Optimist Print Edition 08.28.18 (Volume CVIII, Issue VI)

OPTIMIST

@acuoptimist The Optimist @acuoptimist

BID NIGHT Three weeks of pledging for underclassmen will begin tonight at 5 p.m.

A student publication of Abilene Christian University since 1912

Friday September 28, 2018

Volume CVIII, Issue VI News

Sports

SGA wraps up two busy weeks, including elections, the first-ever Join Week and the budget meeting.

Congress is two positions from full capacity for the first time in years......................................Page 2

Rachel Johnson overcame a season-ending injury, and came back this season in full-force. Johnson has six shutouts and was recognized as Southland Player of the Week earlier this season.............Page 6

S S M

T W R

F

Opinion As pledging begins, the editorial board offers personal advice for sophomores and juniors taking on the three-week challenge, including regrets and exciting moments to cherish.........Page 5

Photo by NICHOLAS CROMWELL| CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER During the first Freshman Follies rehearsal, one of the mens dorm acts enjoys their performance. Follies has three shows during Family Weekend.

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

SGA grants $50,000 to 72 student organizations ALYSSA HIGH STAFF REPORTER

Student Government Association’s fall semester budget allocated $50,000 to 72 student organizations Wednesday evening.

The budget meeting started with an introduction of each member of the executive cabinet, then went to an explanation of the procedure. Then the CFO and did an overview of this year’s budget and total allocation.

A total of $125,399.47 was requested by all groups and the average allocation was $694.44.

The top-funded organization was Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization

(CEO), which was allocated $6,177 of its requested $ 18,250.00. Second was International Student’s Association, allocated $ 2,879.11 of its request.

Third was Filmfest, which was allocated $2,780.09 of its requested $6,000.

“

Everyone felt that they were treated fairly and equally, and everyone was equally pleased, which is the goal.”

COLTON POWELL EXECUTIVE TREASUREER

Chief Financial Officer Kevin Shurtz, a senior computer science major from Southlake, said the budget was based on ob-

jective criteria to give each organization appropriate and fair funding.

“We thought it was very important that the allocation process was based on objective criteria so we could check our own policies and make sure that we were funding each organization in a way that was appropriate,” Shurtz said.

Shurtz and Colton Powell, the executive treasurer, explained the business allocation model, a mathematic formula ensuring fair distribution among organizations.

Before receiving funds, each group was required to have Title IX clearance and meet with Powell to discuss their funding re-

The executive cabinet poses with “Join Something” wristbands corresponding with Join Week, encouraging students to get involved on campus. Photo courtsey of Mikaela Clinton. quest. Powell and Shurtz travel expenses. compared requests to preThe budget meeting vious allocations. SGA lasted about 45 minutes does not fund t-shirts or with no amendments. Pow-

ell, the senior financial management major from Nashville, said this is because the budget was distributed the night before as opposed to during the budget meeting as it has been in the past. Shurtz agreed and said explaining the methodology behind the allocations reduced the number of questions people could have asked.

Of congress members present, 46 congress members voted in favor, four opposed and three abstained.

“I think the overall reaction is that people were satisfied because of this system,” Powell said. “Everyone felt that they were treated fairly and equally, and everyone was equally pleased, which is the goal.”

CAMPUS NEWS

Cenergistic contract extended through 2022 LAUREN FRANCO EDITOR IN CHIEF

SGA’s first-ever Join Week encourages involvement ALYSSA HIGH STAFF REPORTER

Student Government Association’s first ever Join Week began Monday after chapel with booklets and a student organization fair.

On Tuesday, SGA hosted two discussion panels featuring three-four student organizations at each.

Wednesday during Chapel, another discussion panel featured three more organizations. Tuesday at chapel - discussion featured 3-4 groups, join fest outside of moody after Chapel on

Friday the communication team hopeful for good ending with Join Fest.

Marketing Director Marco Martinez, senior advertising and graphic design major from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, proposed the idea of Join Week. He said he worked in the admissions department during his freshman year and people were always asking how to get involved with organizations on campus. When he couldn’t answer that SEE JOIN WEEK PAGE 2

The university renewed its energy conservation plans with Cenergistic, a Dallas-based company that has reduced ACU’s energy use by 25 percent per square foot.

According to a press release sent out by Emerald Cassidy, director of public and media relations for ACU, the program began in January of 2014 with a goal of reducing energy consumption and creating a culture of sustainability.

“We’ve been paying attention to energy costs for awhile,” said Kevin Campbell, senior vice president of operations. “There are two driving factors leading the energy conservation program. One is cost and second is the impact on

the environment.”

Over a five year period, there has been over $1 million in savings.

Electricity and gas have the largest impact on utility cost alongside two different sources of water – the domestic waterline leading to water fountains, sinks and showers, and affluent water used to water the grass around campus.

The central plant is the largest consumer of energy on campus because it provides heating or cooling to the rest of campus.

“We are trying to be good inhabitants of the earth,” Campbell said. “The biggest change that has enabled us to do a lot of this saving on energy is technology.”

Campbell said all of the new buildings are automated, allowing better control over when the air turns on

“

We are trying to be good inhabitants of the earth. The biggest change that has enabled us to do a lot of this saving on energy is technology.”

KEVIN CAMPBELL SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF OPERATIONS

and off. In academic buildings, it is easier not to cool uninhabited rooms on weekends and nights. To maintain a comfortable temperature in common spaces such as the library, campus center and Student Recreation and Wellness Center, Campbell said they know when to turn the system back on to reach the temperature by opening time.

Though some of the older buildings on campus are not up-to-date with technology, every time a new building begins construction, part of the process is putting technology

into the facilities.

“The biggest change that is taking place right now, with the addition of Onstead and Halbert Walling, this fall semester is the first time we’ve had every new facility, at the same time, running with students here as well,” Campbell said.

Campbell said one of the most unique challenges is the amount of rainfall. Though most of the classrooms are at the desired temperature of 72 degrees, the humidity level causes them to feel muggy.

“The whole purpose of the energy conservation program is not to change student behavior,” Campbell said. “Our goal is to keep our buildings within the comfort zone and make sure we are balancing the goal of conservation with student comfort.”

Page 2 | Campus News Events

Friday 09/28 1. Freshan Follies 2. Family Weekend 3. Bid Night

Saturday 09/29 1. Freshan Follies 2. Family Weekend 3. Bid Night 4. Football v. Incarnate Word

Monday 10/1 1. SGA Join Week 2. All Pledges Meeting

Tuesday 10/2 1. All Pledges Meeting 2. Women’s Rank 3rd round

23

days until fall break

Friday, September 28, 2018 CAMPUS NEWS

Additions to library offer new opportunities ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

New additions to the Brown Library are nearing completion after a summer full of renovations.

With funding from donors, the Brown Library added three new learning facilities available to students: the Reading Commons, Scholars Lab and an electronics shop in the maker lab.

“The purpose of the new spaces and services is to host our students’ creative inquiry and share critical ideas,” said John Weaver, dean of library services and educational technology. “All these changes are designed to connect the creativity of our students to information, tools and expertise that they need to excel in their academic interest and programs.”

The new Reading Commons will give students a

“

The pur pose of the new spaces and services is to host our student’ creative inquiry and share critical ideas.”

JOHN WEAVER DEAN OF LIBRARY SERVICES AND EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

place to enjoy books, journals and other literary works in the library. Further, the commons will host new literary events for students, such as short story readings, poetry slams, documentary films and collections of popular modern books.

The electronics shop in the Maker Lab will offer students the opportunity to experiment with microcontrollers and other digital devices.

“Learning to program simple projects has never been so accessible,” said Darren Wilson, director of the Maker Lab. “The increased space and tool offerings make it possible for stu-

CAMPUS NEWS

dents to come in and start experimenting right away.”

The Scholars Lab, which will open in October, will provide access to scholarly software that has not previously been available to students.

“We’re seeking to provide access to the most robust tools for searching and analyzing texts and for tracking and visualizing behaviors, like eye-tracking tools to measure human interaction with computer screens,” Weaver said.

Weaver said the lab will have experts on staff to assist with the use of all new tools and will showcase these tools and hardware to students. New tools in the Scholars Lab include digital screens, web-publishing, electronic theses and dissertations, open-access journals and more.

“These changes continue to position students to compete nationally through deeper collaboration with other

Photo by NATALIE JARAMILLO | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Students studying in the newly rennovated section of the library.

students and through access to higher quality information and technology,” Weaver said. “We’re always looking to improve our resources so that ACU students receive one of the best academic library experiences available.”

Weaver said Ivy League schools and other major research universities come to ACU to learn from the model of library services, which

are built for design thinking and creative action.

“We’re like proud homeowners who update their kitchen to improve their cooking ability and dining experience,” said Weaver.

“We’re constantly seeking to remodel the library’s scholarly kitchen so our students can experience new fields of inquiry and utilize new tools.”

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION

Mental health awareness SGA involvement peaks Chapel acts as community with 50 congress members BREVEN CAMPBELL STAFF REPORTER

Advice for Happiness, a new chapel group, will meet to discuss mental health topics.

Sierra Cowell, senior musical theater major from Los Angeles, created Advice for Happiness based on an Instagram account she made last year.

“I just posted little ramblings about mental health and my thoughts about recovery and feeling better,” Cowell said.

Cowell will be the main speaker each week, but plans to have guest speakers from other organizations at some events.

“I took a poll from the people who came last time about what topics they want to cover and I will cover those. I know a lady from SOAR wanted to

speak and maybe people from other organizations,” Cowell said.

The topics that attendees of Advice for Happiness want to cover will remain private to the group. Advice for Happiness, however, is not a private group. There were 10 students at Advice for Happiness’ first meeting.

Cowell said they are looking to grow.

Cowell said, “I plan on advertising through my friends who are in clubs on campus and ask them to announce it at their chapels such as Hispanos Unidos. Also, post flyers across campus to advertise.”

Advice for Happiness will meet every other Wednesday in MBB 318.

“Students should attend Advice for Happiness as an alternative to Moody chapel because my chapel is

“

I created a chapel for mental health because I wanted people to know that feelings of depression or anxiety do not need to be the reason for their disempowerment.”

TY KELLEY SGA EXECTUTIVE PRESIDENT

more personable and down to earth,” said Cowell.

Every meeting Cowell will have a 10-15 minute presentation followed by group interaction. After the presentation and group interaction, there will be time for student feedback about what the students want to hear.

“I created a chapel for mental health because I wanted people to know that feelings of depression or anxiety do not need to be the reason for their disempowerment,” said Cowell.

ALYSSA HIGH STAFF REPORTER

Student Government Association is the largest it has been in years with over 70 members and only two unfilled positions.

SGA Executive President Ty Kelley, senior information technology major from San Antonio, said the increase in involvement is due to the group’s outreach during Wildcat Week events such as ACU Fest, Abilene City Limits as well as SGA Week.

The group had tables set up during Abilene City Limits, where SGA branding was found on free cups with lightup cubes and complimentary drinks. Kelley said the branding on fliers, posters and keychains increased awareness of the available positions and how to get involved.

In addition, the recent split from the single position of

chief communications officer to the two positions of marketing director, held by Marco Martinez, senior graphic design major from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and press secretary, held by Mikaela Clinton, junior advertising and public relations major from San Antonio, was cited by both Kelley and Clinton as a major reason for the success of SGA’s recruitment.

Kelley said the position split gives each person more time to focus on outreach and communication and prevents one person from getting overwhelmed with the different roles within the position.

“From banners to sponsored advertisements, we used the platform of ‘SGA Week’ to create an exciting environment on campus so that candidates could feel confident campaigning to their fellow students,” Kelley said.

SGA has already completed projects. In addition to SGA

“

From banners to sponsored advertisements, we used the platform of ‘SGA Week’ to create an exciting environment on campus so that candidates could feel confident campaigning to their fellow students.”

TY KELLEY SGA EXECTUTIVE PRESIDENT

Week, the group brought Bird scooters to campus. Kelley said SGA is also anticipating a success at the upcoming Join Week, a week devoted to assist students in joining student organizations they are interested in. Join Week will take place this week through Friday.

The two positions left unfilled are Morris Hall representative and School of Nursing representative. Anyone interested in either position can contact Rachel Jones at rej14a@acu.edu or visit the SGA office located downstairs in the Campus Center.

Join week: initative invites students leaders to speak on organizations CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

question, he said he realized ACU had a problem, and as a current member of the SGA, he believed Join Week would be a probable solution.

This summer Martinez approached Ty Kelley, executive president of SGA, and proposed a week-long effort for people to join organizations on campus.

SGA budgeted $2,000 for the week, including money for posters, pamphlets and other marketing items.

“Our goal for the week is to get everyone involved in something,” said Mikaela Clinton, a junior advertising and public relations major from San Antonio.

Martinez said Join Week also compensated for the small amount of funding SGA is able to allocate to 72 of the campus’ organizations.

Join Week gave SGA the ability to advertise for over 200 organizations with no cost to the groups themselves.

Of the over 200 groups, 160 registered, but service opportunities, social clubs and

Lauren Franco, Editor in Chief of the Optimist, discusses involvement on Tuesday during chapel in Cullen Auditorium during Join Week.

other groups were included in booklets and panels.

Originally, Martinez said he hoped to open the panel

to all organizations, however Immersed, a Tuesday and Thursday breakout chapel, would have to be cancelled

to make room for a large number of people. Because of this, SGA was required to pick the most prevalent cam-

pus organizations. According to Martinez, the Join Week panels were successful.

On Friday, Join Fest will be in Moody Coliseum, where various clubs and organizations will be available for students to ask questions and learn how to join or get involved. Martinez said students are encouraged to stay and look at all of the tables and get as involved as they can.

“Just joining one club can make a huge difference for the life of someone at ACU,” Martinez said.

POLICE LOG SELECTED ACUPD CALLS FOR THE WEEK 09/19/2018 8:00 a.m.

An ACU student reported a hit and run on Campus Center Rd causing minor damage. The suspect left the scene of the accident and did not contact ACUPD. Case being investigated.

09/21/2018 8:00 a.m.

An ACU student reported that 2 stray dog charged at her near the Business Building, with 1 dog biting her. ACUPD located the dogs and Abilene Animal Control came and took the dogs.

09/24/2018 4:40 p.m.

ACUPD responded to the Hardin Administration Bldg in reference to a suspicious person going into different offices with no business related purpose. Officers made contact with the subject who was not a student, and asked him to leave campus.

911 CALL............................................................0 ABANDONED VEHICLE....................2 ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIVITY.......................................................27 ADVICE..............................................................4 ALARM.............................................................14 ANIMAL CALL.............................................6 ASSIST................................................................0 ATTEMPT TO LOCATE..........................0 BARRICADES...............................................3 BICYCLE PARTROL................................4 BUILDING LOCK/UNLOCK.......................................14 BURGLARY....................................................0 CART PATROL.............................................0

CHECK BUILDING............................299 CRIMINAL MISCHIEF...........................2 DISTURBANCE..........................................1 DOMESTIC DISTURBANCE.............1 ESCORT............................................................2 FOOT PATROL............................................5 FOUND PROPERTY...............................5 HIT & RUN.......................................................1 INFORMATION REPORT...................4 INVESTIGATION FOLLOW UP...............................................14 LOST PROPERTY......................................2 MAINTENANCE: UNIV ASSETS.............................................14 MEDICAL EMERGENCY.....................2

MONITOR FACILITY/ LOT.......................................................................9 MOTORIST ASSIST: OTHER..............................................................5 MOTORIST ASSIST: JUMPSTART.................................................8 MOTORIST ASSIST: UNLOCK..........................................................11 OTHER...............................................................2 PARKING LOT PATROL....................28 PARKING VIOLATION.........................14 PATROL VEHICLE: MAINTENANCE.......................................9 PATROL VEHICLE: REFUEL..........................................................8

PROWLER...................................................3 RANDOM PATROL............................8 REPORT WRITING.............................14 SOLICITING.................................................1 SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT....................0 SUSPICIOUS PERSON....................7 THEFT..............................................................0 TRAFFIC HAZARD.................................1 TRAFFIC STOP.........................................3 VEHICLE COLLISION..........................1 WELFARE CHECK.................................1 TOTAL.....................................................563

Chief Ellison’s Weekly Tip Help prevent auto-pedestrian crashes around campus. If walking or jogging, watch for cars. If you drive around campus, especially at night- ALWAYS be alert for pedestrians crossing the street.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Lifestyle & People | Page 3

WHERE DREAMS COME TRUE Disney University welcomes six students for the semester

Photos courtesy of JOHANNA BAKER

ALLISON HARRELL STAFF REPORTER Six students are living in Orlando, Florida, to intern for a full semester at Disney World with the Disney College Program, making their childhood dreams come true.

Those participating in the program are: • Annie Bailey, psychology graduate from Abilene • Bonnie Tesseyman, communication disorders graduate from Tyler • Johanna Baker, senior psychology major from Forney • Kayla Gilbert, international studies graduate from Fort Worth • Nicki Schauer, senior psychology major from Gonzales • Sara Kincaid, junior Bible and ministry major from Friendswood Tesseyman said she recalls hearing about the program when she was 15 years old and dreaming of it ever since. Growing up with a Disney-loving family, she knew that this would be the perfect opportunity.

“Legend has it that I said my first word on a Disney Cruise, and I was voted most likely to be watching Disney movies in my 80s in my high school yearbook,” Tesseyman said. “I watched many other people I know participate in the program, but it was always a dream for myself I didn’t think was achievable. I am highly goal-oriented and did not ever think taking a break to live in Disney World would be an option.”

Tesseyman said she realized the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity might be possible if she could manage to graduate early, so that is just what she did.

After taking all of her required Speech Pathology classes, she finished the rest of her basic university required classes online this past summer.

“I quickly rearranged my life and graduated in three years in order to live out my dream of working for the company I grew up loving and that had given me so many precious childhood memories with my family,” Tesseyman said.

Prospective interns go through a three-step hiring process before they are accepted on staff. Students fill out a survey giving basic information about their educational experiences and answering a few background questions. The next step is an online interview, where applicants’ qualifications are screened.

Selected applicants may get invited to the last round of phone call interviews. After the last interview, applicants wait to accept an invitation to the program, where they are assigned a specific role and pay at Disney.

Each internship experience at Disney is unique.

Tesseyman received her assignment to work in merchandise at the World Traveler store in the EPCOT World Showcase, and Baker stepped into her role at the Emporium at Magic Kingdom, the largest store in the park.

“It can get a little crazy, and very often I get off at 3:30 a.m.,” Baker said. “Everyday I put on my 1900s-inspired costume and go to work on Main Street, which is right by the castle. Some of my duties include working the register, floor stocking, holiday events and assisting guests in all ways possible.”

The DCP can be seen as a gateway to professional internships or long-

Six ACU students are participating in the Disney College Program.

term careers at Disney.

The program can help students connect with important people through the company and offers a variety of classes and seminars to assist in the exploration of different careers they offer.

“

I’ve seen and experienced the magic created here, and it’s truly that magic of kindness and intentionality that stays with people forever.”

JOHANNA BAKER SENIOR PSYCHOLOGY MAJOR FROM FORNEY

“I’m still deciding if I want to pursue child psychology or marketing/ recruiting,” Baker said.

“I applied in hopes of getting a sense of what I enjoy most so that I can eventually apply to graduate schools.”

All interns receive free park access and get to enjoy benefits like a firework

show every night, seeing character friends and listening to the music played by different bands throughout the park. The massive community offers so many valuable lessons and experiences for each intern. Disney World is 40 square miles, a workplace for 70,000 cast members, and brings in hundreds of thousands of guests every day.

“I have learned to be brave here in Disney,” Tesseyman said. “’We all have the courage to fly’ is a line from the Magic Kingdom ‘Wishes’ fireworks show and is a line I repeat to myself often. Moving to Orlando was scary for me. I am far away from my home, and I left behind all of my incredible friendships at ACU. There was so much that was unknown about what my life would look like here in Disney World. God provided me with courage from day one here and has protected and guided me every day since. My faith in Him has grown stronger, and I have a deeper trust in His planning than

ever before.”

Moving from smalltown Abilene to big-city Orlando is a big transition for these ACU alumni and students. The benefits of Disney, however, seem to far outweigh the struggles in the eyes of these interns.

Baker said, in her short time working for Disney, what has impacted her most is its “magic.”

“I’ve learned the reality of magic in this world,” Baker said. “As a young child, I always dreamed of visiting the magical world of Disney. Even at 21 years of age, the magic is still very much alive for me. In all honesty, when stepping onto Disney property there is magic everywhere.”

“The Walt Disney

Fall &

Company truly values their guests and makes sure that the cast members are going above and beyond every day. The motto for cast members is ‘We create magic.’ Personally, I love getting to create magical moments for families by making sure their vacations are ones they never forget.

Whether that be spending time talking and playing with children in the store or truly getting to know families from all over the world; the opportunities are endless.”

“I’ve seen and experienced the magic created here, and it’s truly that magic of kindness and intentionality that stays with people forever.”

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Page 4 | Follies Gallery

Friday, September 28, 2018

MAKING AN EARLY MARK Freshmen to showcase talent in Follies this weekend

Photos by NICK CROMWELL| CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Rose Lee-Alliston sings, in the Follies show, She Used to be Mine by Waitress.

The Gardner Girls, of Gardner Hall floor three, renact the song Barbie dressed up as barbie dolls.

Photo by NICK CROMWELL| CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

As a single act, Annalis Chaves performs an original song called Midnight eyes.

Tatum revamps Follies for the first time in years ASHLEY ALFRED SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

Freshman Follies, a freshman-only family weekend production, will take place in Cullen Auditorium on Friday and Saturday with three men’s acts and 10 women’s acts.

This is the first Freshman Follies coordinated

by Nick Tatum, director of student productions, since he accepted the position last fall. Tatum made several changes to restructure the production.

Tatum said these changes were made in order to give Follies a more professional appeal. The budget was realigned to provide more money for lights and staging and are new restrictions placed on participating groups.

“Basically before it’s been like, ‘you can do anything you want,’ but this year we are only letting groups do lip sync and dancing,” Tatum said.

“So they can’t use their own voices, they can’t do a skit–we just want it to be

Sikes 2nd floor practices their act during the rehearsal.

streamlined.”

Follies groups were also restricted on the use of Disney themes or songs and “ring by spring” references.

Tatum said there have also been changes in the format of the leadership team. Previously, the team consisted of five or six student directors, but this year there are 13, with three intern supervisors.

Freshman Follies student directors include: Lauren Wertheim, Katie Pantoja, Emma Conatser, Kate Matthews, Ally Brant, Trinity Koemel, Dante Heredia, Alyssa White, Bailey Farrow, William Heyen, Caleb Evans, Boone Denton, Alex Wall.

“Freshman Follies is kind of chaotic because a lot of it happens last minute,” Tatum said. “That’s just the nature of the beast because it’s freshmen and that’s such a short time period. It’s a lot of work.”

Follies is on Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.

Photo by NICK CROMWELL| CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER

In his solo act, Caleb Evans sings Stand by Me by John Lennon.

William Heyen is playing the harmnonica and bass in his group’s performance

While playing the guitar, Jackson Hatch sings Broken Halos by Chris Stapleton.

Photos by NICK CROMWELL| CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER In this women’s, the students are doing a creative rain dance.

Wade Ledbetter is singing in his band’s performance.

McKinzie Hall, which only has one act this year, is practicing their performance.

Friday, September 28, 2018

Opinion | Page 5

Pledge hard, pledge smart and pledge ACU THE ISSUE

OUR TAKE

Pledging is upon us and many students are (rightly) nervous. Many don’t know what to expect and what they have signed themselves up for.

Our editorial board is comprised of members who have pledged a variety of different clubs. With this, we thought we would impart some of the most important lessons we wish had known going into pledging.

Optimist Editorial Board | editor@jmcnetwork.com Pledging will begin this evening with bid night kicking off three weeks of pledging. With this comes a lot of uncertainty for pledges of a variety of clubs. Although each club is unique, we believe there are still lessons which are applicable across the diverse situations facing pledges.

Attitude matters. The attitude you take into pledging will define your experience through the next three weeks. Look for the deeper meaning in what you are doing and learn to rely on your fellow pledges. For the most part, every event will have a purpose behind it. We’ll be honest,

it is going to be terrible at times, but it will be so much worse if you have the wrong attitude. Buy in, and you will have the time of your life. Humble yourself with the knowledge that everyone pledging you has gone through similar experiences. If you go in with a positive attitude, and rely upon your fellow pledges, there is no doubt you will come out of the pledging process a better person.

If you find yourself challanged, look to those around you for a word of encouragement. If you find a fellow pledge discourged, lend them a word of encouragement.

The essence of pledging is these moments of support and encouragement.

At the same time, prioritize why you came to school. Specifically, the “school” aspect of school.

Know your limits. It would be way too easy to get behind in classes by choosing to sleep after a late night of pledging. Push through and excel academically.

Some outfits are more garish than others, but every day you will wake up hating that your clothing is dictated to you. Yet, when it’s over, you’ll look fondly at the next years pledge class as they criss-cross campus.

View it as a temporary cost

for a long-term gain.

If we haven’t convinced you yet, we’ll say it again: pledging is going to be miserable. But because of it, you’ll cross paths with a variety of people you otherwise might not have crossed paths with. The bounty of pledging is the forging of

bonds which form the community that undergirds this campus. Generally speaking, people don’t donate to the university, talk about sending their kids back to ACU or return for homecoming for any other reason than their time in club. The pull back to campus that current

student, and alumni feel is rooted in the pledging process, which has been occurring on this campus for over 100 years.

You certainly will wish you had never pledged, but you will also never be able to imagine not pledging once it is over.

STAFF COLUMNISTS

Pledging for thee, but not me AMBER ALERT AMBER CHAVEZ VIDEO DIRECTOR

Senior multimedia major from Dripping Springs,

Pledging season is upon us.

Girls will soon be shouting, “I will respect Kojie Park!” and “G-A-T-A want to be a GATA!” and dressing in clothes that are way too warm for Texas weather.

Other students, like me, will be shouting, “Where are my earplugs?!” and embracing the shorts and t-shirts I get to keep wearing on a daily basis.

I have a lot of respect for my friends in social clubs– and the friends who are going to pledge this year. It’s a huge time commitment, which can come with some amazing rewards: a close-knit community of people always willing to help with your hair and homework, constant Starbucks partners and shoulders

to cry on. But if you’re like me, you don’t really have the time to attend all the rushes and then spend three weeks shouting at the top of your lungs every time you pass a monument or avoid the campus mall area altogether. And that’s OK. Social clubs and pledging are not the end-all-be-all as an ACU student. Whether you can’t pledge because you don’t have the time or financial means–there are plenty of other ways to have a closer connection within the campus community. For me, it was working within my department and improving my career skills. I became close with many people within the different jobs I worked and I

maintain a majority of those relationships today.

I also did some things that were out of my comfort zone.

I joined The Shinnery Review and a few other organizations that had nothing to do with my career path. I might not be able to keep up with them as much as I did during my freshman year, but those experiences helped diversify my experience at ACU. Additionally, not pledging allows me to have some extra time to myself. There are some days where I just want to be a recluse and hang out in my room days I feel like I have no time to do anything else except work or homework. If I added pledging on top of all of my classes and jobs, I’d be working myself into an earlier grave than I already have. Nobody is trying to fool you by saying you need to know your limits. Pledging is like a

full-time job–even if it’s for three weeks. You need to decide whether you can handle that on top of whatever educational or work obligations you have.

To be frank, I’m totally okay with heading into my final year without a social club membership under my belt. I’ve established a lot of great relationships within my department, I have jobs that I love and I’ve reached out into other areas of the ACU community that are not journalism affiliated.

So, if you don’t think pledging is right for you, don’t sweat it. There are so many other organizations on campus to participate in and there are probably opportunities for you to make a difference within your own department. Just make sure you have your earplugs ready by the time the next pledging season comes around.

A movement began, many more perpetrators have been brought to light and we as a society have gotten a little closer to being comfortable talking about sexual assault and harassment.

But what most people don’t know is that the phrase “Me Too” was coined much earlier than 2017. Tarana Burke, an African-American civil rights activist, began using the phrase “me too” in 2006 to address the pervasiveness of sexual abuse and assault in society, especially among women of color. Women like Tarana Burke have been doing this work for a lot longer than the simple hashtag, and they’re the ones that deserve real credit.

The #MeToo movement has radically changed how we as a society view sexual assault and harassment, in an open way that

I’d argue is better than the past. But our ability to use a hashtag does not mean that our work is done.

A movement must go beyond a hashtag, and there have been a multitude of tweets with no action. As Tarana Burke said, “This is bigger than me…

This is about survivors.”

We as a community need to be actively engaging in hard conversations beyond social media about sexual assault and harassment in the Abilene community and on campus. Additionally, the focus should be on survivors: hearing their stories, providing real support, and educating others for prevention.

I hope that as we reflect on the anniversary of #MeToo, we can be proud of where we came from but even more excited for the progress we’ll continue to make in the future.

Reflections on the anniversary of #MeToo MADS AT ACU

MADELINE DAYTON COLUMNIST

Senior business management and global studies major from Katy We live in a time where something like a hashtag can truly change the world.

Social media is a tool to bring things into the light quickly, which can be good and bad. The #MeToo Movement is a perfect example of social media being used well to bring truth to light.

On October 5, 2017, Ashley Judd publicly accused famous movie producer Harvey Weinstein of unwanted sexual advances.

The world watched as over the next few days, close to 80 more women found their voices and came forward with their own allegations against Weinstein.

And now a year later, with

a ruined reputation, Weinstein has lost his fame and influence. His true colors have been shown to the world. He wears a tracking ankle bracelet due to his crimes, and works as a paralegal for his own attorney after paying his bail of $1 million.

On October 15, 2017, actress Alyssa Milano, inspired by the women coming forward, tweeted out for women around the world to use the hashtag “#MeToo” if they had ever experienced sexual assault or harassment.

There were about 48 million tweets that hit the internet in the next week by people telling their stories.

EDITORIAL AND LETTER POLICY Unsigned editorials are the opinions of the Optimist and may not necessarily reflect the views of the university or its administration.

Signed columns, cartoons and letters are the opinions of their creators and may not necessarily reflect the viewpoints of the Optimist or the university.

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Address letters to: ACU Box 27892 Abilene, TX 79609 E-mail letters to: optimist@acu.edu

THE

Taentedah @taenjohnson I feel my most Christ of Christ self when I harmonize to Bound 2 every time I hear it Clayton @cl4yt0n_c00p3r My Spanish teacher cancelled class for two weeks to go on a cruise, I love higher education Bailey Marshall @baileymarshalll Did the dishes at my house this morning. Then my roommates came home and theres more dishes. Don’t they know the common courtesy is to just not eat for a week so the dishes don’t pile up??

Zane Burton @ZaneBurton So are we just going to ignore the fact that Facebook put ads in the middle of videos or are am I just going to have to keep watching only half a dog video?

Berkley Nowlin @BerkleyNowlin you know acu girls got social club invites when you can hear screaming & running all throughout the dorm courtland quay @kangaroo_court_ I’d like to file a formal complaint with whoever gave The Bean permission to stop serving chocolate chip cookies Josh Hargett @josh_hargett If you bump Mo Bamba on the way to your 8am let me know where you get your coffee.

Andrew Irons @drew_irons “Corbin how you feeling? ... (inaudible answer) *corbin runs and tries to pop a balloon and lands on his back* Shay Johnson @shaynjohnson running on ~quite literally~ 0 mins of sleep today So I’m cutting myself slack today the slack is cut the scissors are cuttin this slack the slack is now sliced Frank @Lauren_Franco1 this random guy just fell on my car in the parking lot i kid u not idk what’s happening but i’m not paying anyone’s tuition Shay Johnson @shaynjohnson three ACU couples have gotten engaged within the time span of a week... we’re in the fifth week... ring by spring is starting hecka early this year julia teel @teelnotthecolorw

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Sports | Page 6

Friday, September 28, 2018

FEATURE

LEADING FROM BEHIND Rachel Johnson brings strong foundation in the net

MADISON CRITES SPORTS REPORTER

The women’s soccer team had a strong start to its 2018 season. With a 7-3-0 record, the Wildcats are looking at a successful remainder of the season. Although many players have been performing well, one player is standing this season.

Rachel Johnson, red shirt junior goalie, has not only been performing athletically, but is also paving the way as a leader on the team.

“I’m a very competitive person,” Johnson said.

“Soccer is a high-intensity sport so it’s really exciting to be a part of.”

Because competition runs in her blood, ACU seemed like the perfect fit.

“I wanted to play soccer at a Div. I level and ACU has such a competitive conference that I wanted to invest in,” Johnson said.

Competition was not the only aspect Johnson was looking for in a soccer program; soccer has become more than just a sport to the Southland Conference award-winning goalie. It has become an opportunity to find family, community and faith.

“My teammates are my family, they are my backbone,” Johnson said. “I absolutely could not do anything that I do without them. The relationships I have with them are some of the most amazing relationships I have ever had and I could not be more thankful. I would do absolutely anything for them and I know they would do the same for me.”

As Johnson started her collegiate soccer career, things did not seem to fall into place the way she expected. With challenges in both soccer and her personal life, Johnson learned how to make the most of it.

After season-ending injury last year, Johnson

Photo by NICHOLAS CROMWELL | CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Rachel Johnson guards the goal from an incoming shot.

learned to be a leader from the sidelines. Johnson continued playing and found ways to be a leader in every aspect of her life.

“I have learned how to overcome so many trials by being mentally tough,” Johnson said. “I credit that to soccer not only the past three years, but having played my whole life. I had to learn to be mentally tough in every situation and always find a solution or a way out of a problem.”

Johnson had the ability to use her mental strength in other aspects of her life.

Though soccer is a priority, she did not want to miss out on other opportunities.

Seeking more “tightknit” communities and the small town feel, she decided to invest her time in var-

ious organizations. Johnson works as a lifeguard in the Student Recreation and Wellness Center and is a member of Ko Jo Kai. “I never like to neglect things I’m a part of,” Johnson said. “I like to give myself to everything I am involved in so naturally, I was an officer in club last year and learned so much about myself and how I can manage my time, become mentally tough and be more strict on getting things done while staying focused on each aspect I was involved in.”

Johnson is a full-time student, athlete, employee and is involved in extracurricular organizations.

Instead of trying to keep each aspect separate from her various commitments, Johnson said she looks to

integrate all parts of herself into everything she does.

“I put being a student first, then being an athlete next and everything else follows,” Johnson said. “Having supporting classmates, teammates, and club family I was able to be the best version of myself in everything. I am forever grateful for the people that helped me along the way.”

Johnson said her growing faith has impacted her commitments, especially soccer.

“The past three years of college, I have improved in my faith drastically,” she said. “I have always been a Christian but they never fail to hold me accountable each day and make me want to be a great role model for them and everyone around me.

I am a better Christian, friend, person and athlete, in that order, because of soccer.”

Coming back from surgery, Johnson said she is looking forward to everything this season has in store. With an impressive start under her belt, she is taking this opportunity to set goals for herself and her team.

“For the rest of this season, I hope to see us win conference and finally get rings because I believe we deserve it and have the heart and drive to do so,” Johnson said.

“I hope to see us go to the conference tournament and dominate there winning that while proving some people wrong along the way . Our team chemistry is building each day along with our skills and that’s what leads to a championship but it takes one game at a time and that’s what we’re focused on doing.”

Johnson said she her personal goals focus more on her contributions to the team.

“Coming back from my injury and surgery this last year, I have worked really hard to make a comeback to be there for my team in every way that I can be,” Johnson said. “They drive me to be the very best player I can be and challenge me to compete every day in practice and I do the same for them.”

After being named Southland Conference’s Goalkeeper of the Week earlier this season, Johnson is proving that nothing is going to stop her from giving her best especially for her teammates.

“I have come a long way since surgery, but still have a long way to go and I can promise you that I am working every single day to make sure I am the best for my team because they are amazing for me,” Johnson said.

FOOTBALL MATCHUP PREVIEW

STANDINGS Volleyball Team

Ovrl. Div.

SHSU ACU TAMU-CC SFA NWSU HBU UNO UIW UCA SELU Lamar Nicholls McNeese

10-4 5-9 3-12 14-2 5-6 8-8 7-9 3-9 10-4 1-11 3-10 2-13 1-15

Soccer

Team

Ovrl.

HBU Lamar ACU SELU UIW SFA TAMU-CC UCA McNeese SHSU NWSU Nicholls

4-5-1 6-3 7-3 4-3-2 1-5-1 3-4-1 4-2-2 6-3-1 7-4 1-7-2 6-5 2-7

2-0 2-0 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-1 0-2 0-2 0-2

Div. 2-0-1 2-0 2-1 1-1-1 1-0-1 1-1-1 1-0-1 1-1 1-1 0-2-1 0-3 0-2

Football

Team

Ovrl.

McNeese UCA NWSU UIW ACU Nicholls SFA SELU SHSU HBU Lamar

3-1 2-1 2-1 1-2 2-2 2-2 1-2 1-3 1-2 1-2 1-3

Div. 2-0 1-0 1-0 1-0 1-1 1-1 1-1 1-1 0-1 0-2 0-2

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Football

McCrary Junior transfer running back Billy McCrary reached the end zone twice last weekend in the 24-21 loss to SFA. This is the second week in a row McCrary has scored two touchdowns as he had a rushing and receiving touchdown in their previous game against HBU. McCrary and the Wildcats look to redeem themselves as they return home for a matchup with Incarnate Word Saturday at 6 p.m.

Cross Country

2018 SEASON

ABILENE CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY

127

POINTS

77

756

RUSHING YARDS

653

1158

PASSING YARDS

662

116

POINTS ALLOWED

127

(2–2)

MAX PRESTON SPORTS DIRECTOR

RACHEL POE ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR

I’m still sitting here wondering how we lost to SFA last week.

The Lumberjacks had lost its first two games by a considerable margin, including a 31-7 loss to Incarnate Word, heading into the game.

ACU’s offense started out extremely slow last week and were too late to catch up in the second half. The Wildcats didn’t play particularly well that evening, however, I still think the team should have found a way to win. Before the SFA game, I noticed the Lumberjack loss to Incarnate Word and thought it could be one of two things. One, SFA is really bad, or two, the Cardinals got a lot better. After our loss Saturday, I’m thinking UIW added some talent to its roster this season. ACU has a lot to handle with running back ReQuanne Dickens in UIW’s rushing arsenal. Dickens has averaged 11.2 yards per carry with 469 yards in 42 attempts. He’s also reached the end zone five times this year. I’m a guy that likes to be supportive of his teams, but with the information given, I’m not liking the Wildcats chances this Saturday. I think the Cardinals come in and ruin ACU’s second home game of the year.

A year ago, ACU beat UIW 45-20 in San Antonio. However that might not be the case this Saturday night. Incarnate Word picked up a new quarterback this year, which could give the Wildcats a fight on their home turf. Two weeks ago UIW destroyed SFA ,317, while the Wildcats barley lost to them, 21-24, last week. All eyes will be on UIW’s senior running back, ReQuanne Dickens, who is ranked No. 1 in the Southland Conference and No. 4 in the nation, with 469 rushing yards. Dickens also broke the UIW record for the longest touchdown run with a 90-yard touchdown against New Mexico on Sept. 1. Whichever team’s offense comes to win will determine the winner of Saturday night’s game.

There is no doubt in my mind that ACU will come on strong and ready to tackle the Cardinals for their second home game of the season.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 17 UIW 28

FINAL SCORE: ACU 21 UIW 17

Graham

UNIVERSITY OF THE INCARNATE WORD (1–2)

MADISON CRITES SPORTS REPORTER

Last year the game againt UIW was a breeze for the Wildcats, but the big question is if that will be the case this weekend.

UIW was able to not only defeat Stephen F. Austin this season, but they won with a massive lead of 31-7. Looking at how the game ended up last week, as a fan you can’t help but scratch your head and wondering what in the world happened. If I were to judge this weekend matchup against UIW solely based on the performance seen this past weekend, I would say we are going to lose. But I feel like this was a wake up call needed to really remind them that it’s anyone’s game and they have to f ight for what they want.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 34 UIW 27

BRIAN SWEET SPORTS REPORTER

The Wildcats easily trampled the Cardinals last year on the road 45-20 in San Antonio, but that might not be the case this year. The new head coach, Eric Morris, seems to have this team rolling after destroying Stephen F. Austin 31-7 two weeks ago. Incarnate Word’s Freshman quarterback might be inexperienced, but he does have experienced weapons around for him to use. Senior running back ReQuanne Dickens is a top offensive weapon, as he scored two touchdowns against SFA, one of them being a 79-yard run. ACU seemed to have their offense clicking against Houston Baptist, but started off slow against SFA, which could also be an issue against Incarnate Word. ACU needs to have that offensive burst they had down in Houston using all three of their backs to tire out the UIW defense. ACU has a shot to beat UIW, but only if the offense gets off to a good start. If not, this could be a long home game on ESPN3.

FINAL SCORE: ACU 29 UIW 24

Senior Carnley Graham put on yet another strong performance for the Wildcats at the Texas A&M Invitational.

She finished sixth individually out 117 runners. Her teammate from the men’s team, freshman Kevin Kipkosgei, also performed well with a fifth place finish out of 118.

The women finished eighth overall, while the men placed 11th. Both teams will next run in the Incarnate Word Invitational Saturday, Oct. 6.

Volleyball

Mueller

Sophomore outside hitter Katelyn Mueller tallied 28 kills last weekend in her team’s wins against Lamar and McNeese. She played especially well against McNeese with 20 kills in the match. This was career high for Mueller. She also helped the Wildcats get a 2-0 start in conference. Mueller and the volleyball team will be back in action with a match against Incarnate Word Saturday at 2 p.m.

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