THE
SWINGING BRIDGE MESSIAH COLLEGE//THE PULSE
Vol. 95 // ED. 2 // September 25, 2014
The Ebola Virus QuEST T
General Education
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Brianna Keener STUDENT WRITER
We do not anticipate this will spread in the U.S. if an infected person is hospitalized here.
he Ebola virus – currently in the worst epidemic of its kind in history – is sweeping the communities of West Africa, bringing severely devastating and often fatal results to its victims.
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Ebola Virus has made appearances in these regions. The darker the red, the more infections.
The Ebola virus made its first appearance in 1976 in both Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Such incidences became nearly nonexistent shortly thereafter, until March of this year. Since the outbreak in Guinea this past spring, the virus has overtaken Central and West Africa, particularly in areas near tropical rainforests.
Change to Enrich Learning By Madeline Crocenzi STUDENT WRITER
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QuEST stands for Qualities Essential for Student Transformation. The mission of QuEST as stated on Messiah’s website is, “to encourage the development of knowledge, skills, and attitudes of intellect, character, and faith that Christians use in lives of service, leadership and reconciliation.”
Originally carried by fruit bats, the virus is transmitted to people now through the blood of infected wild animals, and transferred to humans through interaction. During an Ebola epidemic, those most at risk of contracting the disease are family members or anyone in contact with the infected persons, as well as health care workers. Early symptoms of the disease include sudden fever, extreme weakness, and aching muscles, followed by headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, as well as kidney and liver malfunctions. Although there is not a vaccination as of yet, there is one currently in progress. The most efficient form of treatment, at this time, is complete isolation. Although Ebola is a serious and deadly virus invading West Africa, its presence in the United States is scarce. Americans Dr. Kent Brantly, a medical doctor for the Samaritan’s Purse organization, and his colleague Nancy Writebol both contracted Ebola while serving in Liberia. They were flown back on specialized private planes and were quarantined after their return to the United States. Given no contact with the outside world, both victims spent their days in specialized hospitals, and have
essiah College has upgraded its general education program with the new name QuEST, starting this school year.
Dr. Robin Lauermann, Assistant Dean of General Education and Common Learning, is in charge of the two-year project that is now taking life. She describes the old general education system as one that lacked a clear purpose statement. “QuEST works in line with the see anew campaign, it is a transformative experience. We’ve chosen to lead with the essence of what we do and why we do it,” Lauermann said. QuEST general education courses are broken up into four categories: abilities of the liberal arts, knowledge of the liberal arts, Christian faith, and social responsibility. However, students will have a say in what classes they choose.
now reached the road to recovery. These two individuals are the only Americans known to have this virus. Although Ebola is highly contagious, Dr. Tom Frieden, Director of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says that there is no reason for concern.
“Our system is built on choice,” Lauermann said. “With the exception of a couple courses, students have the ability to choose among an option of approved courses.”
“We do not anticipate this will spread in the U.S. if an infected person is hospitalized here,” he said in a public statement. American hospitals are provided with supplies that will prevent the spread of Ebola.
This new general education system aligns with national best practices. The Association of American Colleges and Universities lists four “essential learning outcomes” as part of the LEAP campaign. The only difference between is the interwoven faith component that is a vital part of QuEST.
Furthermore, there is no reason for alarm here at Messiah, as no students here have contracted the disease. Dr. Louann Zinsmeister, Nursing Professor // Continued on page 3
Image provided by Voice of America News
The Resto Put Waste in House its Place pg. 2
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Fall Tv Premiere pg. 9
// Continued on page 4
A Winning Blueprint pg. 14