The Optimist Print Edition 3.25.15 by ACU Optimist

Traveling treatment Pre-health students serve in Guatemala Feature Page 5 vol. 103, no. 43

Wednesday, march 25, 2015

1 SECTION, 6 PAGES

what’s INSIDE NEWS Students study at L.A. film school for spring semester Page 3

SPORTS Baseball wins series over McNeese with strong pitching

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OPINION Choose your own adventure: Job interview edition Page 4

SILVER SCREEN

SPORTS Softball loses three close games against UCA Bears Page 6

IN ABILENE

OPINION What do Kayne and Ted Cruz have in common? Maybe more than you think

By Abbey Bowling

he university conducted its 11th annual FilmFest Gala Friday night, and the event featured 10 films that showcased the range of talent and experience among ACU’s students. Actually Love, a satirical film that offers a perspective on love and relationships, won awards in four categories: best editor (Denzil Lim), best producer (Laura Harris), best actress (Mikayla Tipps) and best writer (Julia Curtis). The film exposed the audience to the misguided relationships that Hollywood presents, said Curtis.

“FilmFest is an amazing opportunity for filmmakers and artists around ACU,” said Curtis, junior English major from Brownsville. “The best part is the judges that the team gets to bring in. To be able to hear feedback from the judges is wonderful, and they really take the time to help you grow as a filmmaker.” Epic, a crowd-pleasing comedy, swept three awards categories: best picture, best director (Tim Holt) and best actor (Caleb Pierce). The film’s see filmfest page 3 AUSTIN KILCULLEN staff Photographer

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This year’s FilmFest wrapped up at the Paramount Theatre with Joshua Alexander and Ryan Rodany sending a celebratory SnapChat to the winner of best director, Tim Holt, who is currently studying in L.A.

Ground set to break on research center

NEWS World Wide Witness prepares students for summer adventures and missions

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NEWS Blood Center reschedules oncampus blood drive

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what’s online ONLINE Savanah Silva hosts this week’s newscast covering arts, FilmFest and more

Read more at acuoptimist.com

bailey Werderich student reporter A groundbreaking ceremony for the Halbert-Walling Research Center will take place during Chapel Monday. The ceremony will be northwest of the Chambers demolition site and west of the Phillips Education Building. It will be a celebration of the Halbert-Walling family’s long-time support of the advancement of the university. Students are welcome to attend the event. “This family has been dedicated to the students and development of ACU for quite a long time,” said Jim Orr, vice president for advancement. “Having a building specifically devoted to

research will highlight what ACU is doing in terms of undergraduate research and create opportunities for students and faculty.” The Halbert-Walling Research Center is one of three new science buildings part of the Vision in Action initiative. Orr said the engineering and physics laboratories in Bennett Gymnasium are already open. There will be an open house for the new building in August 2015. “Work on the Onstead Science Center has begun with exterior renovations and an inviting new front atrium and we anticipate those will be completed in the fall,” he said. “The Halbert-Walling Research Center is next, then we’ll come

back to completely refurbish and transform what was Foster into the new Onstead Science Center.” The Foster Science Building has only seen minor renovations since the ‘60s. Orr said Foster has greatly served several department for many years, but the sciences were the last disciplines to receive substantial renovations. Caroline Gafford, senior biochemistry major from Dallas, worked for three years as the student assistant in the Office of Undergraduate Research and helped plan ACU’s annual research festival. She said the building is an excellent way for the university to show that research is valued on campus. “I have heard countless

stories about how students didn’t know they could or even know how to get involved in research as an undergraduate student,” Gafford said. “Most of them wished they could have got involved sooner.” Barrett Lewis, freshman biochemistry major from Abilene, said he is not looking forward to all the construction but is still pleased about the update to campus aesthetics and the enhancement of learning that will come from the new facilities. “The attention ACU is receiving from the Vision in Action campaign is already increasing degree value and university name recognition,” Lewis said. “But once it’s up and running, having access to the newest facili-

ties and best equipment will help ACU students be even more competitive for graduate school and building their career after graduation.” Gafford said many graduate programs in a variety of fields look at how much research you’ve participated in during your undergraduate when they review your application. “With research on campus being promoted by the presence of the new center, I hope more students can get involved so that they have the experience graduate programs are looking for,” she said.

contact the optimsit at mcnetwork@acu.edu

ISIS supporters hack local business website brittany jackson managing editor A group claiming to be supporters of ISIS breached the server of an Abilene website Tuesday morning. The team posted sentences such as the “Islamic state will restore dignity for Muslims” on the altered page. Team System Dz, according to Geektime.com, claims to be a group of anti-Israeli Arab youth.

The hacked website, www.abilenerestoration. com, owned by Kepha Arcemont, belongs to Abilene Restoration and Construction. According to Big Country Homepage, the website was one of 15 breached through EncoreVision, a website host, and is expected to be fixed by Wednesday. The attack comes after the Islamic State of Hacking Division released names, photos and addresses of 100

U.S. military personnel Saturday, requesting U.S. supporters to take action. The addresses of at least seven airmen from Dyess Air Force Base are on the list, according to Big Country Homepage. According to the Indianapolis Star, an Indiana artisan website was breached by the same group three days ago. The same text was displayed, but lacked a photo present in the Abilene breech.

Abilene Christian University

Team System Dz has hacked before. According to The Cryptosphere, a website detailing hacktivism, cyberwar, cryptocurrency and more web-related topics, the group went on a “hacking spree” last October. Victims included the University of New Brunswick, which had to temporarily take its website offline as a result of the breach. According to Geektime. com, the largest international tech blog outside the U.S.,

Team System Dz began making a name for itself on July 11, 2014, when it breached websites in Israel, posting anti-Israel messages and calling supporters to action against the website owners. In the July 2014 takeover, Team System Dz posted all the pages it breached on its Facebook page, which has since been taken down. contact jackson at bkj12a@acu.edu

Wednesday 3.25.15

wednesday

thursday

friday

saturday

Fall registration: seniors

Track at Texas Relays in Austin

Baseball at Lamar University

6 p.m. Softball at University of Texas at Arlington

7 p.m. AES Rodeo at the Taylor County Expo Center

11 a.m. Meek Blood Drive on campus

10 a.m. Men’s and women’s tennis versus University of New Orleans 12 p.m. Softball versus McNeese State University

11:30 p.m. Women’s tennis versus Southeastern Louisiana University

7:30 p.m. ACU Opera presents The Magic Flute in Cullen Auditorium

4 p.m. Softball versus McNeese State University

Chapel checkup To date:

Around Abilene

Remaining:

48 25 @acuoptimist The Optimist

March 27

March 28

2 p.m. 5th Annual Outlaws and Legends Music Festival at the Back Porch of Texas. See over 30 of the most prolific music artists within one weekend. See outlawsandlegends.com for prices and specific times.

7:30 p.m. Hardin-Simmons University presents Bullies, a new musical by Brock Walsh. Set in a high school in present day America, this musical explores the essence of bullying and the responsibility that we all have to stand together and make changes—even if that means looking inside and changing ourselves. Visit hsutx.edu/theatre for more information.

11 a.m. Oops! Make No Mistake About It. Make Life Art exhibit at the Center for Contemporary Arts. Artist Cara Hines is a self-described recovering perfectionist. Creating works with her eyes closed or with her non-dominant hand forces her to respond to feelings, emotions and the sounds around her, quieting her inner critic and helping her to appreciate the mistakes that make life art.

7:30 p.m. Pucketts at the Pianos at the Historic Paramount Theatre. Join Mark, Lauren, and Halle Puckett for an evening of eclectic styles of music at multiple pianos. There’ll be something for everyone to enjoy with compositions and arrangements for solo, duo, or trio. This special concert benefits the Abilene Philharmonic. Tickets are $30. Find out more at abilenephilharmonic.org.

optimist@acu.edu Announcements The ACU Undergraduate Research Festival is almost here! Come to Hunter Welcome Center March 31, to support undergraduate researchers during our seventh annual festival. The ACU Graduate School academic journal is now accepting article submissions related to the humanities, social sciences and theology. Creative writing submissions will be accepted for the journal’s new blog located at http:// blogs.acu.edu/conversations/. Deadline for submissions is April 10. Email snw12a@acu.edu for more information. The second annual Finals Fun Fest will be April 25. The four-on-four grass volleyball tournament will be at Sanders Intramural Fields. Cost is $80 per team. Each team can have a maximum of five

ACU Theatre’s spring musical is Ghost: The Musical, a timeless fantasy about the power of love. Don’t miss this roller coaster ride of music, romance and comedy. The musical will run at 7:30 p.m. April 10-11, 17-18 and 24-25. There will be a talkback after the performance Midnight Worship is every Friday night at on April 17. Tickets are $15 and available Fountaingate Fellowship, 909 N. Willis. for purchase at http://acu.edu/theatre. Join college students and young adults across Abilene as we unite to worship. Professor Albert Haley, ACU’s awardwinning poet and writer-in-residence, ACU’s Intramural Rodeo will be 7 p.m. will be teaching ENG 323, a poetry Thursday. Registration is open until workshop that will meet Tuesday nights Wednesday after Chapel in the Campus next semester. This workshop is open to Center. Cost for a four-person team is all majors. $100. Spectator tickets are $5 for one, or $8 for two. Register now to secure Come listen to student bands at Springyour spot. Spaces are limited. Fest at 7 p.m. April 9 on the outdoor basketball court of the Money Student Wellness and Recreation Center. players, but only four can participate at a time; at least one player must be female. The play schedule will be sent by email beforehand. For more information or to register, contact Ijeoma Moronu at ish07a@acu.edu or 325-674-2383.

Shalom Chapel meets every other Tuesday in Studio B of the Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Sanctify invites the Abilene community to join in making a difference together. Come out this Saturday at 2 p.m. in Gym D of the Money Student Recreation and Wellness Center. Bring pet food to be donated to the local animal shelters or be a part of writing thank-you letters to our troops at check in. No dance experience is needed. Come join us in fellowship and dance. See you there! Stop by the Campus Store Monday March 30 to get your picture with the Easter bunny and win prizes and treats found in the eggs hidden around the store.

volunteer opportunities Big Brothers Big Sisters “Lunch Buddy” program is looking for volunteers. Each volunteer is matched with an elementary-age child. Volunteers spend just 30 minutes per week eating lunch with their “little brother” or “little sister” at local elementary schools, while mentoring through the simple act of friendship. Participants can enjoy playing card games, reading books and visiting during lunch. The waiting list has 138 children. Contact Jamie Bearden at 325-674-3113 or jbearden@bbbstx.org for more information. Communities in Schools needs 10 to 20 reading and lunch buddies at Ortiz Elementary. Volunteers are needed anytime between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. weekdays.

Contact Sheila Ashford at 325-671-4945 ext.5351 or sheila.ashford@abileneisd.org for more information. Girl Scouts is seeking volunteers to help make a difference in the life of young girls. Girl Scouts offers several flexible ways to volunteer. You choose how: a one-day event, six-week series or year-round troop! Contact Scout Office. rent opportunities at 325-670-0432 and mlawson@gs-top.org. Keep Abilene Beautiful is looking for volunteers to help with litter clean-ups. Small and large groups are both needed. Contact Nicole Eaves at 325-734-3301 and nicole.eaves@abilenetx.com for more information.

Kingdom Kids (Beltway Park Baptist Church) is looking for assistance with Sunday morning activities for Kingdom Kids (physically and emotionally challenged children). 5-6 volunteers are needed. Contact: Sharla Sanders at beltwaykids@beltway.org for more information. Meals on Wheels Plus, Inc. is looking for volunteers to deliver meals to the elderly and home-bound in Abilene, and to volunteer in their kitchen or pantry. Contact: Jessica Stewart at volunteer@mealsonwheelsplus.com for additional info. REACH @ Abilene North Apartments is seeking volunteers. Volunteers will be a part of building relationships with at-risk kids and their families through a unique and developing apartment ministry. The program takes place Mondays from 4:30 p.m.-6 p.m. Contact Caroline Thompson at 281-782-2956 or crt12a@acu.edu for more details. Special Olympics is seeking volunteers for two upcoming events. The first is September 26-27. They will be hosting a Bocce Ball tournament at Centennial Park. 20 volunteers per day are needed to keep score, hand out medals, escort athletes and cheer! The second event is November 6-8. They are hosting a bowling tournament at the Abilene Bowling Lanes. 30-35 volunteers are needed per day to sit with the athletes at the lanes, make sure each athlete bowls on his/her turn and handle issues of stuck balls and lane malfunctions. Contact Luann Chastain at 325-677-3200 or lchastain@sotx. org to volunteer. The Alliance for Women and Children is seeking volunteers for afterschool child care for Pre-K-5th grade children, 6th-8th grade children and A-Teens Middle School Girls Program. For more information about times and location, contact Toni Brown at 325-677-5321 or info@afwconline.org.

The International Rescue Committee in Abilene needs your help in welcoming refugees to our community. We are seeking the following donations: hygiene and cleaning supplies, bed linen, towels and kitchen items (dishware, silverware, pots/pans etc). Donations are accepted Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 2-4 p.m. or by appointment. Their office is located at 3303 N. 3rd St. Suite D. For more information contact Marie-Pascale Manishimwe at 325-675-5643. Love and Care Ministries is looking for volunteers to help with sorting clothing, stocking their food pantry, assisting in prayers in their prayer room and serving food to the homeless. For more information call 325-670-0246. Volunteers are needed to help with daily activities organized by the staff at Chisholm House. This could involve playing board games, helping with arts and crafts and helping with a walking club. For some of these tasks volunteers may be asked to lead a group or work alongside a staff coordinator. Volunteer opportunities are from 2-4 p.m. or 6-8 p.m. daily. Contact Larissa Blankenship at 817-578-9296. The Noah Project is seeking volunteers to help with tasks such as answering phone calls, providing child care and doing maintenance and housekeeping. To volunteer call 325-676-7107. The Betty Hardwick Center is seeking volunteers for the Human Resources Center to help with filing and organizing. This job requires someone with attention to detail who wishes to learn more about Human Resources. The job is open Mondays through Fridays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. To volunteer, please contact Martin Walker at 325-690-5235 or mwalker@bhcmhmr.org.

news

wednesday 3.25.15

Students work at film internship in LA betsy smith student reporter Los Angeles Film Studies Center provides ACU students who are interested in film an opportunity to enroll in a one-semester film school program. This year, three ACU students are taking part in the program. The program is run by the entity Best Semester, which is part of Council for Christian Colleges and Universities. According to Best Semester’s website, the program immerses students

that have a passion for film into the industry and equips them with knowledge and opportunities to set a sturdy foundation in film culture. Tim Holt, one of the three ACU students enrolled in the program this semester, said he thinks the program is essential for students who want to pursue a career in film. “I have learned more about film and the industry in the past two months than I would have ever imagined,” said Holt, senior digital entertainment technology major from Plano. “The pro-

“

Overall, the program has been the absolute highlight of my collegiate educational experience.” tim holt senior digital entertainment technology major form Plano

gram is set up to act as a perfect transition from college life to the real world. We are housed in apartments, living right next to everyday working people. We only have class two days a week, and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, we have our internships.” Holt is interning at a camera rental house, but

the types of internships varies between students. “I chose this internship so I could learn about all of the different types of cameras and gear that crews use on film sets,” Holt said. “Others get internships with production companies, some with development companies, and still others work at casting agencies

or in production offices.” As Holt stated, the program is not just an internship; it also requires students to attend class. They are enrolled in three core classes and one elective. “In these electives, you go deep into the guidelines of film production, writing screenplays or acting in front of a camera,” Holt said. Holt said the program has generated positive experiences for its students. “Overall, the program has been the absolute highlight of my collegiate

educational experience,” he said. “I am so happy that ACU partners with such an amazing program and that I have benefitted so much from the partnership.” Holt advises students interested in film to look into the program. “Until ACU has a film program, any ACU student wanting to pursue a career in the film industry should try to attend LAFSC for one of their final semesters,” he said. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Bloodmobile reschedules delayed visit mercedez hernandez student reporter The Meek Blood Center bloodmobile will visit campus Friday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to continue a blood drive that was interrupted by inclement weather. The bloodmobile was originally supposed to be on campus earlier this month but was forced to delay the drive due to the icy conditions in early March. “At the fall blood drive we saw 57 donors, and last

year’s spring drive we saw 88,” said Frances Baker, marketing and business development manager. “I feel like if we could have gone for the full time, we probably would have seen as many donors.” The icy conditions posed a threat to the blood center’s donations because of the testing that must be done to each sample within 48 hours of being donated. “If we can’t get our tubes to the testing facility, then that would waste that donation,” Baker said. “This year, I think

we’ve had about five days that we’ve had to stop donations early or not open at all.” The bloodmobile has blood drives at several places throughout Abilene and visits ACU, McMurry and HardinSimmons once every fall and spring semester. The Meek Blood Center provides the blood collected at drives to 17 hospitals in a 13-county area. “All the blood that we collect is to be transfused to hospital patients with a variety of needs: cancer

patients, trauma victims, surgical patients and sometimes premature babies,” Baker said. Samone Smith, sophomore Bible and political science major from Indianapolis, said she donated to the Meek bloodmobile her freshman year. “It was really pleasant, but because I have small veins, we had to poke around a little more,” Smith said. “Even so, I actually enjoyed the experience of giving. I plan to donate this year, too.” Smith said donating is something important for

students to do. “I think it’s really important to emphasize that donating blood is a really simple and proactive way to live out the mission of Christ,” she said. “You can’t always go out to other parts of the world and tell people about Jesus, but you show people Jesus when you give them something like life.” Baker said blood donation is an easy way to serve Abilene and the surrounding community. “When blood is needed, it’s needed right then, and all of the blood we

collect is from volunteer donors,” Baker said. “It’s just a really wonderful act of volunteerism and a wonderful way of sharing the blessing of good health.” All students are welcome to donate at the Meek Blood Center bloodmobile Friday which will be parked between the Brown Library and the Hardin Administration Building.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Prize-winning poet instructs workshop dani burrel student reporter This fall, ACU will once again offer a poetry workshop class open to all majors. Al Haley, professor of English and writer in residence, will be the instructor for the course and looks forward to having students from all majors in his class. “It is not just for English majors. I had some remarkable poets last year, including biochemistry and exercise science ma-

jors.” said Haley. This class is also available for graduate credit. Before professor Haley took over, this class was taught every two years. Since he took over, ENG 323 is now offered every fall. He has been advertising it to students via MyACU. “I want people to realize that the best poetry is written by people from all walks of life,” Haley said. “I want students who are just looking for a fun elective to think about signing up.” Though the idea may

“

I want people to realize that the best poetry is written by people from all walks of life.” Al Haley professor of English and writer in residence

seem daunting, Haley insists his class is much more than reading from a book. He wants his students to learn to examine their lives more closely and discover key moments that happen in their everyday lives.

Zach Carstens, junior English and biblical text major from College Station, took the class last fall. “When I heard there was a poetry workshop on campus taught by a published poet I signed up instantly,” Carstens said. “And it’s been one of my favorite classes I’ve taken at ACU so far.” Haley is a prize-winning poet who teaches multiple classes for the Department of Language and Literature. He also is a published poet who has had work featured in sev-

eral literary journals. Haley likes to think his class allows for thinking on a deeper level. “I believe that experiencing life through poetry (both reading and writing it) can be part of living a God-centered life,” Said Haley “Think about it. Could this be why nearly a third of the Bible is written in poetry? Why Jesus often sounds like a poet?” Poetry Workshop is not about beating classmates, but self-improvement. Carstens thought it was amazing to see himself

and his peers improve in their writing throughout the semester. “Dr. Haley taught the importance of developing a writing habit, rather than a writing hobby,” Carstens said. “Since taking the class, I’ve become a much more consistent writer, which has helped me to continue to learn and develop as a poet even after the class is over.”

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

WWW prepares interns for summer abroad the world. Larry Henderson, W W W missions coordinator, said students are Fifty-four students in the placed under the leaderWorldWide Witness mis- ship of missionaries on sion trip program will site and taught to adapt soon pack their bags and their goals and intentions gear up for their adven- through the customs and tures. political atmosphere of Each summer, W W W their location. They are sends many students on usually sent to their locasix- to 10-week mission tion in a group of two. internship excursions to “The idea is that we various locations across don’t want to just move

josh levinson student reporter

the ACU bubble to somewhere and swamp what’s being done there, so we send small teams,” said Henderson, adjunct professor of Bible, missions and ministry. “We don’t want them to take over anything. We want them to be servants, and we want them to be students.” A part of the Halbert Institute for Missions, W W W prepares these

trips with the safety of the students in mind. Because of various tension in certain countries, Henderson said there have been instances where W W W decides not send anyone that year to particular locations for the safety of the students. “Last year, for the first time in a while, we didn’t go to the Ukraine,” Henderson said. Henderson said trips

to Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt and Mexico were also canceled in past years because they were unsafe at the time. Some students have already been on W W W trips but felt called to go back. Austin Holifield, biblical text major from Keller, said WorldWide Witness was a formative experience for him. “My life would be on

a totally different track right now if it weren’t for that trip,” Holifield said. “Now, my wife and I are returning this summer to see if that’s where we would like to do full-time missions once we’re out of college.”

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Impound coordinates auction of 122 vehicles jonathan raitz student reporter The Abilene Vehicle Impound is having their first vehicle auction of the year at 10 a.m. Saturday. The impound has been hosting auctions since the mid-’80s as an alternative to letting impounded cars rust away. Impound coordinator Janice Holden said she sees the impound lot and this auction as beneficial options for damaged

and/or abandoned vehicles. “By having our own impound facility in which to store and auction abandoned vehicles, we are able to follow through with the Keep Abilene Beautiful initiatives,” Holden said. “Revenue generated from the sale of the vehicles is deposited into the general fund of the City of Abilene.” Though many of these vehicles have been taken off the streets for varying reasons and could possi-

bly have dead batteries, the estimated 220 cars sitting in the impound lot will all be available to the highest bidder. “Some of the vehicles are in running condition, but we do not know which ones,” Holden said. “We do not try and start the vehicles. The vehicles are sold ‘as is.’” Anyone with a picture ID can purchase a vehicle but must register before the auction begins. Rick Tomlin, public information coordinator, said once the auction begins,

any unclaimed vehicles are fair game. “The first day they can preregister is March 25 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” Tomlin said. “The day of the auction they can go in early and preregister then.” Holden said once the vehicles are sold, all purchases are final, and buyers must pay with cash or a check with a guarantee from the bank from which it is drawn immediately following the completion of the auction. “If the buyer does not

FilmFest: Student films debut at annual gala from page 1 central theme is about being epic and making the most of your circumstances. “This is such an encouragement because my dream is to be an actor,” said Pierce, senior musical theatre major from Coppell. “It’s great having this affirmation along the way.” Best production design went to Loose Ends , best sound design and

best cinematography went to The Messy Life of Alexander Lawrence , and Paper Plates won best original music. Alikay Wood, executive producer of FilmFest, said the purpose of the event is to provide a creative outlet for students interested in film. “It then provides these students the opportunity to share this work with their peers and be recognized,”said Wood, senior English

major from Sacramento, California. Several other films were screened during the event, including: Nerf Wars 3 , a mockumentar y about the behind-the-scenes process of filmmaking, which left audience members laughing. Al+Kimie , which showed love isn’t always what people think it is. St. Daniel, a poignant film that showed the importance of sibling love.

Tim , a film that followed the life of a new college freshman, kept the audience entertained with a surprise ending. Tales of a Dream Team , which managed to be funny and suspenseful at the same time. “The whole experience is hands-on and provides an awesome learning opportunity for students,” Wood said. contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

complete the purchase within the required time frame, they are banned from attending future auctions,” Holden said. Holden also said vehicles impounded under the city’s junk vehicle ordinance will be sold only to licensed salvage dealers to be demolished. “It’s often surprising to see how many vehicles are in running condition when they are removed after auctions,” Holden said. The auction may be a good place to start look-

ing for a lost car, but Tomlin said it will be a hard place to find a new one. “Most of these vehicles aren’t drivable,” Tomlin said. “You might find a good one, but for the most part, they aren’t road ready.” The auction will take place March 28 at 2349 Sandy St. in the Abilene Impound Lot.

contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Opinion

Wednesday 3.25.15

editorial

What do Ted Cruz and Kanye have in common? the issue There’s no issue here. We just think this is worth speculating.

our take Whether it’s power or money or attitude, sometime’s America’s biggest names have more in common than you might expect.

A few days ago our very own Texan, Sen. Ted Cruz, announced that he is running for president in 2016. Like many politicians, this charismatic, outspoken congressman has as many extreme supporters as he does opponents. Some of these opponents are so passionate

that they have created petitions and campaigns to knock Cruz out of the presidential race. Texas Democrats is just one group that is raising money to “shut down Ted Cruz’s campaign.” Oddly enough, there was recently a petition created to “shut down”

another charismatic, outspoken public figure with a single-syllable last name: our not-so-Texan superstar, Kanye West. Over 120,000 people have signed an online petition launched to prevent a Kanye performance at this year’s Glastonbury Festival in the U.K. after the announcement was made last week that West will headline the Saturday night of this year’s festival. While they may not be from the same state, or even in the same industry, Ted and Kanye may have more of these odd similar-

ities between the two than you might initially think. The obvious similarities being that 1) so many people love them and 2) so many people hate them. They are polarizing figures that offer some of the most colorful sound bites and extreme takes on matters in their industry, whether it’s concerning Kim Kardashian or Barack Obama. Public figures that take matters to extremes tend to attract either extreme love or hate from the general public. Not surprisingly, both of these personalities also love the stage.

DAILY doodle dosage

Ben Todd

Kanye doesn’t just make his living on the stage, but instigated one of the most well-known stagehogging events in pop culture when he interrupted Taylor Swift at the VMA awards in 2009. Ted Cruz doesn’t just make noise by taking the floor of the Senate more often than a traditional junior senator such as himself would, he’s know for taking the floor for a straight 21-hour-long filibuster in 2013. These two love the spotlight. And speaking of “shut downs,” Cruz is off shutting down the federal gov-

ernment to make a point while West is proudly supporting his wife’s “breaking of the Internet,” tweeting her naked magazine cover with hashtag “#ALLDAY.” Hopefully what all these similarities are pointing to is some collaboration between the two masterminds. Cruz could use some campaign theme songs and Kanye could definitely use some policy advice.

contact The Optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

Column

Choose your own adventure: Summer edition I’M SORRY VAGABONDAGE MISS JACKSON SAMANTHA SUTHERLAND BRITTANY JACKSON

Column

Choose your own adventure: ‘Nailing that interview’ edition THAT’S WHAT VAGABONDAGE SAID SAMANTHA SHE SUTHERLAND MARISSA JONES

It’s the day of the big interview. You have an hour before you need to leave, so you: A. Take a nap. You don’t need to set an alarm. You’ll wake up in time, but NOW YOU’RE AN HOUR LATE. B. Trim your bangs just a little to make yourself look more professional. But then you end up with a bowl cut that makes you look like member of The Beatles. Hopefully they allow hats in the office or they really like George Harrison. C. Eat a snack to sustain you, but you get a

stain on your shirt and have to change and end up leaving the house five minutes later than planned and then you get slightly lost. You arrive two minutes late. You walk into the room, see your potential boss and you: A. Turn around, sprint all the way back to your car and apply for a job bagging groceries. B. Talk like a robot and say, “I. am. from. the. future. You have already given me the job there. Hire. me.” C. Make eye contact, firmly shake her hand

and pleasantly introduce yourself. But laugh nervously a bit too much. She smiles and offers you a seat. You sit down, and there’s a pause before she says anything, so you: A. Start humming the Darth Vader theme song to fill the silence. B. Quickly fix your hair. You’re pretty sure your new bowl cut makes your ears look big. C. You keeping smiling and blink too much, but you maintain a semicalm facade. Now, she asks you about your strengths. You were expecting this, so you: A. Can only remember your weaknesses, so you get up and sprint back to your car. B. Decide to go for a Michael Scott quote

and say, “Let me tell you about my weaknesses: I work too hard. I care too much. And sometimes I’m too invested in my job.” She looks skeptical. She must not be an Office fan. C. You blank on what you had been planning to say but manage to say something semi-legible and intelligent. The boss nods encouragingly. She thanks you for coming in and shakes your hand. You walk out of the room and you: A. Can’t help yourself. You dance a little for not completely blowing it, because job interviews are difficult and a little terrifying.

contact Jones at MNJ10A@acu.edu

The air is getting warmer. Mosquitoes are surfacing in swarms. Summer is near. You have roughly eight weeks to figure what you’re doing this summer, so you: A. Decide you have so much time, you’ll figure it out later. But wait, 20 of the 22 students in your 10 a.m. have an internship already. What are you doing with your life? B. Frantically look up internships, because that’s the only way you’ll ever get a job. C. Update your résumé. No one cares if you worked take-out for a year in high

“

Update your resume. No one cares if you worked take-out for a year in high school. ”

school. Time is dwindling. You have less than seven weeks now, so you: A. Send out your résumé to any job that sounds relevant. One of them will work. Just one. B. Wait by your phone, bug-eyed, for a call. Nothing comes. You now have to use eye drops every five seconds to keep from going blind. C. Start to cry. Fetal position is the best. You realize nothing is going to come of your

search, so you: A. Plan a trip to France. You’re not quite sure what a baguette is, but you’re craving one. B. Think about spending the summer on your own, driving around the country and living off gas station coffee. But your mom will miss you, so probably not. C. Contemplate staying in Abilene. Why, why would you contemplate that fate? You seriously consider it despite selfdoubt. Six weeks are left, with no definite plans in sight. So, you: A. Think about maybe working at a gas station so you could get free coffee. Wait, what are the statistics on gas station robberies? Never mind. B. Adopt a cat. Become a cat lady/man. That is now your only occupation. Meow. C. Ponder what life as a truck driver is like. Can you make that into a cool, relevant documentary? That requires a camera. Oops. You stop and look around at your polished résumé and at the opportunities at your feet. You realize you have more potential than a cat lady/ man, so you: A. Breathe. You focus on your tasks at hand and let everything fall into place.

contact Jackson at bkj12a@acu.edu

hashtagACU March 22 7:52 p.m. March 22 11:58 p.m.

Had to jog to make curfew #ACUdifference @overheardACU

@Haleybalee

March 24 11:44 a.m.

Fyi elementary school lunch ladies are still evil nothing’s changed

@JennieLoerch

March 23 9:06 p.m.

I just accidentally typed myspace into my internet browser instead of myacu

@hannzzle

Someone just cut in front of me in the drive thru at McDonalds...I can’t decide if I’m upset or just really impressed.

@AnnaKate519

March 24 3:10 p.m.

Skipping lab to nap #noregrets

acu needs designated napping spots.

@C_Pecky

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. The Optimist encourages reader response through letters to the editor but reserves the right to limit frequent contributors or to refuse to print letters containing

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published by the department of journalism and mass communication editorial and management board

@hottmessjess13

If I had the same focus studying that I did while playing bop it as a kid, I’d be unstoppable.

March 24 3:44 p.m.

Why does the Abilene subway have regulars at 1am?

It’s hot outside. It’s hot inside. I CANT GET AWAY.

@Morgan_45

@taylorcrumpton

The fact that oranges come pre sliced by nature will never cease to amaze me

*drinks pot of coffee* still falls asleep in class

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Feature

wednesday 3.25.15

A COUNTRY

TO CARE FOR

photos courtesy of alicia adams

Pre-health students perform surgeries, serve with mobile clinics in Guatemala Rachel Fritz And Madeline Orr This year, a wide array of students went to Suchitepequez, Guatemala, to provide medical care and provide quality healthcare to its citizens. Every month, students and health professionals travel to West Guatemala with Health Talents International to carry out mobile medical and dental clinics. ACU has partnered with organization and regularly send students on mission trips with them. In January, a group of 57, including eight nursing students from ACU, went south with HTI to perform general and gynecological surgeries. Julie Wheetley is the mission trips and events coordinator for HTI and recruits students and medical professionals for these trips. “There are two goals as far as Health Talents International is concerned,” Wheetley said.”We help local Christians evangelize to their neighbors and provide an outlet to students to expand their spiritual and medical education.” Once a month, HTI sends surgical teams to Guatemala that consist of translators, surgeons, dentists, anesthesiologists and caretakers. There are no specific qualifications needed to go on a mission trip. The past two years, groups of pre-health students, including students who hope to become doctors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dentists and nurses, have spent their spring break serving with HTI. Last year students assisted with surgeries, and this year they traveled with mobile clinics and provided dental cleanings and treatments. “We welcome anyone who has the heart to serve,” Wheetley said. “Anyone can come so long as they are willing to serve; anything that someone can contribute, we’re able to plug them in one way or another.” HTI has been in partnership with ACU for more than 10 years. Alicia Adams, a senior nursing major from Boerne, went with a group and was able to put some of what she learned into practice as well as affirm her call to nursing. “I’ve always wanted to do missions in nursing,” she said. “This trip helped me to see the im-

“

We help local Christians evangelize to their neighbors and provide an outlet to students to expand their spiritual and medical education.” julie wheetley mission trips and events coordinator for Health Talents international

portance of being relational in nursing.” A typical medical mission trip can be misconstrued as a group of people traveling to a poor location and providing medical care to those who can’t afford it or don’t have access to it – but this trip proved to be much more. “I found out why it’s a good thing to go on a mission trip,” Adams said. “The reason they go is because it kind of fills their cup back up.” Adams admitted that American patients aren’t always the nicest when receiving medical care, but the patients she worked with at Clinica Ezell, the local clinic, and other mobile clinics were appreciative of the care services they offered. Jeremy Aymard, junior biology pre-med major from San Franscico, went to Guatemala on his spring break this year. Aymard said patients are grateful for the care they’re receiving despite having to arrive at the clinic location at 5 a.m. and often having to wait for hours to receive treatment. “They’re the most content people I’ve ever met,” Aymard said. “No matter how much the Guatemalans suffered, some of them having their legs amputated from foot ulsers, they still left smiling.” On this trip, missionaries were able to take their care a step further and pray and build relationships with patients, which made a difference in Adams’s eyes. Mattresses, linens, supplies and equipment were piled into the back of a pick-up truck and driven to various locations across the country. When the students and doctors arrived and began setting up the clinic for the day, other HTI workers had already arrived and led a morning devotional with patients who were waiting to be seen. “A really important aspect that plays a part in healing is community,” Adams said. “Whenever they were surrounded by community, they would

physically feel better. Oftentimes it’s easy to forget the spiritual side of nursing; that really is an important part of healing.” HTI sends evangelists to the clinic sites with the doctors and students. After the patients were seen by the doctors and got to visit the clinic’s pharmacy, the evangelist, the patient and the student accompanying the patient would circle up in prayer, offering simultaneous prayers in different languages. As a nursing major, Adams has participated in clinicals and simulations that are preparing her to enter the workforce as a nurse, but she got a head start in Guatemala. “We have a pretty limited array of what we can do in clinicals,” she said. “On mission trips, we’re still supervised by a nurse, but we function more on our own, they just let us be independent.” Treating patients in developing nations differs from health care in the U.S. for a number of obvious reasons. The combination of differences in ailments, differences in medical facilities and available treatments and differences in patients allows ACU students to gauge the meaning of healthcare in an entirely new perspective. Aymard said the week he spent shadowing in Guatemala made him want to be a doctor more than all of the experiences he has had in the U.S. combined. “I would do anything to go back,” he said. “It made me so passionate about going into the medical field.” Adams worked alongside Dr. Walter Sierra, one of several physicians who work in Guatemala. “Some nursing skills that I got to do as a nursing student included post-operative assessments, nursing progress notes, medication administration, or observation and IV insertion,” Adams said. “I also got to assist Dr. Sierra on two mobile medical clinics taking vitals, admission assessments and observations.” This year, HTI’s goal is to treat more than 40,000 patients, and with the help of students and doctors, they plan to succeed. “We learn a lot in nursing school,” Adams said. “But when we actually get to put it into practice, it’s pretty awesome.” contact the optimist at jmcnetwork@acu.edu

PHOTOS COURTESY OF evan bridges and Vashti Eckerts

ACU students provide dental care for Guatemalan patients. This year’s spring break trip consisted of traveling with a mobile clinic to various parts of the country.

sports

wednesday 3.25.15

Wildcats claim four victories at TCU Hannah Null sports reporter Track and field participated in two meets this weekend – the TCU Invitational and the McMurry University War Hawk Classic – where it claimed four victories. Along with those victories, 21 Wildcats finished in the top five of their events. The TCU Invitational welcomed sophomore distance runner Diana Garcia Muñoz with a first-place finish in the 1,500-meter race. Muñoz finished with a time of 4:34.06, less than two seconds ahead of the second-place finisher. Muñoz also excelled in

the women’s 800-meter run with a time of 2 : 1 6 . 2 7 while placing fourth among 22 Munoz competitors. The ‘Cats made great strides despite the effect the inclement weather and construction have had on their practices, but hammer throwers such as junior Jelani Rainey said they think it could have gone better. “Going into the meet, I felt confident on my technique, but I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to adjust to throwing in a ring,” Rainey said. “We have not

been able to throw hammer out of an actual ring for practice because of the construction.” Overall, Rainey placed seventh in men’s discus with a distance of 45.81 meters. Freshman thrower Kai Schmidt received a firstplace title in the discus with a throw of 51.68 meters. Schmidt also placed second in shot put with a record of 16.08 meters, more than one meter behind the first-place distance of 17.09 meters. The McMurry open gave vaulters like sophomore Kenzie Walker a great start to the outdoor season. Walker and freshman Jaden Dement placed first in pole vault with heights

of 3.80 meters and 4.85 meters. Walker’s new outdoor personal best is tied in the ACU record books with seventh place holders Elizabeth Buyse and Jane McNeill, while being only half a foot short of her goal of 13 feet. Redshirt freshman Kayla Melgar was able to compete in the Mcmelgar Murry meet where she placed fifth in women’s discus with a distance of 46.47 meters. “My first track meet was nerve-wracking but worth it because I had a great

experience,” Melgar said. “I improved where it was needed.” Melgar also placed in women’s hammer and shot put with teammates senior Lauren Jones and freshman Lonnie Smith. “I have a long way to go, but today was only the start,” Melgar said. The ‘Cats will be back on the track this weekend in Austin at the Texas Relays where the ‘Cats have competed for over five years. The meet will begin Wednesday at the Mike A. Myers Stadium. contact Null at Hln12a@acu.edu

standings 2015 Baseball Standings

Team

Div.

SELU 7-2 NSU 6-2 MSU 6-3 UCA 6-3 SHSU 6-3 HBU 4-2 Nicholls St.4-5 ACU 4-5 Lamar 3-6 TAMU-CC 2-4 SFA 2-6 NO 2-7 UIW 1-5

Ovrl 19-7 12-10 16-8 11-7 11-13 12-11 12-10-1 5-15 11-12 10-10 7-17 8-15 9-13

2015 Softball Standings

Team

Div.

UCA 9-0 MSU 9-0 Lamar 9-0 NSU 8-0 SELU 7-1 Nicholls St.5-4 TAMU-CC 2-7 SHSU 1-7 SFA 1-7 ACU 1-8 HBU 0-9 UIW 0-9

Ovrl 21-7 23-10 16-11 18-12 12-16 17-11 6-19-1 8-19 7-20 5-21 6-19 3-23

Who’s Hot Senior pitcher Thomas Altimont recorded his first win of the Altimont season and the pitching staff’s first completegame shutout of the season. Altimont walked just one batter and struck out five on 110 pitches.

briefings

mariana cedillo Staff Photographer

The Wildcats took the series against the McNeese State Cowboys over the weekend, two games to one. ACU won game one, 5-0, behind a strong outing from Garrett DeMeyere.

Power Pitching Prevails

Baseball wins series over McNeese behind pitching collin wieder sports editor The ACU baseball team won its first Southland Conference series of the season against McNeese State last weekend at Crutcher Scott Field. Head coach Britt Bonneau felt this was huge for team as they have played tough teams to start the season. “It was big for these guys we have been playing some tough baseball lately and things haven’t gone our way,” Bonneau said. “This weekend behind the arm of Thomas Altimont in the last game we came together and got us a series win.” The Wildcats (5-15, 4-5)

shut out the Cowboys (16-8, 6-3) twice over the weekend and lost a close second game during the series. Friday’s game featured a 5-0 win for the ‘Cats over one of the Southland’s best. The pitching staff received a much-needed scoreless performance from junior pitcher Garrett DeMeyere. DeMeyere went 7.1 innings against the Cowboys, giving up no runs, striking out four batters and spreading out only seven hits. ACU’s bats would put together an impressive day with five runs on 10 hits. Freshman infielder Jeff Clarke led the team going 3-for-3 at the plate with two runs and an RBI. Freshman shortstop Brayden Gomez went 2-for-4 from the plate

with one run as well. “I feel like it was big progress for our pitching staff but also for our confidence as a team,” DeMeyere said. Saturday’s game was a heartbreaker as the Wildcats’ comeback attempt came up short in a 5-4 loss. ACU took a 1-0 lead early in the game, but in the top of the fifth the ‘Cats gave up four runs. McNeese would add another in the sixth to make it 5-1. The ‘Cats then cut the deficit to just two after adding two more runs in the eighth. In the ninth the ‘Cats’ couldn’t quite come back, plating just one run to lose a close game. Junior pitcher Aaron Mason put in five innings of work for the ‘Cats, allowing four earned runs. Freshman

Drew Hanson added three more innings, giving one earned, while junior Nate Cole finished out the game with one inning of scoreless work, moving his ERA on the season to an impressive 1.08. Sophomore infielder Aaron Draper led all the hitters on the day going 2-for-4 at the plate. Sunday’s game turned out to the best one of the series for the ‘Cats with a 3-0 win. Senior pitcher Thomas Altimont picked up his first win of the season in an emphatic complete-game shutout of the Cowboys. Altimont allowed only five hits on the day, while striking out five batters and walking just one. He was selected on Monday as the Southland Confer-

ence’s Pitcher of the Week by Sports Information Directors all across the Southland Conference. “I mean, when you have two pitchers that give you shutouts, that is a big weekend for us,” Bonneau said. “You’re talking about a team that led the league in batting average and to take two games is huge.” Draper once again led the bats, going 2-for-4 at the plate with a run and an RBI. The Wildcats return to the diamond Friday for a nonSouthland series against Lamar University in Beaumont.

contact wieder at cpw11a@acu.edu

Southland-leading Bears sweep Wildcats savanah silva sports reporter Wildcat softball was back in action this weekend in a three-game series against the University of Central Arkansas Bears. The Wildcats were coming off of one of their biggest wins of the season Tuesday when they rallied from four runs down to defeat UTArlington on the road 7-6. The ‘Cats were hoping this momentum would carry through to the UCA games, but lost three close games against the Bears, tied for first in the Southland. After unpredictable weather shuffled the schedule several times, the first game was played Friday at 8 p.m. Freshman infielder Peyton Hedrick continued her outstanding season this weekend, almost hitting a walk-off home run against the Bears, but unfortunately

an error would cause Hedrick to miss out on scoring. The Bears have the top pitcher in the Southland Conference, Kylee Studioso. Studioso would have 12 strikeouts against the ‘Cats in Friday’s match, but couldn’t completely shut down ACU’s bats. The Wildcats would jump to a 2-0 lead in the third and carry it through to the fifth. Their defense started to falter in the sixth when senior pitcher Emily Seidel gave up a leadoff home run followed by a single then a double. Junior pitcher, Julia Montoya would come in to relieve Seidel after the fifth. Montoya would retire the next five batters after allowing UCA to score on a run in the bottom of the fifth. Unfortunately, Montoya would walk a runner and that would end up being UCA’s final run of the game. ACU wouldn’t lose their intensity though. The ‘Cats

came within one run of tying the game when freshman outfielder Kristin Watkins drove in junior infielder Demi McNulty to put the score at 5-4 with the odds in UCA’s favor. But the rally ended before the ‘Cats could plate the tying run, ending the game at 5-4. The ‘Cats came back ready for a double-header Saturday, but rain allowed them to play only one. Montoya started on the mound, quickly get into a pitching duel with Studioso for the first five innings of the game. She would strand a single base runner in each of the first three innings. Montoya would also record two quick strikeouts in the fifth. However, she would go on to surrender three hits at the start of the sixth, including a home run that gave the Bears a 4-2 lead. Seidel then came in for Montoya with one out in the sixth, but loaded the bases

on walks before getting a fly ball out and a ground out. However, a wild pitch resulted in two runs, ending the sixth at a 6-2 score. ACU wouldn’t go down quietly though. Hedrick prove why she is one of the top hitters in the conference by slamming a two-run hit that put the ‘Cats back in the game with a 6-4 score. Seidel retired three batters in a row in the seventh. But Studioso also had a scoreless seventh against the ‘Cats, ending the game at 6-4. Sunday would hold the final game of the series with UCA looking to sweep ACU. ACU would come out strong with junior catcher Cara Hoover hitting a leadoff single. The Wildcats capitalized on pitching errors by the Bears. Freshman Kristin Watkins and sophomore Lakin Carpenter would score off a bad throw by Bears shortstop Hayley Parker. ACU would take the lead 5-4 and

would add one more run to the boards before Bears pitcher Studioso silenced the ‘Cats. The ‘Cats held a 6-4 lead going into the seventh, but with bases loaded and two outs, the Bears scored three on a single to left field that got past Watkins. Studioso struck out three in a row in the bottom of the seventh to end the game, 7-6. The losses drop ACU to 1-8 in conference and 5-12 overall, while UCA maintains a perfect conference record at 9-0. The Wildcats will continue their home stand with a non-conference game Wednesday against UTArlington at 6 p.m. Conference play will resume Friday against McNeese State in another three-game home series. First pitch is at 4 p.m. contact silva at sns12b@acu.edu

Senior pitcher Thomas Altimont earned Southland Conference pitcher of the week honors for his completegame shutout against the McNeese State Cowboys. Altimont lowered his ERA from 6.00 to 4.36 after facing top Div. I competition to start the season. The ACU football team began spring practice last week. The Wildcats return most of last year’s offense but are in the middle of a quarterback battle between Parker McKenzie, Dallas Sealey, Kade Munden and Cody Ennis. The demolition of old Elmer Gray Stadium will begin this week. The new Elmer Gray Stadium opens April 10th to go along with the ACU Hall of Fame induction ceremony. Be sure to follow @OptimistSports on Twitter and like the Optimist Sports Facebook page for more ACU sports news and updates.

Upcoming Softball hosts UTArlington at Poly Wells Field Wednesday at 6 p.m. Track travels Friday to Austin to compete in the Texas Relays and the Bobcat Invitational. The Relay and Invitational will continue into Saturday as well. Softball hosts conference opponent McNeese State this weekend. First pitch is 4 p.m. Friday. Baseball travels to Beaumont for a threegame non-Southland series against Lamar. First pitch is 6 p.m. Friday.