Swinging Bridge Magazine: February 2019

THE

SWINGING B R I DG E THE PULSE MAGAZINE

LIBRARY

10

LOVING OUR

FEBRUARY 2019

22

FERVOR ON AND OFF THE FIELD

15

PASSION FOR

PROTEST

18

ACCLAMATION

DANCE MINISTRIES

NICK WEST

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THE

SWINGING B R I DG E VOLU M E 1 0 4

EDITION 10

LETTER FROM THE

FEB. 2019

STUDENT DIRECTOR

ASST. STUDENT DIRECTOR

DAKOTA VAUGHN

AMBER CLEMENS

EDITOR

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MEGAN BOMBA

ART DIRECTOR AMELIA MARKEY

ONLINE EDITOR

DESIGN ASSISTANTS

STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

MADDIE CONLEY

JUSTINE SANPHILLIPO

COSETTE SCHULTIES

MEGAN SPORY CULTURE EDITOR

ABIGAIL ZOEBISCH

SPORTS & REC EDITOR

CHARMAINE LIM

LILLIAN KASHISHIAN AUDIO & VISUAL MANAGER KAI YUEN LEONG

WEB MANAGER KELLY WEBBER

AUDIO & VISUAL ASSISTANTS

BUSINESS MANAGER

LAKE BENDER

SARAH BLESSING

JOSH YODER RADIO MANAGER

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

MUSIC DIRECTOR

JOSHUA STANLEY

MARISA HARRIS

HANNAH MCGARVEY

Ah, it is that time of year again: the sidewalks are painted white with snow, and I am personally dreaming of warmer weather with the only ice being found in my chilled beverage. Nevertheless, it is truly a beautiful time of year.

With the semester just beginning this month, we thought we’d give you a little inspiration to get back in the groove of studying and balancing all of the responsibilities on your plate. To do so, we thought where better to find inspiration than from those around you?

This time around, the theme is zeal, a.k.a. passion, fervor, enthusiasm, etc. From people pursuing their passion as an undergrad to a hidden gem on campus, we’ve got it all for you in this edition of The Swinging Bridge.

Monday - Friday | 1pm - 5pm 717-691-6081

Race me to the back cover, 1 COLLEGE AVENUE SUITE 3058 MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055

(Downstairs South Wing of the Larsen Student Union) The Swinging Bridge Magazine is published through The Pulse: Messiah College Media Hub, run by students. The Pulse consists of Pulse Radio, The Clarion yearbook, and The Swinging Bridge Magazine. The Swinging Bridge staff strives to publish quality student writing, photography, and design.

Megan Bomba Editor-In-Chief

To learn about job and volunteer opportunities, email thepulse@messiah.edu.

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TABLE

OF

STUDENT LIFE

CULTURE

5

15

CAMPUS CLOSET

6

PASSION FOR PROTEST

18

SPORTS & REC

22

NICK WEST

NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR

26

A HEART FOR SERVICE

AWARD SHOWS

NOT SO BLACK & WHITE

ACCLAMATION DANCE MINISTRY

8

20

28

LOVING OUR LIBRARY

10

ARDOR ABROAD

MESSIAH STUDENTS GO GLOBAL

12 MY STORY MELEA IRBY

4

CONTENTS

FEBRUARY 2019

INTERNATIONAL & INTERCULTURAL DATING

SPREADING HIS LOVE THROUGH SPORT

30

STUDENT MANAGERS

STUDENT LIFE

CA MPUS CLOSET

JA MIE BISHOP “ We t hou g ht w e'd m a ke it e a s y for you ,” Bishop jokes, after realizing she and Tetsuo arrived in overlapping outfits.

Bishop is no stranger to dressing right on the line between collegiate and classy. As a politics and international relations major balancing two internships, she's got to look good while commuting comfortably.

How does she pull it off? In this look, she keeps it business casual on the bottom — striped slacks and modestly heeled booties — and college casual on top, with a jean jacket and a few stripes' worth of color.

Tie it all together with a generous assortment of jewelry and a muted coat of evergreen polish, and you have a balanced look to take just about anywhere.

T ETSUO TA K A H A R A “ T he h at i s k i nd of a s t aple ,” according to Tetsuo "Tet" Takahara.

And once you notice it, you can't help but see it everywhere around campus, along with his distinctly iridescent (and, inscidentally, monogrammed) Adidas.

For Takahara, he likes to keep things simple, like this quiet denim-and-blues palette — except for those occasional statement pieces that steal the show.

Don't let that pro-model pose fool you, though: this is his first fashion photoshoot, and he doesn't expect another one anytime soon. But when campus is your runway every day, who needs one?

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STUDENT LIFE

BY MEGAN BOMBA As a first-year, Anna Marie Clark stepped onto campus sure that she wanted to get involved in the service offerings of Messiah College. Now, as a senior and president of the Messiah Sign Language Club, Clark has seen her passion for the language grow and permeate her other service opportunities on campus.

To Clark, service means working together with others to create change in a population.

She adds, “It is giving yourself to benefit someone else.”

Clark lives out her definition of service by leading the Sign Language Club along with other service activities.

“We do a lot of things…we teach people the language in the club, bring people into the deaf community and offer respite care for families with deaf members,” says Clark of the activity of the club.

Since she became president during her sophomore year, the Sign Language Club has grown exponentially, much to the delight of Clark. Once the majority of the members graduated, Clark found herself in charge of the future of the organization.

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FEBRUARY 2019

The first step was making the club official through Messiah’s Student Government Association. From there, Clark worked to grow the club’s membership.

“We worked with SGA; they’ve been really good about helping and supporting us. We worked on getting the word out.

Every year, we do a song in chapel. I went to classes and in different social circles and talked about the club,” Clark says of her efforts.

Clark’s time and energy paid off, and the Sign Language Club took off.

“At our first three meetings [this year], there wasn’t enough space in the room, and we have interest growing each semester. I was the only one [in the club] at the end of freshman year, so now having people come and return and first-years join, it is awesome to see people at different levels come together,” explains Clark.

Clark found ways to involve her passion for service in other aspects of her life as well.

As a part of Acclamation Dance Ministry, Clark realized that dancing lent itself well to signing to an audience.

STUDENT LIFE

“After I had [danced] for a couple years, and watched the modern dances, I thought it would be the perfect match to pair with sign language. I talked with a teacher, and it seemed perfect for us to do this. We asked Acclamation if we could start it up. We had a huge class and a lot of interest,” says Clark.

The class performed a routine to the song “Pieces” by Steffany Gretzinger in the fall semester recital. The routine incorporated American Sign Language into its choreography.

one should have to go through — it was hard to see that and hard to relate to that as a counselor because you don’t know what they’re going through. I thought, why am I here? How can I help? There was a girl from the trip who asked for my phone number who wanted to keep in touch — the relationship is so possible,” she says of the experience.

Clark hopes to use her various experiences and her passion for service in her future career.

“I want to be an occupational therapist. In In addition to Sign thinking about future, I Language Club and love to watch the gains Acclamation’s newest giving yourself to people make, and these dance form, Clark also happen in all of the serleads tours through benefit someone else. vice things I’ve done. It her job in Admissions, can become a really reaids deaf athletes at warding job, but also challenging,” says Clark. the Special Olympics each spring and takes part in service trips through the Agape As for advice for those looking to get involved Center on campus. in a cause, Clark suggests picking something that interests you.

Although her college career has been packed with fulfilling experiences while serving, Clark advises, “Think about something that Clark has also faced challenges. On one seryou’re passionate about or interested in, and vice trip to New York, Clark found herself then sort of brainstorm on your own, or talk to trying to relate to inter-city youth who had the Agape Center and figure out a good place already faced adversity in their lives. for you to serve. They have all kinds of options available to serve, and they’d love to help you “The service trip to New York was pretty get connected. There’s also tons of things needchallenging. I am a white person, and I have ed in the local community like a church or an privilege. So much has fallen into place and organization nearby that will take your help.”

I haven’t had to work for it. To see people who are given really tough struggles that no

"SERVICE IS

"

"SERVICE" IN AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE

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STUDENT LIFE

LOVING our

LIBRARY

BY ISABEL VILLEGAS Last semester, I was fortunate enough to land a job at the library circulation desk.

What I thought would be just a simple job of checking books in and out has turned out to be a valuable learning experience about the inner workings of Murray Library.

One day during my student training, one of my supervisors took me up to the second level of the library above the DVD and CD section to show me something called a “microfiche machine.” I had no idea what that was, but nevertheless followed her as we traversed a remote area of the library. She led me down a narrow and dimly lit aisle filled with dusty boxes containing a variety of different labels.

Pointing to a dull orange box, my supervisor told me to open it and pull out a tiny strip of film from the white envelope inside.

A bit confused, I did as told and followed her further down the aisle. Approaching the end, she turned and led me to a dark corner where there sat a bulky machine that somewhat resembled a computer. My supervisor then instructed me how to turn on the mysterious machine.

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FEBRUARY 2019

The screen lit up, and shone in an off-white glow, similar to a projector. I was told to place the small film strip on a little square towards the bottom of the machine. The computer screen, once blank, now filled up with what appeared to be a newspaper clipping. What I first thought was just a plain black film strip was actually a miniscule edition of The Princeton Review.

Blown up on the microfiche screen though, I was actually able to read the story, which appeared to have been published by students during the 1960s. Turning a knob on the side of the machine, I was able to scroll further through the article, and I pored over black and white photos picturing student protests during the Vietnam era.

Intrigued by the microfiche machine, I played with it for some time like a child with a new toy. I had never heard of it before, let alone known that our library had one. As I sat there toying with more strips of film I

couldn’t help but think, I can’t wait to do a research project that allows me to use this.

Yes, believe it or not, I had found something that actually made me want to do research.

More importantly though, while using the microfiche I realized that most students, like me, were probably completely unaware that this machine even existed. Afterall, it was in a remote corner of the library, and who would even consider to use such an antique device when they could simply Google information for a research project? Nevertheless, there was something truly fascinating about this machine and the hands-on nature of it all. The research, while perhaps requiring a bit more effort than using an online database, felt more authentic, more engaging, and was simply more fun.

The microfiche machine is just one of the many hidden gems of The Murray Library.

As I continued my library training, I discovered a myriad of resources and tools that

STUDENT LIFE

are constantly available for students, few of which are actually used.

“We plan and offer wonderful events and displays at the library...from Christmas music in the library to Geek the Library, to Game and Craft Nights, to a Live Clue game and Mini golf…. There is so much happening at the library and so much to take advantage of that I wish more students knew about,” says Roof.

On the bottom level of the library, for instance, wedged between Fiddlehead Forest and the Relaxation Room sits a simple room called the “Artists Book Collection.”

Inside are drawers full of fascinating works of art, There’s a little such as pop-up books filled with something for poetry. Although only accessible to students doing in research, the artwork inside the Murray Library. collection room could keep one entertained for hours.

Although I’ve only been working at the library for half a semester, I can’t help but agree.

Murray Library offers an abundance of resources for students from reference librarians and microfiche machines, to special events and peer assistance in the Learning Center.

all of us

On the other half of the lower level of the library lie the Brethren in Christ archives. Since 1951, these archives have housed all the information about Messiah College and its humble beginnings, along with thousands of articles and artifacts from some 240 years of Brethren in Christ history.

On one wall of the archives hang black and white portraits of students in the 1940s, while on a wooden desk next to it lies an elephant’s hoof brought back to America by a Brethren in Christ missionary after his time ministering in Africa during the late 1800s. It’s truly eye-opening to realize how much information is housed in the basement of Murray Library, which students can access anytime they want.

Murray Library may be one of the underappreciated facilities on our campus, but it doesn’t have to be this way. If you get the chance, make sure to stop by and show our library some love. You never know what you might stumble upon that will spark your creativity or appeal to your interests.

There’s a little something for all of us in Murray Library.

My training also made me realize that the library puts on numerous events throughout the year for students. Circulation department supervisor Deb Roof, who has worked at Murray Library for over 20 years, mentioned that this is one of the aspects of the library she wishes students took greater advantage of.

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STUDENT LIFE

Messiah students go global

Ardor Abroad T

here’s nothing quite like leaving your home country to make you realize just how big the world is – how many cities; how many foods and fruits you’ve never heard of; how many tongues can shape sounds you could never replicate (at least, not perfectly) . . . how small and uncertain you may feel in the middle of it all. But with a little courage and community, those feelings can fade and bloom into a quiet, sure confidence in your own independence, and your ability to navigate this huge, complex, and endlessly enthralling world.

Scan to read the full article pulse.messiah.edu

JOSHUA LEE: L O NDO N ABI G AI L ZO EBI S C H: R OME / JOSHUA L EE: PA RI S RAEC HEL T ALABER: CH ILE / BAI LEY RHOD ES: C O RNWAL L VERONICA HOL MES: C HI NA

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RAEC HEL T ALABER: PE RU / JOSHUA L EE: PA RI S, ABI GAIL Z OEBISCH: O RVI ET O

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

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STUDENT LIFE

F ro m M i d d l e E a r t h to the ends of the earth.

My Story MELEA IRBY, '21

S

B Y C O S E T T E S C H U LT I E S

ome say we always find our way back to our first love. In Melea Irby’s case, where she is now can indeed be traced back to her enduring interest in film and heart for others.

Surprisingly enough, it was a map of Middle Earth that reminded her of a forgotten dream and set her on the path towards Grantham, Pennsylvania.

One family — two sisters specifically — introduced Irby to the school she would eventually call home and the major she would choose. Before them, however, came Lord of the Rings.

“This is the nerdiest part of me: Behind the Scenes Lord of the Rings: Extended Edition, that’s where it’s at and that’s where it started,” Melea says. “It’s embedded in me, but I didn’t realize that it was a passion of mine until later in life.”

While her family was in the process of moving from Georgia to North Carolina, Irby’s father began pastoring at their new church.

Every other weekend, the remaining members frequently visited North Carolina while still living in Georgia.

“It’s a 6.5 hour drive going one way which is the perfect amount of time to watch all of the Lord of the Rings: Extended Editions.

I watched them over and over again every

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other weekend. Then I would watch the behind-the-scenes and commentary over and over. I learned so much; it was so cohesive. I loved the way everyone worked together and how much work it took to make a product.”

Irby recalls crying when the movies concluded — not because the events upset her, but because the storyline was over. The plot progression and character development allowed her to feel as if she was right on set with the rest of the cast and crew.

“I remember this one part of the behindthe-scenes, Peter Jackson said, ‘I’m making these movies, not for myself, but for the future filmmaker.’ And I remember when I was 10 or something and thinking ‘that’s me,’” explains Irby.

She adds, “But I forgot about it; I literally forgot I had that dream.”

Flash forward a few years and suddenly college and careers became the main focus.

A friend from high school, who was one year older than Irby, looked into Messiah and seriously considered playing volleyball for the women’s team. Despite not attending, she created a positive impression of Messiah on Irby.

In high school, psychology interested Melea and was a brief contender for a future ma-

jor. “I love music, so I thought maybe music therapy? But I can’t read it, so that was out the window.”

Luckily, that same friend who acquainted Irby with Messiah had a sister who studied film at the University of Southern California.

“During her summer break [when] I was a junior, she talked to me about her experiences and I asked her all these questions.

She pulled out a map of Middle Earth that she had gotten signed at Comic-Con by the same Arts Director that I had watched over and over again,” says Irby.

Through this relic of her favorite films, Irby rediscovered her calling.

“All of a sudden, all my memories flooded back to me and nothing else mattered. It's really cool how God used that family specifically throughout the whole process. As soon as I knew I wanted to do film, it wasn’t even a question anymore,” she explains.

Her search for schools consisted of a handful of secular colleges located relatively close to her North Carolina hometown.

After not finding one that particularly piqued her interest, she decided to expand her search radius to 500 miles. Messiah College appeared in the search results.

STUDENT LIFE

Our God-given passions can guide our way “When I clicked the link, it was the last day that I could apply for free so, I applied that day and set up an appointment with the Admissions Office. I got accepted before I visited so I figured that if I liked it, I was going to come here. And I ended up loving it, so I secretly cancelled all my appointments to all the other colleges.”

to live out His best plan for our lives –

IN OUR HOMETOWNS OR ACROSS THE OCEANS.

As a Film and Media Arts major with a heart for production, Irby is not to be mislabeled as an aspiring director.

Being a part of a group on campus allows you to know people and connect with them in a way that you wouldn’t if you didn’t have to.

“What I really like is producing. I love people and I love understanding different people’s skills and bringing them together to create teams. Producers do that because they stay with the story the whole way through. They’re the ones who discover it and find a director. A misconception is that directors are the first people on a movie, but it’s really the producers and they’re usually the last people as well,” says Irby.

“Ambassadors are super outgoing and loud.

Their whole job is to be friends with people they don’t know, so people they do know, imagine how friendly they are with them.

Again, I feel like I am a part of something bigger than myself. It’s great to represent Messiah to people who aren’t a part of this community. I love that responsibility.”

Creating and developing harmonious relationships isn’t simply something Irby hopes to accomplish in the future, but she lives out this value in her day-to-day life here at Messiah.

Opportunities from her first-year work study and the Ambassador program helped her to connect with people from all corners of campus.

“I remember showing up the first day for work. I’d been on campus maybe four days — didn’t know anyone. I walk in and it’s just this odd, eclectic bunch of people thrown together. I felt like I was in the Breakfast Club. I loved it because there was no way I would’ve known them otherwise. Right off the bat — even though we were working, and it was strenuous — it was kind of beautiful.

In contrast to more formal groups, Irby considers herself a part of an ‘underground movement’ happening right here on campus. Monday Night Worship gives students the chance to, well, worship.

“I think I have grown the most from that, spiritually. You just walk in and you feel very safe and comforted. The people who go are encouraging and I leave every Monday like “wow this is the best day ever!” I am so overwhelmed with joy. I can’t say enough about that group.”

In terms of future goals, Irby considers living abroad a definite option. Her family as a whole is quite familiar with the experience.

Six of her seven siblings travel or live in foreign countries for months and years at a time. Some countries include Bosnia, Brazil, Thailand, Japan, China, and Mexico.

PHOTOS AND OBJECTS FROM MELEA'S YEAR SERVING IN SARAJEVO, BOSNIA

One possibility for her is in Bosnia. For the last ten years, her oldest brother has been involved with ministry projects there. By having the chance to visit him a handful of times, Irby is connected to the mission as well as the people.

“Every month or so I’ll text girls that I know there to catch up with them, I just love them. I love languages, so to live in a place where I am privileged enough to have to learn another language and connect with the culture would be the best.”

A more present goal involves living “someplace where there isn’t a big dialect disconnect,” Irby says.

“I’m actually trying to go to London this summer. Part of me thinks I should just buy a ticket and go. That same older sister — the one with the Middle Earth map — is living in London and working for Netflix. God definitely has those doors for me. I don’t know if they are ones to be opened or stay closed. I don’t know what’s planned for me, but I definitely want to live overseas,” she concludes.

The paths we travel may not always be clear-cut and obvious. However, as Irby can testify, our God-given passions can guide our way to live out His best plan for our lives — in our hometowns or across the oceans.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

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CULTURE

BY JOY HAMMOND

D

uring this month of love, let’s not forget about the parents who raised us and people that love us. No matter what kind of bond you have with them, no one has a perfect family. What defines family, though? Is it the people who share the same blood as you? The friends who have stuck by your side through everything?

Valentine’s Day is often filled with love, but it can also be filled with sadness, reminders of loved ones that have passed or reminders that you’re still single. It’s important to remember that there are three types of love in this world: Eros, Agape, and Philos. Eros love is romantic love. Agape love is God’s love. Philos love is friendship love.

“'Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?' And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, 'Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother'” (Matthew 12:48-50).

While you may be seeking out Eros love this season, don’t forget that Agape and Philos love are just as important. God loves you enough to die for you (John 3:16), and your family loves you, too. You may be having a difficult relationship with your parents or siblings, but just remember that God

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put them there in your life for a reason.

God has more than just an earthly family in mind, but a spiritual one as well. It’s full of your brothers and sisters in Christ who will love and support you, no matter how alone you may feel. Even if you are not a Christian, know that you are loved wherever you go.

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices in the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).

CULTURE

PASSION

for

PROTEST B Y A L LY H U F F O R D

PHOTO COURTESY OF STARR NITSCHKE

M

artin Luther King Jr. once said, “The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.” The prominent civil rights activist knew a thing or two about peaceful protests. In the United States today, protests and rallies often occur around relevant social justice issues.

The desire to stand up for what they believe in is instilled in many students at Messiah. This was evident when several students attended the March for Life and the Women’s March on January 18 and January 19, respectively.

The March for Life, which is the largest pro-life event in the world, first took place on January 22, 1974 to commemorate the first anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling, according to the March for Life website. Their mission is to, “end abortion by uniting, educating and mobilizing pro-life people in the public square,” and they envision, “a world where the beauty and dignity of every human life are valued and protected.”

Dr. James LaGrand, professor of American History, attended his first March for Life about six years ago and has attended four since then. When looking back on his previous experiences, LaGrand marvels at not only the vast number of people who attend but also the diversity of those people.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

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CULTURE

"Individually, your voice can [only] say so much; but when huge bands of people come together,

that’s when a movement changes."

“I think the diversity of the pro-life movement is pretty amazing,” LaGrand said. He further explained that people from all age groups, ethnicities, backgrounds and religions attend the march, adding, “[The Right to Life movement] is such a fundamental issue that cuts across all lines.”

LaGrand also takes Messiah students to the March for Life each year. He hopes that students process their experiences and figure out how those experiences translate back on campus.

“I think one of the things that happens, ideally, is that students with similar convictions about the right to life [movement] get to know each other,” LaGrand said. “My sense personally is that on the campus, as a whole, there’s not a lot of reverberations.”

Junior English and Spanish major, Elizabeth Zimmerman, is one of the students who has gone with LaGrand to the March for Life. She started going her freshman year.

“I participate in the March for Life because I think that the lawmakers and the policymakers need to see that there are people who do not believe that abortion should have as much of a place in our society today as it does,” Zimmerman explains.

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FEBRUARY 2019

Starr Nitschke, senior nursing major and the secretary for the Right to Life club on campus, holds similar beliefs. Nitschke said that she was most excited to see the large groups of people who are passionate about the same issue as her.

included actions like sending postcards to senators, taking off work for International Women’s Day, as well as other, more localized events.

According to Elizabeth Zimmerman, the actual march is accompanied by a rally around the National Mall, where prominent people make their speeches. Last year, for example, President Donald Trump, Vice President Mike Pence, and Speaker of the House, Paul Ryan, spoke at the event.

“Individually, your voice can [only] say so much; but when huge bands of people come together, that’s when a movement changes,” Shara Zimmerman says.

Washington D.C. was a busy place on that weekend this past January. The third annual Women’s March took place the day after the March for Life. The first Women’s March took place on January 21, 2017 – the day after Trump’s inauguration. According to their website, “The mission of the Women’s March is to harness the political power of diverse women and their communities to create transformative social change.”

In addition to the initial protest, the Women’s March launched a “10 Actions / 100 Days” campaign. For the first hundred days after the first march, people were encouraged to take part in these actions. According to the Women’s March website, these

Shara Zimmerman, a senior peace and conflict studies major, is passionate about the women’s movement. She views the Women’s March as powerful because of its unity.

With this being her first Women’s March, Shara was most looking forward to seeing not only how many people show up, but also all of the different things that the march represents.

She explained that, in addition to women’s rights, they are also protesting for the LGBTQ community, minorities and immigration, among other things.

A commonality between the March for Life and the Women’s March is the act of peaceful protest – peaceful being the key word.

Shara Zimmerman stressed the importance of peaceful protests, saying that, while they may be underrated, they create more sustainable change.

CULTURE

MARCH FOR LIFE 2019 (PHOTOS BY STARR NITSCHKE)

LaGrand also spoke on this issue, saying that a rotten climate has taken over some campuses as violence comes into play. He warned that some people may feel a sense of self-righteousness or superiority when taking part in protests, and that can be a dangerous hole to fall into.

“The bottom line is this, I think that protests against injustice – and people will view injustice in different ways – is what we’re called to do as human beings, as Christians,” LaGrand said.

At Messiah, many students share similar core beliefs. In the campus’ Confession of Faith, it says, “God instructs us to pursue the kingdom of peace, righteousness and justice, which ultimately will prevail with the return of Christ and assures us that those judged faithful will share resurrected life with God and all the saints forever.”

While this refers to the Heavenly Kingdom, striving towards peace, righteousness and justice can be done on a daily basis. Taking one’s passions and fighting for them through peaceful protest is one way to do that.

WOMEN'S MARCH 2019 (SHARA ZIMMERMAN)

Co-President for the Women’s March, Bob Bland, summed up why many people have the desire to protest: “None of us are truly free until all of us are free.”

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AWARD SHOWS: NOT SO BLACK & WHITE

BY CHARMAINE LIM

#OscarsSoWhite, they asked to touch my hair.

— APRIL REIGN @ReignOfApril

T

hese are the words that sparked a viral Twitter conversation back in 2015. The writer of this tweet, April Reign, wrote it in response to the announcement of that year’s Oscar nominees. In the categories of Best Actor/Actress and Best Supporting Actor/Actress, all the nominees were Caucasian.

The hashtag produced thousands of tweets from other people who were tired of seeing predominantly white actors and actresses being nominated during big film awards shows, like the Golden Globes and the Oscars. Many people on the Internet began calling for more recognition of diversity in film and television.

In the years following, awards shows saw an increase in actors of color being nominated. Cheryl Boone Isaacs, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, instituted several changes to these awards shows. She made a promise to double the membership numbers of women and people of color in the Academy by 2020,

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giving hope to many that these changes will truly come into effect.

Why is this still relevant five years later?

Because the promise of diversity isn’t just about teaching Hollywood to acknowledge diversity, but also for us to realize what that recognition means.

Hattie McDaniel was the first African American to win an Oscar. Her award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in 1939 came 13 years after the Oscars began, also making her the first African American to be nominated for acting. It wasn’t until 1963 that Sidney Poitier would be the first African American man to win Best Actor, and 2001 that Halle Berry became the first African American woman to win Best Actress.

It took 36 years for a black man and 74 years for a black woman to win awards in the biggest acting categories at the Oscars.

If it has taken that long for African American actors to gain recognition for their hard work, isn’t it something we should

CULTURE

“It’s about showing the public that our movies are as diverse as our communities in real life.” be talking more about? Surely, the lack of nominations and wins aren’t for a lack of talent or skill. Yet, we’re so quick to recognize a Caucasian actor or actress for their appearances.

Perhaps this leads to a bigger conversation about casting actors of color for more prominent roles to begin with. Hollywood has seen a recent rise in the casting of colored actors for its big motion pictures, but has it really been enough for us to recognize the immense talent from people who are undoubtedly just as skilled as their Caucasian counterparts?

Constance Wu made headlines in December 2018 for being the first Asian woman in 44 years to be nominated for a Golden Globe in Best Performing Actress in a Musical or Comedy. Wu is no stranger to big records like this, as she is part of the cast of Crazy Rich Asians, which was the first big screen motion pictures in 25 years to feature an all-Asian cast. Though Wu ultimately didn’t win in her category, the recent Golden Globes was marked by a win from the Canadian-born Korean actress, Sandra Oh, in Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Drama.

It has taken decades for people of color to begin gaining recognition for their roles on the big screen, and maybe it’s time for us to think about what that really means.

Certainly, it can be said that there aren’t as many actors of color starring in major Hollywood leading roles, but the last few years have seen a rise in colored actors scoring big roles. Yet, this doesn’t seem to be enough for us to see more diverse actors and actresses being nominated at the Oscars and the Golden Globes.

Another question might be: why is it important for awards shows to be diverse?

Think about it. If we don’t see diversity on screen and diverse people gaining recognition for their work on screen, what is that telling our generation and younger generations about who the accomplished people in the industry are? Are we really about to continue telling children that people of color are less likely to succeed in the media industry simply because of their skin color?

Diversity in awards shows is about more than filling a quota of colored people or proving that nominations “aren’t racist.”

It’s about showing the public that our movies are as diverse as our communities in real life. It’s about creating roles that can be fulfilled by any actor, no matter their race or ethnicity. It’s about recognizing that there is more than one kind of actor who can win a big award each year. And it’s about teaching those younger than us that they can see themselves being represented on the big screen and in award shows.

In 1999, Hilary Swank became the first Hispanic actress to win an Oscar for Best Actress. Before her, Mercedes Ruehl won Best Supporting Actress in 1991. To this day, they are the only two Hispanic actors to have won a major award in the Oscars.

It’s time for us to bring more diversity to our screens and our awards shows. Whether that be supporting movies that feature lead actors of color or calling for Hollywood to open their doors to more actors of color, it’s time for a change. No longer should there be a need for a hashtag that calls to attention how white our awards shows are.

We live in a time where diversity among our people is becoming increasingly common.

It’s time for that to be reflected when we acknowledge the people who help tell stories on the big screens.

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BY CHARMAINE LIM When two people come together in any kind of romantic relationship, it can be a really exciting and fun process. There’s plenty that they can learn from each other, but even more so if they come from difference races and/or cultures.

Interracial and intercultural relationships have changed a lot over the decades.

Dating back to the Biblical times, it was frowned upon for the Israelites to marry outside of their race. When segregation was still a problem in the U.S., interracial relationships were essentially forbidden because it defied the legal separation of the two races. Even now, there are many cultures that prefer their children to “keep the bloodline pure.”

But if you really take the time to think about it, many of us probably have some kind of mixed blood in us from generations of war and moving. Someone could have Irish, Norwegian and German blood, making them a product of an interracial relationship. In this sense, it makes you wonder it sometimes takes us by surprise when we see an interracial couple on the streets.

Back in September 2018, the Multicultural Council held their first panel where they discussed interracial dating and relationships. Among their panelists were students,

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faculty and staff who were all currently in interracial relationships. Together, they talked about what it was like to be in a romantic relationship with someone from a different race and/or culture.

One of the stories shared that night came from Laura Almeida and David Abraham. Almeida, who was born in Brazil and spent a large part of her life growing up in Mozambique, learned to cook her rice with garlic and oil. For Abraham, growing up in the Ivory Coast meant that he learned to cook his rice differently. The two realized their differences when Almeida asked Abraham why he was cooking rice incorrectly, revealing cultural differences in their cooking habits.

The difference that come from being in an interracial relationship go beyond the color of both people’s skin, it also touches on their cultural roots. Two Caucasian people born in the U.S. could still have difference to bring to the relationship if one grew up in New York and the other in Oklahoma.

“It’s important to understand each other’s culture and to be respectful of each other’s cultures,” Gloria Igihozo, chair of the Multicultural Council, said. “We were all raised in different ways, different ideas, different beliefs, and sometimes when you don’t

CULTURE

talk about that, it tends to clash and make people who otherwise love each other, hate each other.”

In 1967, the Supreme Court tried the case of Loving v. Virginia, which charged Richard Loving with a one-year jail sentence for marrying a woman of color. Loving and his wife won the case, successfully ending all race-based legal restrictions on marriage in the country. This victory has since led to a rise in interracial relationships in the U.S. PewResearch released a study in 2017 that looked at the effects of Loving v. Virginia among newlyweds now. Their research showed that one-in-six (17%) of newlyweds in the U.S. were married to someone of a different race or ethnicity. Among the races in the U.S., Asians and Hispanics were the most likely to be intermarried, with approximately 29% of Asians and 27% of Hispanics having a spouse of another race.

With the rise in interracial relationships, couples have also had to learn how to overcome bigger cultural difference that arise.

Belosan Jekale, another panelist, shared some of the problems she faced in overcoming the cultural differences she had with her boyfriend. Originally from Ethiopia, Jekale was raised in a culture where one did not bring a significant other home until marriage was certain. To her, it was normal not to introduce her boyfriend to her family, but for him, a white American, it was strange. Though he did eventually meet Jekale’s family, it was an instance of cultural differences that each of them had to learn to respect.

Of all the metropolitan areas in the U.S., Honolulu currently has the highest rate of interracial marriage (42%), with spouses being of difference races or ethnicities.

Research has shown that areas with a higher racial and ethnic diversity likely contribute to higher numbers of interracial marriages because of a more diverse array of potential partners. The respect of being in a relationship with someone from a

MULTICULTURAL COUNCIL PANELISTS

different race or culture comes from a willingness to learn and understand. Being with someone who comes from a different background allows you to learn new things constantly, broadening your worldview. However, it comes with a conscious effort to be careful not to romanticize being in an interracial relationship for the “exotic” potential.

One of the concluding points among panelists with the Multicultural Council was the importance of open communication between both parties. A willingness to learn about a new culture also played an important role in each of their relationships, allowing them to have a better relationship with their significant other and their family.

The beauty of interracial relationships comes with all of the new experiences and chances to learn. Getting to be part of someone else’s culture is a special thing. It can afford so many opportunities to grow, not only as a couple, but as an individual.

“Although culture plays a big part, at the end, it’s all about love,” Almeida said. “It’s all about two people who love each other coming together and sharing life with each other, just like any other relationship.”

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FERVOR ON

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SPORTS & REC

NICK WEST NAMED NATIONAL PLAYER OF THE YEAR FOR DIII MEN’S SOCCER

AND OFF THE

FIELD

BY BRIAN SHERMEYER

T

he best athletes in the country are not always defined by hard work, teamwork, and faith. However, Nick West, striker of the Messiah College men’s soccer team, displays these three qualities both on and off the pitch.

West feels as though hard work is just something that has been part of his everyday life.

West, who tied the NCAA record for consecutive games with a goal with at least one in 15 straight games, attributes his success to his teammates.

This hard work gives the rest of the men’s soccer team a standard to follow. “He’s a great example for everyone with how hard he works at practice,” says freshman winger Daryll Daniels.

“I had guys around me who are doing a very good job,” says West. “It’s easy to score when you have good guys who are able to set you up and put you in a really good position to score.”

Senior goalkeeper Connor Bell knows that West is the best in the country for a reason.

“Nick is the hardest working player on the field, always,” says Bell. “At practice, in games, off-season running, no one is going to work as hard as Nick. No one is going to do every single little detail as well as Nick.”

“Focusing on hard work is something I’ve always done. It’s hard for me to not be doing anything,” says West.

Bell says that West is the standard that everyone is trying to work towards. “We want to close the gap,” says Bell. “We want Nick to continue leading, but we want everyone else slowly gaining.”

West and the rest of the men’s soccer team emphasizes team over self, as it is one of their core values. “I think the cool part about our program,” says West, “is that we seek the betterment of each other rather than ourselves. We replace team over the individual.”

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"NICK WEST IS NICK WEST because of just how much he

LOVES CHRIST." “We’re all naturally selfish, so to put others before yourself, to put the team first, that’s hard to do,” says Head Coach Brad McCarty. “I think Nick has done that well, and Nick has been a leader on the team.”

McCarty also praised West’s work ethic: “His drive, his determination, and his work rate are the things that make Nick different than other kids.” These are all attributes that a coach wants their team leader to have because that mentality will be infectious across the whole team.

Daniels sees the way West pushes himself and looks up to West as a leader.

“He always stays positive and gives us an example to follow,” says Daniels. “He’s kind of quiet, but he just always shows us what needs to be done.”

One of the things that West does not think many people know about him is how personable he is outside of competition.

“I’m a very intense person on the field. I don’t talk much,” says West.

“I’m laser-focused on what I’m doing. If people saw me on the field, they might be afraid to talk to me off the field. I’d say all of my friends off the field know me as a pretty goofy person.”

West’s competitiveness and focus is not something that is limited to just the soccer pitch, it is something that drives him to do and be better. “Just having the mindset of not being out-competed really helps,” says West. “It doesn’t matter if we’re playing kickball or an NCAA game, I’m going to try to win the best I can.”

The competitive edge of West comes from his passion that Bell says he has about everything in life. “It’s passion about everything he does. In soccer, he’s the most passionate person you’ll meet,” says Bell. “He’s got a passion for life and a passion for doing things really well.”

One of those passions is in his relationship with God. “He’s really passionate about his faith,” says Bell. “He’s super concerned that he takes time every day to devote to his faith, and that he can continue growing that relationship as well.”

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SPORTS & REC

Daniels agrees that West would not be himself without his faith.

“Nick West is Nick West because of just how much he loves Christ,” said Daniels. “What he takes from the Word is how he lives his life and plays soccer and is just how he carries himself.”

West questions where he would be had he chosen either of his top schools in Syracuse or the University of Connecticut. “I really don’t know what kind of person I would be if I went to UConn or Syracuse as opposed to coming here,” says West. “I’ve had so much spiritual and personal growth here. That was a big part of it (coming to Messiah) for me, was that spiritual aspect of Messiah.”

The other big reason that West reasoned as to why he came here were the players.

“The relationships, how much the guys actually care about you, how much the coaching staff actually care about you,” says West. “Being surrounded in that kind of environment really lets you grow in your Christian faith.”

Most people do not know Nick West as this kind of person. Widely known as a great soccer player and scorer, most people do not know who West really is, on and off the pitch.

Bell views West as much more than just a scorer on the pitch.

“Nick does a lot more than just score,” says Bell. “He works really hard to keep the ball for us if we need to. He works to get balls to other people, to make assists, and get other people goals. That’s something I don’t think many people see on the stat line.”

Bell summed West up rather nicely, “He wants to be the best, he trains to be the best, and this season he has proven that he is the best.”

After finishing the season as the NCAA Division III leader in goals scored, West was awarded as the National Player of the Year. He hopes to compete in the USL, the professional league just below the MLS, this year after his graduation in May. He will continue not only his regimen of passionate hard work, but also his passion for Christ as he looks to take on the next level of play.

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BY LILLIAN KASHISHIAN

Meet the students giving back to God the talents He gave them first:

GRACE, PASSION, AND ATHLETIC ARTISTRY.

aving a passion for something means having such a strong desire for it that you have the potential to do amazing things.

From a young age, Acclamation Dance Ministry Artistic Director Jenna Malingowski knew the dance floor held her destiny.

“Every time the commercial for the local youth ballet came on, I would call for my mom to come into the room and scream her name every time,” says Malingowski.

“It went on for a while and when I was in preschool, she got me signed up [for dance lessons]. It has been love from the beginning; a perfect fit of what I was supposed to do.”

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Acclamation is a student-led dance ministry on campus that seeks to give people the opportunity to explore dance, whether they have been dancing for their entire lives or they’re just beginning dance now.

“Everything that we do at Acclamation, we are seeking to be pleasing the Lord and returning all the gifts He has given us back to Him,” says Malingowski.

For Modern 2 teacher, Katie Labrie, dance is not only a passion, but something that helps her express how she is feeling.

“I dance because I love it,” says Labrie. “I love how through Acclamation I’m able to

dance in a form of worship and a form of praise and I’m able to dance with people I love and care about.”

While classes offered by Acclamation vary in style and levels, if an individual wants to challenge themselves by registering for an upper-level course, the instructors will work with you in your journey.

“It’s not about the technique,” says Labrie.

“It’s about you dancing and you praising. If you, in my opinion, are a new dancer but join my class, I’m not going to kick you out.

I’m going to create a dance and create combinations that you can accomplish, but that also offer elements harder for some people or that offer different styles or variations to help you accomplish dancing at your level.

SPORTS & REC The end result is not a competition piece.

We are doing this for God, praise, and because we like it.”

The thing about loving something so much is that while you love it, others may not have the same love that you have. Sometimes, spreading that love can be difficult, especially if one is teaching newer dancers. The trick is to be so enthusiastic that the love for the art influences the room.

“In teaching a class, you have to show enthusiasm and try to make people feel the same way as you do by just sharing it with them,” says Pointe instructor Hannah Barron. “I think the easiest way to make people passionate about something is to be passionate yourself.”

Barron, now a junior, joined Acclamation during her first year at Messiah. Having danced since she was two years old, joining Acclamation gave her the opportunity to continue her dancing career.

is praying and doing a devotional during the first 15 minutes of class. This is just another way they combine the art of dance with their love and passion for God. “It’s very easy to combine my two passions of art and dance because we are using art as a way to worship God,” explains Malingowski. “Every decision that is made is made prayerfully. Making sure that we are listening to God’s guidance and wisdom.”

In the midst of glorifying God, the dancers convey a special athletic artistry.

“Just like when you play [any sport], you have to practice and you have to constantly memorize plays. With dance, it’s very similar. I would consider myself an athletic artist just because of the stamina and endurance it takes to dance and pursue continual dances and back to back dances.”

While finding your passion in life may take you through many hills and valleys, sometimes it just takes trust and faith in God to reach your final destination.

“I think that I am an athletic artist in the means that just like sports teams, we practice, take time to train and learn the different moves,” says Labrie. “We meet every single week, every other day or everyday, and you have to dedicate yourself to practice and repetition.

“We were just dancing, and dancing with people who cared about you and invested in you, not just in furthering your dancing,” recalls Barron. “I can honestly say that the closest friends at Messiah are friends that I met through Acclamation.”

Promoting a no-judgement zone and fellowship with others, the dance ministry strives to honor God. A unique aspect that the dance ministry does every week

For more information on the Acclamation Dance Ministry, visit

ACCLAMATIONDM.COM

PHOTOS BY LACEY REAPSOME PHOTOGRAPHY

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S

BY JOJO KING

IN MAN Y P LACES

around the world, sports are a key staple in everyday life. Despite any language barrier, sports bring people together. From December 27, 2018 to January 8, 2019, the Messiah Women’s Lacrosse team had the opportunity to bring two cultures together through the sport of lacrosse in Nairobi, Kenya.

Lacrosse is an entirely new sport to the country and this includes the development of the very first U-19 Kenyan Women’s Lacrosse teamwith dreams of competing in the 2020 World Championship in Canada.

The women’s team was able to coach and train with the Kenyan U-19 Women’s Lacrosse team, collaborate and inform coaches on how to coach the sport, teach and play lacrosse with primary school children, and volunteer to assist with medical treatment in hopes that the patients could continue participating in sport.

LEFT SPOTTED ON WILDLIFE TOUR / RIGHT HELPING TREAT INFECTED FEET

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The journey began at Eagle’s Point Camp, which was the haven for the U-19 Kenyan team. After arriving for lunch and receiving a warm welcome of song and introductions, both teams joined together to start training.

The Messiah team paired with Kenyan players to work on passing and catching. This session was a short one, but it provided a foundation for how the Messiah team could support and foster growth to the Kenyan team during the next three days.

SPORTS & REC

PREADING HIS LOVE THROUGH

SPORT: KENYA Early the next morning, both teams were up and running a 5k that ended at the top of the mountain with a breathtaking view. For the morning session, parts of the Messiah team went and helped train the coaches on lacrosse basics. The rest of the team played with the girls in drills that were overseen by the founder and head coach of the Kenyan lacrosse team, Storm Trentham. In the afternoon session, Team Messiah and Kenya had the honor of doing a sprint workout and training session with two professional track athletes, Koskei Kiprono and Aron Koech, who have both represented Kenya in the Olympics.

Through the first couple days, the coaches pushed the teams outside of their comfort zones, but both maintained positive attitudes and drove each other to keep doing more. Coach Heather McKay had the honor of granting each coach that came to the clinic certificates for going through the “How to Coach” training. These certificates allow each coach to now be able to provide better coaching for the students on their teams.

As the days moved on, so did the Messiah Women’s Lacrosse team. Packing up the bus, the team made their trek to their next location— Mumias, Kenya. Here the team started on the part of their journey that required medical knowledge. The team took two days to treat children infected with Jiggers.

Jiggers are small bugs that burrow into the feet and latch onto blood vessels. They

cause a lot of pain and prevent the children from participating in sports. As a team, Messiah washed the feet of these children and held them as they soaked their feet in the treatment. This was a huge opportunity for the girls. Many people do not physically help with this treatment and the team had the opportunity to express the love of Christ through their actions in serving these children.

“It was an all-around very humbling experience,” says senior defender, Eliza Lortie. “These kids came to us looking for help and they were so sweet and open to us as complete strangers. It was great to know that because of this treatment they can play sports again. I could not think of a better way to demonstrate God’s love than by washing the feet of His children in Kenya.”

crosse is now an active component in many schools around Kenya with coaches who now possess a deeper understanding of the sport itself.

With their time quickly coming to an end, the team was able to take the last two days and enjoy the sights that Kenya had to offer through a Safari ride.

“Our constant on this trip was the food; we ate the same food every day,” says first-year goalie Heather Burnham. “Other than that, everything changed.

It was amazing – it meant that we were able to focus and be intentional in everything we did. We were able to create opportunities to share the gospel and show the love of Christ through our actions. It was not easy, but it was perfect.”

The trip to Kenya was an experience that left the whole team with a new understanding of another culture and how the Lord can use sports to spread His love.

In the last days, Messiah Women’s Lacrosse was able to witness and play in the start-up tournament that officially brought lacrosse to Kenya. It was a large event with many games and a trophy for the winning team.

The trip was an experience of a lifetime.

Messiah not only had the opportunity to play in the tournament, but they were able to coach as well. Children from the local primary schools came to learn about how to play this new sport. Because of this day, laLEARNING TO HAND-WASH LAUNDRY

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Meet the Managers

BY JENNY YOUNG Student managers are a crucial part of many sports teams at Messiah College. With their dedication, teams run more smoothly and efficiently.

On the 20 NCAA athletic teams that Messiah offers, there are 27 to 30 student managers each year that assist those teams in their everyday function. Student managers generally take care of clocks and equipment at practice, keep the official scorebook at the games, prep uniforms for games and much more, often catering to the needs of the coach and team on a day to day basis.

Working closely with both the team and the coaches, student managers become more than just student workers, they become a part of the team.

As a student manager for the Men’s Basketball team, sophomore Ben Sawczuk has been able to experience the highs and lows of being a part of a sports team.

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He pinpoints his favorite memory of being a part of the men’s basketball team as the student manager as, “last season when Colin Sareyka hit a game-tying three-point shot and got fouled. He converted the and-one free throw attempt to a 101-100 win over Albright College.”

Student managers experience the wins, the losses, the hard practices and games, along with the days that bring exciting victories.

Senior Amber Lehman has been the Women’s Basketball team manager since she was a first-year. During her time as manager, she has come to be good friends with girls on the team.

“I am motivated by supporting the women’s basketball team in any way I can.

The best part of being a student manager is celebrating the team’s accomplishments with them and being part of a team

SPORTS & REC

"Student managers experience the wins, the losses, the hard practices and games, along with the days that bring exciting victories."

BEN SAWCZUK community that is supportive of each individual,” says Lehman.

Atsen Bulus, coach of the Men’s Lacrosse team and supervisor of student managers, accredits, “being proactive and thinking ahead to what the coach will need” as the thing that makes a great student manager. Bulus commends student managers who, “go the extra mile and focus while they are there. Making the most of the time they have while they’re on the field with the team.”

Going above and beyond is what being a student manager is all about.

While being a student manager is a paid position, they put in many hours and sacrifice lots of time to aid the team. Attending all of the team’s home and away games in addition to all the team practices, being a manager is a big commitment to make while pursuing a degree. Coaches often expect that homework and other tasks are already completed outside of practice.

A manager must come ready to dedicate time to the team.

Managing a team also requires balancing school, the team, a social life, work and other clubs and organizations. It is a large dedication and commitment, but it is also rewarding and worthwhile.

Student Manager, Men's Basketball

In addition to the 30 student team managers, there are also about 60 student game day managers in charge of ball running, keeping score boards, preparing the field, and greeting the opposing team, among other responsibilities. These students can be found on the sidelines of all athletic events that are held at Messiah College. Student game managers are overseen by Pat Lightle, Head Coach of the baseball team.

Most team managers got their start from a passion for sports. It may be a connection through a friend who is on the team, a continuation of a passion from high school, a desire to support friends, or just excitement to get involved on campus. Being a team manager is a great way to get involved with athletics and meet lots of new people.

AMBER LEHMAN Student Manager, Women's Basketball

Ben Sawczuk says the biggest challenge of being a team manager has been, “finding time to spend time with people outside of the basketball team.”

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