Swinging Bridge Magazine: September 2017

30

athlete & activist

m u lt i c u lt u r a l coffeehouse

22 COFFEE,CULTURE, CHRIST turning heartbreak into hope

GLORIA’S STORY

18

SHOULD THEY SPEAK UP?

THE

SWINGING B R I DG E THE PULSE MAGAZINE

12

FOUR PA WS TO D E PE N D ON

campus dogs & m e n t a l h e a lt h

TUNE IN FOR FALCON UPDATE (A NEWS SHOW) FROM 7-7:30 THEN MC-LIVE (A MUSIC SHOW WHERE STUDENT ARTISTS PERFORM) FROM 7:30-8.

MC-77 IS AVAILABLE ON CHANNEL 77 ON CAMPUS CABLE.

MC-77

MC77TV

2 SEPTEMBER 2017

THE

SWINGING B R I DG E VOLU M E 9 8

EDITION 1

STUDENT DIRECTOR MIKAELA MUMMERT

SEPT 2017

ASST. STUDENT DIRECTOR GABBY KURTZ

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BECKY KIMMEL

ART DIRECTOR GRACE DEMMER

ONLINE EDITOR ALYSSA BURD

DESIGN ASSISTANTS LIZZY COLE

STUDENT LIFE EDITOR STEPHANIE BRICKER

CARLY KRAIHANZEL CULTURE EDITOR TARA KLEINMANNS

JACQUE SAUDER

SPORTS & REC EDITOR WILLIE HOPE

AUDIO & VISUAL MANAGER AUSTEN BOWER WEB MANAGER KELLY WEBBER

AUDIO & VISUAL ASSISTANTS BUSINESS MANAGER DAN HUSMANN

MARISA HARRIS & PAUL SMITH

DESIGN MANAGER, CLARION KERRI DENTON

SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER

LETTER from the EDITOR

. . . And

just like that our care-free summer days have been replaced with the hectic pace of back to school. The end of summer is always kind of a bummer, especially being a senior and realizing next summer might not look like beach vacations and countless carefree days. But, at the same time, change is good and sometimes even exciting.

Warm weather is great and being tan is great, but fall is here again and after months of sweating I’m ready to throw on a sweater, feel that crisp fall breeze and drink a pumpkin spice latte, for crying out loud.

That’s a change I can get on board with.

KAITLYN WOLF

This time last year I was hitting the shops up and down the streets of Rome, Italy. Now, I’m hitting the shops up and down the… Capital City Mall?

This is not so much a change I’m a fan of, but I think my credit card probably is.

Monday - Friday | 1pm - 5pm (717) 766-2511 ext. 6081 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 FM, The Clarion yearbook, and The Swinging Bridge Magazine. The Swinging Bridge staff strives to publish quality student writing, photography, and design. To learn about job and volunteer opportunities, email thepulse@messiah.edu.

But, the biggest change in my life right now is adjusting to this new position of Editor-In-Chief. I am so excited about this first magazine and some of the changes that we’ve made. You’ll notice a new cover design and some changes to the content that we really hope you like.

knows me would say I am absolutely dog crazy. I spend a lot of my free time volunteering with a local canine rescue. The unwavering loyalty and trust that I see in all the dogs that come through the doors of the rescue never ceases to amaze me.

Sometimes I think dogs help us more than we could ever help them. I mean just look at that smiling picture of Adi, isn’t that happiness just absolutely contagious?

I think of the riots in Charleston last month and the devastation that Houston still faces from Hurricane Harvey and can’t help but realize that now, maybe more than ever, we as people have a lot to learn from dogs and their way of loving all people without conditions.

So guys, here’s to starting a new semester, to getting into routines that are efficient, but also healthy, and to sometimes reminding ourselves to live life a little bit more like our canine companions. Maybe this semester, we can remember not to dwell on past things we can’t change, but instead, focus on what we can be doing in this moment right now to love those around us - just like dogs.

Enjoy!

This month’s cover story speaks to mental health on college campuses, but also to the power of dogs. Anyone who

Becky Kimmel, Editor-in-Chief

THE SWINGING BRIDGE 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS STUDENT LIFE 6. Campus Closet

8. Fall Road Trips 10. Take Me to Church

CULTURE

18. Gloria’s Story

16. Past Meets Present: Civil Rights Bus Tour

12. Four Paws to Depend On

22. Coffee, Culture, Christ 24. Sage Gives a Voice

17. What You May Have Missed Last Month

SPORTS & REC 26. Meet Kevin Ogden: the New Fitness Center Director

28. What’s Next Field Hockey?

29. Senior Athlete Spotlight: John Krieger

30. Should They Speak Up?

4 SEPTEMBER 2017

01

Celebrate the first day of October with a pumpkin spice latte

02

Create a fall playlist on your favorite music app

03

Enjoy fall break with a road trip to one of our Fall Road Trips

04

B-SIDES Rock out at a free B-Sides concert in the Union

05

GRANDPARENTS DAY Hang out with your grandparents on Messiah’s grandparents day!

OCT

06

LOST FILMS: WONDER WOMAN Grab some popcorn and go see October’s 1st Lost Film: Wonder Woman

OCT

07

SAB EXCURSION Go to Knoebels fair with SAB Excursions

OCT

OCT

OCT

31

BY STEPHANIE BRICKER

18

B-SIDES Kick back and relax at SAB’s B-Sides concert

19

Check out GoMessiah.com for a list of upcoming sports games to show your school spirit!

20

LOST FILMS Check out this week’s Lost Film: Spider-Man Homecoming

21

HOMECOMING Join the Homecoming Whiteout March or jam out at SAB’s Homecoming Coffeehouse

08

POORMAN BLACK BOX THEATRE Catch the last showing of Kindertransport in Climenhaga

22

Pick up a goodie from a local pastry shop

09

Play a game of pick-up volleyball or basketball with friends before it gets too cold outside!

23

Walk along the Breeches and take some ‘gram-worthy fall photos

10

Support small business by shopping at our local communities (Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, Camp Hill)

24

Take shelter from the weather and work out in the new Fitness Center

11

Sit in the presence of God’s creation and read our Two-Minute Devo

25

B-SIDES Catch the last B-Sides concert in the Union!

12

Write a poem, sing a song or draw a sketch to express your creative side

26

Take a few extra minutes to study for that midterm. You can do it!

13

Check out the Pulse’s Spotify playlist for your new jams

OCT

27

LOST FILMS: BABY DRIVER Don’t miss out on the last Lost Film of the month: Baby Driver

14

Admire the fall foliage on campus and off

OCT

28

SAB FALL FEST Check out some fall-themed food and games at SAB’s Fall Fest

15

Join one of the new fitness classes offered by the Falcon Fitness Center!

29

Visit Paulus Orchards and have a hay day in their fall-themed activities

16

Visit a local coffee shop and try a new latte flavor

30

Survive midterms!

17

Be on the lookout for ways to serve, whether with the Agape Center or at your church!

31

Pick up some candy at the store to give to your hall or section mates!

OCT

OCT

OCT

OCT

THINGS TO DO IN

O C T O B E R

THE SWINGING BRIDGE 5

STUDENT LIFE

6 SEPTEMBER 2017

campus closet

STUDENT LIFE

c

BY GABBY KURTZ

oming back to school this fall, there is one thing I know for sure about fashion: stripes are the new black. From thick to thin, vertical to horizontal, they are all the rage and you cannot keep them out of your closet. Stripes can be for everyone, whether you are looking to show your nautical side or just add some flare your fashion.

You can dress them up or dress them down… or literally wear them on a dress. Senior Ellie Rhoads sports a casual blue and white striped shift dress on her first day of class.

E L L IE R H O A D S

“I love how stripes are so simple yet add a new and fun dynamic to any outfit,” she said when I asked about her choice of dress.

She pairs the dress with the classic and comfy Birkenstock style shoe, another great choice for the first day of class. This outfit can be worn to classes or to a night on the town in Grantham.

Some people have other ideas for how they want to wear stripes. I think it is safe to say that guys love stripes almost as much as girls, if not more. Anyone can throw on jeans and a tee in the morning, but junior Kevin Lyon kicks it up a notch with a longer length striped shirt and some classic khakis.

Pairing these two together says “I care… but not too much,” Kevin said.

The stripes add a fun flare to what some may consider an everyday outfit. He takes it to the next level wearing a pair of maroon Nikes - always a crowd favorite.

KEVIN LYON

Then there are the people who consider stripes to be the best accessory. Who knew a fun pair of striped shoes could complete an outfit? Senior Madison Mack does. She seamlessly pulls together a blue criss-cross shirt and pin stripe capris with neutral striped canvas sneakers. These really tie the knot on this summery outfit.

As you can see, this print is clearly angling for a spot in your wardrobe.

Whether it’s a dress, shirt, pants or shoes, stripes are a pattern that will take the spotlight in any outfit.

M A D IS O N M A C K

THE SWINGING BRIDGE 7

FA L L

STUDENT LIFE

PHOTO: PAULUS ORCHARD

PHOTO: BECKY KIMMEL

PHOTO: BECKY KIMMEL

PAULUS ORCHARD DILLSBURG, PA

PINE GROVE FURNACE STATE PARK

GETTYSBURG, PA

Fall is here again and most of us are ready

For those craving some outdoor activities

Gettysburg, PA is the unofficial gem of

to put on a flannel and find some fall ad-

to take in that crisp fall air, Pine Grove

Central Pennsylvania. Not only is it full

venture. Well, look no further than Pau-

Furnace State Park has everything you

of history, but full of fun weekend activ-

lus Orchard. It could be considered a road

need. Get a front row seat to the oak trees

ities as well. Just a 30 minute drive down

trip as it is off campus, but the car ride

turning from a vibrant green to warm

Route 15 and you will find yourself among

will only last about eight minutes. Nestled

golden yellow while you hike along part

the rolling fields of the Gettysburg Battle-

next to Roundtop Mountain Resort, Pau-

of the Appalachian Trail that runs right

field. Stop in a museum or take a tour of

lus Orchard offers apple picking, hayrides,

through the state park. Once you reach

the battlefield, which will be even more

a corn maze, pumpkin patches and the

the top of the renowned “Pole Steeple”

picturesque dotted with the gold and am-

best apple cider donuts you’ll ever try.

trail, Messiah College will be nothing

ber colors of fall in Pennsylvania. Grab a

more than a dot on the vast expanse of

bite to eat at the historic Dobbin House

Pennsylvania landscape before you.

Tavern, where you eat by candlelight and

GARDNERS, PA

servers don 18th century garb. If you are feeling brave, you could even stay for a notorious ghost tour through the battlefields at night.

8

SEPTEMBER 2017

ROAD TRIPS

STUDENT LIFE

BY BECKY KIMMEL

PHOTO: CURT WERNER, DILLSBURG BANNER

PHOTO: GRACE DEMMER

PHOTO: FIELDOFSCREAMS.COM

FARMERS FAIR OCT. 20-21

APPLE HARVEST FESTIVAL OCT. 7-8 & 14-15

FIELD OF SCREAMS

Dillsburg, Pennsylvania is not known

If ever there were a quintessential fall

If Halloween festivities are the plan for

for too many things besides dropping

festival, this might be it. Located in one

your weekend, Field of Screams should

a pickle on New Year’s Eve and the an-

of the highest apple producing regions

be first on the list. About an hour from

nual Farmers Fair. The festivities span

in the eastern United States and about

campus, Field of Screams offers four

the entire week, but Main Street in Dill-

40 minutes from campus, the Apple

“bone-chilling” haunted attractions that

sburg is closed down Friday and Sat-

Harvest festival delivers its share of all

will get your adrenaline pumping. Cel-

urday and filled to the brim with food

things autumn. Whether you’re sitting

ebrating 25 years of operation, Field of

vendors of all varieties. From funnel

on a hale bay listening to a local band,

Screams has added the Nocturnal Waste-

cakes, to turkey legs, to deep fried ore-

sampling apple ciders of all flavors

land to their list of terrifying attractions.

os – you’ll walk away feeling ten times

and varieties, or bidding for a piece of

This accompanies other frightening expe-

happier (and fatter). By Saturday night

this year’s winning apple pie, you will

riences like the Haunted Hayride, Den of

the streets have cleared and made way

feel right at home among locals and

Darkness and Frightmare Asylum.

for the Fantastic Parade - full of march-

tourists alike.

DILLSBURG, PA

ARENDTSVILLE, PA

MOUNTVILLE, PA

ing bands from all over the state and countless floats.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

9

STUDENT LIFE Culture

TAKE ME

Church TO

BY JESSICA HENRY

A

s a college student, it can be overwhelming to pick from a long list of churches and find one that will be the right fit for you. To aid in that process, here is some information about a few churches in the area to help guide your search. Some even provide a shuttle service to the church and back to campus after the service is over. For a complete list of churches in the area, visit pulse.messiah.edu .

GRANTHAM BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH

WESTSHORE EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH

If you are looking for the closest church option, Grantham Brethren in Christ Church is it. The service starts at 10:30 a.m. and is within walking distance of campus. According to first-year applied health science major Carissa Weaver, the congregation is multigenerational and welcoming, and the worship is a mix of contemporary and traditional. “The pastoral staff is genuine and warm; Pastor David is a great guy! There’s just a special family to be found in Grantham—definitely give it a shot,” says Weaver.

This is one of the most popular churches for Messiah students to attend due to its proximity to campus and contemporary worship.

There are two services, the first at 9 a.m. and the second at 10:45 a.m. According to senior education major Madison Mack, you can expect a casually dressed congregation and good teaching. “While there are tons of reasons why I love West Shore, the biggest draw for me is our pastor, Trent Thompson. He does an amazing job of engaging the congregation, talking about real topics and helping to make connections between the text, history and how to apply God’s Word,” says Mack.

421 GRANTHAM ROAD MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 SENIOR PASTOR: DAVID FLOWERS DENOMINATION: BRETHREN IN CHRIST DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS: .1 MILES SHUTTLE SERVICE: NO

1345 WILLIAMS GROVE ROAD MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 SENIOR PASTOR: TRENT THOMPSON DENOMINATION: EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF AMERICA DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS: 3.7 MILES SHUTTLE SERVICE: YES

MECHANICSBURG BRETHREN IN CHRIST CHURCH Another popular option for Messiah students is Mechanicsburg Brethren in Christ Church. Sunday services start at 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Each service is the same, but young adults tend to choose the later time. You can also connect with other young people on Tuesday nights at a worship night and bible study.

1050 SOUTH YORK STREET MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 SENIOR PASTOR: LAYNE LEBO DENOMINATION: BRETHREN IN CHRIST DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS: 2.8 MILES SHUTTLE SERVICE: YES 10

SEPTEMBER 2017

STUDENT Culture LIFE

2DEVO MINUTE

COUNTRY & TOWN BAPTIST CHURCH If you are looking for a more traditional church, check out Country & Town Baptist Church. The 9:00 a.m. service features traditional worship music, while the 10:30 a.m. service features a praise team and band. If you are interested in getting involved beyond a Sunday service, young adult small groups meet during the 9:00 a.m. service, and there are a variety of ways to serve, such as music team or kids ministry.

220 GETTYSBURG PIKE MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 SENIOR PASTOR: BOB HYLTON DENOMINATION: SOUTHERN BAPTIST DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS: 1.3 MILES SHUTTLE SERVICE: YES

CAPITAL AREA CHRISTIAN CHURCH At Capital Area Christian Church you can expect contemporary worship, weekly communion and a message by one of the two main pastors. There are a lot of ways to serve at the church, in the community and even a few opportunities globally. Services are at 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

1775 LAMBS GAP ROAD MECHANICSBURG, PA 17050 SENIOR PASTOR: DON HAMILTON DENOMINATION: NONDENOMINATIONAL DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS: 6.6 MILES SHUTTLE SERVICE: YES

LIVING WATER COMMUNITY CHURCH With multiple community outreach events that happen regularly, in addition to special events, Living Water Community Church looks to reach all segments of the surrounding population. Meaning that if you visit on a Sunday, you can expect a congregation of different ethnicities, generations and socioeconomic statuses. Services on Sunday morning start at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. In keeping with the diverse congregation, worship features a mix of contemporary, folk, blues and black gospel music.

206 OAKLEIGH AVENUE HARRISBURG, PA 17111 LEAD PASTOR: MIKE LEONZO DENOMINATION: NONDENOMINATIONAL DISTANCE FROM CAMPUS: 14 MILES SHUTTLE SERVICE: YES, FOR 11AM SERVICE

BY MARIANNA CAVA

It’s a new semester. Chances are you’re still adjusting, maybe feeling anxious or overwhelmed.

We can easily expend our energy (even on really good things) while we’re actually empty or dealing with hard things on the down-low.

We know we’re not supposed to do this alone, we’re supposed to rely on God. Maybe we pray for Him to come through in our tasks and problems, but we don’t take time to notice who the epicenter of reality is, or how He feels about us. That relationship, that peace and security we’re supposed to have, feels like it’s missing. It can seem like we’re supposed to figure out a way to love and worship God on top of everything else, and our Christianity becomes more like a drain than a source of life.

Really, how do we expect ourselves to rely on God when we don’t make space for Him to support us, to let us know He knows us, to ease our stresses and insecurities, to reassure and heal us? How do we expect to trust one we don’t know?

Unless our first step in anything we undertake this year is opening ourselves up to be loved by God for the sheer pleasure and goodness of it, we can become blind to the reality of the Gospel. Don’t get me wrong, God is immensely interested in our right conduct and our loving him (Matthew 22:37, Micah 6:8), but the Bible gives us insight into how this is supposed to happen.

We love because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

Let yourself be loved before you pass judgment on yourself or do anything else. That’s God’s order of things.

While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

(Romans 5:8)

Take heart in God’s unbridled love.

Let Him make the first move. Know He will if you ask Him to.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

11

STUDENT LIFE

fo u r

PHOTO: BOB WOODRING WITH HIS DOGS ISABELLA & CHLOIE

PAWS

TO 12

SEPTEMBER 2017

D E P E ND

STUDENT LIFE

”

I

BY BECKY KIMMEL

t’s a sunny, fall day on the Messiah College campus.

Students pass a face they have all come to recognize, Bob on his daily walk around campus with his two Huskies, and stop to say hi. They walk a little farther and see Adi playing outside of the Engle Center. She trots over to them, smile wide, ready for a pat on the head. They sit down in class and see a student with her service dog peacefully lying on the ground in front of them. ...And they are better for it.

Bob Woodring, a neighbor to Messiah College, has been walking his two Huskies, Isabella and Chloie, around campus for many years and has become someone many students look forward to seeing just about every day.

“The interaction that happens between the students and dogs is just amazing, and it’s this that inspires me to bring them back as much as possible. Seeing someone down in the dumps and watching that all change to happiness and smiles when they take the time to pet and hug the dogs is just amazing,” says Woodring.

This year, 41 percent of college students across the United States are being treated for anxiety, and 36 percent for depression, according to the American Psychological Association.

ON

Marcelle Giovanetti, a counselor from the Engle Center, says, “Anxiety and depression remain the top two reasons that students seek treatment on college campuses across the United States.”

Going back to school can be stressful, but for some students, stress does not even scratch the surface of what they are feeling.

“It has a lot to do with just how much pressure young people are under now.

When you think about the constant barrage of information that students are constantly bombarded with, you realize we are not living in an environment that necessarily helps you find breaks,” Giovanetti says.

But do you know who does not come with a preconceived set of expectations? Do you know who does not judge no matter what your situation? …a dog.

”

Adi seems to know her purpose is to love everyone she meets. She has an indescribable ability to put people at

Students in college feel pulled in one hundred different directions. They feel pressure to fulfill expectations set by their professors or family members.

They feel the constant need to be accepted by their peers, or risk judgment – or even worse – exclusion.

Adi, the Engle Center dog-in-residence started out as the family pet of nurse Sally Baum. After just a few days of bringing Adi into the Engle Center, it was hard to ignore the effect she had on students.

“Adi is our most intuitive volunteer.

She has helped us to be more of a welcoming environment – many students come in just because a minute with her enhances their day. Those kind of brief feel-good moments aren’t something that we as counselors can provide,” says Giovanetti.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

13

STUDENT LIFE ease. It is true that many students might think they are struggling with some kind of anxiety or depression, but admitting that they need to see a counselor, and then actually making that appointment is the most difficult step.

“After passing out on campus a couple of times and waking up in the dark, alone, my parents and I were on board with the service dog thing,” Bollinger says.

“If you think of what the foundation of a counseling relationship is, it’s trust and it’s creating a safe space, and animals have the ability to do that,” Giovanetti says.

Bahama helps Bollinger navigate through everyday tasks like picking up things that drop and she is even learning to open doors. But her most important job is aiding Bollinger if she does pass out.

Adi has a way of making students feel instantly comfortable, an ability that goes beyond human capabilities. In some ways, she has become one of the biggest draws to the Engle Center.

Students come in for daily hugs, to drop off a new toy for her, to take her for a walk or even when they just need a minute of quiet canine comfort.

Bahama, Bollinger’s service dog, sits by her feet during our interview, never taking her attention away from her owner for more than a few seconds. I can’t help but be moved by the bond I see between the two.

They demonstrate for me on the sidewalk how Bahama will lick her face without stopping until she wakes up, and if that doesn’t help she will lay with her two front paws on Bollinger’s stomach applying pressure . . . And she won’t stop until instructed.

“As we have developed a bond, she can now sense changes in my heart rate and blood pressure and warn me before I am going to pass out. That’s not something we thought she would be able to do when I first got her,” Bollinger says.

While wearing her green vest, Bahama knows it’s time to work, but even when the vest comes off and she is free to run around and play, she still keeps one eye focused on Bollinger.

And Adi takes it all in with a smile wide and a wagging tail.

Kevin Villegas, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs and educator in residence at Messiah, walks his dog Luna around campus and is frequently met with students who are warmed by her presence.

“I remember one student in particular, she was alone when I encountered her, and after petting Luna she said ‘you have no idea how much I needed that,’ which led to a conversation with someone that I probably wouldn’t have had if I was just walking across campus alone that night,” Villegas says.

It is becoming a trend in many office environments across the country to welcome employee dogs into the workplace. This “pet-friendly” revolution has led to proven lower stress levels among employees and even higher retention and satisfaction rates. The presence of a dog can alter the entire workplace environment; Adi is a testament to that.

“So if dogs work well in the workplace, think how much more so in an already stressful academic environment,” says Villegas.

College was becoming an increasingly stressful place for senior, Savannah Bollinger, who struggles with POTS*, an effect of a mild traumatic brain injury, which causes her to faint as a result of blood rushing to her legs when standing up.

PHOTO: SAVANNAH BOLLINGER’S SERVICE DOG BAHAMA

14

SEPTEMBER 2017

STUDENT LIFE “She loves to work even when the vest is off and she won’t go anywhere without me. It’s definitely a bond, but she is also the happiest dog you’ll ever see. We do everything together; she’s spoiled rotten,” says Bollinger.

Bollinger has no clear signs of disability, which makes some people skeptical about her need for a service dog.

And to these people, Bollinger says, “You don’t always have to see the disability to recognize it.”

Whether it’s a service dog to help with tasks that are difficult for their owners, or a therapy dog meant to love and comfort those around them, these animals are inherently therapeutic and contribute significantly to the idea of “self-care,” which many people do not always see the importance of.

Minds Matter is a new executive organization on campus this year and that is exactly what they are passionate about; a holistic approach to wellness that highlights the importance of caring for yourself well so you can care for others well in return.

ds Mat

“Everyone falls somewhere on the spectrum, even if your friends are acting like they are totally okay, it might be a front that we all put up to disguise how we are really feeling,”

Some people might say, it’s just a dog, but Savannah Bollinger would say her dog has saved her life, proof that no matter how successful or how happy, how anxious or how hurt, someone can always benefit from the kind eyes and warm embrace of a canine companion.

E

The restorative nature of dogs means no one has to pretend around them; they accept us as we are and make us better – and happier. That’s evident in the use of

IA H C OLL

EG

ME

SS

Minds Matter uses events, such as Dog Therapy Days, to promote the importance of self-care in hopes of normalizing the dialogue around mental illness.

dogs in prison programs to soften the hearts of inmates, when dogs are paired with war veterans suffering from PTSD, in a therapy dog who simply offers a smile to every student on campus, or in a service dog who knows her purpose is to care well for her owner.

says Libby Sawyer, another member of Minds Matter.

ter

Min

Kelly Striker, president of Minds Matter, says, “I like to think of a cup analogy and you think of yourself as a cup; if you’re empty then you can’t pour into others.”

PHOTO: SAVANNAH BOLLINGER’S SERVICE DOG BAHAMA

Although people often forget, “Self-care is not an indulgence, in fact, it’s a necessity,” says Giovanetti, talking about the importance of The Engle Center caring for students not only in their illness but also in their wellness.

GETTING TO KNOW...

Minds Matter is a new executive organization this year supported by The Engle Center and The Office of Disability Services. As a group, they strive to promote positive mental health among students through different activities and events, while also working to reduce negative stereotypes associated with mental illness.

BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THESE MINDS MATTER EVENTS: 1. Dog Therapy 2. Midterm De-Stress Fest

TIPS FOR BACK TO SCHOOL FROM THE ENGLE CENTER: 1. Set good patterns & routines

3. Finals De-Stress Fest

2. Basics are a priority: 3 meals/day, 7-8 hours of sleep/night

4. And more!

3. Be proactive during stressful times THE SWINGING BRIDGE

15

CULTURE P A S T M E E T S P R E S E N T:

CIVIL RIGHTS BUS TOUR

BY TARA KLEINMANNS

T

his summer, the stories of Messiah students intersected with those of the past as students stood where Civil Rights leaders and participants once did, and experienced history through a compelling lens that came in the form of the Civil Rights bus tour.

The individuals that attended were chosen based on established criteria and a new application process that people such as Kevin Villegas, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs, worked to develop.

“I can implement this into my life by hearing the stories of people around me and putting value in them,” Robinson said.

Events like the bus tour play a key role in shaping individuals who then purposefully influence the campus community. They contribute especially to Messiah’s focus on maturity of intellect, among other things.

“I think one of the values of the tour can be found in what I call the ‘power of place.’ It’s one thing to read about events of the past or to watch a film but to be present in the very places where history unfolded is a deeper level of learning and reflection,” Allen explained.

[ [

Villegas had the privilege of attending last year, and worked to create a more defined selection process for students who wish to participate. The opportunity is currently extended to all student leaders on campus, with “I WOULD RECOMMEND the primary two offers being extended to the Student Body THIS EXPERIENCE TO OTHER President and Vice President of STUDENTS BECAUSE THESE Diversity Affairs.

Why do these two positions get priority?

According to Villegas, “Everything rises and falls on leadership. The Student Body President has the opportunity and ability to cast a vision and shape direction on campus among student leaders.”

ARE STORIES THAT AREN’T IN TEXTBOOKS, BUT ARE SO INCREDIBLY IMPORTANT,” SAYS ROBINSON.

Inviting the VP of Diversity Affairs is equally as important because of the nature of the leadership position. “[The VP of Diversity] is involved in so many committees, and it’s important that they understand advocacy work and being a voice for those who have been historically marginalized,” said Villegas.

Todd Allen, the Special Assistant to the President and Provost for Diversity Affairs, explained the importance of sending Messiah students on a tour like this.

“By equipping those in leadership with an awareness of this history they can better lead and dialogue with their peers on the meaning and relevance of these issues on campus,” Allen said.

Alexis Robinson ‘20, experienced exactly what Allen emphasized about the importance of awareness and interacting with historical events.

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He went on to discuss the importance of students learning about people of a similar age and stage of life who were involved in acts of social justice that transformed society.

“Students get to see parallels to the movement of the 1950s-60s to the issues of the present historical moment,” Allen said.

SAB Vice President and Cultural Engagement Executive, Kate Brock ‘18, commented on these parallels, “Prioritizing the narratives, testimonies, and ethical imperatives presented in Civil Rights era awakens us to examine the systems of oppression and injustice functioning in our society today.”

According to Brock, the Civil Rights bus tour shapes worldviews and has the power to transform campuses like Messiah’s.

She says, “this experience filled me with an imperative to listen and act in boldness, particularly in regards to acknowledging and dismantling white supremacy on our campus. Examining the deep intersections of hatred and power implicit to racism urges me toward justice and reconciliation with each step.”

If these topics interest you, consider enrolling in ‘Rhetoric of the Civil Rights Movement,’ a new class born out of the issues and events described on the tour, which will be offered this upcoming J-Term.

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WHAT YOU MAY HAVE MISSED LAST MONTH (AUGUST)

BY MEGAN HESS The ultimate challenge of BTS (back to school): figuring out what to do with your free time (if you have any, that is). But you don’t have to resort to the same old Netflix show - What You May Have Missed Last Month is here to help! Check out the first picks for fall:

THIS IS HOW IT ALWAYS IS

BY LAURIE FRANKEL

WRITING IN REAL LIFE // ITUNES

As one of the best recommendations I’ve ever taken from a BuzzFeed listicle, This Is How It Always Is sneaks up on its readers. Its unassuming first chapter blooms into a grand tale of familial love and loyalty. Anyone who enjoyed Jodi Picoult’s early novels needs to read this book. A discerning director will snap the film rights up quickly and make a beautiful picture - something The Kids Are All Right-esque - out of it.

Writing in Real Life focuses on “writing, parenthood, publishing, and marriage,” but it’s so much more than that. Co-hosted

by Morgan Baden, vice-president of social media and internal communications at Scholastic, and her husband, novelist Barry Lyga (his latest book, Bang, was featured in last April’s column), WIRL touches on the four big topics mentioned above in addition to pop culture, politics, money, and love. For all who have ever wondered about the realities of being a writer, or being married to one, or just being married, WIRL is a good primer. The “recommended reading” segment that ends each episode is just one of many highlights.

LOCKE AND KEY: THE AUDIO DRAMA // AUDIBLE

OR DIE TRYING: SEASON 1 // YOUTUBE

“Sometimes, a key locks you in ... and sometimes, a key locks you out.”

Messiah alum Sarah Hawkins produces and stars in Or Die Trying, a web series that provides an inside look at four millennial women making their way in the entertainment industry. All eight episodes of its inaugural season are less than ten minutes long, which makes it the binge-watch of the semester.

Ellie, Reagan, Bailey, and Amelia are characters worth rooting for and you’ll love them instantly.

Anticipating the screen adaptation of Locke and Key (which has finally made it out of the shadows of development and into the light of Hulu) brought me time to enjoy Joe Hill’s first (but hopefully not only) graphic novel series about a traumatized family who discovers a set of mysterious - and magical - keys.

Having met Gabriel Rodriguez - the man behind the visuals for Locke and Key - I can’t overstate how his drawings contribute to and enhance the overall narrative of the series, meaning Locke and Key is best enjoyed in its original form first. Without the artwork, the punch is dulled in certain moments of the audio drama. However, it’s still a high-class rendering of the series.

(There’s a reason - besides his star power - that Haley Joel Osment, who voices troubled teen killer Sam Lesser, is featured in the trailer.)

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Gloria’s Story I

n a society where so much of our news on local, national, even global scales is dictated by controversy, pain and suffering, many students may find it difficult to engage in the world around them and take action when they see need in the community. Some may choose to avoid certain situations altogether. But others come alive with these chances to shine—maybe even glow.

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G

BY ALYSSA BURD & GLORIA IGIHOZO

loria “Glo” Igihozo

is a senior biochemistry major who came to the United States from Rwanda in 2015. This is her story.

“There was a genocide [in Rwanda] in 1994, and half of my family died in that genocide. So, I was born in a post-genocide nation to parents living with scars. I didn’t really have a rough childhood, but from a young age I learned the evils of humanity and how humans are capable of being animals, in a way.

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My mom is a wonderful woman. Actually, I learned social justice from her— she’s an advocate for gender equality.

When the genocide was happening, the world was watching and nobody was doing anything about it. Because of that, a lot of the people that I know still walk around with scars of the past.

But her family was killed in April, so every April she would turn dark. She would walk around oblivious to the fact that there were people there. She was [lost] in her thoughts. I had to watch her withdraw from the world because she was still living with so much pain.

I was forced to grow up pretty early because my mom was a single parent.

What happened in the genocide affected both of my parents; my mom’s way of dealing with pain was working a lot, but my dad’s way of dealing with pain was drinking—and that drew them apart.

I had to watch my mom cry silently at night, and I couldn’t do anything because I could not imagine what she had been through. From watching that at a young age, I swore to myself that I was going to make sure no one went through that again. I swore to myself in bed one night that I was going to be an advocate for human rights. Wherever I ended up, I told myself that I would make sure that I still spoke out.

The genocide was planned—they had lists of people to kill. My dad was a university professor so he was definitely on the list of people to kill because they thought, let’s start with the people who are educated—because people who are educated are a threat to society. [The genocide wiped our country of lawyers, doctors, and professors.] Women had to take up those roles because most of the men were killed.

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I remember when I was kid we went to the doctor. I think I had an infection, but the healthcare system was so bad that nobody cared to check for allergies—so I was injected with a medication that I was allergic to and almost died. I always say that healthcare is the cornerstone of society because if we’re not healthy, nothing is going to get done. That’s when I thought my path in life was to be a doctor.

how I can better serve my community—how can I use my skills, what I already have, to improve on what is happening. My mom is a politician now.

I always say that if it were not for my mom, if it were not for the pain that she went through, if it were not for the sacrifices that she has made, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Seeing how much she has accomplished and how many lives she has changed has been a catalyst for me when making the small decisions about my life.

I thought to myself, I’m going to go to medical school, graduate, go back home, work as a doctor, and everything is going to be perfect.

One thing that I do commend my country for is getting back on their feet. The healthcare that we had when I was growing up is not the same healthcare we have now.

I love my home, but I [don’t feel as] needed there anymore because the problem that I saw is not [as prevalent]. I always say that God used that to show me where to go. So I decided pretty recently that when I do get my medical degree, I am not going back home and I’m not staying in America—I decided that I could better serve in a place that is in the midst of a war.

In places like the Congo or South Sudan there is a lot of political tension, but [people don’t often] pay attention to the fact that there isn’t any basic healthcare. I decided that when I get my medical degree, I’m going in as an advocate for basic healthcare and preventative healthcare rather than coming in as a doctor [whose purpose is to save]. That’s something that I’ve had to pray for a lot.

Once you decide to go to a place where nobody wants to go, there’s a lot of people that are going to say that you’re crazy. If you go in without strength or a really clear idea of why you’re there, you tend to burn out pretty quickly.

My childhood made me look around and see what needs to be done and THE SWINGING BRIDGE

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C O F F E E,

Culture CHRIST

BY TARA KLEINMANNS

,

PHOTO: STUDENT BODY PRES. JAMIE CLAIRE AND OWEN MCCULLUM

D

iversity is a topic that’s grown in significance on Messiah’s campus in the past few years. If you had the privilege of coming to campus a little early this semester, you might have had the opportunity to witness one of the first on-campus events that promoted unity and diversity in a new and exciting way.

This year, Messiah College allowed multicultural students and students of color to move in a day early as part of a new training and orientation program. This initiative was modeled after the early arrival of international students and stemmed from student feedback. In hopes that it might help develop a stronger sense of belonging, underrepresented student populations could arrive before the rest of the campus community and acquaint themselves with one another.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: JOHN JR. MNGODO, DANIEL BAKER, KELLY SHEA, JOSH SONG

As a way of welcoming students into the Messiah College community, a special multicultural coffeehouse was held in Larsen Student Union, giving them the chance to quite literally have their voices and passions heard by peers.

Scott Hwang, assistant director of Multicultural Student Programs, noted that the International Student Coffeehouse happens every year, but this year was the first in which underrepresented students from the U.S. were given the opportunity as well.

The hope was that Coffeehouse would give students a chance to get comfortable with one another and meet some upperclassmen before the official start of the school year.

“I hope students who performed and observed were able to feel like they were a part of the Messiah Community and that they have a place here, no matter where they are coming from,” Hwang says.

“It gave [new students] the opportunity to familiarize themselves with us and our playfulness and humor. People don’t always get to see the lighthearted side of MCC because of the heavy topics that we discuss in meetings, so I think our performance gave them the opportunity to see us outside of those hard, but necessary, conversations,” Rosier says.

The atmosphere was charged with energy and support.

Students were given the chance to come up and perform as they felt led, and were supported by peers whether known by them or not.

SHEA SAYS, “THE HOLY SPIRIT SHOWED UP AND TRANSFORMED THE EVENING’S PURPOSE. IT TRULY BECAME A NIGHT OF ENCOURAGEMENT AND WORSHIP, AND IT WAS AN HONOR TO BE THERE AND LEARN FROM A PORTION OF THIS YEAR’S STUDENT BODY.”

The evening involved various acts from members of the Black Student Union, African Student Union, La Alianza Latina and other individual performances. The event quickly turned into a beautiful night of worship where the glorification of God was evident from start to finish. Students from all backgrounds, countries, nations, and walks of life came together to showcase their talents and praise God for the opportunity to do so.

Esther Rosier, president of Black Student Union, viewed coffeehouse as an opportunity for Messiah’s Multicultural Council to make connections and a memorable first impression on campus.

Worship Chaplain, Kelly Shea, took the stage at one point to encourage peers to maintain their energy and personal expression throughout the school year.

“The whole room celebrated one another together, and I was humbled as it occurred to me what a beautiful glimpse of heaven that was,” Shea says.

This coffeehouse was a beautiful reminder of how fluidly faith and everyday life intertwine. The question of how best to engage popular culture while also promoting Christ-like faith and behavior is one that plagues many Christian campuses, but this evening proved that the intersection can, in fact, be seamless.

Multicultural coffeehouse reemphasized the “here and now” theme of Welcome Week for 2017, as the atmosphere was characterized by a sense of diversity but also belonging, support, and celebration of living life in the moment together.

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SAGE GIVES A VOICE

BY STEPHANIE BRICKER

S

ay hello to SAGE, the new sexuality education program on campus. As issues of sexual ethics and gender identity have risen to the forefront of conversation both inside and outside of Christian circles, SAGE was formed to provide safe opportunities to find education and care surrounding these issues at Messiah College.

The three facets, SAGE Prism, SAGE Care and SAGE Events, will work together to open up a discussion of sexual ethics for all Messiah students and bring awareness and light to issues that can sometimes be pushed aside.

Although the title “SAGE” is new to Messiah this year, the College has always had a mission to educate and equip students in all facets of Christian life – this includes the broad themes of sexuality and gender. SAGE aims to make these educational opportunities more

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obtainable and available to students all over campus.

that the groups, meetings and events are run by students and for students.

Kevin Villegas, director of Student Involvement and Leadership Programs at Messiah, describes SAGE as Messiah’s “next step” toward improving sexual education on campus.

SAGE Prism, one of the facets of the new program, creates accessible, student-run events and gatherings where anyone can have open conversation about sexuality issues, particularly LGBT+ matters.

“[SAGE] is really a realignment and rebranding of what we’ve been doing for years around educating within the themes of sexuality and gender. Replacing the former 6th Day Sexuality programming, SAGE places a greater emphasis on collaboration across campus, and on developing student leaders to foster healthy and informed dialogue on matters related to sexuality and gender,” he says.

Carly Laird, SAGE Prism student leader, oversees many of the activities SAGE has to offer and leads Prism’s monthly meetings.

Although SAGE is continuing many programs that were available with 6th Day Sexuality, the emphasis with SAGE is

Laird says, “I’m really excited to be reaching out to the student body this year in a new way and having the chance to educate them, and dialogue with them about issues concerning gender, sexuality, and the LGBT+ community on campus. Our goals are definitely to create a safe space for dialogue around these issues and to provide resources for LGBT+ students all across the spectrum.”

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diversity affairs, will work with SAGE Events to plan gatherings where students all over campus can get involved with the mission of SAGE and have a chance to participate in the types of conversations SAGE is promoting.

Josiah Hatfield, resident director and faculty advisor for SAGE Prism, says he’s looking forward to opening up important and productive discussions about sexuality issues through SAGE Prism’s groups and activities.

“As I interact with the Messiah community,” he says, “I find that students and educators both step into conversations on sexuality with varying levels of comfort, experience and passion. Unfortunately, I think we as Christians can sometimes avoid having these uncomfortable conversations.”

Hatfield is hoping that, with SAGE, students have a new opportunity to talk empathetically with those who have different views than their own.

And through this, students will learn to graciously understand one another’s convictions.

SAGE Care specializes in options for students who are looking for personal counsel. As the SAGE Care Student Coordinator Caitlyn Fong will help connect students with a group or counselor directly related to their area of need.

Mike Blount, Engle Center liaison for SAGE Care, says, “SAGE Care provides individualized and group holistic care and support for students in a variety of confidential settings on matters related to sexuality and gender.”

SAGE Care also has a variety of groups that meet regularly to discuss these issues, including RISE, MAP and The Journey Group.

RISE and MAP are groups designed for men and women recovering from porn and sexual addiction. RISE (Realigning Intimacy and Sexual Expression) is for women, while MAP (Men Against Porn) has the same mission, but is geared towards men.

The Journey Group has two different meeting times for men and women as well. Both help students recovering from sexual abuse with open dialogue and group support.

SAGE Events provides larger opportunities for students who are interested in the mission of SAGE. Kelly Hopkins, SGA vice president for PHOTO: GRACE DEMMER

Hannah McBride, SAGE Events advisor, is encouraged to see Messiah taking steps to educate campus on issues of sexuality.

“I am thrilled that Messiah has been investing in promoting education about healthy sexuality and holistic development. I believe it is a necessary part of education and growth in self-awareness and, at times, lacking in faith-based communities, so I love seeing that prioritized here,” she says.

With the range of opportunities that SAGE offers, McBride hopes that students can find themselves getting involved with one of the branches of the program, depending upon their personal need.

All of the staff and student leaders involved with SAGE are excited by the potential SAGE has to grow on campus this year, and the new awareness it will bring to difficult subjects. They hope that with each of these facets, students will get the help and support they need to discuss these issues that can sometimes feel challenging or uncomfortable.

More importantly, SAGE will give students the tools and tips they need to connect their sexuality with their faith and to give and get support from fellow believers. All SAGE programs are designed to model proper conversation and appropriate discussion about sexuality, with an emphasis on empowering students and student leaders on campus.

“It is difficult, and at times tricky, to diversify education and offer opportunities for different perspectives to be heard,” McBride says, “but I believe it is a really valuable endeavor.”

Still have questions? No problem. For further information and answers to FAQ’s, please visit www.messiah.edu/sage.

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KEVIN OGDEN

SPORTS & REC

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SPORTS & REC

MEET

KEVIN OGDEN: T H E NE W F I T NESS CEN T ER D I RECT O R

BY ALYSSA BURD

T

h ere has been one thing on just about every Messiah student’s mind, and lips, these past few semesters. . . and that’s the long awaited Falcon Fitness Center.

Finally complete and measuring in at 14,000 square feet, the new facility features state-of-the-art cardio and strength training equipment as well as new opportunities for students to engage in exercise and wellness through individual and group activity.

With the grand scale excitement it has brought to the campus community, one may wonder how Messiah will manage everything housed under the new facility’s roof. That’s where Kevin Ogden, Messiah’s new fitness center director, steps in.

“I kind of heard just rumblings of like, ‘new fitness center, someone might be hired to run it, we don’t know.’ It was just up and down—maybe it’s going to be run, maybe it’s not going to be run. But finally, the job just posted in March or April, and I applied and interviewed, and here I am,” Ogden says.

Originally a New England native, Ogden graduated from Messiah in 2014 with a degree in health and exercise science. After leaving Messiah, he accepted a position at Results Therapy and Fitness in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania where he gained experience working with the hospital system.

Ogden also worked with local high schools in strength and conditioning, geriatrics, wellness talks and community screenings, all while teaching as an adjunct professor at Messiah last year in the Applied Health Science Department.

Even before Ogden attended Messiah, he has always had a passion for exercise and physical activity.

“I know exercise is amazing and I love exercise, and I have a passion to tell people how to exercise,” Ogden says. “I played basketball in high school, which was cool. I didn’t

play a sport when I went to school [at Messiah], I was just involved in the intramurals and staying active. My passion is outdoor sports like rock climbing and mountain biking, and even just hiking on the weekends.”

“It was never hard to get myself in the weight room. Just learning about the body and just how it works and how uniquely God made us, it was super cool, so it kind of all fit together,” Ogden says.

Ogden has supplemented his passion for exercise with a variety of professional experiences that he believes have helped prepare him for his new role at Messiah—he even had the opportunity to serve as a summer intern with the Boston Celtics.

Under the supervision of the Celtics’ former strength and conditioning coach, Bryan Doo, Ogden got the chance to develop his skills and learn more about training for team sports, and strength and conditioning applications.

Additionally, Ogden’s internship with the Celtics and his other work experiences have provided him with the opportunity to develop and share his faith with others.

“I’m a big believer that faith needs to be the underlying on absolutely everything,” Ogden says. “I try as best I can to not shy away from talking about my faith. I just try to have faith conversations whenever they come up and never really force them, but often times they come up because, naturally, we draw towards them because that’s what we’re created for.”

During the construction of the fitness center, many students and faculty members were excited to see how the new addition to campus would impact the concept of community that Messiah is so firmly rooted in—Ogden himself has shared in this excitement and now looks forward to making the Messiah community even stronger.

“I want to make this a fitness center for the entire student-body on campus,” says Ogden. “That is one of the most important things to me, that nobody feels like, ‘Yeah, I can’t go in there and find something for me.’ I’m really excited now to interact with students and have conversations, working with athletic teams or teaching a group exercise class, and as well, just being a witness and furthering His kingdom.”

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WHAT’S FIELD NEXT HOCKEY

BY WILLIE HOPE, III

PHOTO: MESSIAH COLLEGE ATHLETICS

T

hey tied the program record in wins with 22 last year – undefeated against all NCAA Division III opponents. They fought through the snow in New York to win the program’s first ever, National Championship after eight failed attempts.

How can a program top their best year in history? The bright lights are on for Messiah field hockey.

“There is absolutely a certain sense of pressure to defend the title. We always talk about trying to minimize it,” says Head Coach Brooke Good, who was named the National Field Hockey Coaches Association Coach of the Year after last year, the first in program history.

“My biggest concern would probably be people putting unnecessary pressure on themselves,” senior forward Emily Rubright says. “It is an incredible blessing to be able to say that we earned the program’s first National Championship, but this is a new year, and we start with a clean slate.”

Along with that pressure comes every other team in the nation gunning for the number one team in the nation.

“We realize that we have a huge target on our backs going into this season and everyone is going to be out to get us,” says senior forward and three-time All-American Carissa Gehman. “Because that’s the case, we are going to take every single game and treat it like a big game because we know our opponents will.”

To accomplish success, Good calls on her team to stay focused in the present, and for her seniors to lead.

“At Messiah, it’s about so much more than the National Championship. We try to focus on the daily stuff, doing the little things well,” Good says. “Senior year is often very self-focused, but we’re asking our seniors to be team-focused. We need seniors coming alongside the underclassmen, helping them build their skill set and grow so that the next group is ready.”

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“

The easy part for Good is that her seniors are up to the challenge.

“I feel like personally, and as a whole group, we put emphasis on playing for God’s glory rather than for our own,” Rubright says. “I think that the team culture of unity and family that we intentionally created is something that can only continue to grow, and I feel like our senior class took ownership of that.”

”

“I want to leave a legacy of confidence. Going into the National Championship game last year we felt like our program was the underdog because we did not have a championship,” Gehman adds.

“Now that we finally achieved that goal I hope that the program can look back to the 2016 season as a confidence booster.”

The Falcons have their work cut out for them, with most of their top tier games on the road, but the Falcons are ready for the challenge.

“No matter the opponent we are going to give each game our all,” Gehman says.

“We play to glorify God and if we truly play for that, then there is no pressure,” says Rubright.

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SENIOR ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

BY LILLIAN KASHISHIAN

“I

can still see the game in my head,” Krieger says. “The Sabres ended up winning in overtime, and it was just an unreal feeling. That feeling made me really fall in love with the sport and I’ve loved it ever since.”

Last season was the first time the men’s hockey team played in the Delaware Valley Collegiate Hockey Conference. Facing financial adversity and other instabilities, the team needed a little bit of faith and a lot of heart.

John Krieger, a senior captain of the men’s club ice hockey team, began playing when he was in kindergarten. Krieger took a few years off from the sport in elementary school but rediscovered his love for the game when he and his father attended a Buffalo Sabres playoff game in 2007.

“We left it up to God,” Krieger explains.

“We didn’t have the best success, record wise, but it was great to watch some of the guys develop their skills. We had great team bonds, and everyone just loved playing with each other.”

Every few years, Messiah releases averages of factors affecting academic performance. According to the results from 2012, 29 percent of students attending Messiah reported that stress was a factor affecting their academic performance. Athletics have the unique ability to serve as an escape from reality for many students.

“Anytime I’m feeling down or stressed out, we have hockey coming up at some point, and I always have that to look forward to. As soon as I step out onto the ice everything else disappears. That’s why I love the game so much,” says Krieger.

Krieger has been able to pass his love for the game down to his teammates.

“Last season was very tough, but John’s leadership, spirit, and passion for the game inspired me and the rest of the team to be persistent and never give up, no matter the circumstance,” says Tim Klaczak, a junior on the ice hockey team.

PHOTO: MESSIAH COLLEGE ICE HOCKEY

“I want to help lay the groundwork and give the younger guys something to believe in, moving forward,” Krieger says.

After Messiah, he hopes to follow his heart to the business side of the NHL. Make sure to check out Krieger and the rest of the ice hockey team this year.

Even though he won’t be a part of the team next year, Krieger still wants to see them succeed.

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SHOULD THEY SPEAK UP

SHOULD THEY SPEAK UP

SHOULD THEY SPEAK UP?

BY WILLIE HOPE, III

UP

SH TH SPE

W

HAT ARE THE FIRST WORDS THAT COME TO

MIND WHEN YOU HEAR THE NAME COLIN

KAEPERNICK? IS IT RESPECT? OR CONFUSION AND HATRED? SHOULD HE BE DOING WHAT HE’S DOING? OR

SHOULD HE SHUT HIS MOUTH AND TRY TO REGAIN HIS EMPLOYMENT?

“I am not going to stand up to show pride in a flag for a country that oppresses black people and people of color,” Kaepernick said, according to NFL.com after his protest. “To me, this is bigger than football, and it would be selfish on my part to look the other way. There are bodies in the street and people getting paid leave and getting away with murder.”

Since that moment, his protest has created the ongoing debate: what are athletes to do when social issues arise? Are they obligated to speak out?

For Atsen Bulus, head lacrosse coach, the answer was simple: “Absolutely.” Bulus, who is currently the only African-American head coach at Messiah, explains an athlete’s life as DNA. “There are three parts of an athlete’s being: physical, spiritual and social. It’s part of your DNA as an athlete. You can’t call it DNA without all three parts of the helix,” he says.

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PHOTO: COACH BROOKE GOOD | MESSIAH COLLEGE ATHLETICS

Kaepernick made national news headlines over a year ago on August 26th when he first knelt for the National Anthem during a preseason game against the Green Bay Packers.

SPORTS & REC

PHOTO: ATSEN BULUS AND TEAM | MESSIAH COLLEGE ATHLETICS

While he and his team traveled to Panama before the start of school, Bulus was able to discuss these issues with his team, which is predominately white.

“If a student speaks out about a social issue, it should be a part of his life, and coaches should support that,” Bulus explains.

Of course, some people don’t see it the same way Bulus does. For his kneeling protests, Kaepernick received backlash in the form of hatred from fans and media outlets and even death threats.

“99 percent of people would say cops shouldn’t wrongfully kill black people and white supremacy is ignorant and arrogant,” senior basketball player David Stecz adds, “but somehow when a story comes out, everyone’s on different sides.”

Evidence of this divide can be found on any social media platform where race issues and Kaepernick collide in heated debates.

And mainstream media covers issues on the matter every day. But if people fundamentally believe the same thing about the evils of the world, as Stecz pointed out, why does it seem that we end up on different sides every time?

Coach Bulus believes it’s because we aren’t interconnected with one another.

“If you have that one black friend, that’s not living an interconnected life - we create

excuses for that one person, that’s not what Christ called us into,” Bulus says. “With Colin Kaepernick, I think it’s a bunch of people who aren’t empathetic to what he’s going through because they aren’t interconnected.”

Bulus took an even more direct stance on the problem.

Hearing that from a black man and the only black head coach on campus is one thing, but hearing it from Coach Brooke Good is different.

“The Bible calls us to have a heart for the least of those. Kaepernick has a heart for the least of those – those who are being shot in the back. He’s coming closer to doing what the Bible is asking of us than anyone who is not in the NFL right now.”

“He doesn’t have a job in a field he’s prepared for because he had an opinion that is unfavorable to those in charge,” Good comments.

While Good doesn’t face the same battle that Bulus does, she still understands being interconnected and adjacent with those that are different than she is.

“At times, there are not enough people fighting for social justice because we’re caught up in our own little space,” Good says.

Without being adjacent and truly engaging in the life of a minority, both coaches agree that it’s no wonder why the divide grows.

“I think people fear looking at themselves in the mirror and asking ‘what are my biases?’” Good continues. “We have to have the need to battle those biases. Most people fear what they see in the mirror when they have those biases.”

“The Christian community is a part of it too,” Bulus says. “We say he’s disrespecting the country, but where is our allegiance?”

Other athletes agree with living life adjacent to their teammates, especially those who are minorities. Basketball student assistant Michael Caswell reflects on when Kaepernick first took a knee.

“At first I thought it was stupid,” Caswell says, “but then talking to [my teammates] who are minorities, they said ‘tell me a better way to do it then,’ and I couldn’t think of a better way to protest.”

Speaking out against social issues as a public figure is their responsibility, according to these coaches and student-athletes. So what are your feelings on athletes speaking out? And even more, how can we get any better as a civilization without those in the public eye speaking out against injustice?

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OUR MISSION...

Promote honest journalism Provide timely and accurate news Act as an outlet for student voices and perspectives Help students gain skills in newswriting, radio, design, communication, and more.

Open Hours Monday-Friday 1 - 5 pm 717-691-6081 facebook.com/MessiahPulse twitter.com/MessiahPulse