are doing in this city, and (Blu Jam Café) is the brunch place of L.A.,” says waiter Jason Baker.

One may be seated in either the quaint outdoor eating area or the inviting interior, where orange and rustic wood walls are contrasted by cement floors with stainless steel sculptures and greenery that allows your eyes to effortlessly wander.

At Blue Jam Café, even the water tastes good. With a hint of mint and lemon, one’s taste buds are delighted even before the food hits the table.

After quickly warming up to the trendy atmosphere, guests meet the people who make great food taste even better — the waiters.

Baker’s passion for comedy radiates as he greets and treats guests as they eat and leave them with a smile on their faces. Not until landing in Los Angeles did Baker find his sweet spot.

“I was really transient, even as a kid we moved all the time. But something happens in this city. I came here, I stayed in the same apartment, same job, and slowed down,” he says.

Blu Jam Café allows Baker to do what he does best: serving and entertaining.

“A lot of servers don’t like waiting tables, especially those who have been doing it for a long time. But if you have the right perspective, it’s awesome,” Baker says.

Alfred Coffee, Iced Vanilla Latte

While food is important, Baker explains, a great restaurant must also have people serving who know what they are doing and foster a good environment to visit.

“You want to make people smile and say, ‘I love that place, I am going back. I love those people, I feel good when I come here,'” Baker says. "The food is not garbage; it’s healthy. It’s made with care and love.

You feel nice and light and happy on your way out.”

Blu Jam Café attracts a crowd as diverse and unique as the foods it serves.

“Anytime you walk in here it is like an airport, many different people from around the world come here,” Baker says.

The buzz of working people and Photos by Brooke Biddle

Blu Jam Café, Crunchy French Toast

WHO tourists in L.A. clearly embrace this coveted afternoon meal at Blu Jam Café.

Try Mendocino Farm’s Farm Club: Fresh local farm turkey, smashed avocado, applewood bacon, herb aioli, tomatoes, greens, pickled red onions on a seeded whole-wheat bun or toasted ciabatta bread.

Caprese: Local Gioia fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, house marinated red peppers, basil pesto, Scarborough Farm’s greens and balsamic vinegar on ciabatta.

Bite into these farm-to-table organic sandwiches oozing with deliciously fresh ingredients and bursting with flavor.

MENDOCINO FARMS 175 S Fairfax Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90048 Price Range: $$ What to Eat? The Farm Club or Caprese Who to Meet? Mauro Barron, Manager at Mendocino Farms

M

endocino Farms, otherwise known as “Mendo” by the workers and locals, takes the essence of a “farm-to-table” concept to a new level with a chic twist.

Guests enter below a bright, welcoming sign that says, “EAT HAPPY,” embodying the essence of this restaurant.

“The food is going to speak for itself, but the hospitality and ‘selling happy’ is something we make sure our guests have,” Barron says.

to meet Fake grass and wood planking line the walls. Guests are immediately offered samples of quinoa and potato salad from behind the glass casing while deciding on their meal.

“Everything is local,” Barron says. “A lot of bigger locations rely on distribution centers, we like to keep ours local. We want to make sure guests taste the quality in every single bite.”

Meals are served on metal trays with sandwiches wrapped carefully in white paper. It is a market and restaurant in one.

“I can always tell from the expression of people’s first bite,” Barron says. “If there’s a head nod and ‘mmmmm,’ I know we did good. I just like to stand back and watch.”

ALFRED COFFEE 8428 Melrose Place Los Angeles, CA 90069 323-944-0811 Price Range: $ What to Drink? Iced Vanilla Latte or the Alfred Cone Who to Meet? Ashlee Lawson, Store Manager

A

t Alfred’s Coffee, to beat the summer heat, try a silky smooth latte, the perfect post afternoon brunch addition. Craving more of a sweet, coffee treat? Try the Alfred Cone. It is a 4-ounce waffle cone with a rim dipped in milk chocolate and filled with an espresso shot.

The yellow cottage of Alfred Coffee

bustles with stylish hipster individuals. Local businessmen and women, an occasional celebrity, students, writers or coffee-lovers visit this coffee shop.

One may choose to sit outside on the patio or relax inside with acoustic music mixes playing in the background and seating including stools, tables and nooks to enjoy.

The outside of the building is covered in ivy, dressed with a black and white striped awning above the window. When peering in the window it is clearly an “Instagramable” interior.

This dual-level coffee shop has countless photo spots. From the infamous, “But first, Coffee,” lettering on the wall to the “ALFRED” sign spelled out in wood and moss, the artistic flare is evident. When walking downstairs to order, it feels as if one has been transported to another world — one of coffee and bliss.

Alfred Coffee is the epitome of trendy.

Freshly brewed Stumptown coffee, nitro cold brew and kombucha tea on tap, engraved whole coconuts for juice and Pressed Juicery bottles line the refrigerated shelves.

The Alfred Cone, from the “secret menu,” takes espresso to a new level by putting it inside a waffle cone.

“People love them, adore them,” store manager Ashlee Lawson told USA TODAY Network. “They’re kind of like a pick-me-up, a little snack with espresso in there.”

Treat yourself to more than coffee, but an eclectic, Instagram-worthy experience at Alfred Coffee. ◆ PURSUIT | 7

A LL-TERRAIN CAMPING IN THE DESERTS, MOUNTAINS & BEACHES OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

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Photos by Jared Overstreet

TRAVEL

can be discovered in this arid landscape.

While the mountains are known for their snow and chilly conditions, summer months are opportune for visitors to escape the valley heat waves. Lastly, any beach is desirable year-round as both the on- and off-shore winds keep the area a stable temperature. However, wait until it heats up before jumping in the water, unless you are prepared for a cold shock.

DESERT

Written by Jared Overstreet

C

alifornia is a multifaceted state with diverse cultures, politics, cuisine and land formations.

Whether you are a California native or temporarily living in the area as a student at California Baptist University, it is clear that The Golden State’s d if ferent landscapes and weather patterns have created specialized biomes and habitats.

Deserts may seem to be the harshest places to spend a day or night because of the beating sun, but with the right weather and campground, camping bliss

Joshua Tree National Park One of the most popular spots in California for lush yellow and brown sand is Joshua Tree National Park. Its moon-like topography of porous rocks and patches of sand give the park a distinctive look.

Prime camp spots are hard to f ind here as most are taken before the weekend starts, so an early start on a Friday is optimal. Hidden Valley Touring and Camping Park are great spots, hidden from the main road and tucked behind massive boulders that many climbers use for recreational climbing.

A litt le deeper into the park campers will find Jumbo Rocks campsite named for, literally, the massive and encompassing rocks in which the site is nestled. This spot is toward the center of the park and gives a great starting point for day hikes in the area, such as Ryan Mountain and the Cholla Cactus Gardens.

A ll of these sites are primitive campgrounds that do not have running water or public restrooms so carcamping is suggested to keep your water easily accessible.

Anza-Borrego State Park Anza-Borrego, one of the lesser k nown desert dest inat ions, is the biggest st ate park in Ca l i for n ia covering 600,000 acres. Borrego Palm Canyon offers amenities such as f lush toilets, fresh water and f ire rings for camping. Box Willow, another potential campground, also offers fresh water and a toilet system.

A n z a - B or r e g o i s ho m e t o California’s very own slot canyon, a naturally formed crevasse that has dried out and formed sediment to walk on. There is also great view points from Front’s Point that overlooks the ravine.

If off-roading is a passion or seems like a fun outing, then head toward Ocotillo Wells where you can rent these vehicles and cruise around the desert dunes.

Death Valley National Park Deat h Va l ley Nat iona l Pa rk attracts a multitude of campers, despite the intimidating name. What draws campers here are the w ildf lowers scattered around the park.

From spring to early summer, Death Valley is most well-known for its extravagant wildf lower display along campsites and hiking trails. With little water and a mild climate, these f lowers bloom abundantly, and though they are beautiful in photos, they are even better to experience in person on a day hike.

Campsites encompassing these f lower hikes are Furnace Creek and Mesquite Spring, both which offer fresh water and bathrooms. Furnace Creek is in the dead center of the park ­­— pun intended — and offers day hike routes and backpacking trails. Mesquite Spring, on the other hand, is located in the northern portion of the park and of fers solitude and tranquility with fewer visitors and longer hikes.

MOUNTAIN Yosemite National Park Even though California is twothirds desert, high ground can be found in the Sierra Nevada or Peninsular Ranges.

Yosemite National Park is home to Tuolumne Meadows, which is located in the eastern portion of the park.

This campsite houses bathrooms and is also the passing ground for the famous Pacif ic Crest Trail, which runs from Canada straight down to Mexico. This site is the start of the John Muir ➤ PURSUIT | 9

trail that winds through the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

For higher views of this carved out land, campers and hikers should visit the Gaylor Lakes Trail as it ascends high up into the range and shows a valley of lakes fed by the mountain runoff.

Sequoia and K ings Canyon National Park Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park have stunning forestry that hides campsites under its massive canopy.

Cold Springs and Lodgepole are excellent options if staying in either of these parks. Generals Highway goes through the heart of both parks and leads to campsites that have operating water and bathrooms for a large portion of the year.

Tokopah Falls Trail and the Big Trees Trail offer scenic lookouts that

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display the magnif icently tall trees and the deep, vibrant colors that engulf the parks. For a large panoramic view of the entire forest, head to Moro Rock, where there is a short hike to panoramic views of the entire valley.

To make the most of your time in these central California parks, take the highway to the middle of the parks and give yourself enough time to stop and appreciate each sight on the way to your campground. Save the rest of the sightseeing for the drive out as you leave in the opposite direction, giving you a full end-to-end park tour.

BEACH Doheny State Beach & Point Mugu In Southern California, the ability to “hop-skip-jump” to the coast is a blessing. While campsites on the coast are easy to come by, actually snagging

The Slot in Anza-Borrego is a short hike through curved walls that can be found off a dirt road.

an empty spot to host your weekend beach party is not easy.

Plan in advance as reservations are hard to get. Have multiple people in your group regularly look for availability and check the weather forecast, although the forecast is usually wrong.

Doheny State Beach is everything one looks for in a beach campsite and is excellent for a quick summer trip. Activities do not include much hiking, but when at the beach, do as the free-spirited do: surf-f ishing, walking through tide pools or visiting aquariums.

For a hik ing exper ience t hat includes the beach, head over to Point Mugu where rocky bluffs and canyons of fer hiking routes to explore. This is located below the Santa Monica Mountains and off of Highway 1. ◆

TRAVEL Jumbo Rocks campsite helps to secluded the camper away from the main road and gives the impression that you are on the moon looking up into a sea of stars.

Upper Pines campgrounds shows off the most iconic aspects of Yosemite such as Half-Dome and also the Misty Falls trail.

CONCERNING CAMPING...

Car-camping and backpacking are not synonyms: Car-camping is the easiest type of camping since you can park your car and camp 5 feet from it. Backpacking is when you have a single backpack full of essentials you must carry to your site and survive with what was packed. Remember, pack light and only bring the essentials.

Check campsite weather conditions: With any campsite, there is always weather to prepare for. Check the park’s website for road closures and weather conditions as they can af fect your trip plan.

K now what is at the campground: Some campgrounds have fresh water, showers, bathrooms, f ire pits, dumping stations, etc. Others have bathrooms open only for a month out of the year.

Check what is available and make sure that your group is OK with these conditions.

Water is a necessity: It does not matter if there is water at the campsite or not, water should always be in your car or gear just in case. A good way to know how much to bring is one gallon per person, per 24 hours.

Be courteous and make friends: Respect quiet hours, do not create f ire pits on your own and pack up what you had packed in so as to not leave any trash for the next campers or the wildlife.

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Learning from the locals can bring added color to a 24-hour stay in Chicago Written by Randy Plavajka Photos by Jared Overstreet

E

xploring a big cit y requires determinat ion and an open mind to absorb every sight, smell and sound that unfolds in an urban environment. There are certain “mustdo’s” when exploring any major hub that can all be accomplished within a brief, even 24-hour, stay.

A long layover or weekend getaway provide the perfect backdrop to conquer a new city with enthusiasm and a slightly intimidating itinerary. Such was the case with the day-long exploration

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of Chicago. This trip began as a crazy idea before f lourishing into organized chaos.

Every major city throughout the United States has its own distinct feel and culture, but at the core of their values, they are one and the same.

In order to persevere through a true, 24-hour trip of non-stop exploration, a kickstart is absolutely necessary for survival.

Coffee or rather, caffeine, is a staple in many diets and will be essential for making it through the day without burning out before the trip home.

Residents of the city will have their

TRAVEL

own taste and preference when it comes to the local caffeine destinations, and a quick Internet search may be helpful in discovering one of these local favorites.

Franchised chains are a dime a dozen but, no matter what, there will always be a quirky, small business that stands out from the crowd. A standalone coffeehouse is a hidden gem that should to be sought after and found.

For Chicago, although there are many one-of-a-kind spots, one of the most intriguing coffee shops has to be Heritage Bicycles. The name may be misleading, but the mission of the store is not — delivering some of Chicago’s

best brews, while also repairing bicycles.

Riders have the pleasure of getting their bikes repaired while rejuvenating their body with a cup of java.

“It’s a good industr y to be in though, because coffee fuels the ride,” says barista Emily Braatz, 24.

The store’s minimalist branding and complex, aesthetically appealing interior only add to the allure of the aromas wafting through the air, making the departure tough, but the morning pit stop priceless.

Once properly awake and at an optimal level of exploration focus, it is time to fuel up on food and knowledge.➤

At the top of the Willis Tower in Chicago is a sky deck that gives tourists a 360-degree view of the city.

A large, glass case allows you to stand over the edge of the building and peer down at the streets below.

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Diners may offer large servings of hot breakfast foods but that luxury is reserved for weekend mornings with plenty of spare time, not on-the-go tourists.

There is no rest to be had on an adventure, especially so early and with so little time. Speed is key if every landmark is to be visited within a few days or, in this case, a day’s time.

Dough nut shops a re h igh ly underrated, especially now as many have evolved into serving more than just standard, plain creations. Bacon, cereal and even M&Ms are quite literally in the mix now, making for a good dose of sugar to coincide with the coffee that is still fresh on the taste buds.

In this case, it is OK to go with the trend of stopping at a major establishment. Seattle has Voodoo Doughnuts, Los Angeles has Randy’s and Chicago has Glazed and Infused.

The reference to the Led Zeppelin song “Dazed and Confused” is an indicator that there is a classic, yet experimental aura about the shop.

Though the latest "Top 40" hits stream on the store’s sound system, posters mimicking the propaganda art of World War II adorn every wall, advertising such events as “National Doughnut Day 1945.”

“I have been up and working since 4 a.m. getting everything perfect,” says the most excited person in the building, employee LaQuanda Roberson, 25.

“The grind is real.”

After a quick carbohydrate f ix, it is off to class for the day. School is not on the agenda, but books should be, even if it just for the pictures.

Antique, vintage and second-hand stores are among the best places to meet interesting residents and get a brief history lesson without having to search through the archives of the city library for original documents.

Employees are able to tell stories like modern-day historians while working in bookstores composed with every genre, author and volume imaginable.

Heritage Bicycles coffee shop is artistically decorated with vintage bicycles that hang on the wall but also serves premium coffee with excellent service.

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TRAVEL The employees’ conversation about the presidential election’s candidates and that week’s issue of the New Yorker echo through the intricate framework of Myopic Books, creating a secluded world aside from the bustle of the big city.

After f inalizing the purchase of a classic novel, such as one written by Tolstoy or Hemingway, it is time to fulf ill the stereotype of a tourist with fervor and passion.

Sports, food and landmarks: the trifecta of ideal tourism.

Missing out on seeing the iconic Chicagoan baseball stadium, Wrigley Field, while the team is out of season is a travesty, but even more important than becoming one with the locals and cheering for “dah Bears,” is partaking of the culinary masterpieces contained within the city’s borders.

Ever y cit y has its respect ive building blocks for their food pyramid, such as pizza, hot dogs, tacos, barbecue and many other culinary works of art.

Deep-dish pizza and Chiacgo-style hot dogs are two of the most iconic foods the city has crafted to perfection.

A crucial aspect of food exploration is to be fearless and dine like a starving college student. The deeper the pizza, the better, and at popular joints, such as Lou Malnati’s, a symphony of sauce,

dough and cheese create some of the best slices in town.

One server, who was coincidentally a Los Angeles native, Aaron de Buck, 24, moved to Chicago to attend graduate school to become a physician’s assistant and says the city life was one of the biggest factors in deciding whether or not to move across the country.

“Chicago reminds me of a mixture bet ween New York Cit y and San Francisco,” de Buck says. “People are really cool, there’s a lot to do and there’s hardly any need for driving.”

Last, and surely not the least, is the city’s landmarks. Public art installations, tall buildings with allencompassing v iews and histor ic entertainment venues are the heart and soul of the tourist experience, and regular city life for that matter.

Landmarks, without a doubt, will take the most time not because there is so much to soak up and absorb visually, but because of long lines and cramped quarters caused by every other tourist trying to accomplish the same mission.

The wait is a part of the experience, of course, but should be heav ily considered when on a tight schedule.

Museums and art installations offer some of the “quickest” tourist sightseeing, depending on how much time one is willing to be spent on them. ➤

LaQuanda Roberson helps out a customer to choose the right combination of donuts such as a “Go Panthers” glazed donut in representation of the Super Bowl.

Deep dish pizza in Chicago is embedded into the heart of the city in which the food features at least an inch of bread covered in sauce and cheese.

PURSUIT | 15

While at the Art Institute of Chicago, a Docent gives a mock reaction that people of this area would give to the symbolism of The Old Guitarist painted

by Pablo Picasso.

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Cloud Gate, better known as “The Bean,” found in Chicago’s Millennium Park, is a fascinating place for observing the behavior of others and for snapping that perfect Instagram picture due to the ref lective properties of the mesmerizing artwork.

The A rt Inst itute of Chicago is a more immersive experience of the cit y’s appreciat ion for worldrenowned paintings, sculptures and other miscellaneous creations. Picasso, Monet, Van Gogh and Warhol are only a mere fraction of the famous artists whose works are displayed here.

Light chatter can be heard within each room and exhibit, including one remark by a young girl out on a day trip with her family.

“That looks like a kindergartner

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painted that,� the girl remarked in the contemporary art exhibit before being hushed by her slightly embarrassed mother.

To cap of f the daylight hours, nothing can beat a g reat sunset.

Especially one experienced from 1,451 feet off the ground in Willis Tower.

After a few lines and a quick elevation change from lobby to the top f loor, everything within a 50-mile radius can be seen on a clear day.

The exhilaration from standing on the SkyDeck, a glass box that extends off of the building, is remarkable and serves as a reminder as to how small humans are and how large our accomplishments are in terms of structural engineering.

If there is any energy left in the reserves after a packed day of touring,

the best option is to use it to hail a taxi or call an Uber to make it back to the airport or hotel before passing out from exhaustion.

Although it may take months, even years, to truly become one with the locals, with a little planning and a desire to fully immerse into a newly visited city with no true idea what is in store each hour, tourists can make the most of a short visit.

Chicago is by no means conquered by a crash course, but as with the exploration of any major U.S. city, it all starts with the idea and the purchase of a plane ticket. â—†

Cloud Gate, popularly known as The Bean, is a seamless, stainless-steel surface inspired by liquid mercury and is placed so that it can show the entire city's skyline while also distorting a person's reflection.

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ARTS

SUMMER MUSIC

REVIEWS Written by Kaylyn Kuntz

Animal Collective ‘Painting With’

P Domino

ainting With” is the 10th studio album from Animal Collective and, a lt hough it consists of their usua l ind ie exper imentat ion with quirky instrumentation and time signatures, it also includes a new, more pop-friendly sound. In this album, fans can anticipate A nimal Collective’s characteristic harmonizing vocals and eccentric tempos.

The lead single, “FloriDada,” has an upbeat, modern and psychedelic sound much like the style of The Beach

Sunflower Bean ‘Human Ceremony’

H Fat Possum Records

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uman Ceremony” is the f irst album release from Sunf lower Bean, a trio of 20 -year-olds from Brooklyn. This psych-rock album took the trio three years to produce as they juggled New York performances and studio time.

The impressive debut album is f illed with artistic inf luences from a variety of performers ranging from Iron Maiden to The Velvet Underground.

Each band member has distinctive character ist ics in t his dream-l i ke album. Julia Cumming, lead vocalist

Boys, but with grungy, electronic bass lines. “F lor i Dada” uses t wo main repetitive phrases throughout the song and the rhythm escalades with complex layers building toward the f inale with synthesized arpeggios.

“Painting With” reunited Panda Bea r, Avey Ta re a nd G eolog ist , who previously worked with Animal Collective on their past two album collaborations, which made for a tight and solid foundation of talent.

Throughout the album, Animal Col lect ive cont i nua l ly uses t heir notorious abstract acoustic percussion.

The vibrant, upbeat album comes to a close with a mellow departure in the single, “Recycling.”

and bassist, has a voice like a songbird that does not overpower, but blends into the moody rif fs and drumming of her two bandmates.

Lead single, “Wall Watcher,” is an entrancing and edgy song despite its mundane title. The lyrics are simple and subtle, holding the blend of riffs and vocals tight ly together by the dominant drumming. The distorted bass line gives an ’80s and ’90s punkrock v ibe, wh ich cou ld be heard echoing in your parents’ basement.

This young band defeats the odds with their mature sounds, combining a variety of old rock inf luences such as Bob Dylan’s infamous voice and The Rolling Stones’ classic rock 'n' roll, with a new-age, moody sound.

Jack Garratt ‘Phase’

J

Island Records

a c k G a r r at t ’s debut a lbu m , “ P h a s e ,” fe a t u r e s e l e c t r o R& B tracks, humble lyrics and d ist ing uishable high-hitt ing notes with smooth vocals. Garratt’s vocal inf luences are similar to Sam Smith, The Weeknd and Michael Jackson.

Slick electric guitar work guides tracks, such as “Worr y,” which has relatable ly r ics about t he hea l ing

Quilt ‘Plaza’

Q Mexican Summer

Summer Playlist

u i l t ’ s t h i r d a l b u m , “Plaza,” brings soothing sounds that ma ke a del ight fu l summer morning soundtrack. The warm string accompaniments have a classical touch in the album's dozy sound.

“Eliot St.” is an easy-listening, lead single for a mellow mood. Whether

process after a heartbreak. “Worry” speaks of the var ious phases of a breakup and how one will move on without directly communicating it to the other person. His lyrics suggest that Garratt is the one letting go of a lover.

The single, “Surprise Yourself,” reveals Garratt’s extensive falsetto that adds to the emotional vulnerability of letting go of fears for unexpected outcomes. Garratt also reveals his musical versatility by switching from electronic tr igger pads to play ing acoustic drums, keyboard and a bluesy electric guitar.

daydreaming while driving or cooking dinner at the end of an exhausting day, this song is both soft and uplifting, creating an ambient listening mood.

The female singer of the group, A nna Fox Rochinsk i, br ings clear vocals to “Plaza” on the whimsical psychedelic-pop record. The cr isp arrangements allow listeners to feel as though they are in a different era, such as venturing through an afternoon daydream during the ’60s. ◆

California Sunrise Dirty Gold

My Trigger Miike Snow

L.A.F. Broods

Majorette Beach House

The Healing Gary Clark Jr.

Colors Halsey

Lose It Oh Wonder

Pools to Bathe In The Japanese House

Lush Life Zara Larsson

River Ibeyi

Empty Threat CHVRCHES

Bridge High Highs

Slip Elliot Moss

Kaleidoscope Dream Miguel

Need to Hear Goldwash

Sound & Color Alabama Shakes

Can’t Stop Me Now Pretty Lights

Pirouette Made in Heights

Eyes Shut Years & Years

Magnets Disclosure ft. Lorde

Hazey Glass Animals

PURSUIT | 19

Moulage Rouge: Bringing Theatrical Wounds to Life

John Fyne-Nsofor, junior environmental science major, with a third-degree burn moulage applied to his arm demonstrates realism behind simulations conducted by the School of Nursing.

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Written by Makenna Sones

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hat does the Phantom of the "Opera," "Deadpool," "Jack Sparrow" — sorry, “Captain” Jack Sparrow — and the zombies from “The Walking Dead” all have in common?

One word: Moulage, a form of makeup art known by the French word meaning casting or molding. Whether it be scars on the face of a cancer-surviving antihero or the rotten teeth of a pirate, moulage is a vital component of movie magic.

Moulage is most commonly associated with the film industry and theater productions, but California Baptist University’s School of Nursing uses the application of mock injuries as a way to train students to diagnose and treat patients.

Sarah Pearce, assistant director for the School of Nursing learning resource center, allowed a few Pursuit staff members to construct moulage for themselves and see the work that goes into creating wounds for low- or high-intensity nursing simulations.

“We do a lot of moulage because we have different (patient) cases,” Pearce says.

“For example, we will have someone show up from a soccer game who fell on their hand and has a fracture, so we will create bruising. We can do disaster simulations with really severe injuries as well, like gunshot wounds.”

Pearce jumps right into showing Pursuit the different products the School of Nursing uses to create realistic-looking injuries.

“We have things we can place on the Photos by Nadia Nawabi

ARTS patient and the student-nurses can suture it closed,” Pearce says, holding out a clay substance with a cut down the middle and a picture of stitches as the final product.

Pearce comes from a theater background and says she has always loved creating moulage on actors. She says the makeup she works with now for the nursing simulations is more like film makeup than theater makeup.

“Theater blood is super pink, but then film blood — we have the (product) they used in the ‘Harry Potter’ films — looks more realistic. The really cool thing is as you smear it, it will dry and stay looking wet. The reason (for the differences) being (that) theater lights are different than actual lights.”

Pearce places product after product on the table and explains what moulage they can create. Pulling out a palate with a variety of colors ranging from red- to brown-bruise tones, she asks excitedly if

anyone wants a bruise. She has the staff follow along with her as she takes a small, white sponge, dabs it into the alcoholsprayed palate and creates her purple, brown, red and yellow bruise on the inside of her wrist.

“We would bring in an actor from the theater program and then go into the simulation with the bruise and the students would react and perform whatever intervention they need to perform,” Pearce says.

Her bruise looks much more realistic than the staff’s, but she encourages them by saying bruises come in all shapes and sizes.

Next, she demonstrates a silicone, third-degree burn on the forearm of John Fyne-Nsofor, junior environmental science major, and then a deep, bloody arc cut with scar wax, dripping with the fake “Harry Potter” blood, on the forearm of Lauren Kruzel, sophomore psychology major.

“This is the fun part (of being a

student-worker in the School of Nursing),” Fyne-Nsofor says. “I just volunteer to help do this.”

The burns and cuts look a little too realistic for the staff and they uneasily laugh as they gather their wits by looking away.

After a moment, Pearce has Fyne-Nsofor and Kruzel pop fake blood capsules into their mouth and bite down. Kruzel mock punches Fyne-Nsofor in the jaw and their mouths both fill up with the dark, red liquid.

“It tastes like watery toothpaste,” Kruzel says, mumbling the words.

After grasping their arms like they were in pain and admiring their chaotic work of third-degree burns, bruises and giant scars for a few moments longer, the Pursuit staff pulled the silicone burns off their skin, happy for it to be nothing more than a plastic mold. ◆

PURSUIT PURSUIT STAFF STAFF

TRIES Use any QR code scanner to watch accompanying video.

A mock-knife wound is created on the arm of Lauren Kruzel, sophomore psychology major, and fake blood is placed in the groove. She turns her arm to the side and the blood eerily runs out.

PURSUIT | 21

Hollywood’s

The Retelling of Biblical Stories

GOSPEL

Written by Monique Koszty

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ock giants, once displayed as light, dragging themselves across the earth. God is depicted as a child from whom Moses seeks advice and biblical characters are portrayed by actors with Aryan features. Hollywood is wellknown for dramatic and flashy retellings of events and, in recent years, popular biblical narratives, such as these details from “Noah.”

Hollywood film critics have dubbed 2014 “the year of the Bible.” Along with “Noah,” films that debuted during 2014 also included “Exodus: Gods and Kings” and “Son of God.” Hollywood is not stopping here as more biblically based films are scheduled to hit screens this year.

According to Dr. Melissa Croteau, associate professor of film studies and literature and director of the film studies program at California Baptist University, Hollywood is not interested in spreading a specific message. Rather, it is interested in generating a profit. These biblically based movies have brought in waves of revenue and Hollywood will continue to capitalize on these opportunities with upcoming features.

This industry continues its biblical movie trend with the film “Risen,” starring Joseph Fiennes as Clavius, Tom Felton as Lucius and Peter Firth as Pilate, which was released in the United States on Feb. 19. On March 10, “Young Messiah,”

directed by Cyrus Nowrasteh, premiered in theaters. Could the production of so many biblically based films mean that Hollywood is changing course?

“I don’t think it is necessarily a turn toward virtue; I think it’s a shift in audience, at least a perceived shift in audience tastes,” Croteau says.

In recent years, Croteau says there has been a shift in audience interest toward the portrayal of the supernatural. Movies with vampires and zombies — ­ depicting a theme of salvation from death, even in the most gruesome of forms — have cultivated an audience. This openness to the sea of spiritually oriented films has also ushered in a number of biblical narratives.

Although elements within “Noah” remain true to its origin, much creative license has been taken with Hollywood’s

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Photo courtesy of Columbia Pictures, 20 th Century Fox, Focus Features, and Paramount Pictures

retelling, says Henry Zietlow, senior applied theology major. This creative license helps open doors to attract audiences, which in turn generates a flood of cash.

Croteau comments that, “Noah” and “Exodus: Gods and Kings,” in particular, have a propensity to draw crowds because of the special effects used along with the use of well-known actors such as Russell Crowe, Christian Bale and Emma Watson.

While these recent releases have brought Christian themes to theaters, Hollywood’s creative interpretation may cripple the integrity of these narratives.

Joe Slunaker, visiting professor of Christian studies, made the point that there should be an even interplay of creative interpretation and faithfulness to the text within these films. Unfortunately, he says these modern productions have done a poor

ARTS job at maintaining this balance. This can be problematic when viewers try to interpret these films as the biblical stories after which they are modeled.

“If someone doesn’t have a faith commitment perhaps (they’re) not going to have a commitment to the integrity of the actual story, and that’s going to lead to a lot of misinformation among the general public,” Slunaker explains.

Additionally, Slunaker comments that some aspects of the creative license taken in films has helped portray the depravity of man, as was done in the film “Noah.”

Zietlow says he hopes these films catch the attention of viewers and cause a close inspection of Scripture. Perhaps, in addition to profit, Hollywood has cultivated curiosity.

The biblical trend spilling into

Hollywood has continued to capture the attention of both Christians and nonChristians. Although Hollywood does not give the most accurate interpretation of these narratives, it has opened the door for questions and further investigation of the stories that have flooded the big screen.

With waves of audience members filling theaters, it is possible that the biblical movie trend may remain for quite some time. ◆

Success at the Box Office

PURSUIT | 23

RELATIONSHIPS

Opportunities Yesterday Memories Tomorrow Here's to the Past 4 Years and the Graduating Class Written by Ashley Dinkel

I

remember the exact moment I heard President Obama was reelected. This was a time when the only meal-swipe options were at the Alumni Dinning Commons or Brisco’s Village Café; Facebook was one the most popular social media apps; and we were learning the art of a self ie on the new iPhone4.

The class of 2016 had a presidential election begin their college careers and now another election as they prepare to graduate. Times have certainly changed at Ca l ifor n ia Bapt ist Un iversit y, whether it be running on the Recreation 24 | PURSUIT

Center’s roof, opening the doors of the Off ice of Spiritual Life in the newly renovated Lancer Plaza or walking into a Point apartment — all these activities were not possible when I f irst arrived.

CBU History In 2012, the only on-campus food options were the ADC, Wanda’s Café and Brisco’s. Now, CBU is the home to El Monte Grill, Chick-f il-A and the Campus Express store. How graduating seniors will survive in their futures without a weekly dose of pretzel bread is beyond me. I guess this is one of those “working, adult world” challenges we will need to face.

With university growth as a main focus, CBU had 6,031 students enrolled in 2012, which quickly grew to 8,541 students in 2015, breaking the 8,080 students by 2020 goal the university’s president, Dr. Ronald L. Ellis, once had in place.

In 2012, the Tower and Point apartments were not yet a part of CBU housing. At this point, the Village apartments were still home to a few elders while Lancer Arms was a residential housing area for married couples and athletes. Upperclassmen now have more options as to where they wish to pull all-nighters after weeks of procrastination.

T he op en i n g of t he C BU Recreation Center and the completion of the Business Building were realized in 2012. Now, CBU is expanding with construction taking place for a 153,0 0 0 -square-foot Event Center expected to be completed in 2017, a new Health Science Campus located across the street from the James W. Totman Baseball Field and plans for a new engineering building expected to be completed in 2018.

The CBU campus looks ver y different for seniors graduating this spring than it did on their f irst day of classes as freshmen.

Social Media As a freshman, nothing was more exciting than updating my Facebook status and “checking in” to my favorite places with my Android phone. Now, the Facebook app on my iPhone is lucky enough if I open it once a week.

Instead, we are updating our “story” on Snapchat, conducting Twitter polls and using Boomerang to post fun and short videos on Instagram.

W it h S n a p c h a t ’s i nc r e a s e d popularity through location banners, the addition of video, emojis, filters, and the ability to post a “story” and watch live media from around the world, Snapchat grew to 100 million users in 2015, according to its off icial website.

Graham A llgood, junior marketing major, says he created the Snapchat geof ilters for Woofest and the Fresh Meet event at the beginning of the school year.

“Most people use social-media marketing like they do a megaphone — shouting into the clutter, hoping their market will hear them,” Allgood says. “The interactive geofilter I created for (Residence) Life’s Fresh Meet event sparked excitement and introduced a modern outlet for campus marketing.”

W hen Tw itter announced its popular and well-known bird design in 2012, approximately 340 million tweets were sent per day and f ilters for photo editing on Twitter were made available.

Now more than 550 million tweets are sent per day, users can watch real-time

events through the Twitter-owned app, Periscope, and can catch up on the latest news through Twitter's “moments” section. Along with the advancements in Twitter, many facilities and off ices at CBU have Twitter accounts to engage with students.

What social media accounts will be around in the future, I am not sure, but my Instagram reveals a timeline of my CBU experience.

America. I sat in my computer lab as a high school senior with many of my classmates when the announcement of the cast for “The Hunger Games” series was announced. Fans became excited as the f irst installment of “The Hunger Games” series hit the big screens in 2012 and were sad to say goodbye to the characters after the final film, “The Hunger Games: Mocking jay, Part 2,” was released in November of 2015.

Music and Movies “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen may be considered one of the most popular songs of 2012. Is this song incredibly annoying, always getting stuck in my head when I hear it? Yes. Do I sing along to it every time it comes on?

Absolutely. “Call Me Maybe” inspired hundreds of lip-syncing videos to this catchy tune and while my friends and I did not recreate our own version of this song, my good friend and I drove around the Tyler Mall parking lot to record our lip-syncing version of “Fancy” by Iggy Azalea. The video did not make us YouTube stars – shocking, I know – but it did give us an unforgettable moment I remember every time I hear the song.

As we have grown as students, many artists and musicians have matured and made names for themselves. Adele’s third album, “25,” released in 2015, continues to melt hearts, bring listeners to tears and remind us of our exes.

Thank you Adele for beginning and ending our college days with beautiful ballads we can murder as we belt them out in our cars.

Leading up to 2012, I was a faithful iTunes customer and was frustrated in 2009 when the 99-cent song price increased to $1.29. Now, Spotify and Pandora are my main sources to stream music online for free, just as they are for millions of users worldwide.

Some of us women from 1B Simmons Hall waited in line to watch the midnight premiere of “Breaking Dawn: Part 2,” the f inal installment of the “Twilight” movie series (Team Edward forever).

It was not long before another movie series would win the hearts of

Sports Sports at CBU has been something in which students take pride. In the 2013-2014 season, CBU became a full member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division II and have won 51 conference championships in school history, 19 since entering the NCA A in 2012.

Being a part of a sea of students in white Crazies T-shirts is a memory many seniors will remember for years to come. Who won the game? Who knows?

It was not about the game; it was about the environment.

This year, 10 wrestlers represented CBU at the NCA A Division II Super West Championships and took home the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference title for the f irst time.

To continue bringing home victories this year, the men’s swim and dive team brought in its first conference title at the RMAC and the women’s swim and dive team won its third consecutive team title, and for the f irst time the teams won together.

The CBU cheer team three-peated as National Cheerleaders Association champions in 2013, 2014 and 2015 and continue to f ight for their next national title. Basketball at CBU joined NCA A Division II in 2012 and now, both the men’s and women’s teams are ranked in the top-10 nationally in Division II. A lot has changed in the last four years — memories were created and dreams became realties. It is time for seniors to say goodbye to pretzel bread, free T-shirts and caffeine-f illed study sessions where no studying actually happens. We will forever be Lancers, no matter where life may take us. ◆ PURSUIT | 25

How to Make (Almost) Everyone Love You According to some fellow Lancers, here is how to do just that Written by Lauren Koski

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n preschool, it was whichever girl had possession of the pink marker during craft time.

In 4th grade, it was the boy who could rip a joke through any tedious lesson and sidetrack the teacher even for a second.

In 7th grade, it was the girl whose mother let her wear makeup and who started the “gaucho” trend when she came back from Hawaii with a pair to show off.

In 12th grade, it was the Student Body president, the girl given the superlative of “Most Likely to Succeed,” the quarterback of the football team or the boy who got accepted to Yale.

The mysteries of those individuals who are so appealing can be many. But as we grow older, we begin seeing different admirable qualities in others rather than their popularity or beauty, leading to deeper mysteries and strategic questions.

How are they such a nice person? Why are they always so happy? Are they single?

Are they hiring? What do they look for in a friend? How do I get people to love me like they are loved?

What are the qualities of those around us who seem to be universally loved?

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people, than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

Dale Carnegie said this in his 1936 self-help book, “How to Win Friends and Influence People.”

Of course, not everyone will love you; welcome to the wonderful world of human nature. But, maybe that is just it — to make people love you, you must not try to do that at all.

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1

Find the rainbow in your clouds.

“Let’s be honest, nobody wants to be around ‘Debbie Downer’ all day,” says Mercy Mburu, sophomore pre-nursing major, with a laugh.

But it is so true — would you rather spend time with Eeyore or Tigger?

Springing through life on a recoiling tail may not be entirely practical, but neither is dragging your ears in the dirt.

“Everyday things can happen that can just ruin our day or discourage us,” she says.

“When you are able to find someone with the quality to make you find the rainbow in the middle of the clouds, then that person is someone who has a good heart and it is reflected in the way he or she is able to see the world.”

As university students, we have plenty for which to be grateful. Instead of melting in the rain, why don’t we try dancing in it?

2

Don’t always tell people what they want to hear...

“A good person is someone who is genuinely honest,” says Melvin Tran, sophomore chemistry major. “No matter the circumstance or situation, he or she can evaluate the situation and tell you the truth — even though it hurts because you can’t see what is right from wrong.”

A good friend knows when to open and close his or her mouth. Maybe it is not necessary to tell your friend her tattoo was a poor decision, but maybe it is very necessary to tell her she has spinach in her teeth or that her boyfriend has not been faithful to her.

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... but be transparent.

“What you see is what you get.” Kristin Waters, director of campus activities, says this cliché saying is essential to being an individual who not only cares about himself or herself as a human being, but cares about others as well.

“Transparency can be as simple as responding to ‘how are you?’ with anything other than ‘good’ or ‘fine’ — allowing people to know who you are and where you’re at,” Waters says.

Instead of trying to “live authentic” just on Instagram, pause and ponder how you’re truly feeling the next time someone asks.

Though we may have become numb to this greeting, show your friends the importance of it — both for your own honest answer, and for theirs.

Photo by Tyler Rhode

RELATIONSHIPS

6 4

Learn from differences you don't understand.

Zach Long, junior graphic design major, says the way we perceive others in their differences is important. We are our best self when we are not actively trying to be “right.” ”When you aren’t trying to fit everyone else into your mold, people see that,” he says.

Understanding someone’s culture or beliefs does not mean you have to adopt his or her way of life yourself or agree with him or her. Despite the contrasting factors of the way each individual has been shaped throughout his or her life, we are all human — find those factors that are utterly humanizing. Increasing your level of understanding enough can lead to a life molded into one that is seen as a welcoming embrace for all people groups.

5

Reflect genuine interest...

We have all heard it before, but body language truly is a key to success in ensuring your personal bubble is an inviting atmosphere for others to enter both physically and emotionally.

Haley Poole, senior nursing major, says if you want to be a good friend, you have to get to the “meat and potatoes” of who they are. In order to do this, you absolutely must be inviting.

“If you sit facing someone, mirror their behavior and actively listen to what they say. They (will be) more willing to tell you things if they feel as if they can’t tell anyone else,” she says.

So, try swapping those crossed-arms for a posture as open as the conversation you hope to have, stow your phone away deep in your pocket and, most importantly, just listen.

... not just when someone is talking.

It is one thing to ask someone about their life; it is a much better thing to remember what they said. Whether it is an important interview they have next week or their family needs prayer for a tough situation they are going through, a true friend shows they care through remembering the details.

“When someone remembers to pray for you and follows up, it first shows you they listened to what you had to say; they cared enough to stop with what they had going on and was there to listen,” says Austin Blanton, sophomore applied theology major. “The person who can walk alongside you (in prayer) has qualities of compassion and love that I only aspire to have.”

Write down the date of their interview or keep a little book of prayer requests in your backpack. Hey, maybe even pray for them on the spot or send it through a text message. Whatever hack you can use to help you be fully present in the lives of your friends, do it. ◆

How to Make Everyone (Not) Love You 1. Be Quick to Give Advice.

2. Feel Entitled.

3. Interrupt Them.

“Sometimes people need to be heard, not spoken to.”

“This attitude automatically turns me off to individuals and it is difficult to move past it in any relationship capacity.”

“I would do everything possible to annoy them so, for example, I’d interrupt all their sentences.”

— Austin Blanton, sophomore applied theology major

— Kristin Waters, director of campus activities

— Kiera Miller, senior graphic design major

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Bringing the Refugee Crisis to Light Written by Raine Paul Photos courtesy of Jedediah Smith/ Genesis Photos

D

id I hear bombs being dropped?

Yeah, you can hear them. You can hear gunf ire at night, too.”

W h i le fa l l i ng a sleep to t he chilling sounds of explosions and crossf ire may be unfathomable to most Americans, millions of Syrians have grown accustomed to these cries of war. Rather than freeway delays or construction detours, daily life in Syria means passing armed soldiers, collapsed buildings and other grim images of the conf lict that has engulfed this country.

A nd y A lc heh aye d , bu s i ne s s administration graduate student at California Baptist University, and his family have watched from afar as the land they once called home has become host to bloodshed and terrorism in the Middle East.

Over the past four and a half years,

Syria has been crippled by a brutal civil war that the Syrian Center for Policy Research estimates has taken more than 470,000 lives — one and a half times Riverside’s total population.

Since 2011, Syria has witnessed one of the largest refugee movements in recent history. As of April 2016, there were 4,815,444 United Nationsregistered Syrian refugees — a number similar to the population of the Inland Empire.

More than eight million Syrians — half of them children — have been forced out of their homes; at least 50 percent of the Syrian population is displaced.

Imagine a displaced population the size of New York City. Syrians do not need to imagine this; it is their reality.

A Thickness in the Air y pa rent s a lway s k new somet h ing was going to happen,” Alchehayed says. ➤

M

Volunteers aid Syrian refugees after they have crossed the Aegean Sea to the Greek island of Lesbos on Oct. 29, 2015.

PURSUIT | 29

“They could feel the thickness in the air, the tension in the country.”

A lchehayed’s parents left Syria before he was born. Growing up in Damascus and Fairouzeh, a small village outside Homs, A lchehayed’s parents now call the Inland Empire home.

Education and job opportunities were the main motivators behind the Alchehayeds’ decision to emigrate to the United States in the 1980s. After 20 years of dedication and sacrif ice, the Alchehayeds now own a chain of gas stations and have become active members of their community.

“My dad is prett y successful, although there were a lot of bumps along the road,” A lchehayed says, expressing admiration for his father.

T he civ i l wa r i n Sy r ia ha s consistently made global headlines for f ive years, especially in the past 12 months when the f lood of refugees increased dramatically. While many Americans only recently became aware of this international crisis, the issue has been going on for years.

The war in Syria is complicated, and even those who have been following the situation for half a decade do not fully understand what is happening in this war-torn country.

In March 2011, a public protest began after a group of students were ar rested and repor ted ly tor tured for their display of anti-government graff iti. This peaceful demonstration ended when the Syrian government opened f ire on protesters, k illing four civilians. When Syrians went to mourn the victims of the shooting, the government again opened f ire and killed another civilian. This was the 30 | PURSUIT

f inal straw for many Syrians, and a rebel army formed.

The Inter nat iona l Red Cross declared Syria in a state of civil war in July 2012. The war has three main players: the government, rebel armies and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly known as ISIS. “( The Syrian war) has a lot of bad opt ions and there is no one homogeneous, well-led force that are obviously the good guys,” says Dr. Amy Stumpf, professor of society and religion at CBU. “There are no winners, only losers in this one. That’s why it is so complicated and enduring.”

“These people — all they want to do is hurt others for no reason. It’s like the barrel bombs. Dropping these bombs into crowds of people where they are tearing apart mothers and children — it’s awful,” Alchehayed says, breaking eye contact.

Now, ISIS, the third — and equally monstrous — party has caused the Syrian war to devolve from bad to worse, showing no signs of imminent improvement.

“In the vacuum of power created from t he rebel s wea ken i ng t he government, ISIS has now moved in,” says Dr. Marc Weniger, associate

‘I take the best of both worlds: My life here in America and my (Syrian) heritage.’

Andy Alchehayed, business administration graduate student On one side there is the Syrian government, led by President Bashar al-Assad, whose security forces have been kidnapping, raping, torturing and killing civilian activists and their families, often leaving their mutilated bodies on the streets.

Unfortunately, the other side does not get much better, as armed civilians have formed rebel groups and spread across the country. This rebel army began shelling and bombing entire Sy r ian neighborhoods, hoping to terrorize Syrians into submission. To make matters even worse, both the Syrian government and the rebels have been accused of using chemical weapons, which have killed thousands of civilians.

professor of business at CBU. He says ISIS joining the f ight has made a very complicated and dynamic warfare triangle.

A Nation Forever Changed take the best of both worlds: My life here in America and my (Syrian) heritage,” Alchehayed says.

Alchehayed says he is very proud to be an American-Syrian. Growing up in Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire, he experienced a childhood diametrically different from that of his parents.

Summers in Syria were common for Alchehayed, who visited seven times as a child.

Visiting his father’s childhood home

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in Damascus on past trips, Alchehayed says, made him feel connected to his heritage. When he returned this past summer for the f irst time in eight years, it was not the Syria he remembered.

The streets where his father grew up were demolished beyond recognition.

Much of the Alchehayed family history is forever lost.

F lying into Lebanon and then taking a night metro into Syria was Alchehayed’s only option to enter Syria.

Even to those outside the conf lict, it sounds like a gamble. “ It’s da ngerous. It’s not t he smartest idea to be in the country,” says Alchehayed with a note of uncertainty in his voice. “But when you have to take things back for your family — money or whatever it may be — you don’t have a choice.”

As he has seen f irsthand, Syria is forever changed. At one point Syria was the most modern country in the Middle East, but the war has transformed this once forward-thinking nation into a country in shambles.

While political leaders around the world have watched the situation unfold, international tension has made many countries, such as the United States, hesitant to get involved. But when chemical weapons were used on Syrian civilians and international war crimes were committed in 2012, the situation could no longer be ignored.

“Using chemical weapons is just not acceptable,” says Stumpf. “It’s one thing if you’re killing soldiers — that’s allowed in war. You are not allowed to use weapons that knowingly kill civilians.”

A lthough the use of chemical weapons is an international war crime,

many nations were hesitant to get involved in Syria.

“The government used chemical weapons; everyone knew that, but no one wanted to admit it because no one wanted to get engaged,” says Weniger, who teaches courses in international business. “The reason why America is not really in Syria is that we are just coming out of Iraq and Afghanistan.

The (A mer ican) appet ite to have another foreign war is very low right now.”

From afar, the United States, Russia and the rest of Europe are keeping a close eye on the situation in the Middle East. On the ground, Syria is alone, at least for the time being.

Over 6,000 Syrian refugees loaded three separate ferries in the port of Lesbos on Oct. 30, 2015. They will continue seeking refuge throughout Europe.

Syrian refugees unload from rubber dinghies after a treacherous ride across the Aegean Sea. Dozens of refugees pile into these small boats meant for far less passengers as they escape the deadly Syrian conflict.

So, How Can We Help? ne morning in 2012, when A lchehayed’s cousin, Jack, stepped out the door of his Syrian home for work, nobody expected it would be four and a half months before he returned. Jack was taken hostage and tortured for months, his family and friends left with no idea where he was or whether he was alive.

“Jack had a family. He had a wife, two kids,” A lchehayed says. “When Jack came back to us he had (serious) PTSD. He was in a totally different state of mind. We hoped he was going to recover, but he had night terrors and (died) in his sleep one night. God took him to keep him from suffering.”

Of the 4,815,444 current Syrian refugees, 95 percent have relocated to f ive counties: Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Eg ypt. Currently, one in f ive people living in Lebanon is a refugee, which is approximately 1.2 million people. Ten percent of the ➤

O

PURSUIT | 31

4,815,444

What Do CBU Students Think?

Registered Syrian Refugees as of April 2016

95%

of Syrian refugees are in just five countries

3/10 CBU Students Can Locate Syria on a Map

67%

21%

12%

Support Taking in Syrian Refugees

Oppose Taking in Syrian Refugees

Do Not Have an Opinion

$4.5 Billion American Financial Contribution to Syrian Refugees

Where Are Syrian Refugees?

TURKEY

1,938,999

LEBANON

1,113,941

JORDAN

629,266

IRAQ

249,463

EGYPT

132,375

GERMANY

38,500

CANADA

36,300

USA 2,000

50%

of Syrian Refugees Are Children

1 in 5 Globally Displaced Citizens Is Syrian

CBU statistics derived from 133 undergraduate students polled.

Jordanian population at present are Syrian refugees. Turkey, a countr y about the size of Texas, has taken in 1.9 million Syrians, more than any other country in the world. The other f ive percent of refugees are dispersed in countries around the world that are now hesitantly taking in refugees.

While these neighboring Middle Eastern countries have opened their doors to refugees, Stumpf says it is simply not enough.

“The United States has never, at least in recent history, shouldered our burden of refugee settlement. Much smaller nations have taken raw and proportional numbers greater (than the U.S.),” Stumpf says. “We need to say we will take a lot more (refugees) right now. Send us some people; let us help.

We can do our part.”

The refugee cr isis in Syr ia is no longer a national issue but an international situation that needs to be addressed.

“Wars spill across borders — that’s the big danger,” Weniger says. “If we 32 | PURSUIT

have a refugee crisis abroad, we could have a refugee crisis here.”

Not only is the refugee situation a major international concern, but the situation in Syria has the potential to fuel pre-existing tensions. Both Stumpf and Weniger agree one way to help the Syrian situation is to get involved with politics.

Contact your representatives and express your opinions on refugee policy, Stumpf encourages. With the national election this fall, she says now is the time to take action.

“I’m not worried at all about ref ugees posi ng undue da nger,” Stumpf says. “If you’re going to believe stereotypes and live in unnecessary fear, I can’t help you.”

On the other hand, Weniger says that while the Syrian refugee situation is important, voters must remember to look at the bigger picture.

“The refugee crisis is a symptom of a greater problem,” Weniger says.

“What you really want to do is not necessarily vote on the refugee crisis,

9 2 5

but vote on the problem that created the refugee crisis in the f irst place. Look at the holistic picture.”

There is no cure-all to the civil war in Syria. The political tension, problematic triangle of armed forces in Syria and the contentious refugee policies all build upon an already complicated situation. Caught in the middle of this civil war are millions of Syrians looking for a community where their children can play outside without the risk of stepping on a landmine — a home where they do not have to worry about when the next airstrike will occur, somewhere they can feel safe again.

I n t he m id st of s o m a ny uncertainties, only one thing is clear: Syria will never be the same.

“Syria was a beautiful countr y — it isn’t now. Beautiful people and a beautiful culture, but no longer a beautiful country,” Alchehayed says, holding a strong, f ixed gaze. “This (beauty) now has to live on with the people. It must now live on with me.” ◆

9 2 8 6 7 5-6 3 43-2 RELATIONSHIPS

PRIVILEGE: It’s all a T

Written by Iona Brannon Photos by Mariss Eanes

he crisis in priv ilege is not acknowledging it,” says Dr. Kenya Dav i s -H ayes , t he woman who brought the Priv ilege Quiz to California Baptist University.

The crisis of which Davis-Hayes, associate professor of history at CBU, speaks seems quite real at CBU, with its manicured lawns and buffet-style cafeteria.

A l l a rou nd us a re sig n s of pr iv ilege, yet somehow this daily exposure numbs us to the reality of it all. It is easy to forget the extreme priv ilege of higher education at a private university, especially since we often get caught up in the complexities of our own personal lives.

Davis-Hayes says she incorporates the quiz in her class, "Minorities in A mer ica," to make students think about their upbringing as well as the upbringing of those around them.

The pr iv ilege quiz consists of 37 questions regarding race, gender and family background with scores ranging from -21 to +16, with positive numbers indicating more privilege.

Davis-Hayes has used the quiz in her classes since 2003 after receiving it from Purdue University, where she received her Ph.D. “The goal of the quiz is for (test takers) to orient themselves in society as well as to understand that we all may experience a privilege we may not consider­ — little things like books in the house, traveling or not having obstacles like living in a crime-infested community,” says Davis-Hayes. ➤

matter of perspective

Craig Bond Jr., sophomore

PURSUIT | 33

Katie Liddell, senior

9 8-5 She says those w ith a number above seven usua l ly lead fa i rly privileged lives.

K e i t h S w i n e y, f r e s h m a n ps ycholog y major, say s he wa s surprised he scored 4 because his life seemed fairly privileged. “ I don’t fe e l l i ke I ’m underprivileged,” Swiney says. “Some circumstances were pretty tough, but Cydney Kirkpatrick, sophomore overall it was pretty good. I didn’t grow up in a bad neighborhood at granted. Accurately seeing oneself is all. It was never like what you see on crucial in the process of accurately the movies.” relating to others.

Swiney says the hardest part of “If Christians aren’t aware f irst his childhood was the inconsistent and foremost of their own privilege, presence of his biological father, but then that is one incredibly dif f icult going through that has made him see m i n i s t r y,” D a v i s - H a y e s s a y s , the importance of fatherhood. He says comparing life to a race with privilege he will make sure his children never dictating where the starting line is for go through what he has gone through. each individual.

Jul ie Jones, assistant d irector Without a clear view of our own of academic advising, scored -5 on start ing line, Dav is-Hayes says it the quiz as she grew up in a “ lessis easy to forget how far ahead we than-privileged” environment. She may be. Sometimes, the best way to graduated from high school as well as minister to the needs of others is to college despite growing up in a singlesee the perspective from another’s parent household with a mom battling starting line. substance abuse.

“If you want to help people, you “ To t ho s e who h ave b e en need to start shedding privileges,” g iven much, much is ex pected,” Davis-Hayes says. “You can’t do a quotes Jones, referenc i ng a privilege commute.” parable from Luke, Chapter 12.

She unpacks this statement with Jones says those who have more the example of a man living in a highprivilege are held accountable for how income area while teaching at a lowthey use it. She says she has raised her income school. He did not understand children to understand the importance what his students were going through of giving back and giving to others. and what they needed until he moved Understanding personal privilege into their neighborhood and saw f irstis especia l ly impor tant for t hose hand what their circumstances were who i ntend to work w it h t he like. underprivileged because it forces them With an awareness of privilege to see gifts in things once taken for and the societal structures enforcing it, we are better equipped to see the needs of others and to serve them more effectively.

Privilege is still a complex idea — it will never be something as clear-cut as an equation, but Jones says it best.

“It doesn’t matter where you start; it’s where you end.”

A lthough we may not all start together, we may all end together. ◆

Dr. Bonjun Koo, faculty

Jesse Avila, junior

Austin Borders, senior

Vivian Diaz, junior

Julie Jones, staff

93

RELATIONSHIPS

‘It doesn’t matter where you start; it’s where you end.’

Julie Jones, assistant director of academic advising

The Privilege Quiz:

Quiz courtesy of Dr. Kenya Davis-Hayes, who uses the quiz in her class, "Minorities in America," to illustrate the idea of privilege each of us are given according to ethnicity, gender and overall upbringing.

Jessica Henson, sophomore

Beginning with 0, add or subtract the respective amount according to your answer for each question. The resulting number reflects a generalized amount of privilege you have been given.

1. If your ancestors were forced to come to this country or forced to relocate from where they were living, either temporarily or permanently, or restricted from living in certain areas, subtract 1.

2. If you feel that your primary ethnic identity is American, add 1.

4. If you grew up with people of color or working class people who were servants, maids, gardeners or babysitters in your house, add 1.

7

5. If you were ever embarrassed or ashamed of your clothes, your house or your family car when growing up, subtract 1.

6. If you have immediate family members who are doctors, lawyers or other professionals, add 1.

Arian Ramos, senior

11. If you started school speaking a language other than English, subtract 1.

12. If your family had more than 50 books in the house when you were growing up, add 1.

13. If you ever skipped a meal or went away from a meal hungry because there wasn’t enough money to buy food in your family, subtract 1.

14. If you were taken to art galleries, museums or plays by your parents, add 1.

15. If one of your parents was ever laid off, unemployed or underemployed not by choice, subtract 1.

16. If you ever attended a private school or summer camp, add 1.

Aura Opris, staff

20. If you were told by your parents that you were beautiful, pretty or good looking and therefore what you thought or did wasn’t important, subtract 1.

21. If you were ever discouraged or prevented from pursuing academics or work because of your ethnicity, subtract 1.

22. If your parent/s encouraged you to go to college, add 1.

24. If you grew up in a single parent household, subtract 1.

25. If prior to your 18th birthday you took a vacation outside of your home state, add 1.

26. If you have a parent who did not complete high school, subtract 1.

27. If your parent(s) owned their own house, add 1.

29. If you ever got a good paying job or a promotion because of a friend or family member, add 1.

8. If you ever tried to change your physical appearance, mannerisms, language or behavior to avoid being judged or ridiculed, subtract 1.

10. If you studied the history and culture of your ethnic ancestors in elementary and secondary school, add 1.

19. If you were told by your parents that you were beautiful, smart, add 2.

28. If you commonly see people of your race or ethnicity on television or in the movies in roles that you consider to be degrading, subtract 1.

7. If pimping and prostitution, drugs, or other illegal activities were a major occupational alternative in the community where you were raised, subtract 1.

9. If any women in your family, including yourself if you are female, were ever physically or sexually assaulted in any way by men in your family, subtract 1.

18. If you or your family ever moved because there wasn’t enough money to pay the rent, subtract 1.

23. If you were ever given less support than the boys in your family for going to college or pursuing work goals because of your gender, subtract 1.

3. If you were ever called names or ridiculed because of your race, ethnicity or class background, subtract 1.

Bryan Davis, staff

17. If you received less encouragement in academics or sports from your family or from teachers because of your gender, subtract 1.

30. If you were ever denied a job because of your race or ethnicity, subtract 1.

31. If you were ever denied a job, paid less for comparable work or had less qualified men promoted over you because of your gender, subtract 1.

32. If, as a white person, you ever worked in a job where people of color held more menial jobs, were paid less or otherwise harassed or discriminated against, add 1.

33. If you were ever paid less, treated less fairly, or given harder work than a white person in a similar position because of your race or ethnicity, subtract 1.

34. If you were ever mistrusted or accused of stealing, cheating or lying because of your race, ethnicity or class, subtract 1.

35. If you ever inherited money or property, add 1.

36. If you primarily use public transportation to get where you need to go, subtract 1.

37. If you generally think of the police as people that you can call on for help in times of emergency, add 1.

Score: PURSUIT | 35

Snack time, loads of laundry, another college tuition and even their own age cannot stop these women from pursuing their diplomas. Rather, those are the very reasons to finally walk across the commencement stage.

Kimberly Leflore, graduate student in the teaching credential program, cares for her grandchildren Scott Leflore, 6, and Amiya Leflore, 3, when she is not at school. Leflore reads to the two and helps them with their vocabulary. She is a teacher inside the classroom as well as outside of it.

Catherine Knight (right), junior nutrition and food sciences major, is able to immerse herself in the college experience by living on campus and spending time with her neighbors in The Village Apartments. Danielle Snowden, junior psychology major, and Tiara Spirlin, junior film studies major, enjoy a game of “Blink” with Knight.

36 | PURSUIT

Written by Krysta Hawkins

T

he depiction of a “t y pical” college student is emerging and changing. Older students who skipped higher education and entered the workforce directly out of high school are coming back to academia thriving.

According to the National Center of Education Statistics, there are currently 17.6 million undergraduates enrolled in the American higher education system.

Of those, 38 percent are older than 25 and one-fourth are over the age of 30. This older demographic has been predicted to increase another 23 percent by 2019.

This new generation of students are not your average 18 -year-olds

who leave home and venture off to a college campus. The following women are apart of a new era. These students are full-time moms with full-time bills. Their jobs are insuff icient and a career that feeds their passion is now desired. This new, modern version of a college student could be an effect of the stagnant economy. Living expenses signif icantly dif fer from when this generation’s parents were growing up. Now, a high school diploma is not enough and "just making it" will not be accepted. It is becoming evident: College is instrumental in prospering in American society.

These students chose California Baptist University to continue their journey in higher education.

Photos by Lauren Shelburne

RELATIONSHIPS

Kimberly Leflore Graduate student in the teaching credential program Age: 46 imberly Leflore, the breadwinner in her household, decided the diploma she received in 1988 from Compton High School was not enough. Her decision to further her education was one she made to not only better provide for her children, but to better herself. Alongside Lef lore on this education journey are her two children, who are also in college.

“No matter what, we encourage each other all the time to push forward, even when the work load starts to

K

Catherine Knight Junior nutrition and food sciences major Age: 49 night’s life was the epitome of the American Dream — a self-made business, family and successful marriage, even without a college degree. However, she was faced with trials that made her turn to education as a retreat from it all.

“As women we tend to be the caregivers at heart, which entails putting everyone else f irst and then sometimes we become last,” Knight says.

After going through a divorce and

K

Amiee Hockless Junior communications studies major Age: 35 hile sitting at the table she types with one hand using the other to hold her infant.

Alongside her, also doing homework, is her teenage daughter, and in the background she hears the voice of her 7-year-old son asking for a snack.

Hockless has already received an honorary degree in multi-tasking.

The “get it done” mindset has been instilled in Hockless since returning to the university life while raising three

W

become heavy,” Lef lore says.

A typical day for Lef lore consists of maintaining the house and keeping it in order while sneaking in time to study and do homework. There are grandchildren that need tending to, laundry that needs to be folded and pages of her textbook that need to be read. She plays multiple roles: chef, encourager, doctor, therapist and sometimes taxi driver. However, most of all, Lef lore is the matriarch of the family.

“She is the glue that keeps us together,” says Kandice Lef lore, Kim’s only daughter.

T he mot he r o f fou r a n d grandmother of two says as an older

student she has more experience in life and this gives her a sense of empathy for younger students.

“I understand t he cha l lenges they’re going through," Lef lore says.

"I’ve been there."

Lef lore’s yearning to become a teacher fueled her to return to college.

In 2009 she returned to school and graduated in 2013 with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. She is now in the teaching credential program and says she hopes to continue on to receive a master’s in administration.

“No matter how old you are, you’re never too old for education," Lef lore says. "I do not have a doubt about that."

losing her home, Knight pulled herself up and strived for more. Returning as a junior in college, Knight is making straight A’s in all her classes. With Knight f inally being able to focus on herself and her own goals, her solitude brought success.

“I was only testing the waters with school, and I ended up excelling,” says Knight.

K night says when choosing a university to transfer to God pulled her to CBU, where she is now falling in love with her major and the campus community.

“I never got to live on campus and do the whole college thing when I was

younger. This is something I always wanted to do,” says Knight.

Throughout this venture of higher education Knight also works on campus and cares for her elderly mother.

Knight’s mother has been a support system during her time at CBU and helps her pay the tuition.

K n ight says she f i nds g reat connections with younger students on campus, making an ample amount of friends outside her age bracket.

Despite her belated transition to college, she says the pursuit of her education is going well. Knight is experiencing the college life while living on campus.

children and being a wife.

“It was midterms and I didn’t have a babysitter for my kids, but I also had to pass those classes so I brought them to school with me,” Hockless says.

Finding the love of her life in high school, then having a baby in her teens, seemed as though it may be a setback, but is now fueling her comeback.

“I tell my daughter ever yday, ‘Mommy did everything backwards.

Learn from me and do not do your life the hard way,’” Hockless says.

Two years into her higher education, Hockless was ready to transfer from a

junior college to a university. Although she says she hesitated when choosing CBU, she decided her faith had to outweigh her doubt and she relied on God to make a way for her to afford it.

Although Hockless is older than the average CBU student on campus, she is open to sharing advice, life experiences and mistakes. She says she has no problem with being a mentor to younger university students.

“Do not freak out. Finish the goal.

College will be the easiest challenge in your life by far,” Hockless says. ◆ PURSUIT | 37

LIFESTYLE

BEM-VINDO AO RIO Lancer Alumnus Fights for Olympic Spot

Kris Johnson, who plays as No. 13 for the United States Men’s National Volleyball team, lines up for a spike over the net in a match against team Brazil.

Written by John Victory

F

or many college athletes, having an opportunity to play their sport professionally after years of dedication is only a dream. For Kris Johnson, California Baptist University alumnus and former member of the CBU men’s volleyball team, that dream is his reality.

As the summer of 2016 approaches, anticipation for the X X XI Summer Olympiad Games in Rio De Janiero

38 | PURSUIT

is growing among some of the nations top athletes, including Johnson. Despite his talent, Johnson waits to see if he will qualify for the U.S. Olympic team, knowing there are other great players out there. Johnson says whether he makes the roster or not, he will continue to pursue his sport.

“I have to make sure that I’m doing my part and doing my job and we’ll see what happens from there,” Johnson says.

Johnson’s f irst experience with

volleyball began when he was 14 years old at Stanford Middle School in Long Beach, California. Initially, he tried out for volleyball to see if he liked it.

As he played more, a passion for the game sparked in him and he went on to attack each new level and challenges the game offers.

After graduating, Johnson said he was offered a position on the Long Beach City College men’s volleyball team, where he grew another 4 inches in two years to a height of 6 -feet-3 Photos courtesy of USA Men's Volleyball

inches. Not only would Johnson grow in his physical stature eventually to 6-feet-11 inches but he would grow in his volleyball talents, as well. Because of Johnson’s success at LBCC, several universities attempted to recruit him.

“I was being recruited by Long Beach State, Hawaii, UC – Irvine and Cal Baptist,” Johnson says.

A lt hou gh Joh n s on h a d t he opportunity to choose between a variety of schools, CBU became the school where he would continue his studies and play volleyball.

Rocky de Lyon, senior mechanical engineering major and CBU men’s volleyball player, played alongside Johnson for two years.

“He was a huge presence on the court and you knew when he was on the other side it was going to be tough hitting balls on him, so it made the other side better of fense-wise and defense-wise for the other team,” De Lyon says.

Johnson’s personality was positive and vibrant on the court, despite being a bit reserved at times. His former CBU teammates say he had an impact on the team members around him.

“As a senior, him interacting with the younger guys, me a being freshman, was pretty cool,” De Leon said.

It was not long before Johnson was dominating on the court. However, in his second year of volleyball, and last year as an undergraduate student, Johnson was medically discharged because of an injury in his lower back.

Not only would this injury impact his volleyball career, but his life overall.

“It was really hard to put my life on hold for 10 months,” Johnson says.

“Probably the hardest thing I ever had to go through, but I stayed the course with my doctors and teachers and I pushed through to play again and to continue my academics.”

After healing, he came back as a graduate student and played one f inal year before being g iven an extraordinary offer.

During Johnson’s graduate time at CBU he heard from his coaches that the USA Men’s Volleyball Team was interested in having him join the team. His assistant coach, who was also a member of the national team, let Johnson know the exciting news.

“It was something I heard was in the works before I had actually gotten injured, so I wasn’t too sure about what the situation was after that,” Johnson says. “I ended up going into my sixth year of college and my assistant coach was also training with the national team and he said, ‘They might want to bring you in.’ I eventually ended up getting invited, which was pretty unexpected.”

Being a par t of t he nat iona l volleyball team has afforded Johnson ample opportunities. He played in the 2015 Pan American Volleyball games in Toronto, and trained with the World Cup team, qualifying for national team for the summer Olympics in Rio. “( Being on the national team requires) such a high level of intelligence and understanding of the game,” Johnson says. “I am training with guys who are 10 years older than me and all ages in between. Then there are guys who are younger than me who are really good and guys who just have a really good volleyball mind, which is really important. I can learn around these guys.”

Outside of the national team, Johnson is currently playing for a professional team in Kuopio, Finland, called Leka Volley, which is in its second year in the league.

Despite Leka Volley being a fairly new team, Johnson grew fond of the team and the country. He says he wants to continue with them for as long as he can. For Johnson, training with the U.S. team and playing for Leka Volley can be busy. Though this takes up most of his time, he says he f inds pleasure in it because he is doing what he loves.

“There is professional season, which goes for seven to eight months depending on how you do in the playoffs, and then, literally, within days of me getting back into the (U.S.), I’m training with the national team,” Johnson says.

Throughout Johnson’s life volleyball has played a major role and though the journey hasn’t always been easy, the passion that resides within him is still obvious. Johnson plans to successfully pursue his love for volleyball for many years to come and, maybe one day, f ind himself on the Olympic stage. ◆

'I have to make sure that I’m doing my part and doing my job and we’ll see what happens from there.'

-Kris Johnson

Kris Johnson, middle blocker, assists in setting the ball in the United States of America Volleyball CUP game against Brazil in the summer of 2015.

PURSUIT | 39

Why it’s always good to come home to Ancho’s 40 | PURSUIT

Photos by Katie Ring

LIFESTYLE Written by Katie Ring

T

Kayla Ellis, freshman biology major, works at Ancho's as a hostess, greeting the restaurant's numerous guests.

he cook pulls three long steaks out of a large white bucket dripping with marinade; he swiftly places them onto the scorching mesquite fire grill and smoke emerges from the edges of the meat, filling the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

In business since 1990, Ancho’s has created a reputation for having phenomenal food and has played a part in building community throughout Riverside.

Dean Bergstrom, co-founder and owner of Ancho’s, says he loves the restaurant business because of the relationships that have been built through years with the staff and customers.

Bergstrom explains the importance of creating a pleasant environment and treating his staff and guests like family.

In the end, he believes this is the most rewarding aspect of owning a business.

Wendy Crites, f irst year graduate student of music education at California Baptist University and former waitress at Ancho’s, thinks very highly of the restaurant.

“The atmosphere is familiar and welcoming; they are some of the coolest people I know,” Crites says. “That’s what I miss most about working there — the people. I would go back in a heartbeat if my schedule allowed.”

Tortillas are one of the trademarks of Ancho’s. The restaurant prepares the dough in house and bakes them in an oven at the center of the restaurant where customers can watch with anticipation as the tortillas travel from the oven to the table.

“We get a lot of little nose-prints from kids up there looking at the tortilla machine, but also a few big nose prints on there too from some adults who want to see that (oven) go,” Bergstrom says.

Aside from winning the Taster’s Choice Award in 2013, Ancho’s also received the Readers’ Choice Award for the best restaurant in the Inland Empire in 2012 and the Readers’ Choice Award for best Mexican restaurant in Riverside in 2011.

The food is not the only reason why customers are attracted to Ancho’s; the dinning experience at this local favorite draws crowds every day. The Southwest restaurant provides a welcoming and family-oriented ambiance catering to all ages. From couples to families to grandparents, the scale of customers is across the board. Many of Ancho’s most loyal customers have been dining at the restaurant with their families for years.

“The food is authentic and the environment is unique and cultural,” says Paighton Priest, junior nursing major. “It’s iconic because so many CBU students go to Ancho’s. I run into someone from (CBU) every time I go.”

Employees at Ancho’s are trained through a system that starts them from the bottom and they work up. Bergstrom stresses the importance staff training and development play at this establishment.

“What makes this restaurant strong is that the customers are like family,” says Tabitha Teel, Ancho’s waitress for the past 18 years.

“When I f irst started, a lot of my customers that were pregnant or had small kids are working here now,” she says.

Without a doubt, Ancho’s is a beloved ingredient in Riverside’s community.

Having an outstanding staff and large selection of quality food delivered on sizzling hot plates, this Southwest grill is a must for anyone in the area.

“After 26 years, you develop some great friendships and great bonds,” Bergstrom says. “I am just really proud of the name we have created for ourselves; the ability to open, develop and run a business and do very well at it.”

A buzzing restaurant of 26 years filled with friendly staff, an overwhelming reservation list, daily specials held by the iconic Mr. Ancho’s statue and the smell of seasoned steak enveloping the diners. It is a place where your friend gets asked out from the friendly young man at a nearby table, while other tables are pushed together for the “family of 15.” Truly, it is a place where both the hot tortillas and endearing friendships are bottomless. ◆

PURSUIT | 41

Steam envelopes the kitchen as one of the Ancho's cooks lays a long steak onto the mesquite grill.

Homemade chips and salsa are served to diners alongside hot tortillas.

LIFESTYLE

Alexis Lacey, server at Ancho's, scoops hot dough into the tortilla machine on a busy afternoon.

Ancho's prepares tortillas fresh throughout each day to serve diners while they wait for their entrĂŠes.

PURSUIT | 43

TRENDS

Unwrapping the

Pink Tax Truth Are women paying higher prices for prettier packaging?

Wr it ten by Cou r t ney Colem a n s women’s rights become an increasingly salient topic, more individuals are raising their voices in contempt toward unfair acts at the expense of women.

In recent years, what is known as the “pink tax” has become a heated discussion of the unfair pricing of products marketed toward females. The pink tax is the notion that feminine products are priced higher than their male equivalents. Common product examples include razors with “girly” colors, deodorants with flowery fragrances and shampoo specially designed for women.

Neutrogena’s Invigorating Face wash for men costs, on average, two dollars less

than Neutrogena’s Deep Clean face wash for women. In 2014, Old Navy became the target for backlash when the company was caught charging more for women’s plus-sized clothing than they charged for men’s plus-sized clothing.

The t y pical arg ument from manufacturers is that the different packaging, labeling and ingredients used to make products affects costs. This is not the case with VO5 shampoo, where men’s 3-in-1 shampoo costs less than the women’s 2-in-1 shampoo. Walgreens and Walmart both sell the men’s shampoo, with added ingredients, for 70 cents less than the women’s shampoo.

While the source of the inconsistent pricing is debatable, Dr. Natalie Winter, professor of marketing and the marketing

program director at California Baptist University, says it all goes back to the consumer taking responsibility.

“Most successful marketers don’t form public opinion, they reinforce it,” she says.

“What marketers try to do is they try to tap into what already exists.”

Dr. Joseph Pelletier, assistant professor of psychology and co-director of research at CBU, says he believes gender disparity and sexism in commercial products already exists.

In terms of beauty and hygiene products, Pelletier attributes the pink tax to unfair standards set for women by society.

“It’s not just guys perpetuating the sexism,” Pelletier says. “In some cases the women are their own worst enemy, as well, because at some point the standard for

$3.18

$3.97

$2.74

A

4-Pack BIC 3 Men’s Blades 4-Pack BIC Soleil Women's Blades

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$5.47

Old Spice 2-in-1 Shampoo & Conditioner

Herbal Essences Women's Color Safe Shampoo & Conditioner

$2.97 each

Gillette Men’s Shaving Gel Gillette Venus Women's Shaving Gel

$2.97

Photos by Jared Overstreet

beauty was set and once the ball got rolling, women pushed it along.”

Pelletier points out that while beauty products are, in essence, unnecessary, women are still faced with the high costs of feminine hygiene products.

“It staggered me that the marketing for (feminine hygiene products) and the price was ridiculous — particularly when you consider the relatively low cost of production,” Pelletier says.

In short, it costs a lot to be a woman.

Marketers know that by creating pretty packaging and building off of gender norms, they can ethically charge more for products geared toward women. The differences in product ingredients and creative labeling are proven to be poor excuses for product markups.

Pelletier notes that, while this solution could be unrealistic, women need to boycott companies and speak for what they want.

He says that the industry will continue to mark up prices unless women show what they really want.

“Even if people call it out and say, ‘What are you charging me for my leg razor?’ they’ll say, ‘So, you’re still going to buy it, because it’s pink and society says you can’t use a blue (razor) because you’re a lady.’”

Adam Goodwin, junior biomedical engineering major, says he believes the cure could be less concentration on external beauty.

“This places responsibility on the part of both marketers and consumers — as consumers are responding to the

manipulation and marketers are the people perpetuating this view of beauty,” he says.

Winter affirms that consumers vote with their dollar.

“It’s up to you to decide what is valuable,” she says. “Companies will respond to marketing demand. If you think that is objectionable, you have a way to communicate that.”

If consumers are dissatisfied with marked-up prices, it is ultimately up to them to cast their vote and make a call for action.

Changing a culture’s views and practices might be difficult but not impossible and, in the long run, it holds companies responsible for fair and neutral pricing. ◆

Only 31 percent of the time do men's and women's personal care products cost the same.

56 percent of the time, women's personal care products cost more, while 13 percent of the time, men's products cost more.

— "From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of Being a Female Consumer," New York City Department of Consumer Affairs

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Dove Men’s Body & Face Wash Dove Women’s Body Wash

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Degree Men’s Antiperspirant Degree Women's Antiperspirant

$3.88

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Are gender roles unhealthy?

Written by Katie Kostecka

C

onfused expressions. Perspiring hands. When women at California Baptist University were asked to name several players from their favorite sports team, awkwardness ensued. “Uh.. umm… you see, I don’t watch them that much. You got me,” replied one student while others met the question with a blank stare or a series of stuttered remarks. It would appear that these women rarely, if ever, have been asked such a question.

A person’s gender typically associates them with a number of stereotypes. Men are often assumed to be gym-obsessed, megasports fans, while women are anticipated to be appearance-focused, fashionistas.

However, these stereotypes tend to run under the surface, mostly unnoticed. Until recently, that is.

Over the course of several years, gender roles and equality issues have been brought to public attention as groups fight for equal rights. Many are taking part in this movement. Stephanie Meyer, author of the “Twilight” series, rewrote “Twilight,” switching the genders of the main characters. Celebrities are releasing statements exclaiming they feel disrespected by the stereotypical questions they are asked during interviews.

We asked CBU students some of these gender-biased questions.

Although the experience was rather humorous, many students realized how differently the opposite gender is questioned.

After being asked about his diet and how he is achieving his "beach body," Derek Kouns, senior mechanical engineering major, reflected on the experience.

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Photo Illustrations by Caleb Bol, Courtney Coleman, Allison Cordova, Ashley Lopez, and Jared Overstreet

TRENDS “Most stereotypes are based on a small fragment of the truth, so that is how they get started and then society tends to blow them out of proportion,” he says. “Our society places so much emphasis on girls being skinny and healthy. A lot of girls have fallen into this trap so they tend to go on diets.”

Naomi Orantes, freshman health science major, on the flip side, was confident answering questions about sports and cars.

“Though these were questions stereotypical to males, I knew the answers,” Orantes says. “Does that make me a male?

No.” Jasmine Soto, junior exercise science major, added, “We can rock the cleats just as well as we can rock the heels!”

Some students were inspired by their interview to branch out and try new things.

“I believe that God had a very beautiful and specific plan for men and women and we both play pertinent roles.

However, I want to be able to take care of myself and not need to rely on a man to take care of me,” Sydney LaChausse, freshman undeclared major, says. “So, after this interview, I need to learn how to change a tire!”

Why do women feel the need to perfect their appearance and men strive to achieve maximum masculinity? Dr. Virgo Handoff, professor of behavioral sciences at CBU, shed some light on the foundational causes of gender stereotypes.

“Men tend to look and praise appearance, beauty and youth because these are signs of fertility. While women… tend to look for (a man) that can nurture and protect their offspring. Unconsciously, they perceive masculinity, maturity and status as a sign of a responsible parental figure,” he said. “Therefore to attract the opposite sex, women tend to care more for their appearance while men are more concerned with their status and muscle.”

Changing personal aspects of one’s personality in order to fit into a mold formed by society is not healthy. Although most people hope to attract their special someone, it is vital to remain authentic to yourself. Whether that means women lifting weights at the gym or men getting a pedicure, we should aim to defy these stereotypes in the hopes that they will one day cease to exist. ◆

Gender-Biased Questions: Q: How are you taking care of your cuticles?

A: “Aren’t those the little oranges you eat at the super market?” Joshua Bolton, freshman sports medicine major Q: Can you help fix a flat tire?

A: “I can ask my dad for help.” Ashley Robinzine, junior sociology major Q: “Who is your favorite designer?”

A: “Louis Vuitton, that’s a thing, right?” Michael Sutherlin, junior business finance and applied stats major Q: How much can you bench press?

A: “I can do a 45-pound bar with tens on the sides,” Mercedes Machado, junior communication studies major Q: “Would you consider getting your hair ombred?

A: “What did you say?” Mark Breslau, senior communication disorders major.

A: “What’s an ombré?” Aaron DeWolf, freshman mechanical engineering major Use any QR code scanner to watch accompanying video.

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Patricia Sierra, senior exercise science major, reaches into her closet and shifts through the minimal amount of clothing items found there.

With limited numbers of clothes, Sierra is able to not only share with her sisters and mother, but limit the amount of money she spends on clothing.

CONSIDER YOUR CLOSET How minimalistic wardrobes can lead to socially conscious clothing choices

Written by Hannah Burnett

O

ne pair of light-wash jeans.

One pair of dark jeans. Skinny jeans and a pair of slacks. She sat across from me and listed every item of clothing in her closet.

“I’m a minimalist.”

Patricia Sierra, senior exercise science major at California Baptist University, described pieces from her

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closet and why she did not feel like she needed any more than the small wardrobe she already owns. Sierra says she is an accidental minimalist.

Even while she was growing up, she has never liked having a cluttered closet and appreciates the simplicity of having a few versatile pieces.

M inimalism is a r ising trend in which a person owns a few basic articles of clothing instead of the typical

overf lowing dresser drawer. These wardrobes are usually composed of neutral, basic styles with an uncannily hipster f lare.

While the minimalist trend is centered around decluttering life, some of the buzz surrounding minimalism is the rebellion against what has now become known as the fast-fashion industry. With a heightened demand for quick and cheap clothing, apparel Photos by Jared Overstreet

TRENDS

companies have outsourced production to countries with lower minimum wage standards than the United States. “ We produce t h ing s far, far away from the consumer,” says Julie Good man, assist ant professor of anthropology at CBU. “That is why I always tell my students when you take a trip in your closet and look at all your labels, you take a trip around the world. We are no longer connected to the producers of our goods.”

W hen Goodman is not in the classroom she continues her work in applied anthropology — a subset of anthropology that takes the mess humans make and attempts to solve real-world problems. Her study of the intersection between immigration and labor has taken her to the Garment District of Los Angeles, among other places. She says one of the biggest problems of the fast-fashion industry is the demand for cheap, quick products, often resulting in laborers working long hours in dangerous environments for minimal pay.

“In the global structure the best place for any multinational corporation to cut its costs, especially when it comes to agriculture production and apparel, is labor. Everything else costs a certain

amount, especially with apparel because you can’t really change what goes into a shirt,” Goodman says.

The low-tag price on a T-shirt is paid by the hands who made it and the env ironment where they live.

Minimalism appeals to many shoppers because buying and owning fewer pieces of clothing allows for a budget to buy ethically and sustainably sourced pieces.

“When we can do it, do it. If you can af ford to buy something that’s ethically sourced, do it,” Goodman says. “If you can’t, we know that we cannot change the system overnight, but there are the lesser of many evils.”

Whether the answer is buying less or buying from companies that value the production behind their products, the buyer is making an impact on a global supply chain that ends in their closet. ➤

‘We know that we cannot change the system overnight, but there are the lesser of many evils.’

-Julie Goodman, assistant professor of anthropology

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Anatomy Of A T-Shirt Growing Cotton: Indian farmers grow cotton using pesticides that cause millions of deaths every year, according to the World Health Organization.

Creating Cloth: Laborers in China dye and weave fibers into cloth for $1.74 an hour, while a worker in the U.S. is paid $13.12 an hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Finishing Fabric: Textile workers in the Philippines purify fabric with heat or harsh chemicals.

Cutting and Sewing: Laborers in garment factories in Bangladesh, are paid 15 cents an hour to operate heavy machinery to assemble clothing.

Shipping and Selling: Finished garments are shipped from around the world to store fronts. The average U.S. household will spend $1,700 a year on apparel, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

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Pursuit magazine is a student-produced publication of California Baptist University that works to utilize professional, balanced journalism to tell the stories of CBU’s community and the real-life, relevant factors that affect that community.

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