Swinging Bridge Magazine: February 2021 by Messiah Pulse

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THE PULSE MAGAZINE

JOB SEARCH ENERGY BITES

STARTING THE

HOMEMADE

TIMELY MD

FEBRUARY 2021

EATING DISORDERS IN COLLEGE ATHLETES Dangerous and prevalent

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THE

SWINGING B R I DG E VOLU M E 1 1 5

EDITION 21

LETTER FROM THE

FEB 2021

STUDENT DIRECTOR

ASST. STUDENT DIRECTOR

AMY LINT

EMILIE RUSH

e finally made it into a new year and new semester. With a new year comes new goals, new hope and new beginnings. After the 2020 we had, we all need a little bit of this. With the COVID-19 pandemic, we all know somebody who has been affected in some way or another.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF BRIAN SHERMEYER MAGAZINE MANAGER CORINNE YOUNGBERG

COVER ART THOUGHT CATALOG ON UNSPLASH

STUDENT LIFE EDITOR

CULTURE EDITOR

SPORTS EDITOR

KAITLIN MERLINO

JUDY KYEI-POKU

JULIA MARY REGISTER

BUSINESS MANAGER

BRAND MANAGER

WEB MANAGER

TAYLOR GIBSON

ANDRE FRUEH

WESLEY CHEAH

YEARBOOK MANAGER CAROLINE HOLMES

RADIO MANAGER NOLAN HOGENBOOM

DESIGN ASSISTANT SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER CASSIDY BARLOCK SHANNON BILLINGTON AUDIO & VISUAL MANAGER LIAM FITZSIMMONS

EDITOR

MUSIC PROGRAMMER RAVI AHUJA

1 UNIVERSITY AVE SUITE 3058 MECHANICSBURG, PA 17055 (Downstairs South Wing of the Larsen Student Union) The Swinging Bridge Magazine is published through The Pulse: Messiah University Media Hub, run by students. The Pulse consists of Pulse Radio (90.7), The Clarion yearbook, and The Swinging Bridge Magazine. The Swinging Bridge staff strives to publish quality student writing, photography, and design.

THE HEARTBEAT OF MESSIAH UNIVERSITY

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

In my last semester, I aspire to bring a smile to people’s faces everyday. While I might not be able to see the smiles because of masks, I can still enjoy a good laugh or even just a friendly conversation. The relationships I have formed with students and faculty are what I will miss more than anything once I graduate. While people continue to lose friends, family and experiences, it is imperative that we heed the words of Jesus when he told us, “Mourn with those who mourn.” This will make you a better friend, father or mother, husband or wife and a better person by showing that you are there for others, specifically when they need you. Let us be there for one another throughout this semester. Here’s to a good 2021. Soak it in,

Brian Shermeyer Editor-In-Chief

TABLE

CONTENTS

STUDENT LIFE 7

CULTURE 15

SPORTS & HEALTH 17

BREAKS AND DE-STRESSORS

RETURNING ATHLETES TO THEIR PEAK

CAMPUS CLOSET ATHLETE EDITION

NEW SEMESTER TIPS

STARTING THE JOB SEARCH

TIMELY MD

HOW THE CPDC CAN HELP YOU

MESSIAH CREATES TELEHEALTH PORTAL

STRESS FREE SEMESTER

THE COVID VACCINE AND THE COLLEGE CAMPUS HOPE IS IN THE FUTURE

CAPITOL RIOT

A HOUSE DIVIDED

ON CAMPUS EVENTS

NEW WAYS OF INTERACTION FOR CLUBS ON CAMPUS

ATHLETIC TRAINERS FEATURE

EATING DISORDERS IN COLLEGE ATHLETES

DANGEROUS AND PREVALENT

SHAY QUINTON: FROM ATHLETE TO COACH THE NATURAL NEXT STEP IN HIS JOURNEY

KP QUIZ

GET TO KNOW THE PRESIDENT

HOMEMADE ENERGY BITES

NICOLE BENNER - MESSIAH’S ON-CAMPUS NUTRITIONIST SHE IS HERE FOR YOU

FEBRUARY 2021

STUDENT LIFE

CAMPUS CLOSET

ATHELETE EDITION BY KAITLIN MERLINO AND JULIA MARY REGISTER

Mackenzie Williams, senior, dance and business administration major As a dance major who lives an active lifestyle, Mackenzie Williams’ main concern is comfort. Comfort over fashion is her clothing philosophy. Williams’ daily routine consists of taking and teaching dance classes, which means her clothes need to move and breathe with her. “I want to feel confident when I move and not worry about what I look like,” she said. Williams is most comfortable in leggings or sweatpants everyday so she is prepared for whatever the day has to offer.

“The top is very breathable, it feels so light and not restricting at all but you can still see the figure for dance,” Williams said.

Two of her favorite brands of activewear to move in are Fabletics and Old Navy. Featured here is an Old Navy long sleeve top and Fabletics sweatpants.

Williams’ favorite part of any outfit, however, is the pants. Here she shows off her fashionable side in uniquely designed sweatpants. She encourages others to try different colored and patterned pants besides black because “you can show your personality through your pants.” One reason Williams loves Fabletics pants so much is because they are moisture-wicking, meaning you can’t see the sweat during a workout. Athletes are able to wear lighter-colored leggings and sweatpants from Fabletics and not feel self-conscious about sweating. This was a game changer for Williams and a big reason she buys their clothing. For Williams, comfort and confidence go hand-in-hand when it comes to activewear she can trust.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

STUDENT LIFE

Dalton Pearson, training major

freshman,

athletic

Like Williams, athletic training major Dalton Pearson prioritizes the comfort of his athletic wear over the flashy aspects. “One could say that my style is all about comfortability and utility more than anything else,” Pearson said. When looking at his closet, Pearson has a collection of go-to pieces that can translate from the gym to everyday wear. “My typical selection I choose to wear from the bottom up consists of a pair of black and white Xero running shoes with socks that are moisture wicking; a light, tapered pair of black Adidas running pants with white stripes down the side that are tight enough they won't go anywhere in the middle of an exercise, but loose enough to let me stretch properly after; and either a thin t-shirt made of a soft, porous material or a tank top with the same qualities,” Pearson said. Playing on his sense of comfortability, Pearson does not stray towards the more expensive side of the rack when choosing athleisure clothing. “It seems like a waste of money to buy something of ‘high quality’ or ‘high price’ just to use it for vigorous activity, which will eventually ruin it,” he said. As for his usual color scheme, Pearson keeps it consistent with a neutral color palette. “The colors I normally stick with are grays, blacks and darker reds, not only because they're harder to visibly stain, but also because they match well together,” he said.

FEBRUARY 2021

STUDENT LIFE

Ryan Wong, senior dance major Brightly colored, hip hop and urban street style is how Ryan Wong would describe his personal style. Unlike Williams and Pearson, Wong prioritizes fashion over comfort when deciding what to wear. He believes what you wear influences how you present yourself to the public. “I wear things that make me feel good,” Wong said. “I typically wouldn’t wear a shirt I got 10 years ago that looks like it came out of the reject section of Gap. I don’t buy $100 clothing but I invest a little more than $10.” Because Wong wants to be ready to dance whenever and wherever he is, he takes that into account when deciding his clothing choices for the day. He often gravitates towards things he can layer, such as sweatpants and t-shirts. When it comes to shoes, Wong invests in quality pairs to support him while he dances. Some of his favorite brands are Nike, Puma and Under Armour.

You will often see him in something casual, but that does not mean his clothing will be boring. Here Wong shows off his bold style with an eye-catching jacket. “I got it at a vintage store in London,” he said. “It was the most colorful store ever. I saw this jacket and knew I had to get it. It makes me feel like a hip hop dancer; the colors, the vibrant energy, the vibe.” Wong’s style clearly shows that he is comfortable with who he is and is not afraid to choose loud clothing items. He wants to encourage others to do the same when it comes to fashion. “Whatever looks good on you, I truly believe you should truly wear it,” Wong said.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

STUDENT LIFE

STARTING THE JOB SEARCH BY: NATE CASTELLITTO

ith the spring semester officially underway, students seeking an internship, field experience or full-time employment by summer are in crunch time. “Junior year is typically when you should sit down and ask what you need to do to take your career to the next step and where you need to go,” Lauren Patterson, a student career coach at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC), said. “However, there’s no set preference when you must start. You’re always networking with people and starting your career once you’re in college.” For those who are unsure about any part of this process, Messiah students can find the help they are looking for at the CPDC. From building a resume to practicing mock interviews, the employees seek nothing less than seeing students succeed in their professional efforts. Meg Jones Hoover, a full-time career coach at Messiah, offered some advice for students in the process of looking for jobs. She says,

“For any kind of job search, a good idea is a combination of using online resources, for example Handshake, Indeed, and other similar job search sites, and also using your network." After locating a desired job, the next challenge is putting together a superior resume. “It’s important you tailor your resume to the job you’re applying for,” CPDC Assistant Director for Career Coaching and Education Dwayne Kieffer said. “The day and age of

FEBRUARY 2021

sending one resume out to 100 different employers is really past. You need to look at the job description and, if you have the skills that are listed in the job description, put them on your resume.” Information like this and much more can be found online on the CPDC page of Messiah’s website. “We have packets that you can see online of all internship info and questions and interview help,” Patterson said. “We have a lot of information and resources on all things job-related. We do it all. We give LinkedIn lessons if students are looking for help in that area.” For those looking to make an appointment, the CPDC offers a variety of options that can fit into most any student’s schedule, from in-person to Zoom. “Career coaches have drop-in hours. Students do not need to have a scheduled time to meet. They can just drop right in and we can help with anything they need,” Patterson said. “If you’re looking for a new major, an internship, interview help, a graduate program, a post graduation job, we have packets and resources for all of that. We have those online as well.” During a visit with career coaches, students have the opportunity to ask questions or hear advice concerning different areas of the job search. “I recommend students looking for employment talk to their professors and advisors to see if they know anyone in the area because a lot of times people from Messiah know a lot of people in this area,” Patterson iterated.

In addition, Jones Hoover maintains that it is important to be assertive while seeking out those connections. She says,

“Do informational interviews, reach out to people who you know who might be connected to an industry that you’re interested in." “If you apply to a job online, follow up to the HR person at the organization … I’ve had students that have found success doing that,” Kieffer said. The most nerve-wracking part of applying for a job is often the interview. The CPDC helps in this stage too, offering mock interviews. “One of my favorite parts of my job is that I get to do mock interviews with students,” Kieffer said. “We’ll tailor it to the field that you’re interviewing for, and I tell students all the time that you’re going to be nervous … Normalize it. It’s okay … Accept that you’re going to be nervous, but the preparation that you do ahead of time can help you overcome the nerves.” Kieffer, Jones Hoover, Patterson and her fellow career coaches are eager to help Messiah students throughout the professional process.

“Come in and talk to us. We’re a huge resource and help so much,” Patterson said. The CPDC is located in the Eisenhower Campus Center across from the Falcon Café. Their office hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday or head to their webpage on Messiah’s website for all things career-related.

STUDENT LIFE

stress free BY KAITLIN MERLINO Congratulations for making it through the fall semester. Hopefully everyone was able to breathe a sigh of relief after their last final and take some time to recuperate over the extended break. As we delve into this next semester, things have definitely been crazy. Looking at the daily events of this country and the world, it is hard not to feel overwhelmed. For the first installment of Stress Free Semester of the new semester, I want to remind you that it is important to remain hopeful and both mentally and physically healthy. I am sure a lot of us made various resolutions going into 2021. Setting goals, like these, can actually cause stress-relief, providing a clear motivation and action steps to achieving a particular outcome. Not unlike a to-do list, you can map out what you want out of this year or even your week.

run three days a week or cook with organic food. Also, ensure this goal is something you can achieve that will benefit your life in the long run. Then, make a timetable, making sure that you stick to what you’ve set out to accomplish. These ideas may seem like overkill, but you will be more likely to stick to your plans. When you are not planning your next steps in life, it might be beneficial to take a step back from constant activity and just enjoy being in the moment. This may seem a foreign concept for college students. With our busy workloads, budding social lives and the incessant need for sleep, there is little time in the day when we can just be. In a Best Colleges article, Jen Tota McGivney suggests that meditation can benefit college students, aiding in improving memory and decreasing stress. She cites a Harvard study that followed participants over eight weeks of meditating 15 minutes a day. At the end of

the experiment, these people actually lowered their blood pressure. There are many different ways to mediate, from following a guided audio to simply being aware of your breathing. Try out a few and see which work for you. The most important thing is being able to check in with yourself both physically and mentally. When you need something new to binge, turn to “Schitt’s Creek” (on Netflix). A wildly rich family loses the entirety of their estate, except for a small town they bought as a joke. That joke becomes their new reality, as they attempt to navigate life without a bottomless bank account. Discovering that family and friends sometimes mean more than the latest fashion trends, the show provides a lighthearted escape from reality. I truly hope your semester has started off strong and safe. You have got this.

However, it is important to remain grounded and strategic surrounding those goals and how you plan to actually achieve them. In this case, setting SMART goals can be particularly helpful, especially if you struggle with following through. According to Indeed, SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-based. Many times, businesses use this strategy to implement their own objectives but it can also prove effective on a personal basis. Make sure to set out a goal with specific and measurable components. Instead of wanting to be healthier this year, you could aim to

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

STUDENT LIFE

THE COVID VACCINE AND THE COLLEGE CAMPUS BY: KAITLIN MERLINO

hen the first ripples of COVID-19 made their way into the U.S. back in March of 2020, most people believed that everything would go back to normal after a few months of lockdown. Now nearly a year has gone by, bringing with it multiple lockdowns and shutdowns, quarantines and stay at home orders throughout all 50 states. Many universities have debuted an entirely online model of learning for this school year, while others adopted hybrid in-class accommodations. These challenges have merited incredible scientific movements in an attempt to slow the spread of COVID. Currently, the U.S. has authorized two vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna, while three more vaccines remain in clinical trials. Though there is cause to celebrate these accomplishments, roadblocks still remain. Many worry about the side effects or adverse reactions to the vaccine. Those that want to be vaccinated face a slow rollout within many states. “We have a vaccination plan in place that we are working through to ensure everyone who wants the vaccine can receive the vaccine,” Deputy Press Secretary for the Pennsylvania Department of Health Maggi Barton said.

FEBRUARY 2021

“Healthy college students mainly fall into the Phase 2 of vaccine distribution in Pennsylvania, leaving colleges in this state to plan out their spring semesters without its population being vaccinated.” According to the Pennsylvania Department of Health website, as of January 2020, the vaccine rollout plan remains in Phase 1A, administering the vaccine to care facility residents and various health care personnel.

Healthy college students mainly fall into the Phase 2 of vaccine distribution in Pennsylvania, leaving colleges in this state to plan out their spring semesters without its population being vaccinated. “Our vaccine plan notes colleges and universities under critical populations,” Barton said. Indeed, there are greater risks for spreading the virus within a college campus with shared spaces and communal living. This school year, Messiah University had to develop a new way of operating in order to minimize the capacity for spreading the virus. By mandating masks and social distancing, giving remote learning options and offering to-go dining, the school has worked hard to ensure that they can monitor and contain COVID on campus. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upholds that these preventative measures are necessary right now, but they will not be enough to stem the spread of COVID throughout the country entirely. On the CDC website, they list several reasons why receiving a COVID-19 vaccine will benefit your safety and the safety of others in the long haul.

STUDENT LIFE

"We cannot let our guard down while waiting for the vaccine."

The vaccines will help prevent you from getting COVID and, therefore, aid in slowing the spread of the virus, especially in communities like college campuses. Immunizations by vaccination also are safer than trying to reach a natural herd immunity in this situation. With a population of at-risk individuals who may have life-threatening reactions to COVID-19, this method of natural immunity risks lives rather than saves them. Receiving a tested, safe vaccine will provide your body with the antibodies needed to fight off the infection without having to experience the illness itself. Still, next fall remains unclear for colleges across the country. The possibility of vaccinating students before they arrive on campus and what this will mean for students is still to be determined. “At this time the Integrated Response Team that is leading the university through COVID is monitoring the federal and state plans for vaccines,” Messiah’s Vice President for Operations Kathie Shafer said. “At this time we do not know if or when they will be available. We have not yet received information on how it might be available to our students and employees. As we continue to learn more, we will develop a response plan to share at that time.”

Barton noted that in the interim, campuses still need to remain vigilant in monitoring COVID-19. "We cannot let our guard down while waiting for the vaccine,” she said. “We must mask up, wash up and social distance in order to ensure that we stop the spread of COVID-19. These public health practices will help us prevent the spread of COVID-19 as it remains a threat in our communities as we continue to distribute vaccines across the commonwealth.” With the amount of uncertainty about when the vaccine will be making its way through the college-aged population, it is important to remain vigilant in the measures we can control. Continuing to social distance, wearing masks and educating ourselves about the vaccine are some ways we can retain the community we have while looking forward to reengaging after the COVID threat diminishes.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

CULTURE

AVOIDING BURNOUT BY: CHRISTINA LAMOREUX

he fall semester of 2020 had all of us in a frenzy. Students, professors and Messiah staff were all working hard to make the semester on and off-campus run smoothly. Starting early and the lack of a fall break left a lot of students with burnout and the extra stress of getting assignments done on time.

For Starr Nitschke, a senior nursing major, the extended winter break offered her rest and the ability to save extra money. Nitschke, because of anxiety surrounding COVID and other reasons, had hoped that the break could have been longer.

“At the end of the fall semester I felt burnt out mentally and emotionally, and my brain did get a chance to charge over the break,” she said. “Being able to stay at Oakwood and travel back and forth from home and school for work was really nice.”

With the extended break before Christmas, Tanner Stern, a senior computer and information science and business administration double-major, appreciated the fact that he was able to embrace the full meaning of Christmas this year.

FEBRUARY 2021

“In past years, winter break started so late that it was hard to ‘get in the spirit’ of Christmas. With having basically no classes from Thanksgiving to Christmas, it was a lot easier for me to reflect on and enjoy that most special time of the year,” he said. “Christmas felt a lot more relaxed; far less rushed than in past years. Like other students, a long break also afforded time to work, earn and save.”

All things considering, students made it to the end of the semester while still having the privilege of being on campus. Many students are excited to get their Easter and spring break back this semester. Hopefully, these will allow everyone to spend time with family and recharge to finish the semester strong.

In order to stay on campus once again this spring semester, students should continue following CDC guidelines. This can be difficult when rejoining friends after the extended Christmas break.

That being said, social interaction is a huge de-stressor for a lot of people. Meeting friends for coffee or having them in your dorm to play games or chat was a good way to get your mind off assignments. There are ways to de-stress and make your semester a better experience.

CULTURE

1. Stay on Top of Things One of the best ways to avoid burnout is by getting organized. This skill is a learned skill that anyone can practice. Write down all your classes, work and extra activities somewhere you will frequently see them: your phone, desk or beside your bed. Set alarms for things you often forget or important events and work. You can also set an alarm for something as simple as mealtime because let us face it, college students forget to eat a lot. Student’s days are often filled from hour to hour, it is important to squeeze in meal times, rest and self-care.

2. It's Okay to Say No Messiah is a place with a lot of opportunities to gain experience and add content to your resume. It is easy to say yes to as many things as possible at the beginning of the semester. Then, as the semester progresses you start to feel overwhelmed by biting off more than you can chew. Reflect on how much you can handle and adjust your schedule accordingly. It is okay to say that you already have too much going on.

3. Free Counseling Messiah is offering free counseling both in person and via video call. It is common to feel like your problems are not ‘bad enough’ to solicit going to counseling. Counseling is there to help you navigate times where you feel stuck or confused, it is sometimes helpful to verbally process whatever is on your mind. Everyone can benefit from counseling, especially when trying to navigate school during a pandemic. It is okay to ask for and receive help.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

CULTURE

TimelyMD

MESSIAH CREATES TELEHEALTH PORTAL BY JOY HAMMOND Timely MD partnered with Messiah University last fall to help meet the growing needs of its students. With the new program, FalconCare, the professionals at the Engle Center believe that this expansion will be beneficial in improving the quality of the health services offered on campus. The 24/7 telehealth service is free to all undergraduate students at Messiah, along with the on-campus grad students (those studying dietetics, occupational therapy and physical therapy). Currently, Messiah is providing this service alongside their counseling services on campus. Many students have already taken advantage of the new telehealth service throughout winter break. Timely MD offers a range of services from medical assistance, health coaching and mental health service. Each service is easy to use and has a wide range of health professionals to connect with. Corinne Youngberg, a senior digital media major, found the website to be easy to navigate and use. “I found the website to be very intuitive and easy to use. The design of the website made it easy for students to navigate the site without feeling completely overwhelmed or confused,” Youngberg said. “There are a lot of professionals available on the platform for students to set up an appointment with. Some of these professionals include medical doctors, psychologists, therapists and nutritionists. You can schedule appointments for a specific time and day to see a professional

FEBRUARY 2021

CULTURE

via telehealth or you can connect with one at that exact moment. I find that to be really valuable for the students and faculty.” Messiah’s partnership with Timely MD has helped the Engle Center reach more students and faculty in getting the help they need. The Engle Center is a great resource on campus for students. It offers medical and mental health care. The university recognizes that the pandemic has caused stress for students. To ensure that students are being cared for, the Engle Center announced that their counseling sessions would be free of charge this academic year. However, when the university is not in session, this can cause difficulties for students at home. “I haven’t had a chance to use the service but I have discussed it with my counselor,” Tina Lamoreux, a senior English major, said. “Since I live in another state, the counselor at the Engle Center can’t provide counseling

CHILDLIKE FAITH BY CAMRYN WIMBERLY

for me over winter break. FalconCare can connect students with health professionals in their home state. I think that it’s a great alternative.” The launch of FalconCare provides the means of reaching students outside of the state during the breaks. There is no current data on how beneficial this program is, but it is likely to help many students seeking physical and mental help. FalconCare will be a permanent program at Messiah University. It has helped students feel better by having access to services that can assist in nutrition management, provide health advice or focus on mental health. With a stronger focus on a student’s well being, Messiah University has continued to advance its advocacy of mental and physical health. Services like FalconCare will continue to develop as the time goes on to better aid students during the pandemic.

As we begin a new semester after a year filled with heartache, change and fear, it can be easy to carry those feelings with us into the new year. We may still be feeling uncertain about our future, both as college students and as Christians living in this world, but that is why it is important for us to lean on our faith. We need to trust in God to give us strength and refresh our souls. There is not a challenge the Lord gives without first equipping us to withstand it. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17 puts it best:

“So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us.” By the grace of God, we managed to make it through one of the hardest years of our lives. We can take immense comfort in the fact that God will continue to care for us as His children, just as He did in the past.

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

CULTURE

A HOUSE DIVIDED

FEBRUARY 2021

BY JOY HAMMOND

CULTURE

ll eyes are on the United States after the insurrection that occurred on Jan. 6, 2021 during the investigation and count of the electoral votes. Many past presidential elections have passed with a respectful transition of power. This year’s transition was seen by the public as the most controversial. “Democracy is the rule of the people. It demands majority rule but implies minority rights. Which, if you find yourself as either the majority or the minority means that you have to continue to exist with that other side and that is not what I saw on Jan. 6,” Jason Renn, assistant professor of politics, said. The march on the capitol on Jan. 6 was a monumental event in United States history. The riot resulted in five deaths, over 100 injuries and property damage. There are a variety of reasons that might have contributed to the insurrection which includes the COVID-19 pandemic and the public’s wavering trust of the national government. “I think that historically there have been moments in the U.S. Presidency where presidents did not want to turn over power but still went through it out of respect. This year has just marked the first time where it has become okay and normal to protest and riot in front of the capital,” Ellie Bohrer, a senior politics and international relations major, said. “We don’t want that to be the norm. We don’t expect that the turnover will be peaceful, but this year

shouldn’t be the first of several years like this.” The presidential election of 2020 took place over the course of several weeks before and after the official election day. Because of the pandemic, a new system was created to ensure social distancing and safety to every voter. However, this did not stop the influx of voter turnout this year of 62% compared to 2016’s turnout of 54.8%. “In terms of similarities to past elections, the polarization has been the same or at least it follows a long trend. We have been growing apart as a country for a while,” Luke Galyen, a senior politics and international relations major, said. “The emphasis on swing states and swing voters is also the same. This focus will always be around because of our two-party system. The difference is the lack of trust in the election. There are always doubters, and there have been contested elections in the past like the one in 2000. But this election is unique because former President Trump continued to claim that he won despite voting results.” It is critical for a person to fact check the information that he or she has read or heard. “Be informed and use all different media. You must see the other side even if you don’t agree with it. So that you know what they are saying, and you know why you disagree with them,” Bohrer said. “This keeps you well informed instead of relying on information that’s been overheard or seen on platforms like TikTok.”

With the inauguration of the 46th president and the first woman of color vice president, the country has many situations that need to be addressed. One of them is bringing a divided nation back into unity. President Biden stressed in his inauguration speech that, “Unity is the path forward.”

The United States of America began as 13 British colonies that came together to fight against their mother country for liberty and freedom of rights. Since then, the country has grown on the strength and diversity of immigrants from other countries. The United States of America has accomplished many feats with the strength of unity. As President Lincoln once said with a quote from the bible, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.” - Abraham Lincoln

THE SWINGING BRIDGE

On Campus

CULTURE

Events NEW WAYS OF INTERACTION FOR CLUBS ON CAMPUS

BY KAITLIN MERLINO It is no secret that fall semester was filled with many surprises and challenges. It was a year unlike the rest, but we pushed through. Messiah staff and students all worked hard to allow the university to stay open so students who wanted to could do on campus learning. Even with being on campus, students faced difficulties maintaining connections with other students and staff. Club members, however, continued to work hard to provide the student body with safe but enjoyable events to participate in. Even though limited, it was nice to have things to keep students occupied.

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As we shift into the spring semester, club leaders are continuing to work hard in providing students with events to participate in. Plans are subject to change because of COVID-19 but here are some things to look forward to. “Even with the circumstances, ASA (Asian Student Association) is still trying to pump out events, but it just has to be more creative,” Michelle Phan, a sophomore nursing major and the student advocate for ASA, said. “For our meetings this semester, we are steering away from the traditional meeting up in the

CULTURE

MCC room and planning to do some podcasts like BSU (Black Student Union) did last semester. Since we cannot always celebrate in a physical space, ASA will be social media driven.” Through their social media accounts, ASA hopes to continue to engage students both on and off campus. “We will be posting our events on our Instagram page. This year has helped us grow in the way that we engage with the students either on or off campus. With Instagram stories we will be able to better interact with the students,” Phan said. “Lastly, for big holidays like Lunar New Year, we want to have an outside event, so then it can reach more people. Everything is still in works but we are excited for the new year.” Emoni Taylor is a senior peace and conflict studies and sustainability major. She is also the president of Black Student Union and is looking forward to some of the events that her organization is holding this semester. “All throughout Black History Month we plan to post on our social media regularly to engage

with students virtually and keep them posted on the different things we have planned. On February 8 we had a collaboration with SAGE to talk about the black trans community and how as Christians we can be better allies to the trans community,” Taylor said. “2020 in general had been one of the most dangerous years for the black trans community so talking about these issues allows space to have conversations.” Taylor is working hard with her cabinet to provide the students on campus with thrilling events not only just in February, but also in March and April. “In March, our bi-weekly meetings will start back up. In April we are having our annual ‘Waking Up White’ event for white students to learn and unpack their own biased views,” she said. “We plan to follow COVID guidelines. These events are planned virtually and in person and we are making sure there is enough space for people to social distance and having a sign-up sheet.” Nathan Ncube is a junior business administration major and the President of African Student Union. He is excited for a lot of exciting,

social distanced events for the spring semester. His goal throughout all of the events is to allow the African students to feel comfortable on campus. “We have a lot of fun things planned for the upcoming school year. We are organizing to have African cuisine food trucks come to campus for the students. With our meetings we want to have every country in African represented whether by food or clothing,” Ncube said. “In February we are starting back up Afro Friday. This allows students on campus to dress in African clothing or accessories. With the growing interest in African bracelets there will be a night where students can come make their own. A collaboration with the Caribbean Student Union is in the works. There will be discussions about the differences in both cultures and delicious food.” It is comforting to know clubs are still trying to make campus more lively this year. As we tackle the spring semester these are some of the things to look forward to.

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SPORTS & HEALTH

ATHLETIC FEATURE

RETURNING ATHLETES TO THEIR PEAK

patient and the athletic trainer during this continuum, and I value that rapport and bond that is developed.”

BY BRIAN SHERMEYER

s one of the more under-the-radar professions here at Messiah, the athletic trainers do everything in their power to keep student-athletes healthy and ready to play. Without athletic trainers, many athletes would not be able to compete at a high level because of nagging or chronic injuries. “I wouldn’t be able to compete at the highest level I could,” Kenny Runkel, a junior baseball player said. “There would be things I couldn’t do because of what has gone on in my college career. They really help me to be able to perform at my peak.”

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Megan Fowler, the head athletic trainer, believes that her duty as an athletic trainer is to be with her athletes at every step of the way, from the time an injury occurs until they are able to resume competition. “My job is to empower my patients with education about the injury or illness and talk through how he or she can make decisions for him or herself,” Fowler said. “When an injury occurs, I’m there right away to provide care and comfort to validate his or her feelings and protect him or her from further harm. There’s a great deal of trust that is built between the

While all athletic trainers have the common goal of keeping their athletes healthy, various athletic trainers have different ways of attaining this goal. “We will be under five or six athletic trainers, so we are able to see the different methods and techniques that they use,” Kristen Seibert, a senior athletic training major, said. “Even within the Messiah athletic training room, they all do different things.” As an athletic training student, Seibert has learned early on in her clinicals that one never arrives at the highest point of knowledge, especially in her career field.

SPORTS & HEALTH

TRAINING “You don’t really arrive in this profession in learning and technique,” Seibert said. “Cal (Napolitano) would consistently send me articles about different things that he had researched and learned and different techniques that are new and coming out. It’s definitely not a profession that just stays the way it is.” While students like Seibert are in the training room for their own education, Fowler believes that she is able to learn from them as well. “They tend to ask a lot of really good questions that make me sit there and scratch my head,” Fowler said. “It really makes me think about why I am doing the things that I am doing. It’s a good learning instrument for us as well.” Upon first attending college at Wofford in South Carolina, Seibert did not know exactly what she wanted to do. After two years of college and two athletic trainers, one great, one not so much, she settled on athletic training, a major that Wofford did not offer.

“That’s how I got interested in athletic training. My experience with different athletic trainers and realizing that they can really make an impact on an athlete’s experience with playing,” Seibert said. Runkel, while not being an athletic training major, has come to realize the same thing. A good athletic trainer can truly make a difference in the lives of athletes.

Both Seibert and Fowler emphasized that these connections were their favorite parts of the profession. “My connection with my patients, hands down, is my favorite part of the job,” Fowler said.

“They’re very personable in making connections with the athletes,” he said. “Every time you go in there, it’s not just a basic appointment. They’re asking you how your life is and stuff. It helps to build a connection, which in turn helps me to feel better.”

Athletic training program director Matt Lewis assists students in learning how to apply athletic bandage wrap.

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SPORTS & HEALTH

"It has been so rewarding getting to know people and getting to help them.”

“It’s unfortunate when athletes get hurt, but when they do get hurt, they don’t just come in once to the athletic training room,” Seibert said. “Most of them come in two to three times per week, so I have met so many new people. It has been so rewarding getting to know people and getting to help them.” With COVID-19 restrictions and testing, there have been a lot of new added responsibilities for the athletic trainers. “There are a lot of things that go into testing. It’s making sure that we have a good system in place, making sure that we have enough tests,” Fowler said. “I have a huge spreadsheet of exactly how many tests we are going to need every single time that we sit down for testing. We report it to both the campus and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.”

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Fowler is in charge of anywhere between 70 to 130 tests on any given day. Because of the limitations of the state laws, athletic trainers are not allowed to perform invasive procedures, so this added a bit of a wrinkle into Fowler’s plans of testing. “It would be a lot easier if I were allowed to do invasive procedures because I would be doing the test myself,” Fowler said. “That was a limitation of our state practice act, so that is why there is a nurse performing the procedure.”

“It was a lot of one-on-one time that is not possible without COVID because so many people come in the athletic training room at once,” Seibert said. “That was huge. Just being able to ask questions. I asked a ridiculous amount of questions and Cal was so good about answering all of those.” Runkel has been thrilled with his experience with the athletic trainers. He left one simple message for them: “Keep being great.”

Despite the difficulties of COVID-19 restrictions, some good things have arisen from the mess. With a new system of scheduling an appointment and less people in the athletic training room at one time, it is easier than ever to receive one-on-one care that can help build connections. It also greatly helped the process of learning for the student athletic trainers.

SPORTS & HEALTH

DANGEROUS AND PREVALENT BY JULIA MARY REGISTER

tudies have shown that up to 84% of NCAA athletes have engaged in disordered eating habits. Some common habits are restricting food, binge eating, self-induced vomiting and excessive exercise. Female athletes are most at risk, though male athletes in sports that focus on weight class, like wrestling or bodybuilding, are also likely to develop unhealthy eating habits.

more. Sports such as swimming, volleyball, cross country, dance and gymnastics have higher rates of eating disorders in their athletes. There are often two reasons why college athletes face struggles with eating disorders: pressure to look a certain way and pressure to perform better.

Eating disorders have a greater chance of occurring in sports focused on physical appearance with uniforms that display the body

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SPORTS & HEALTH SPORTS & REC

"In sports a particular body shape is admired and there’s a lot of pressure for athletes to look a certain way"

PHOTO BY THOUGHT CATALOG ON UNSPLASH

Nicole Benner, Messiah’s on-campus nutritionist, has seen multiple athletes in her office who struggle with these two reasons.

the culture we’re in says we need to look a certain way and to look that way you really need to be conscious of what you’re eating.”

“The reasons are in sports a particular body shape is admired and there’s a lot of pressure for athletes to look a certain way,” Benner said. “To perform, there’s this perception in some sports that if they’re thinner or leaner that they’ll be faster, which is not true.”

The pressure to be thin and fit can come from outside sources, such as the media and coaches, or from the athletes themselves when comparing their bodies to others.

Women’s soccer players, Shelby Burger and Becca Ritchie, have seen the way sports can pressure athletes to eat a certain way. “I think we’re taught that athletes are healthy and look a certain way and that we do hard workouts,” Ritchie said. “We so often get in our minds that we don’t want to eat after working out because we’re going to gain weight. Even

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“A lot of coaches and athletes think that a reduction of weight or body fat is going to help enhance your athletic performance,” Burger said. “I always had a thing in my head like my legs are too big so I’m not running fast enough. My legs are too big so that’s why I’m slower than others. It really goes on to comparing.” A big misconception among athletes is that if they do not eat, they will be skinnier, which will enhance their athletic performance. Any athletic or health professional will emphasize how bad this is for students to believe.

“When you’re not getting enough fuel, your body suffers and when your body suffers, your sports suffer and then your performance suffers,” Benner said. Many coaches try to encourage their athletes to maintain proper fuel in order to keep competing at the highest level. “Your health and well-being are number one - if you’re not able to be fueled then there is no option,” Brooke Good, head field hockey coach, said. “The intentionality behind the words in which we use is really important as well. Speaking about strength and power and fueling our bodies for success and work.” The need for control is another factor in an athlete’s struggle with eating disorders.

SPORTS SPORTS& &HEALTH REC

“So often it has a lot to do with control,” Good said. “Sure, sports are highly competitive and there are a lot of things totally outside of your control. We talk a lot about what you can control and disregard what you can’t control.” Megan Fowler, head athletic trainer at Messiah, has seen how students use their eating to gain more control in their lives when other areas are lacking. “Part of being a student athlete is the uncontrollable and all of a sudden that diet is something that becomes really controllable,” Fowler said. “Nothing else is working but they can control their diet.” While eating disorders are not often talked about or discussed openly, they are still happening on Messiah’s sports teams and to their athletes. “It’s a lot more common than what we actually think is happening,” Fowler said. “It’s something people try to hide because it’s so full of shame.”

Eating disorders happen all around most of us every day, they just are not addressed. “I think it’s definitely common,” Ritchie said. “I’ve had two to three close friends that have struggled with it and been open with it and have talked about it.” When athletic trainers, coaches or health professionals at Messiah are made aware of unhealthy eating habits in a student athlete, they all follow the same procedure for getting them help. “Eating disorders are typically handled in a three-prong approach: someone to handle the physical health, another for the mental health and a dietician to really help alter and correct those problems,” Fowler said. “I am a patient advocate and I’m somebody who will support all three of those prongs.”

opportunity to talk with the student one-onone about getting help, if the student wishes to go that route. Coaches, like Good, are there to walk alongside their athletes and be there if they need someone to confide in. They also occasionally bring in Benner to talk to their athletes about proper nutrition. For soccer players, Ritchie and Burger, they wish they had someone like Benner visit their practice and talk to them about eating disorders and nutrition.

Oftentimes, Fowler will notice possible signs of disordered eating in her patients when treating them for an injury. This gives her the

PHOTOS BY THOUGHT LIAM FITZSIMMONS

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SPORTS & HEALTH

“I wish Messiah did something like that and bring someone into our team so it’s more of an open conversation,” Ritchie said. “The topic around food is never talked about, it’s just ‘eat healthy,’ but what does that even look like?” As a women’s soccer team with a male coach, discussions about eating disorders have been rare in the past couple years the players have been at Messiah. “I definitely think it would be super beneficial for someone to come talk about it,” Burger said. “Not only if you’re struggling with it, but how to approach someone if they’re struggling with it. It’s a very private thing and you never want to make anyone uncomfortable about it.” Having a system in place where health professionals, such as Benner, talk to every team during preseason could lead to more open conversations about eating disorders and more athletes seeking help. There is a considerable need in athletics to discuss more openly what proper nutrition is and how we can prevent eating disorders among athletes at Messiah.

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Good, in her position as assistant athletic director, is launching a digital newsletter for athletes which will address a variety of topics, one of those being eating disorders. Benner is talking to multiple sports teams and advocating for better nutrition in athletes. And Fowler is helping students address disordered eating signs when they come to her for injuries. Other students can do their part by listening to friends who are struggling and being a confidant even when the issue is most often private and kept secret. Also, be aware of how your words matter and how innocent phrases can be misconstrued by people struggling with eating and their weight. “It’s not okay to comment on someone's shape or body ever, no matter if they think they’re giving a compliment or not,” Benner said. “And do not make negative comments about food, about what you are eating or what someone else is eating. This can only lead to shame around food.” Having an eating disorder is a serious health problem and can be similar to an addiction. If you need it, reach out and seek help.

PHOTO BY STEVEN LELHAM ON UNSPLASH

SPORTS & HEALTH

Shay Quinton: From Athlete to Coach

THE NATURAL NEXT STEP IN HIS JOURNEY BY BRENDAN LABRA It is not often that people can say they have found their passion in life. It is even more rare to have the same passion from when you were a child, stepping onto the soccer field for the very first time and still having that passion as an adult. Luckily for Shay Quinton, class of 2019, he can safely say that he is well on his way to pursuing a life-long dream of inspiring the next generation through coaching. When Quinton graduated Messiah last spring, he was not sure what his next steps would be. As an English Education major, Quinton always had in the back of his mind the idea of coaching while also being an educator.

“I was always drawn towards the relationship aspect of teaching and education, so I envisioned myself entering into a position at a prep school where I could teach and coach soccer,” Quinton said.

PHOTO BY JACK MONACH ON UNSPLASH

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SPORTS & HEALTH

PHOTO FROM GOMESSIAH.COM MENS SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP 2018

Before coming to Messiah, Quinton had been a life-long athlete. He quickly excelled at basketball and soccer and dreamed of a career that would revolve around sports.

“My dream was to always play some sport professionally, but eventually you get to a point where you realize that won’t happen,” Quinton said. “So as the saying goes, ‘those who can’t play coach.’ I eventually decided that the next best thing was coaching.” His love for sports was what ultimately drew him towards a career in coaching. “I love impacting people through sports. The culture, the team building and the grind. I’ve always loved training and competing,” Quinton said. “ So, I knew I wanted to coach in some capacity, whether it be college or high school.”

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Quinton had spent four years as a wing-back on the men’s soccer team and had played a crucial role in their championship run in 2017. After graduation, he began searching for opportunities in which he could further his education and also become a coach. “An opportunity popped up for me in March,” Quinton said. “I knew a coach from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) through Messiah soccer camps and he reached out to our head coach at Messiah and asked if anyone was interested in a graduate assistant position.” While this seemed like the perfect opportunity, Quinton wanted to take the necessary time to pray before pursuing this new endeavor. “Prayer is important to me and trying to follow where the Spirit leads,” Quinton said. “ I just wanted to feel like I was serving God in ways that He equipped me with certain gifts, such as athletics.” Quinton eventually determined that the move to EMU in Virginia was a natural next step.

HEADSHOT FROM GOMESSIAH.COM - SHAY QUINTON 2019

SPORTS & HEALTH

“I thought it was the best move for me and my career goals,” Quinton said. “I loved the idea of getting my masters degree and getting started in coaching. I was so excited to be coaching right alongside someone I knew and respected.” From this point, Quinton shifted his focus to transition from athlete to coach. He was determined to take the skills he learned over the years and pass them on to the next generation of players.

Quinton believed that his coaches at Messiah had a significant influence on his own coaching style and technique. “I felt like I was prepared in a lot of ways from practicing daily under coaches who I respected so much,” Quinton said. “They all emphasized culture, identity in Christ and things that I grew to love and want to emulate in my own coaching.” Even though he felt his time at Messiah had prepared him to coach, Quinton was still nervous the first day on the job. “It was going to be hard to tell people what to do or how to do things when I’m only a year or two older than them,” Quinton said. “But ultimately, I felt equipped coming from a program with coaches that were so good. I studied their practices, down to when they gave water breaks and bringing that to my current position has been helpful.”

Because of COVID-19, the Division III collegiate soccer season was pushed to the spring. Even with the unknowns, Quinton is currently gearing up his players to be ready to make a run at a conference championship. However, after this season ends, Quinton’s future is yet to be determined. “There’s a verse from Proverbs that I’ve been reading recently: ‘The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord established his steps,’” Quinton said. “I know that I want to serve the Lord. I think that sports have played such a big part of my life that I want to continue to glorify God through sports, discipleship and mentorship.” As Quinton continues to weigh his options, one thing is certain, he is in constant pursuit of bringing glory to God through his love of sports.

PHOTO BY MARKUS SPISKE ON UNSPLASH

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KP QQuiz uiz

FALCON FUN

BY KAITLIN MERLINO

How well do you really know Messiah University President Kim Phipps? Test your knowledge by answering these seven trivia questions provided by the Office of the President.

1. President Phipps completed her undergraduate studies at: a. Wheaton College b. Kentucky Christian College c. Barnard College

2. President Phipps earned her Ph.D. in which discipline:

5. In presentations and lectures on the importance of hospitality, President Phipps often shares a clip from what beautiful foreign language film: a. Chocolat b. Babette’s Feast c. Life is Beautiful

a. English Literature b. Communication Studies c. Religious Studies

3. In her spare time, President Phipps enjoys reading the latest novels from this celebrated author: a. John Grisham b. Louise Penny c. David Baldacci

4. When President Phipps arrived at Messiah College in 1998, she began working as the:

6. President Phipps’s husband’s name is: a. Kelly b. Larry c. Phillip

7. As a child, President Phipps remembers making her brothers play with her while she pretended to be a: a. Singer b. Teacher c. Doctor

0-3: Prospective Student Looks like you may need to refresh your memory a bit. Come back when you’ve brushed up on your Phipps facts.

4-5 Undergraduate Seems like you know quite a bit about President Phipps, but you’re not going to be winning trivia competitions anytime soon.

6 -7 Alumni

You might as well add “Trivia Champion” to your resume. Keep up the nice work!

a. Provost

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Answer key:

c. Academic Dean

1 b, 2 b, 3 b, 4 c, 5 b, 6 a, 7 b

b. Chair of the Communication Department

SPORTS & HEALTH

Homemade Energy Bites BY JULIA MARY REGISTER

Nicole Benner, Messiah’s on-campus nutritionist, highly suggests students carry around nutritious portable snacks in their backpacks for emergency pick-me-ups. Here she has provided an easy, on the go, full of protein snack that is customizable and energizing.

ingredients

directions

2 cups oatmeal

Mix all ingredients together. Roll into balls.

1 cup peanut butter or other nut butter

To freeze: Place balls on a cookie sheet and freeze for one to

2/3 cup honey

tight ziptop freezer bag (or other airtight container).

2 cup coconut flakes, wheat germ,

To serve: Remove desired number of balls and thaw at room tem-

sesame seeds, or a mixture of all three (can also substitute oatmeal or protein powder, if you prefer)

two hours. Remove from cookie sheet and place in an air-

perature for 15 to 30 minutes. Can also warm for 30 seconds or so in the microwave. Makes around 3 dozen energy bites.

1 cup ground flaxseed 1 cup mini chocolate chips 2 teaspoons vanilla

recipe from money saving mom: https://moneysavingmom.com/4-weeks-to-fill-yourfreezer-homemade-energy-bites-day-18/

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SPORTS & HEALTH

PHOTO BY JAMIE STREET FROM UNSPLASH

FEBRUARY 2021

SPORTS & HEALTH

Nicole Benner Messiah’s On-Campus Nutritionist SHE IS HERE FOR YOU BY JULIA MARY REGISTER

Many students are not familiar with the work of Nicole Benner, Messiah’s on-campus nutritionist and the services she offers, but she can be an important resource for anyone seeking nutritional help. Benner began working at Messiah in 2014 and has over 23 years of experience in nutrition. When she first meets with a student, she helps counsel them and make reasonable goals for healthy eating. “I help them customize goals to work on that are achievable and manageable with their lifestyle,” Benner said. “We make them small, attainable and flexible.” She wants to make nutrition less intimidating and restricting and does not want to pressure students into changing. “There’s a lot of judgement and pressure and expectations in our culture about eating a per-

fect diet but there’s no such thing as a perfect diet,” Benner said. “I just hope students will come in knowing there’s no judgement in my office and that they can hopefully go away with a new perspective on eating.” Heather Mayo, a senior nutrition and dietetics major, can attest to Benner’s influential work as both a patient and a mentor. “I came into college undecided,” Mayo said. “I wasn’t sure of my major and then I met with her freshman year and talking with her made me realize I should be a dietician. She’s definitely been a mentor to me and sometimes I just go see her to talk about her job or life or school.” An aspect of nutrition both Benner and Mayo are passionate about is intuitive eating. First coined by Evelyn Tribole and Elyse Resch, intuitive eating is void of restricting guidelines and focuses on the body’s signs of hunger.

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“There’s a lot of science and articles that support intuitive eating. Just listen to your body and it’s really smart to tell you what you need,” Mayo said. “A lot of people count calories or count macros and they don’t know that your body can do that on its own. When you’re hungry, it tells you that you need more food. When you’re full, it tells you you’ve had enough.” Intuitive eating is health-promoting and freeing to those who are used to meal plans or regimented eating. It is not limiting like diets or weight loss fads promoted by the media. Benner encourages students to eat all foods, not just the ones deemed healthy. She has sayings she tells her patients such as, “food is fuel” or “your body is a home, not a billboard,” that help them if they fear overeating or gaining weight.

“I always tell students you’re still growing at 18. I don't know who came up with the idea that you’re done changing as far as your body goes at the age of 18,” Benner said. “If you’re still alive, your body is changing constantly because we’re not statues, we’re living, breathing beings.” Nutrition is not just all about food for Benner. Oftentimes, the real battle to help students eat well is more mental than physical. “The most advantageous part I’ve found is the working through the thoughts,” Mayo said. “Working through why I feel guilty after having a cookie or why I do not know how much I should eat at lunch. She really works through the mental side.”

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FEBRUARY 2021

Whether you are struggling with an eating disorder, food allergies or just want to learn more about nutrition, a visit to Benner’s office can benefit you in a multitude of ways. The best part for students is that her services are free. She is here to serve students and help get them on the right track. “I think my favorite part is working one on one with people and getting to know them personally and to help them make peace with food,” Benner said. “People are relieved when they come to me and realize that they don’t have to do anything perfectly, it’s just about balancing.”

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