PARKING PG. 4
VOLUME 24 PEDAGOGY
GRADING SCALE PG. 10&11
MALCOLM GUITE PG. 7
ISSUE NO. 3 10.23.19
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“Why would you want to go to that school that is practically guilty of human rights abuses?” It was a Wednesday—three days before my first weekend at Trinity Western University (TWU). My co-worker had respectfully kept his comments to himself, but I could tell that he was struggling to reconcile his understanding of my progressive beliefs with my future at TWU. I did not have a good answer for him—sometimes I still wonder if attending this school compromises some of my strongly held beliefs—and his question distracted me throughout the day. Finally, I said, “Learning is worship for me. I want the opportunity to study in a community that understands that the pursuit of knowledge is an essential aspect of my knowing God.” Based on his response, it became clear that he, along with many, believed that TWU’s religiosity compromised its pedagogy. Education reproduces and defines the borders of community—religiosity often demands rigidity, which tends to produce exclusive iterations of community. My friend believed, along with Pablo Friere, author of Pedagogy of the Oppressed, that pedagogy can be an instrument of oppression. Friere argues that pedagogy, defined as “the method and practice of teaching,” is a tool used by powerful actors to establish difference and foster dissonance between parties. My co-worker feared that TWU was one such institution and that I would become an apologist for it. However, thus far, my time at TWU is defined by several raucous memories of the delight of conducting academia in community. Some of my favourites are in the Globe, minutes before midnight, with my dear friends, Emilio Rodríguez and Sharon Roy, rigorously editing each other’s assignments before emailing them to Dr. Paul Rowe. More seriously, with each passing semester, I have become more aware of the emotional labour that many professors perform on this campus. Professors consistently concern themselves with the personal lives of students—specifically, many are concerned with how academic life and course content impacts students’ spiritual and relational health. Professor Cal Townsend and Dr. Kent Clarke are examples of professors who seem to be uniquely aware that their course content tends to catalyze spiritual doubt and critical analysis in their students. They understand that doubt and fear of dialogue can be lonely; humans tend to organize themselves around orthodoxies. However, through their gracious community, they foster transformation and reconstruction.
As it turns out, my co-worker’s concerns were not unfounded. Mars’ Hill has reported stories in past years of students who were marginalized due to their sexuality or gender identity, and the stories of professors, who— to great personal risk—advocated for such students to remain members of our community. Similarly, many professors even have personal policies to help students navigate mental health obstacles. Further, some professors lend their expertise to the development of certain policies and standards that improve the inclusivity of our campus community. Friere says that “political action on the side of the oppressed must be pedagogical in the authentic sense of the word, therefore, action with the oppressed.” By acting with students, professors revolutionize students’ relationships with structures of power, the boundaries of community, and their own spirituality. True pedagogy is transformative; true revolution is pedagogy. Having been blessed by the work of professors such as these, I could not believe that students would speak so disrespectfully about this academic community generally, and their professors specifically. My goal is to situate this conversation in a more effective context. This issue of Mars’ Hill emphasizes the importance of assessment, and explores how we can implement a grading scale that reflects our passion for transformation. The back page provides an introduction to the accessibility process, which we hope reflects our academic community’s passion for inclusion. Additionally, Former Editor-in-Chief Niki Mara wrote an article on life after graduation and the importance of routine even after the structure of academic liturgies. Up until my arrival to TWU, academia had been a solitary pursuit for me. The homeschool stereotype states that your mom is your best-friend—and for me, that was literally true. I spent the majority of my time in my room studying. In this solitude, I came to know the presence of God. At TWU, however, people are both my praxis and my pedagogy in the discipline of knowing and loving God. To this day, my Mama remains one of the most challenging and capacity building presences in my life. She is never far enough away to nag me about my use of affect versus effect or my absurd tendency to watch Netflix while writing. This issue is dedicated to her, and to each of the professors who have built on the foundation she laid. I hope you enjoy it as well. As ever,
MARS’ HILL
MISSION TO MARS
Mars’ Hill is a student publication of Trinity Western University located on the tradtitional ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people. Floated with funds raised by the Student Association, Mars’ Hill seeks to be a professional and relevant student publication, reflecting and challenging the TWU community, while intentionally addressing local, national, and international issues.
The mission of Mars’ Hill, as the official student newspaper of Trinity Western University, is to inform and entertain its readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the TWU community, and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members in accordance with the Community Covenant, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the University.
EDITORIAL POLICY
CONTRIBUTORS
Mars’ Hill encourages submissions and Letters to the Editor. Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit submissions for style, brevity, and compatibility with the Mission, the Statement of Faith, the Student Handbook, and the Core Values of the University. Anonymous authorship of any material may be granted at the discretion of the Editorin-Chief. Opinions expressed in Mars’ Hill belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, Trinity Western University, its officials or its Student Association.
Sam Twist Monique Bouchard Sydney Dvorak Niki Mara Laura Waterman Matthew Gazso Nyssa Morgan Kairem Abby Pernsteiner Michael Boehmer Haley Friesen Amaris Henry Mikah Feunekes Cathy Shields @original_twu_memepage
Media Advisor: Loranne Brown 7600 Glover Road, V2Y1Y1 Langley, British Columbia, Canada marshill@gmail.com marshillnewspaper.com
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE SOURCE OF QUESTIONABLE INFORMATION?
3
SUBMIT YOUR OWN AT MARSHILLNEWSPAPER.COM/DECLASSIFIEDS One time I went to lunch at 11 thinking it wouldn’t be busy ‘cause everyone would be at chapel... smh
Press F to pay respects to official twu memepage
It’s probably Bluetooth
I wish political parties would go back to providing vision and innovative policies, not just virtue signalling, mud-slinging, and tax breaks.
harry styles is the Beyoncé of men To the person who wants to make out with Emmett Hanly I’m dtf Zoinks, Scoob Nyssa Morgan I will date you “This is Rees Morgan, her brother. I don’t approve of you, respectfully stay away” - Rees Morgan can somebody start an introvert club? for meetings, we just show up and do whatever we like and nobody is allowed to talk it would be great Roses are red I’m gonna be late Don’t the geese Ever heckin migrate guess what my plant had a child i am a plant grandma Does talking to birds and snails and other critters make me quirky, or just weird?
#BringBackKatieMaryschuk
question: how do you even date a commuter? where did they come from where do they go where do they come from cotton eye joe late to my laaaaaab late to lab! ~boogie woogie woogie~
Unpopular opinion: the thicc tree behind the music building is better than the colourful tree in front of TWUSA Sure I COULD wait a few more minutes for my tea to cool down, but why do that when I can drink it now and repeatedly scorch my tongue into oblivion and regret it for the rest of the day? take me on a date to The Well or don’t waste my time Is there an audiobook of the communist manifesto? I wish skeletor was my dad
How old is Laurel Gasque?
Lulu mulat for president
Dr. Provost’s classes are just 75 minutes of advertising for the Italy travel study.
Benji Fehrenbacher????
Missed Connection: We sat near each other at Starbucks. You have a tattoo that says “it is well with my soul” on your arm. “He’s gonna have so many stories” “He’s gonna have so many STDs” “I take the catholic exemption on this nonsense” More 5th years than I can count
I wish I was part of the dorm that ate thanksgiving dinner under the tree
AJR is a great band and y’all should listen to them. That is all.
I literally just found out Rees Morgan and Nyssa Morgan are not siblings and I don’t know what to do with myself “Wait we aren’t?” - Rees Morgan
What will we do when the egg submitter graduates? Who will continue the tradition of a useless but wholesome and reliable egg submissions? Declassifieds will never be the same
Hey I think it’s weird that we’re all hype to save our environment, but we complain when the university won’t kill more of the environment on campus to build places for us to put our own personal environment killers? No class is made me feel dumber than foundations 201 Don’t diss the egg Teeters the MVP Can Jordan Burgess and Stefanie Pappenfus adopt me? I know they’d treat me right and I need the unconditional love and support Chrisaleen Ciro is Dan Humphry
Lord of all the midterms and essays and things, make me a saint by studying and doing my homework! “I can do all things through Advil which gives me strength” hey linden bontjkes - i’ll make you an apple pie any day ;) Does talking to birds and snails and other critters make me quirky, or just weird? What is ligma you ask? Well it’s Sam Corbett, of course! Can Calvin Tan and Tabitha Wellsdbrant please pick up their freaking mail? You: Parking pass Me, an intellectual: Theft
PSA: Rees Morgan cheats at games “yeah sure if looking up the rules to the game is cheating then I’m guilty. I just wanted to play the game without having to pick up a card every turn” - Rees Morgan I’m real tired of watching you constantly getting handsy and trying to kiss each other as if no one is noticing IN THE MIDDLE OF CLASS. STOP IT Popular Opinion: Pillar is doing an awesome job to those who think the “virginity rocks” shirts are worn by people who don’t have sex, boy do i have need for you “News???” - Chrisaleen Ciro The person who submits “egg” is the type of person who’d greif your minecraft house, and then kill your minecraft dog.
Mars’ Hill editors reserve the right to edit or reject submissions based on content and/or length. A printed submission does not necessarily reflect an endorsement of any kind, nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of Mars’ Hill staff, the student association, or that of the University.
WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Sydney Dvořák WHAT IS YOUR MAJOR? European History WHERE ARE YOU FROM? I was born in Oklahoma. I’ve lived in Hamilton, Ontario. And if you were to ask me which place feels like home, I’d answer Vienna, Austria. WHY DO YOU WRITE FOR MARS’ HILL? I write for Mars’ Hill because I’m super interested in events around the world that affect women’s rights and I want to share that information with other people, which is why my column focuses on intersectional feminist issues. I’m practicing using my voice, which is new for me. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ARTICLE OF CLOTHING? My favourite article of clothing is a grey wool sweater that I stole from my mom’s closet two years ago and never gave back. She’s had it since the 90s and it’s still going strong.
“PAUL” - QUEENIE E.
WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE (FICTIONAL) CHARACTER AND WHY? I really relate to Hermione Granger. I put a lot of stress on myself academically, I have friends that drag me out of my comfort zone (in the best possible ways), and I’m very passionate about social issues. I also really want to go to Hogwarts.
This could be you! Each issue, we will feature a contributor here who has submitted consistent, relevant, and thoughtful content. Send your submissions to marshill@gmail.com!
4
“ TWU
DOESN’T HAVE A PARKING PROBLEM . . . WE HAVE A WALKING PROBLEM”
SAM TWIST
The grass behind Trinity Western University’s (TWU) Robert N. Thompson building is easily mistaken for extra parking spaces. Parking is a major complaint for TWU students right now. When students return to their cars after class, it is often to the wallet-wrecking sight of a white parking ticket tucked under a windshield wiper.
Adams mentions that there have been discussions about building a parkade. Unfortunately, the cost to build a parkade is between $8 and 10 million. Adams says that “there [are] issues with parking but right now it hasn’t reached the point where we need to build a parkade.” The priority is “building better dorms and more classrooms,” says Adams.
Especially after the addition of two new residential buildings, Skidmore and Jacobson Hall, parking has become seemingly scarce on campus. Though temporary solutions are in place, the parking situation remains problematic, and will continue to intensify with coming developments—TWU’s long-term solutions have little to do with an actual increase in parking infrastructure.
In 2020, TWU will lose 125 parking spots when the Robert G. Kuhn Building, intended to house the School of Business and TWU GLOBAL, is built. Common knowledge among business students, if not the rest of campus, is that the new building is part of the reason parking was expanded this summer.
According to Parking and Security Manager, Derek Adams, “TWU does not have a parking problem.” Instead, he argues, we have a “walking problem.” He continues, “I think the main problem is that there is not a lot of education or advertising about the new lots.” On the highest-ticketed day this year there were 20 cars on the grass and 80 empty spots in the new lots. “There’s still a 60-spot lot behind the soccer field,” Adams says. “I don’t think anyone’s ever parked there.” Some students acknowledge the reality that there is more parking elsewhere on campus, and take issue not with a lack of parking but with the financial cost of an inconvenient service. One resident of Jacobson Hall, Kelsey Morris, says, “I don’t care that I have to park farther away from my residence, but I do care that I’m paying $420 dollars for a ‘Resident Parking Pass’ when I can’t park anywhere near my building.”
Kevin Sawatsky, Dean of Business at TWU, says that the School of Business has grown by hundreds of students and 10 full-time faculty members in recent years, and has “clearly outgrown the existing space.” Sawatsky says, “The School of Business is very much looking forward to a new professional, high-quality building that will allow the School to continue to grow and flourish.” The architecture firm hired to manage the building project, Thinkspace, has a website with images of the building plans, as well as a partial timeline. The project began in February 2019, according to its website, and will be completed by July 2021—although TWU is hoping to have it done by September 2020. Because of the parking expansion over the summer, even with the addition of a business building, the campus will still have more parking spots than in previous years, and will remain well within the bylaw requirement.
According to Township of Langley (TOL) bylaws, TWU must have one parking spot for every full-time employee and one parking spot for every five students. There are roughly 4500 students, 286 full-time staff, and 1700 parking spots. These numbers put TWU well above the TOL bylaw requirements, which would deem roughly 1186 spots acceptable. The university clarified this when building Jacobson Hall, because they were required to prove to the township that they would still have sufficient parking.
Increasing parking is not part of the permanent solution, according to Adams. In his opinion, alternate ways to get on and off campus present far better longterm solutions. TWU is discussing options with BC Transit to create smarter routes to and from campus, including increasing the schedule of buses coming to the university. There is also a possible plan for a direct bus route from TWU to Carvolth Exchange in Walnut Grove, which would come on campus and stop near Mattson Centre.
Only 960 parking passes have been sold for the year. TWU is nowhere near selling more passes than spots.
TWU is also looking at encouraging more cycling. Though there are no plans to increase the amount of bicycle racks on campus, Adams says he will be looking to educate students on where the racks are, as they are currently “not very well marked.” Many students do not know that there is an underground bike locker below Robson, which students can register for at Student Life. Discussion is taking place between TWU and the TOL about starting a bikeshare program. This would put 20 shared bikes on campus owned by the township: so if a student parked their car a 20-minute walk from their class, they could get on a bike and be at class in three minutes.
The biggest barrier to solving the parking problem is a lack of space. Adams notes that “the areas that we could build parking are not necessarily the best areas . . . We don’t want to take green space away.” TWU is looking at turning the abandoned house by the Neufeld Science Centre into 18 new spots, but must be careful because there are old trees in that area that must be protected.
Adams is optimistic about potential solutions that encourage fewer cars on campus. “The long term solutions don’t necessarily have to do with parking,” He says, “[Instead] they are to do with trying to provide better services so that students will be more encouraged to take [alternate] transport.”
“MYSELF” - HEATHER TWELE
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TYLER JONES
ABORTION IN AUSTRALIA SYDNEY DVORAK As of October 2019, abortion is legal across all of Australia. After 119 years of criminalization, this reform has been passed across Australia in the last four years. Neymar da Silva Santos Jr. has created a gripping saga for fans of world football (soccer). If you have push notifications enabled for World Football on Bleacher Report, you know what this is all about. Almost daily, you receive notifications regarding the uncertainty of Neymar’s future at Paris Saint-Germain F.C. (PSG). In an organization that recently came to its senses as a supposed world-class club, why is there a sense of discord dominating the club’s narrative? The once-dominant force from Paris has lost its flair, and the club is facing the prospect of losing Neymar with it.
was spurred on to the massive signing of Neymar in the 2017 summer transfer window. This was the largest signing in football history––PSG paid a transfer fee of $263 million. Neymar, coming off of an impressive stint in Barcelona, was ecstatic at the opportunity to move out of Lionel Messi’s shadow. He has scored more than 50 goals in his three seasons between the Ligue 1 and Champions League while leading PSG to two more league titles. After adding the superstar teenager Kylian Mbappe, PSG’s roster looks like it could contend with any club in the world. However, problems persist.
After a Ligue 1 title in the 1993-94 season, PSG found itself in a drought. Being stuck as a mid-table side for the twenty years following the title had surely put a halt to the success the club had boasted. Fortunately for PSG’s dedicated football supporters, this all changed in 2011 when the Qatar Sports Investment Group poured funds into the struggling club. Seeing an opportunity to redeem what was lost, they wasted no time building a strong squad. In order to secure a Ligue 1 title after a long drought, signing superstars such as Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva, and Ezequiel Lavezzi was essential to do so. At the peril of the rest of France’s top clubs, PSG proceeded to dominate as the club won three more consecutive titles in France. Along the way, it continued adding world-class superstars. Although the club was incredibly successful in the French league, it was missing something. PSG’s performance in the UEFA Champions League consistently fell short of global expectations.
Although PSG has been more successful since Neymar’s integration into the club, the French giants lack results. Throughout Neymar’s short career at PSG, he hasn’t been able to lead the club past the round of 16 in the Champions League. Thus, his heart wanders. After the great success Neymar boasted in Barcelona, he has missed the assurance of being a key member of Europe’s greatest. Despite his hard work to be a world-renowned superstar, playing in France has made him somewhat forgettable.
When PSG yielded the league title in the 2016-17 season, the club’s leadership knew that it was time for change. The club, which had never made it past the Champions League Quarterfinal,
Due to the pending departures of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar, PSG has found itself in a tough situation. The inability to meet grandiose global expectations is the ultimate reason for the current insecurities of the club—and of Neymar. When Neymar leaves, all hell will break loose for PSG.
“ AFTER THE GREAT SUC-
CESS NEYMAR BOASTED IN BARCELONA, HE HAS MISSED THE ASSURANCE OF BEING A KEY MEMBER OF EUROPE’S GREATEST.”
The last state to pursue this process was New South Wales. After a 40-hour debate in the upper house, abortion was decriminalized, with 26 votes to 14. The Governer of New South Wales passed the Abortion Law Reform Bill, which went into immediate effect on October 2, 2019. Previously, a woman who had received an abortion could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison. Many see repealing these laws and punishments as a massive step forward for women’s rights in Australia and beyond. But this bill did not pass without resistance. Members of Parliament (MPs), activists, and some religious groups opposed the passing of the bill due to personal beliefs. Eventually, Conservative MPs compromised and accepted the bill—after proposing four amendments to the final draft that were accepted by the Legislative Council. These amendments include a ban on sex-selective abortions and strict regulation of late-term abortions. In addition, the bill gives doctors opportunities to claim conscientious objection and refer patients to another physician. It also includes a clause providing a 150 metre “safe access zone” around abortion clinics, to protect patients from protesters and maintain their medical privacy. Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who introduced the bill to parliament, formally stated, “With the passage of this bill, abortion will be decriminalised in NSW—I am sorry that it has taken us so long.”
“THE COVERS OF MAGAZINES BY GROCERY STORE CHECKOUT LINES” - NYSSA MORGAN
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LAURA WATERMAN With a mission to provide the Trinity Western University (TWU) community with the opportunity for healthy, fun, active, and fulfilled living, TWU Recreation has been off to a busy start this school year. Incoming students were welcomed to campus with the Colour Run, as participants embarked on a lap around campus and were introduced to the many opportunities TWU Recreation offers for healthy living. Simultaneously, try-outs were well underway for the Spartans Sport Club teams, which provide students with the opportunity to play sports at a more competitive level. Offerings include men’s and women’s soccer, men’s basketball, co-ed volleyball, and men’s hockey. See the schedule posted in the display case in Douglas Centre to support these teams as they battle opponents throughout the Lower Mainland.
addition to Recreation, uniquely offering a different sport each Sunday night. The Outdoor Club has already been active this year, as a group of students have taken advantage of the pleasant weather by hiking and camping. Most recently, Canada took the win over the Americans at our CANAM soccer event this past week. TWU Recreation is looking forward to an eventful year ahead beginning with the Valley Cup at the end of November. If you are interested, Men’s Soccer is looking for additional players to join their team, send a message to @twuspartanssc to get involved.
Intramurals are also well underway, offering students the opportunity to play various sports on campus at a less competitive, yet still rewarding, level. Multisport Intramurals are the newest
“ INEVITABLY, SMALL TOWNS DIS-
APPEAR INTO THE MOUNTAINSIDES AND RIVERBEDS FROM WHICH THEY WERE BORN.”
HALEY FRIESEN On Wednesday, September 25, 200 logging trucks drove past Trinity Western University (TWU) on Highway 1 on their way to protest in downtown Vancouver. The 17-kilometer procession began at 2 a.m. in Prince George, BC, and travelled through Quesnel and Williams Lake before arriving in Vancouver to protest at the Union of BC Municipality’s annual convention. It was an unfamiliar environment for many of the truck drivers, having lived and worked in small British Columbian towns for most of their lives. With the forestry industry in decline largely due to high prices of logging on government land, the careers in the forestry are disappearing. Many mills, unable to handle the steep drop in business, have shut their doors. These mills and the truck drivers that service them reside mainly in small towns in BC. For many of these small towns, logging mills are the main source of revenue. Without this industry, small town life in BC is threatened. This past summer, over 4000 sawmill workers were laid off as 20 mills in the interior shut down, CBC reports. This not only affects mill workers and their families, but also puts truck drivers out of work. Forestry has the third highest unemployment rate of all the industries in BC. It was primarily these drivers who participated in the Vancouver protest. The workers who are protesting maintain that the only way to save the rapidly declining forestry industry is to ask the government to rethink its policies.
Small towns all over the province rely on the production of natural resources as their main source of employment. When a mill shuts down, people are laid off and often forced to uproot their families in order to find work. Mackenzie is one such small town, tucked into the Rocky Mountains north of Prince George. The 6000 people of Mackenzie were held together by their three sawmills and a pulp mill. But with all three sawmills shut down and the pulp mill threatened, the population has dropped by half in four months. This is not an isolated incident, but a frightening pattern: CBC reports that Gold River, Port McNeil, and Port Alice, among others, have all seen similar drops in population. This province uses the strengths of a diverse people, varying geography, and different resources to fund and provide for those who call British Columbia home. But with the forestry industry fading due to rising production prices and mills closing their doors, communities built on the industry fade with them. Inevitably, small towns disappear into the mountainsides and riverbeds from which they were born.
Currently, the provincial government sets stumpage fees (a price per cut tree) for logs cut on government property. The government owns 95 percent of forested land in the province. As environmental regulations become stricter, stumpage fees get higher. And as operating costs climb, mills shut down, and truck drivers are laid off. Additionally, the impact of this issue expands beyond those working in the industry. A lack of income from natural resources like forestry will affect the entire province. In 2017, BC’s Trade and Invest website reported that the forestry industry exported $9.7 billion worth of wood products and $4.4 billion in pulp and paper products. The majority of the protestors would argue that the extraordinarily beautiful forests of British Columbia must not be clearcut. BC’s provincial government rightly puts restrictions in place for the protection of the environment. The semi-trucks in Vancouver are not protesting the protection of the environment: they are protesting the loss of their way of life.
“ THE SEMI-TRUCKS IN VANCOUVER ARE NOT PROTESTING THE PROTECTION OF THE ENVIRONMENT: THEY ARE PROTESTING THE LOSS OF THEIR WAY OF LIFE.”
“LANDON MATTIES” - KYLA MEARS
7
NYSSA MORGAN
Have you ever worked ridiculously hard for something that feels unachievable? Have you ever been torn between fighting an uphill battle and just giving up? The Ruby Sunrise, written by Rinne Groff and presented on Trinity Western University’s (TWU) School of Arts, Media, and Culture (SAMC) stage, explores these questions through the story of Ruby and her daughter Lulu— two women fighting to make their dreams come true. In the 1920s, the thought of a young girl from Indiana creating the first ever all-electric television would seem laughable, but Ruby is convinced that she can do it. Fast-forward almost 30 years to the golden age of television, when variety shows and teleplays are all the rage, and Lulu Miles is intent on telling the story of her mother’s invention of the television. Her dream is admirable, yet the adversity she faces in 1952 is great. Sexism, censorship, and the fear surrounding McCarthyism—the practice of intense anti-Communist blacklisting from the 1940s to the late 1950s in the United States—constantly threaten anyone who even puts a toe out of line. Nowadays, it is more common to see and hear of women doing incredible things and taking a stand on important issues. Looking back through history, however, opportunities for women to
have their voices heard were often few and far between. Ruby, who is living and working out of her aunt’s barn, struggles with prejudice against her. Those around her can not bring themselves to believe that she can accomplish a feat like inventing a brand new machine. Similarly, Lulu, who is simply a script girl at a broadcasting company in New York, is constantly fighting to have Ruby’s story told accurately and to finally give her the recognition she deserves. When asked what she thinks this play is about, Natalie Hoogstra, who portrays Ruby in this production, said “[The Ruby Sunrise] is about having integrity in the face of opposition and persistence even in the midst of despair.” Groff accomplishes this by showing how one single person can make a change, no matter how small it may be, and that everyone has a story worth telling. Come experience the comedic and heartwarming story of two women relentlessly following their dreams despite their circumstances. Featuring a stellar cast of TWU students, The Ruby Sunrise runs from October 22 to November 2 onstage in Robert N. Thompson’s Freedom Hall. For more information or to buy tickets now, visit www.twu.ca/theatre.
ABBY PERNSTEINER Some have argued that “Christian art” is becoming an oxymoron. This argument is not without merit. While painting with broad brushstrokes about an entire artistic movement is rarely charitable and even less often accurate, it is hard to deny that the faith that once produced Dante, Kempe, and Tolkien has fallen on some hard times when it comes to meaningful expression. A faith tradition once beloved for its keen insight into human suffering and gorgeous depictions of glory is now perhaps best known for a slurry of mediocre worship songs and endless paintings of a beach and some footprints. Lovers of art and the faith may find themselves torn between the two. Perhaps this is why, on September 13, sheltered from the torrential downpour outside by the high ceilings of the Trinity Western University’s Fosmark Building, the atmosphere is one of breathless relief. All eyes are fixed on the central figure of the evening, poet and songwriter Malcolm Guite. With a somewhat Lewisian twinkle in his eye and with robust humor, he leads the evening in a discussion of poetry, Christianity, and the transcendent power of words to move us. Guite, indeed, makes no secret of his love for words as the foundational tools of his trade. When asked if he ever experiences doubts about the quality of his own work, he happily replies, “I write with the conviction that the words I use are older and wiser than I am.” A self-described “genial host of words,” Guite
uses the metaphor of a dinner party in his poem “Hospitality” to describe the experience of writing: the work of the poet is not to create words from the ether, but simply to perform match-making. “I set them in the order they like best,” Guite reads, “And listen for their wisdom, try to learn/As each unfolds the other’s mystery.” That word, “hospitality,” rises to prominence through the evening. Guite performs his song “Angels Unawares,” a reference to the story of Abraham and Sarah unwittingly offering their home and a hot meal to angels in disguise. Guite advocates for this kind of reckless love and generosity, which allows us to welcome anyone and anything into our hearts. Indeed, it is perhaps only by this welcoming that we leave ourselves open to the transcendent experience that produces art and faith in the same moment. This leaves us open to “a truth that you can taste upon the tongue,” as Guite writes. “Stay with the music,” Guite urges an audience of would-be poets and poetry enthusiasts. “Words will come in time.” And as his audience braves the rain once more, it is this urge to welcome the music in that, hopefully, stays with them.
“MY ROOMMATE, SPECIFICALLY ABOUT BIRTH CONTROL” - CHRISALEEN CIRO
8
MAKENA WARDLE Each year, Trinity Western University’s (TWU) Global Engagement Office (GEO) runs a Culture Week on campus. Previously taking place in the spring semester, this year’s week of events will run from October 28 to November 1. Sarah Sommer, a fourth-year Education major and assistant with Intercultural Programs, is an international student herself. She has found Culture Week to be “a great opportunity for all TWU students to celebrate culture, pray for the nations, and engage with the diversity on our campus.” When asked what her favourite part of the week was from years prior, Sommer highlighted the Culture Chapel. “I think it’s so powerful to worship together as a campus in multiple languages, because to me it’s a reflection of the global church and gives me a glimpse of God’s creativity and heart for diversity,” says Sommer. Two highlights of this year’s festivities will be the Culture Chapel and the Culture EXPO, taking place on October 29 and October 30, respectively. Attend the Culture Chapel to witness or partake in a time of multilingual prayer for the nations, and check out Culture EXPO to try different foods from over 20 cultures. These events are a great way to both get involved and represent your own culture, as well as to experience the cultures of your peers. .
Additionally, students are invited to an inaugural panel, “Indifference Explained.” Student organizer and TWUSA member, Dany Lombardo says, “It seems that a lot of us jump from indifference to harmful action, from righteous anger to donor fatigue when it comes to world problems.” Featuring faculty, staff, and experienced professionals, the vision for the panel is to facilitate dialogue that explores what it means to “love one’s neighbor” in the international context. Culture Week is designed as a way for TWU students to connect with the different cultures on campus, but the opportunity for engagement does not end there; GEO offers other ways to get involved, even after Culture Week comes to a close. The Global Outreach team organizes local missions trips in the spring and overseas trips during the summer, and the Intercultural Programs department coordinates events to strengthen the bond between international and local students on campus.
“ IT’S
A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL TWU STUDENTS TO CELEBRATE CULTURE, PRAY FOR THE NATIONS, AND ENGAGE WITH THE DIVERSITY ON OUR CAMPUS”
MIKAH FEUNEKES For 14 years, the [spaces] Literary Journal has been a creative outlet for students, staff, faculty, and alumni of Trinity Western University (TWU). It has published distinguished guest contributors such as Rudy Wiebe, previous recipient of the Governor General’s Award for Fiction, and Lynn Szabo, poet, professor, and noted Thomas Merton scholar. The journal allows students to reflect on the spaces in which they find themselves and has continued to maintain a safe community for creative dialogue. Sojourners is the theme of [spaces] Volume 14. Time spent at TWU is often brief; students come here to learn for several years, but the goal is always to move on. The TWU experience is altered and reconstructed over again as classes, peers, and faculty change. Furthermore, this community is a multicultural space where diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and ideas can intersect, causing worldviews to broaden. Even the land on which students live and learn is not their own; it belongs to those who have been here for much longer than TWU. In accordance with this theme of physical, cultural, and spiritual journeying, [spaces] is now accepting submissions in all languages. [spaces] represents a unique multicultural community, and the work in the journal should reflect that diversity. [spaces] accepts works of poetry, prose, photography, and fine art. The call for submissions ends November 5 at 12 a.m. Submissions must be sent to spaces.literaryjournal@gmail.com. For submission guidelines and further details, visit twuspaces.com.
“THE MARGINS OF SECOND-HAND BOOKS” - SABINE HENDERSON
9
EMMETT HANLY
Autumn means something different to everyone. For some, it’s pumpkin spice season. For others, it’s all about Halloween. Yet, to me, one work of animation encapsulates the essence of fall: Over the Garden Wall. Enjoying this ten-episode miniseries, created by Patrick McHale, and originally airing on Cartoon Network in November 2014, has become an October tradition for me. The show grips a viewer like few others; it is a perfect synthesis of charming and macabre. Not only is it appealing to children for its goofy sense of humour, but the show’s complex themes and permeating aura of existential dread make it compelling for adults, as well.
Most importantly, Over the Garden Wall has a deep well of heart and imagination behind its storytelling. In addition to the impeccable pacing and clever dialogue, this tale has an emotional core with the strength of an old oak tree, never failing to earn its gut-punching twists and turns. With each episode running for only eleven minutes, the series can easily be watched in a single sitting, somewhat like a movie. Though I’ve binged the show countless times, I still find myself humming along with the enchanting songs and gripping the edge of my seat during the final few episodes. Wirt and Greg’s story deeply resonates with me, making Over the Garden Wall one of my favourite pieces of media.
Over The Garden Wall tells the story of two brothers, Wirt I hope you give it a chance, too. (voiced by Elijah Wood) and Greg (voiced by Collin Dean), who have gotten lost in the woods and encounter many strange and sometimes terrifying things as they try to find their way home. They meet all kinds of odd folk, most notably a sassy talking bluebird named Beatrice (Melanie Lynskey) and an old woodsman tasked with keeping a lantern lit for all eternity (Christopher Lloyd). Danger always lurks close behind as the shadowy figure known only as “The Beast“ seeks to claim the two lost souls at any moment. The setting evokes a picturesque gothic atmosphere, where the uncanny lies just around every gorgeous, hand-painted corner. Experimenting with rotoscoping and other vintage techniques, the animation style pays homage to classic Disney and Fleischer Studios cartoons. Each frame revels in an idealized vision of seventeenth-century Americana and indulgent autumn imagery: the colours of falling leaves, pilgrims, pumpkins, and turkeys. However, everything you trusted can wilt into a twisted and fearsome trap in a matter of seconds. While it is unlikely that Over The Garden Wall will give anyone nightmares, the animators were not afraid to hold back on unsettling character designs and transformations.
“ THIS SHOW GRIPS A VIEW-
ER LIKE FEW OTHERS; IT IS A PERFECT SYNTHESIS OF CHARMING AND MACABRE.”
“BATHROOM STALL WALLS” - MARITHA LOUW
“When I first became a professor, I was reassured that my finals had a 40 percent failure rate . . . I thought I was upholding the purity of the discipline!” Dr. Holly Nelson throws her head back and laughs mischievously. “That didn’t last long,” she says, “I quickly came to understand what I really wanted was to see my students succeed.” Trinity Western University’s (TWU) 4.3 grading scale continues to be a point of contention among students and faculty. Students, particularly in their first and second years, are expected to accept the fact that “As,” and certainly “A+s,” are few and far between. For students aspiring to graduate school, burdened by pressures to achieve a competitive Grade Point Average (GPA), this can be a difficult reality. This conversation, according to TWU’s Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences, Dr. Todd Martin, depends on the stated goals for TWU courses. How many students are we expecting to prepare sufficiently for graduate school? Alternatively, how many students are we expecting to have a meaningful experience and to enter the marketplace immediately after graduation? “When it comes to grading, we want as much consistency and objectivity as possible,” he clarifies, “but grading and assessment is a human activity. There is going to be a human element to it.” Last year, Mars’ Hill published an article on a TWUSA Advocacy Committee concerned with assessment standards on campus. A student representative argued in a presentation to the Faculty Senate that the Standard Grading Scale should be regularized across campus. Students have reported concerns that TWU’s use of the 4.3 scale will complicate their efforts to apply for graduate schools. However, due to the fact that grading scales in Western Canada are far from standard—Alberta, for instance, utilizes a nine point scale—graduate admissions committees are often prepared to convert a student’s GPA. “Three percent,” a student says emphatically, one drowsy Thursday afternoon in the TWUSA lounge, “is godlike!” His exclamation quickly draws a group of students willing to contribute to a discussion about assessment strategies at TWU. He objects to a required course for his major that sets 97 percent as the benchmark for an “A+,” which conflicts with the standard grading scale established by the university which awards the top grade to those over 90 percent. “Are we really saying that students are learning from failure when their margin is three percent?” He shakes his head and goes on to say, “You aren’t incentivizing students at that point.” Another student chimes in: “Why does an HKIN outdoor pursuits class call a 97 percent an ‘A+?’ A course that I am forced to take shouldn’t pose a serious threat to my GPA.” Her response suggests that some students have different expectations based on the function of the course in their degree—if a course is a capstone for their major, they are more willing to accept rigorous assessment.
“
Regardless, the standard grading scale is not perfect. As one professor points out, a student could feasibly get one in five questions wrong on a multiple choice exam and be considered “excellent”—assuming an “A” denotes excellence. This is a greater concern for some disciplines, such as mathematics, business, and the sciences, than more subjective ones, such as history and political studies.
ARE WE REALLY SAYING THAT STUDENTS ARE LEARNING FROM FAILURE WHEN THEIR MARGIN IS THREE PERCENT?”
TWUSA President, Quinton Mischuck, emphasizes that he personally followed up with the Provost’s Office to ensure that the concerns raised by the TWUSA Advocacy Committee last year remain priorities. He explains that Provost Bob Wood is in the midst of a review process with the faculty deans. He asked each of them to submit the grading scales and rubrics utilized by each of the professors in their departments.
As a result of the ongoing commitment to review our pedagogical methods, we see evidence of experimental pedagogy across the institution: those of us in our fourth and fifth years have seen not one, but two, efforts to restructure the core requirements for graduation. Professor in the Department of History and longtime member of the Faculty Senate, Dr. Robynne Healey, argues that professors need to be more cognizant of the difference between learning outcomes and course objectives. To accomplish this, she utilizes strict grading rubrics to clarify her expectations and contextualize her grading choices. The Psychology Department also now requires professors to use specific grading rubrics, particularly for written assignments. One student in the department says, “If you took off five percent, I need you to be able to tell me exactly what happened to that five percent.” Sometimes this creative pedagogy takes different forms. Dr. Chad Friesen, known across Canada for his rigorous expectations of students in his organic chemistry course, and his exams that occasionally draw their inspiration from Warner Bros. film The Matrix, is piloting a new method of teaching chemistry. The course is designed for non-science majors, particularly future elementary teachers. Instead of solely assessing students on their grasp of the course content, they are assessed based on their capacity to teach the content. These experiments, while they serve to increase the quality of a TWU-delivered education, are only part of the conversation.
MONIQUE BOUCHARD When campaign signs began to litter the roadsides, signaling the upcoming federal election, constituents in Langley-Aldergrove were likely surprised to see a new name on the familiar Conservative blue. It was a reminder of the passing of our former Member of Parliament (MP), Mark Warawa. Mr. Warawa, who faithfully served the riding of Langley-Aldergrove from 2004 to 2015, was passionate about the environment, palliative care, and the right to life from beginning to end.
aisle in the House of Commons. Mark, self-admittedly, was antagonistic toward his colleague. He told me that as soon as he sat down, his conscience got a hold of him. Once the house adjourned, he left, found the MP he had been arguing with, and promptly apologized.
For Mark, it wasn’t about “winning,” it was about showing the love of God to everyone he met. His behaviour was so remarkable that the Liberal Geoff Regan, Speaker of the House, told Mark after his final speech in the House, “You Mr. Warawa and his wife Diane graduated from Trinity West- leave here, sir, with our love and admiration.” Mark won not ern University (TWU). Together they had five children and only my heart, but admiration across all parties. ten grandchildren. Mr. Warawa joined the political stage in 1990 on the Abbotsford City Council and eventually moved I have more faith in our political system because of peointo federal politics, where he was elected and re-elected ple like Mark. He showed us that anything is possible with for years, becoming the one of the longest serving MPs in a posture of humility, teamwork, and integrity. I urge you, British Columbia’s history. friends; take hold of Mark’s words. And even as another election has come and gone, let us love one another beLast May, in his final address to the House of Commons, cause God first loved us. he reminded his colleagues and all Canadians, “to love one another, to encourage each other, because God loves us.” He passed away shortly after to cancer, at the age of 69. Mr. Warawa’s legacy goes beyond his political activism. In his own words, “the best part about [being an MP] is helping people.” He modelled integrity, generosity, and genuine care everywhere he went. His faith was evident, even in his public life. Ed Fast, MP for neighbouring Abbotsford, said that Mr. Warawa leaves “an incredible legacy behind. And that legacy includes kindness.” Mr. Warawa, or as I knew him, Mark, was my friend. I started volunteering for him as a 14-year-old, and he always made time to greet me and listen to what I had to share, and in return gave me nuggets of wisdom and prayed with me. I walked with him in the local parades, and I got to see how much our community loved him. Through greeting people by name and inquiring about their lives, Mark earned their adoration. One of the stories that defined Mark’s character was one that he told me himself. A few years ago, he was explaining how he got into a heated exchange with an MP across the
“ AFTER
15 YEARS OF SERVICE, MP MARK WARAWA PASSED AWAY LAST JUNE AFTER A VALIANT BATTLE WITH CANCER; HE LEFT A LEGACY OF KINDNESS.”
13
NIKI MARA
I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree this April—a year earlier than I had originally planned. The tales of woe that I had heard from my freshly graduated friends about the shock to the system that is post-graduation existence quickly became my reality. It is almost like you are guaranteed an identity crisis after finishing university, no matter how sure you may have been of yourself and your future.
ing the checklist tasks to become automatic and default. Having figured out my personal grooming and morning routines and kept them the same for three years, I no longer have to plan that part of my life anymore. Therefore, I can devote more of my cognitive capacity to creative and intellectual development. Not only that, but having a routine that takes up a small segment of my day preserves my sanity when life takes hairpin turns, for better or for worse. I spent 17 years as a student, in one capacity or anoth- It can provide a sense of continuity, grounding me in a faer, with varying degrees of intensity and rigour. Fulfilling miliar place when all else is uncertain. the role of “student” was my biggest responsibility to both myself and my family, and at some point it had merged Routines ultimately help us to experience life more fully with my permanent identity. So, of course, in the process and deeply. The emotional highs that come from changof graduation and transition to the workforce, I survived es or surprises are only enhanced when part of the day many a tyranny of the oughts. Come September, I found is consistently taken up by something less exciting. And myself floundering in thoughts of existential dread and the best part? My personal routine is completely within my overwhelming uncertainty, even though objectively, my life control. While establishing one is always a challenge, now was just fine. After 17 years, I was finally free from the grip that I have developed the habit, I will have learned how to of academic rigour, so why did I feel less free than I did make the most of my day. That is what keeps me going— when I had every minute of every day planned out? predictability in small doses, so that the unexpected feels like a reward. I have learned that it is quite simple—I left behind a two-decade long routine. Since the age of five, I was guaranteed to have most of my day filled with schoolwork, which gave me the luxury of not having to think about what to do with my time from about 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Not only that, but the academic routine itself was not controlled by me either— classes were scheduled by my school or university and I attended them, end of story. It was a routine that was out of my hands, and I liked it that way. Now, that life is behind me and I find myself choked by the limitlessness of life’s possibilities. Constant contemplation about the directions I could or should take my life have all but stripped me of the mental freedom to dream, to create, and to hope. In an attempt to reclaim peace of mind, I have started to rely on a personal daily routine. Routines, as paradoxical as it may seem, are a highway to freedom. The daily tasks we assign ourselves that could easily be dismissed as “mundane” are, in reality, a blessing. Creating a routine allows us to free our minds of the uncertainty that each day may bring and instead focus on what matters to us, while leav-
“ CONSTANT
CONTEMPLATION ABOUT DIRECTIONS I COULD OR SHOULD TAKE MY LIFE HAVE ALL BUT STRIPPED ME OF THE MENTAL FREEDOM TO DREAM, TO CREATE, AND TO HOPE.”
“BUZZFEED QUIZZES” - CARTER SAWATSKY
14
ISHITA WILSON Being a student is like being on dish duty. The second you finish washing the last plate in the sink, someone sneakily slips in another plate, two bowls, and a spoon. The second you finish one assignment, you realize you have a paper, a quiz, and three case studies to worry about, as well. For some, this has been the routine since high school: standardized tests, university applications, recommendation letters, finals, community service—there is never an end to the list. After taking several questionable career tests and scrolling through descriptions of majors offered by their dream universities, high school students are expected to lock in their future—to pick a major, stick with it, and then get a job in the field. For some, this works great. Others, however, find themselves in their last year of university, wanting to change their major and start down a career path vastly different from the one their high school self had dreamt of four years prior. It feels like being on an ice rink with only your sneakers on; you are pulled in every direction until your feet cannot keep up, and eventually you end up on the ground with a broken tooth. In a society that expects us to stay on the move, from high school to university to the workplace, it is okay to take a break. It is okay to change your mind. When students turn 18 and cross that magical line into adulthood, everything seems much more real. Decisions seem to be more important and actions seem irreversible, but why do students have to plan the rest of their lives out at an age when their brains are not even fully developed yet?
Neuroscientist Sandra Aamodt explains that the brain continues to undergo changes from the age of 18 until 25. “The changes that happen between 18 and 25 are a continuation of the process that starts around puberty, and 18-year-olds are about halfway through that process. Their prefrontal cortex is not yet fully developed,” she said during an interview with NPR in 2011. The prefrontal cortex is the rational part of the brain; it controls impulses and helps “plan and organize your behavior to reach a goal,” according to Aamodt. This is proof that as people get older, their planning skills also evolve—so if the plans you made for yourself years ago suddenly seem inadequate, there is nothing wrong with scrapping them and starting over.
AS FUNCTIONING MEMBERS OF SOCIETY, WE FEEL THAT IF WE TAKE EVEN A SMIDGEN OF TIME OFF, WE WOULD BE WASTING IT. However, we must normalize breaks from academic and work life in order to take care of our health. Redirecting your life down a different path should not be synonymous with the end of the world. Change your pace, watch the world rush on, and finish your cup of tea. When you are ready, join the rush. You will not be left behind.
MATTHEW GAZSO Rock n’ roll has changed my life. I still remember the day I first heard AC/DC on Sportsnet—it blew my then 10-year-old mind. Growing up in a conservative Christian household, I was exposed to only the cleanest music that Praise 106.5FM and Dolly Parton had to offer. When I was finally introduced to the Christian hard rock band Skillet in 2009, I firmly grabbed that baton and never let go. It felt like I finally discovered an art form that understood my most authentic self and spoke to me on a deeply personal and spiritual level. Nearly 11 years, dozens of head-banging induced injuries, hundreds of albums, and thousands of riffs later, I find myself looking back on the impact my favorite music has had on my life and how it aligns with my values. Regardless of how much distortion or fry screaming is being pushed through my headphones, bands like Metallica, Slipknot, Disturbed, and I Prevail create an outlet for positive messages regarding individuality, strength, and righteous anger. While discernment is still a valuable tool regarding choices of entertainment, this is music I am proud to stand behind as a Christian. I believe in the values of courage, righteousness, individuality, vulnerability, and love; five traits most metalheads will agree make up the metaphorical “fist” of rock and metal music.
of great pop and hip-hop music out there; you need not look any further than acts like Men I Trust, NF, Witt Lowry, and King’s Kaleidoscope to see that. Trust me, though, there is better music out there than what is being played on Top 40 radio. Maybe I am just another frustrated Millennial/Gen-Z’er with a laptop and too much spare time, but I am sick of the mainstream music industry pandering to the lowest common denominator, forgoing artists with real passion and virtuosity and opting for the most accessible, “sexy,” and marketable sound. It is about time we demand more from ourselves, more from our music, and more from the industry that drools for our money and attention. Why listen to what everybody else is listening to? Wave that freak flag high, take back your music library, and dare to be metal in a world made of plastic.
Rock isn’t for everybody, and it is not my job to force my musical taste down your throat. However, I do want to argue one thing that rock music tends to do better than most other popular genres: authenticity Since the inception of rock n’ roll in the late 1940s, it has been the voice of the people. It has been a megaphone for politically incorrect emotions like anger, depression, and social frustration. While there are, admittedly, plenty of mainstream artists who attempt to talk about these issues, many only manage to come off as shallow, forced, disingenuous, and ultimately devoid of passion and purpose. Do not get me wrong, there is still plenty
“ ROCK MUSIC TENDS TO DO BET-
TER THAN MOST OTHER POPULAR GENRES [AT] AUTHENTICITY.”
“FOX NEWS (IRONICALLY)” - SOPHIE HOLLAND
15
CARTER SAWATZKY
LIV WALTON Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Gen 1.26 ESV; emphasis added)
Furthermore, God created humans in utter equality; all were made in Their image. In this vein, then, the Church has no grounds to engage in gender discrimination and corresponding behavior that elevates one gender above another. The limitations that Christianity puts on pronouns that are acceptable to use in reference to God creates room withGenerally, the twenty-first century Chris- in the Church for issues such as toxic tian church amplifies the spaces where masculinity and gender discrimination. God can be described as masculine. This is wholly unbiblical, as the scripFrom songs to sermons, God is most tures make several references to God’s often portrayed as a father figure, us- character having both masculine and ing the pronouns he/him. While this is feminine qualities (Isa. 66.13, Luk. 13.34). comforting to some, it is also inconsid- The multiplicity of God needs to be higherate of the diverse relational roles God lighted and underlined by the Church so fulfills in human lives. This “He-theology” that Christians can be comfortable in all has infiltrated Christian culture and ulti- of their God-given qualities, regardless mately alienated those who do not have of the gender stereotypes attached to a foundation for positive masculine roles them. In doing this, the Church will emin their lives. A survivor of child abuse power generations to reject social conperpetrated by a father figure may not structs that try to simplify God. want to see God in the light of fatherhood. Additionally, someone who has While this idea of God stems from a tranever had a stable feminine role model ditionally-leaning view of creation and in their life might need God to be their human history, it is most importantMother. These are just two of many situ- ly working towards an understanding ations where relational vacancies could of the broader spectrum of God. Being be consistently filled by God. God can be open to using they/them or she/her profriend, mother, sister, or partner, fulfilling nouns when referencing God is not done the nearly endless needs of Their nearly with the intention of undermining the endless people. Biblical texts. Rather, it sets the stage for inclusivity within the Church. BecomOf course, it is clearly stated in the Bible ing open-minded to the fluidity of roles that God can and does fulfill masculine God plays in human lives is respectful to roles. This is not to be dismissed, as God individuals and their testimonies. Each the Father is a foundational element of person has their own unique relationGod’s character. There are many people ship with God, and thus each person will who need God to take the position of a come to know God in a way that is synfather in their lives. Yet it is critical to rec- onymous with their life experience. By ognize that masculine roles are not the choosing to see this, Christians can step only element of who God is. Using gen- away from language that limits God and der specific language when referring to make space for love, and love regardless, God is a destructive attempt to contain within the Church. Their expanse within a specific label. In Genesis 1:26, God speaks of creating humankind in “Our” image. The use of plural pronouns is significant in understanding the different facets of God. In this verse, plural pronouns are used to reference the Trinity, consisting of God the Father, Jesus Their Son and the Holy Spirit. This “ HE-THEOLOGY HAS INmultiplicity of God is a vital aspect of the FILTRATED CHRISTIAN Christian faith because each branch of CULTURE AND ULTIMATEthe Trinity helps humans to know God LY ALIENATES THOSE from different angles, revealing unique WHO DO NOT HAVE aspects of Their character. In using plural pronouns—they/them/their—those enA FOUNDATION FOR gaging in conversations about God are POSITIVE MASCULINE being intentional in recognizing the difROLES IN THEIR LIVES.” ferent roles God plays in human lives.
The script is officially flipped. Knowing exactly what you want in a beverage is a virtue. It is attractive. On the contrary, if your typical coffee order is so simple that it takes the barista no thought or effort to make— what are you hiding? What are you denying yourself? High maintenance is the new low maintenance. A high maintenance coffee order shows how plugged-in you are to your inner needs and wants. It is a form of self-care to give yourself precisely the drink that you desire, with all its extra foam, cinnamon topping, and double shots. We prefer not to think of ourselves as high maintenance. We want to be easy to work with—agreeable. But think about it: we are complicated creatures. Our bodies are extremely high maintenance; on an average day, we consume 550 liters of pure oxygen to function properly, our body pumps up to 7600 liters of blood, and we produce between 173 to 259 billion red blood cells. Our bodies already demand that a third of our day be spent in sleep and that we consume approximately 2000 calories every 24 hours. So order that extra shot of espresso. Get coconut milk steamed to 190°. Get that trendy seasonal drink with caramel drizzle and extra whip. Get in touch with your inner self and let it shine for all the baristas to see. Unleash your inner Karen.
“CAL TOWNSEND . . . ALSO MARS’ HILL” - GRACE GIESBRECHT
16
MARS’ HILL: HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN PERFORMING? WHAT MOTIVATED YOU TO START?
MH: WHAT DOES THE SONG WRITING PROCESS LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
KAIREM: I have been performing since October 2018. I have always had an interest in music but never thought of actually seriously getting into it. But during the summer of 2018 I went through a sort of awakening and I realized that this is what I want to do. I started teaching myself how to record music and mix and master my vocals.
K: Before I write I usually spend time listening to some of my favourite producer’s beats … to get my creativity flowing. After that I will usually come up with a hook or chorus and build a compilation off of that. It’s crazy because some of my best work comes to me in a span of thirty minute to an hour. For example, Sorrow took me about forty minutes to write.
MH: HOW DID YOU PICK YOUR NAME?
MH: WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? ANYTHING NEW COMING SOON?
K: I recently changed my name from Blavk Goku to Kairem to have a more original name that stands out. Kai is rearranged from Ayiko which is my middle name, and Rem comes from the REM cycle which occurs while dreaming. This was chosen because I want to spread the message that anyone can manifest their dreams. Additionally, I don’t want any legal issues with the creators of the Dragon Ball anime [where the inspiration for Blavk Goku came from]. MH: WHAT INSPIRES YOU TO CREATE MUSIC? K: Most people have a certain artist or band they get inspiration from. For me, I simply love every aspect of music: the melodic tones, assortment of instruments, digital sounds manipulated to create something new—it fascinates me. I am so obsessed with music that I could be in a studio for 24 hours straight. MH: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR SOUND?
K: I plan to finish school and then continue my journey through music. I may be going back and forth from New York to Vancouver and I aspire to fill Rogers Arena one day. I have multiple unreleased singles that I am preparing to drop. To listen to my recent release search up “Luv or Hate” by Kairem on any music platform. MH: ANY ADVICE FOR ASPIRING SINGERS AND RAPPERS IN THE TWU COMMUNITY? K: Practice makes perfect. By that I mean take time to find your sound and really have fun with it. Regardless of if you want to be the next Whitney Houston, share your music with others or try to perform in front of a crowd for the first time. Remember that failure is how you grow. As long as you always get back up nothing can stop you. All glory to God, we are infinite beings.
K: My sound I think is partially like some of the other modern rappers these days but with a twist, especially in my lyrics. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Zeds Dead. After that I listened to dubstep and electronic music, then hip-hop and old-school rap, and now modern rap. This has enabled me to be versatile. MH: WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS YOUR BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT AS AN ARTIST SO FAR? K: I think right now my biggest career accomplishment is my song Sorrow, which is one of the first songs I released. It was on Spotify’s HipHopCentral playlist, was ranked #10 on the Canada viral playlist, and now has accumulated 400k+ streams. I think the accomplishment that really motivates me to keep going is that I have had people tell me my music helped them get through something in their life or that I’ve started building a community online from my Instagram account; I love connecting with people.
“THE 9TH VIDEO ON A YOUTUBE MOONLANDING CONSPIRACY BINGE AT 3 A.M.” - REES MORGAN
17
HAVE CERTAINLY HAD MY FAIR “ ISHARE OF INJURIES THROUGHOUT
MY TENURE WITH THE SPARTANS SOCCER TEAM. EVEN THOUGH IT HAS BEEN REALLY TOUGH TO STAVE THESE OFF, I WILL ALWAYS SUPPORT THE TEAM THAT I AM A MEMBER OF.”
MARS’ HILL: IF YOU WEREN’T A SOCCER PLAYER, WHAT SPORT WOULD YOU PLAY AND WHY? MICHAEL BOEHMER: I would definitely play football. All of the one-on- competition revolving around tackling and avoiding tackles is right up my alley. MH: WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING YOU HAVE DEALT WITH AS A SPARTAN ATHLETE? MB: I have certainly had my fair share of injuries throughout my tenure with the Spartans soccer team. Even though it has been really tough to stave these off, I will always support the team that I am a member of. MH: WHO IS YOUR ROLE MODEL? MB: My role model is Ethan DaSilva. Not only has he taught me how to win in life, but he has also taught me how to win in FIFA as well. Being able to play video games until 4a.m. every night, being an All-Canadian academic, and drinking seven cans of Coke every day while maintaining a steady rate of 2 percent body fat is truly exemplary. MH: IF YOU HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN BEING A SEAGULL OR A BEAR, WHICH WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY? MB: I would choose to be a bear without question. There would be no natural predators countering against me, so I wouldn’t have as much to worry about. I could do what I want, where I want, all while hibernating throughout the winter. Sounds like a good life to me.
“REES MORGAN” - JANAE GARTLY & BAILEY RIDDER
18
@ORIGINAL_TWU_MEMEPAGE
CATHY SHIELDS
EMMETT HANLY
AMARIS HENRY
EMMETT HANLY In a bizarre turn of events, a rival university sports team known as the Trojans gifted Trinity Western University’s (TWU) Spartans with a massive wooden horse. It has loomed over all on-campus sporting events in the past month, with its unsettling equine eyes boring into the souls of TWU athletes. “We don’t know what to do with it,” Spartans spokesperson Ridley Donahue admits. “If we leave it unattended, an elite task force of rival athletes could jump out and sabotage our games. But it’s also been three weeks and nothing has happened. It has to be empty. They’d give up and just come out of the horse if they were starving to death. Right? . . . Right?”
Reports of strange noises emanating from inside the horse have been increasing significantly, though the exact source is yet to be discovered. This has led to wild speculation about what could be inside, but popular theories include secret Trojan game strategies, loaded soccer balls, or another smaller wooden horse. Mars’ Hill will continue to report on the situation as it develops.
As of yet, no one has had the courage to dismantle the horse. Some students made the trek out to the figure with crowbars in hand, but were apprehended before they could pry it open. “Coach told us if we damage the horse, the Trojans will know and will think we’re a bunch of paranoid loser-faces,” athlete Chad Gilzene complains. “But I’m getting real tired of having to play soccer around the horse. It’s smack dab in the middle of the field. Even if everyone’s too chicken to open it, can’t we at least move it off to the side?”
HAS TO BE EMPTY. THEY’D GIVE “ IT UP AND JUST COME OUT OF THE HORSE IF THEY WERE STARVING TO DEATH. RIGHT? . . . RIGHT?”
“ETHAN LETKEMAN” - MONICA RAWLEK ELIZONDO
Before, my goal was to make a million dollars. Now, my goal is to save a million girls from sex-trafficking. a n d r e w . twu ’0 9
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“MARS HILL (SORRY)” - GRACE TAN