Vista Magazine: Issue 2, Spring 2018

ISSUE 2 | SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

In this issue: GUNFIRE & FURY True gun reform is going to require more hardwork and effort than retweets and marches. It is going to require thinking like the NRA does.

#METOO @NPU Read the first in our anonymous #Metoo submissions as we shed a light on on-campus sexual harrassment.

BRIDGE TO WAKANDA Our Arts & Culture Editor sounds off on his Black Panther viewing experience as a native of Ghana.

LOVE LETTER TO A MISSIONARY A unique literary format is used to examine the contrast between what is experienced and what is presented to the world in the missionary life.

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VISTA MAGAZINE EDITOR IN CHIEF // STEPHEN NIELSEN SENIOR EDITOR // RICARDO HUERTA ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR // FRANK ROBERTS DIGITAL CONTENT DIRECTOR // ELI KHARAJIAN WEB CONTENT STRATEGIST // DAVID STARR

Vista Magazine was created out of a desire to bring the North Park University community a new campus publication focused on politics, religion, and through arts & culture. Our mission is to be a platform for North Park students to share their thoughts and ideas. Our staff is comprised of North Parkers from various walks of life. Our interests and opinions range, but we are all bound by the common goal to see Vista fulfill its mission.

VISTA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear Reader, Thanks for picking up a copy! In this issue, you’ll find our featured articles for this quad. As always, these articles are exclusive to this magazine issue, and you won’t find them published in our online sections.

This issue is special in that its publication coincides with Women’s History Month. In that spirit, you’ll find a variety of articles with strong woman influences. Podcasts for Women,

By Women details excellent podcasts created by women in an industry do minated by male podcasters. The importance and need for women leaders in the church is at the center of The Strength of Christ. We have also decided to dedicate a portion of our magazine to anonymously share #MeToo stories. It is important to bring these topics and this ongoing movement and sensitive discussions to the campus.

Among some other great articles you can find within these covers, are our Muir Dispatch series and Gunfire and Fury, a take on America’s gun laws and the students speaking out. We also got two-time Illinois Strongest Man to share how his physical discipline assists him in advancing his spiritual direction and dedication.

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Thank you to all the contributors who shared their opinions, views, and art in this issue. To read more from our writers and editors, or to submit your own work for publication, visit us online at www.vistamag.org.

Happy reading, Stephen Nielsen, Editor-In-Chief

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VISTA MAGAZINE | SPRING 2018

CONTENTS

VISTA MAGAZINE

09 Asceticism & Athleticism Discipline doesn't come easy, but it is necessary for success in athletics and in religious faith.

Read how the author applied this discipline to become Illinois strongest man, and an ever-more faithful follower.

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THE SWORDSMAN & THE LUNAR PARAGON

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN ART?

11 Muir Dispatch #4 Immerse yourself in the mountains of Norway.

Read a reflection on the process of summiting a mountain in less than ideal conditions.

20 To The Students Who Didn't Win

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PODCASTS FOR WOMEN BY 14 WOMEN

THE STRENGTH OF CHRIST

College is a trying experience for many.

Students may feel they have more downs than ups. Rocky Balboa may have something to teach us about how to handle those feelings.

CONTRIBUTORS: Barrett Loehrer Jeffrey Zano Emma Coyne Haley Hack Hannah M. Geil Jacob Bretz Berit Godo Sarah Bender Marisa Bowden

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ODE TO THY CREATIVE COGNITIVE

VISTA MAGAZINE 3225 W. Foster Ave Chicago, IL 60625 thevistamagazine@gmail.com www.vistamag.org

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DAY 102 ON THE SHP

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GUNFIRE AND FURY:

COMMENTARY

BY CONNOR SATTERLEE What is unique about the controversy surrounding mass shootings as opposed to others, like abortion, is that both sides of the aisle actually have the same goal in mind but can’t agree on how to get there. What I find troubling, though, is how strict partisan loyalty on both the right and left insist that there can only be one winner; in reality, it is a multi-lobed issue that requires several solutions. I’ll be the first to say that despite the crowds at the CNN town hall on gun control two weeks ago whuch seemed to make out Marco Rubio to be the devil himself, I happen to think that many of his points seemed valid enough to at least consider. Points such as the one about issues and loopholes with assault weapons bans.

However, I’m not writing today about issues with partisanship and how it clouds moral judgement, nor how we need mental health reform rather than gun reform, because I and many Democrats in congress already agree that we need to reform health care; that’s not the issue. Rather, the issue is that many congressmen and women fail to see exactly why gun reform is a necessity – or perhaps just act like they don’t because of one special-interest group.

In the summer of 2016 following the Pulse Nightclub shooting in Orlando, Samantha Bee went on her TBS show, Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and ranted about the lack of gun reform in our country. One line in particular stuck out to me: “Australia had five mass shootings between 1987-1996. Then the public decided that was no fun. Parliament passed strict gun laws and they haven’t had a mass shooting since. Let me repeat, Australia hasn’t had a mass shooting since the Fresh Prince left Bel Air and was never heard from again.”

Why America Needs Gun Reform But Still Doesn't Have It

Additionally, she did not even mention the fact that Japan has never had a massshooting. And so, I cannot help but wonder if nations like Australia can recognize that guns should not be as easy to buy as lottery tickets. Why can’t America passa gun reform after 71 mass shootings with over 1668 victims since Columbine, with 556 of those being deaths?

Well, the truth is that it is not just because of some people in congress being jerks. Our answer lies with the infamous National Rifle Association and its over 5 million registered members (and the disputed 9 million more unregistered members) who are so passionate about guns and their secondamendment rights, that they have had a choke-hold on Republican lawmakers in congress for decades through sheer voter power alone, not just money or lobbying, which is a common misconception about the NRA.

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COMMENTARY

"WHY CAN’T AMERICA PASS GUN REFORM AFTER 71 MASS SHOOTINGS WITH OVER 1668 VICTIMS SINCE COLUMBINE"

Robert Spitzer, a professor of crime, law and policy, and gun control at the State University of New York at Cortland and the author of five books on guns, explains the true power of the NRA in an interview with The Guardian: “They have a very powerful ability to mobilize a grassroots support and to engage in politics when most Americans can barely be bothered to vote… I mean more than voting. I mean going to a meeting, writing a letter, contacting a friend… And because so few Americans do those things, if you get a bunch of people in a locality who are all prepared to go out to a meeting they can have a big effect.”

“Elected officials feel the impact of constituents when they hear their voices,” said Spitzer. “Politics is often about the squeaky wheel – who makes the loudest noise, who gets the most attention.”

And that squeaky wheel is damn effective, too. Take, for example, President Barack Obama in June of 2016 on a PBS NewsHour special in which a man asks then-president Barack Obama why he and Hillary Clinton “want to control and restrict and limit gun manufacturers, gun owners, and responsible use of guns and ammunition…”: “I just came from a meeting today in the situation room in which I’ve got people who we know have been on ISIL websites, living here in the United States, US citizens, and we’re allowed to put them on the no-fly list when it comes to airlines, but because of the National Rifle Association, I cannot prohibit those people from buying a gun… This is somebody who is a known ISIL sympathizer, and if he wants to walk into a gun store or a gun show right now and buy as much…[sic] as many weapons, as ammo as, as he can, nothing’s prohibiting him from doing that, even though the FBI knows who that person is.," said Obama. This demonstrates precisely why America desperately needs to pass comprehensive and universal gun reform. Yes, mental health is also at play here, but that does not negate the need for gun reform, and viceversa.

What matters right now is that you, reader, go out and advocate for gun reform, and be that squeaky wheel I mentioned earlier. A great, tried-and-true means of this is to protest. Participate in events like the National School Walkouts organized by the same people behind the women’s march. There is one on April 20th, the 19th anniversary of the Columbine High School massacre. If you’re feeling a bit more confident, call your elected officials.

Calling federal, state, and local-level officials gives you a direct line to the government’s ear (quite literally). Ask them about how much money they received in donations from the NRA. Ask them if they know that America has suffered 71 mass shootings with over 1668 victims since Columbine, with 556 of those being deaths. Ask them why they haven’t pushed for gun reform legislation so that our country doesn’t have to keep watching elementary school children in Newtown, a congresswoman and her constituents in Tucson, joyous coworkers at a Christmas party in Newtown, college students at Northern Illinois University and Virginia Tech, soldiers at Fort Hood military base (twice), gay-nightclub-partiers, country-music-lovers, Batmanmovie-watchers, Baptist church-goers, and high school students at Thurston High School, Columbine High School, and now, Stoneman Douglass High School be shot and killed because of the actions of the NRA and the congressmen and women who bend to their will.

A few weeks ago, Stoneman Douglass High School student Emma Gonzalez took the podium at an anti-gun rally in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Amongst all the passionate demands for change and commanding indictments of NRA donation-rceivers in Congress, she had this to say about Donald Trump: “If the president wants to come up to me and tell me to my face that it was a terrible tragedy… and maintain telling us how nothing is going to be done about it, I am going to happily ask him how much money he received from the ntional rifle association.

But hey, you wanna know something? I already know! 30 million dollars! And divided by the number of gunshot victims in the United States in the one and one-half months in 2018 alone, that comes out to being $5800 [per person]. Is that how much these people are worth to you, Trump? If you don’t do anything to prevent this from coming and continuing to occur, that number of gunshot victims will go up, and the number that they are worth will go down, and [then] we will be worthless to you!”

Sadly for us all, Emma, it seems as if you already are. All we can do now is stand up and protest for the lives of those who no longer can, call on those we put into power to resist being coerced just to keep it, and fight for the safety and protection the American people deserve. For now, we can only hope that they will listen.

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ARTS & CULTURE

LOVE LETTER TO A MISSIONARY A CREATIVE NONFICTION

By Emma Coyne

NOW YOUR HOME IS NOT YOUR HOME. AND YOU WEAR ME LIKE A STAIN.

I didn’t mean to make you cry.

How could I have known Bare feet And Shattered bones Would break your heart?

What was I to you?

IHOP:

Like my two previous trips to Guatemala, the day of my journey back home began with many tears and ended at a mainstream American restaurant with my parents. This time it was a nearly abandoned IHOP with windows for walls making me feel vulnerable to what I could not see.

In a daze I spun an equitable story divulging what they knew: how the ministry was doing, the friends I made, the English I taught, the mission groups I helped to host, and the intimacies of the past three weeks that almost made me smile.

You came back to fix me.

You buried by foreign body In fragmented bandages Of language tombs And prayed for gratitude.

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VISTA MAGAZINE

“But you? You’re okay? After….you know, everything?” Her eyes suffered the injustices of a mother whose child has seen what she could not.

GUATEMALA 13 DAYS AGO:

The lights from the ambulance filtered into the bared window through closed blinds, reflecting off of my glazed eyes into the dark room. The span of time between the ringing of the first shot and the wailing of sirens coming towards the slums was like the barbed wire frame that held every home in the city – restricted eternity.

The afterglow of dinner had been interrupted by 6 shots, 2 thuds, and 1 fading motorcycle. Two men had died, and I felt…interrupted.

One second held the anxious silence of unspoken questions. Then my ears were flooded by the answers I did not want to know.

I had quickly been ushered upstairs as doors were locked and blinds were closed. I sat on the couch in the living room, waiting.

Tears dropped from my eyes like a metronome filling the beats of my heart I would not hear. I eavesdropped on the melody of grief that the cement walls around me would not absorb. I was hoping that when they took the bodies the song would end, but it didn’t. I began to feel it never could.

ARTS & CULTURE

Throughout the early hours of the muted morning, I did my best to avoid myself in the mirror. I already knew that I would see the streaks of tears on my cheeks leading to bloodshot and unblinking eyes, but I was afraid to see something I did not know.

Something different.

Then I heard the pouring of water from outside. It was the first thing I had felt and heard. I needed to see it. Inhaling the lingering grief forced my hand to open the front door. The sun was too bright. It was still silent. The blood was still there – in the street – on our doorstep.

I heard the pouring of water again. My eyes reached two Guatemalan women with wrinkled hands and aged eyes knelt in their long skirts, pouring water and scrubbing blood. One of them looked up at me. The eyes of someone who had seen what I could not.

She gave me a sad smile. I tried to smile back.

Something had been interrupted and I knew it would not begin again.

And then you cried And my tears drenched tin roofs Until echoes drowned your memory And you left me.

IHOP:

“But you? You’re okay? After….you know, everything?”

I looked at her with a sad smile. “I’m sure it will just take some time.”

I bore my heart to you Until my blood stained the streets And childless mothers wailed In silent nights.

Now your home is not your home.

And you wear me like a stain, Like that mismatched sock You refuse to throw away.

I was awake. Waiting for birds to run on tin roofs, roosters to crow, or even rain to fall. Anything that would fill the silence.

What was I to you?

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ARTS & CULTURE

The Swordsman & The Lunar Paragon

I open my eyes to see an endless night

sky with a supermoon above as faintly glowing wisteria petals waltz slowly in the air from a mysterious source. It is not the first time I have been in this place - nor will it be my last.

“Good morning, Alcaeus Kokinos Megalos,” a feminine voice says, “well, that is your current life’s name, correct?”

“What do you want, Selene?” I inquire as I turn my head to see her.

A short story

by Jeffery Zano “Which ones?”

“All of them.”

“This… must be quite serious if even the Olympians and Titans are working together.”

“Lets just hope nothing gets out of hand.”

And so, I awake from my slumber to see two swords - one is Nyx and the other being Selene. After properly going through my morning routine and wearing the combat gear, which consisted of: A British bespoke suit, black oxford shoes, black tie, white gloves, black socks, and black frame box glasses.

“No armor?” I inquired.

“Why would you need armor when you are blessed by all of the gods?” responded Nyx from within the black blade, “even Hercules would not be a challenge - your body and clothes already surpass Achilles in terms of protection.”

“I fear that I might have just accepted a burden that might surpass Atlas’ own…”

“You can do it, Alcaeus! I hope…” said Selene, although her voice does not even sound slightly encouraging...

“Oi. You are also a companion of mine, so at least have some faith in me… besides, what is with my getup?”

“You will act as a teacher of sorts,” responded Nyx. “And just who set this up?” I asked.

“I made Zeus try to woo the female headmaster. It’s Zeus, so he should have no problem at all. Shower of gold to being a farm animal, what is one more - ahem - intimate task to him?”

“It’s Zeus after all,” Selene responds with a sigh.

Placing the moon-white blade and night-black blade upon my baldric - which is a belt for holding the scabbard of a sword - and head out of my abode.

Outside is nothing but open sea, and before I took a single step, the blessings of the deities are bestowed upon me.

Once I finished comprehending the nature of the blessings, I outstretch my hand to command the water to rise and freeze over, becoming a bridge to the mainland.

“I assume you know the direction I am supposed to go, Nyx?” I ask after reaching the mainland.

She is a youthful girl with silky white hair that hangs past her waist, blood red eyes, and fair skin that glowed in the moon’s light.

“How has everything been going in this life of yours?” “... What do you need to tell me, Selene,” I say with a sigh.

“Honestly, you always want to get straight to the business,” she says, “there is a slight problem you will need to take care of.”

“What is the problem?”

“There has been… a disruption in the current world you are in.”

“Okay, of what nature is the disruption?”

“Evil Overflow.”

With a sigh, I ask, “and just how did this happen while I was isolated from the rest of the world?”

“Simple,” Selene responded, “Humanity brought forth far too many heroes. Call it a ‘Heroic Age’.”

“So the other deities attempted to balance the scales. But that does not explain why I would be disrupted for such a-” “The Underworld got connected to the mortal realm far too well to the point in which Demonic Mana has become another source for magic, just like the more common Mana.” “...Was it Ares who was in charge of it?” “...” “... No wonder that something like this occured,” I say as I scratch my head, “anyway, I will accept the request.”

“Are you sure? You will need to become a companion to one of the young heroes and assist them in any way you can.”

“And this means going to an educational institute, correct?”

“Naturally. By doing so, it will be a much more efficient way to go about your task.”

“Is there anything else you need to say before I take my leave?”

“The ones that Ares unleashed are more than capable of killing you, Alcaeus. Thus, I have been directed by the Fates to assist you, as well as Nyx. Lastly, blessings of the deities will be granted upon you.”

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ARTS & CULTURE

Leaping my way towards the source of the cry for help, I see a girl - a year or two younger than me - amongst the scene of what appears to be a successful ambush. Bodies strewn all over the ground, the stench of death is heavy in the air, and large demonic trolls. Beside her is a bloodied male who appears to be her brother.

As the trolls were about to attack, I had quickly moved and delivered my strongest punch to the jaw, killing the trolls due to cerebral bleeding. Demonic Mana can affect an organism’s soul, corrupting the organism into becoming the most sinister version of itself to the point of mindless massacre, depending on the organism. For humans, they become demons who want to kill for fun - akin to how sports, games, and hobbies provide entertainment - and the more gory, the more interesting it is for them.

While disposing the bodies, I turn to the girl, begin healing her and the injured boy, and I ask her, “is he your brother?”

She nods. After the two are now healthy, I decide to bring them along.

“Just go straight ahead,” Nyx responds, “you are the most reliable person that us gods can depend on, so we made sure to design the world to be convenient for you if something happens.”

“So I am the failsafe mechanism?” I ask in response while walking, “well, I guess it does make sense because I am not as easily recognizable.”

“Indeed,” Nyx responds.

Just before reaching my destination - Hayala University, which is in Ithaca, Greece - I hear a call for help.

I could ignore it, but… I can’t.

“You’re going to go and save whoever it is, right?” Selena asks.

“Yeah.”

“You haven’t changed much, despite dying over and over again,” she replies.

“Some things don’t change, Selene,” I respond with a slight smile.

So You Think You Can Art?

by Berit Godo "The Pile of Dishes in Our Sink" is a piece created by My Roommates to represent the futility of human determination to change and grow. It calls into question the limits of human creativity-- do all problems truly have answers we simply have not found yet? Or are our attempts to solve them ultimately futile?

This piece is located in the popular installation venue My Kitchen that has been growing and changing forms since mid-May. The nature of the piece means that you'll never see quite the same juxtaposition of objects twice: every day at least one plate or bowl is added, and sometimes is cleaned out almost entirely (representing the hope of a new future), but in the end, a tower of dishes always returns.

On the occasions I have visited and contemplated this piece, it has always produced different effects. Some days are hopeful, most are abject despair, but more often than not this reviewer is left with two questions: Am I more of The Problem than I think I am? Is that bowl which holds the murky water of problems unsolved mine? And, reader, I do not have an answer.

This piece earns a rating of 3.5 stars: worth a visit, but the smell means you will want that visit to be short.

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VISTA MAGAZINE

RELIGION & FAITH

Asceticism and Athleticism: The Spiritual Discipline of Exercise

BY BARRETT LOEHRER

This is needed in both physical training and spiritual training. If we truly want to progress, we need to humble ourselves and seek the help of others.

Additionally, in both physical and spiritual progression, the more we advance, the greater humility is required to continue to ask for help and refrain from falling into pride

As a committed follower of Christ who also happens to be passionate about weightlifting, I have been asked many times by genuine believers why I continue to lift weights and exercise so much. In a life committed to the Lord, in serving Him, growing like Him, and telling others about Him, exercise can seem like a waste of time and energy, especially when you take it seriously enough to compete. I have struggled with this conflict for some time and even gave up weightlifting for a time, out of a fear of idolatry. Yet, not only is physical training permissible for a Christian, but, if approached correctly, it can be a major asset to the spiritual life.

Physical training has taught me to live with the future in mind. I needed to learn to say no to certain habits and opportunities to achieve a future goal, even if my goals are distant from where I currently am. Likewise, in the spiritual life, we must do things that are not always pleasant; we must say no to certain things, transfixed on eternal glory with Christ. In short, instant gratification has no place in the life of an athlete or a Christian.

There is so much that physical training has taught me in regards to the Christian spiritual life, which I believe anyone can learn. There is a lifestyle principle that says: how we go about doing one thing is eventually how we will go about doing all things.

How we approach one practice in our lives affects all the other practices in our lives, even if they seem unrelated. The disciplines learned in physical training, then, can carry over into the spiritual life as well.

One of the most important disciplines in physical training is consistency. If I cannot be consistent in training and diet, then I will never succeed to any great degree. In our walk with God, consistency is so vital as well. Jesus said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross DAILY and follow me” (Luke 9:23, ESV, emphasis mine).

Galatians 6:9 encourages us, saying, “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”

Humility is one such transferrable discipline. If I desire to become truly great at weightlifting, I have to seek out the wisdom and advice of those who are greater than me. Sometimes it is incredibly difficult to ask someone better than me for help, as it requires me to lay down my pride and take on humility.

"For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way."

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In physical training, I cannot only be faithful within the gym or when people are watching, but must always keep my goals in mind even when I am alone.

Likewise, as Christians, we cannot only be faithful when we are with the church, but must remain faithful even when we are alone, because our decisions will reflect in eternity. Giving up and growing weary has no place in the Christian walk with Christ or in physical training.

RELIGION & FAITH

Physical training does hold some value, as I have shown above. I believe the primary value of physical training comes from its contribution to our godliness and health, in order to minister to the Church and share the Gospel with others. Let us carefully examine ourselves and only pursue such physical training as far it also builds us up spiritually.

Remember, Christ has purchased your body as well as your soul. It is not your own, so use it for the glory of God in whatever you do. “Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20).

The final transferrable benefit I will mention (although, I believe there are many more) is the practice of setting priorities and taking them seriously. If I am to take physical training seriously to any degree, I must learn to make training a priority in my life. I have had to give up many things in my life and have had to learn to be careful with my time. Likewise, in our spiritual lives, if we want the Lord to be the main priority in our lives (as every Christian ought) we must jealously guard our time in prayer, the Scriptures, and fellowship with our churches. There are things we will have to reject and give up. However, if this is truly our desire, we will be able to deny less important things for our main priorities.

Editor’s note: Barrett Loehrer is a two-time Illinois Strongman champion and has his sights set on competing in the national United States Strongman competition this June.

Where this becomes difficult, though, is when the priority of physical training conflicts or interferes with our spiritual lives. This is when I plead with you to heed the Scriptures: “For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:8). This passage shows the weakness of physical training: its effects are not eternal like the effects of training in godliness. For this reason, I constantly try to remember that my physical strength is temporary and could be taken from me at any point, but Christ will always be my Rock.

Become a staff member at Vista Magazine. Apply for jobs for next year at www.vistamag.org/jobs

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VISTA MAGAZINE

Muir Dispatch #4

By Jacob Bretz

This is a continuation of our Muir Dispatch series. Dispatches 1, 2, and 3 can be found on our website: www.vistamag.org

A good friend of mine died recently. Not in the mountains; nothing quite so dramatic as falling in a crevasse or in an avalanche. But, I think, more painfully. His death was maybe just as much a surprise as Ueli Steck’s, though. It’s easy to feel like its worse than a mountaineer’s death. I mean, he didn’t climb or back country ski or bag peaks. He didn’t drag race either, for Christ’s sake. He wasn’t asking to die, but he did. He had kids.

This past weekend I climbed my highest summit in Norway thus far. Finnkonnakken isn’t particularly high, exposed, or steep, but its position on the edge of the ocean adds a nuance of adventure I haven’t encountered. Every inch of its prominence is on display from the salty waters; its northern side slides straight into the fjord. It is incredible, intimidating, but still a very moderate climb.

Many of the mountains around Bodø have one or two easier routes to the top. Even Steigtinden, the gneiss monolith overlooking the area north of Bodø, is walkable.

A plethora of well documented routes offer options to the burgeoning alpinist. If one reaches the base of a climb and gets cold feet, there is always a shorter, easier, or less committing route. With good conditions and proper preparation, summiting is almost a surety. However, the odds of success—and survival—are lower when avalanches are involved.

We started our day in celebration. One of my friends turned twenty-two and was committed to hiking on her birthday. Sticking with my usual expedition ritual of waking before dawn, I rolled out of bed around 6:30, but instead of donning my headlamp and harness and hasting out the door, I slogged to the kitchen. Soon enough, two of my other partners walked in with the supplies necessary for our first task of the day: making pancakes. We talked about different hikes and climbs, and fried flapjacks.

Eventually the topic of conversation turned to what we were going to do that day.

“Yeah, so Scott told me about a great mountain just north of here. I think its called Finnkonnakken?” sas Konni, a tall German guy with a well-trimmed beard and similarly neat temperament.

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COMMENTARY

“Yeah?” I asked. “I thought we were going to keep it mellow today. On account of the warnings from yesterday.” See, the Colorado avalanche scale rates avalanche likelihood from 1 (unlikely) to 5 (yer gonna die). The area around Bodø so far consisted of 1s. This weekend was the first time I saw a 2 for Salten county. Knowing this, I suggested we do anything but climb a snow-covered mountain—perhaps a low-altitude hike far from any peak above 400m or a quick dip in the frozen ocean. It was a bummer for all of us, but we decided not to push our luck on things we didn’t understand. I was the most knowledgeable in the group regarding snow conditions and avalanche preparedness, but I had only taken one class… that was in Norwegian. I didn’t want to get in over our heads, pun intended.

For the first time in my life, I was the cautious climber.

Maybe it was because of my fall this summer or the accident reports I had been reading in the American Alpine Journal. Maybe it was because of Inge Perkins and Hayden Kennedy’s accident in Montana last year. Maybe it was because of my friend who died back in the States a couple of weeks ago. That morning I argued for caution over boldness. At one point in our debate, I started laughing, because of how avidly I was defending safety and experience over risk and the ever-important summit. It didn’t sound like me at all.

We arrived at the trailhead for Finnkonnakken, opting to travel over the frozen lake rather than walking down the iced-over trail. Once on the initial ridge, I noticed snow conditions were less than ideal. The snow was clumping, heavy, and liable to break into sliding slabs. At this point though, there were so many trees, the angle was so low— there was little cause for concern.

We trudged higher and higher; using trees, rocks, ropes, whatever was available to aid us on our ascent. The day tore me open with its beauty. The sky in royal blue, cloudless in grandeur. We climbed trees and ran through deep snow. We were children, distant from concerns of grades and gossip and even avalanches. Upon reaching the summit, the snow had thinned, showing bare and featured gneiss. There was no danger for us on Finnkonnakken, only the freedom of the hills.

Thankfully, I was wrong. My friends’ insistence towards the unknown paid off. Even so, I felt accomplished that I extended caution. There’s an old saying among alpinists: “it is easy to have a thirty-year career in the mountains. The hard part is surviving your first two or three.” I have no designs on death yet, that comes surely enough with age. I have no desire to injure myself, even though I just dislocated my knee skiing. So it goes.

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COMMENTARY

#METOO @ NPU Editor's Note: Vista Magazine wanted to bring the #MeToo

movement to our pages, in order to support the rising number of people whose voices are being heard. Submissions were anonymous in order to protect those seeking legal action. This submission was edited for grammar-related purposes. If you or someone you know would like to submit an on-campus incident for print, you can do so anonymously on our website.

“She asked for it.”

“She was wasted and gave the wrong impression.”

“She was dressed like a whore.”

Those are just some of the responses I have overheard after women have so bravely come forward with sexual assault allegations. These implications infuriate me! With more and more victims coming forward with their truth’s makes for more feedback, both negative and positive. The negative criticism really irks me for numerous reasons, but the chief cause is that I, too, had fallen a victim of a sexual assault attempt… I was lucky enough to make it out physically untouched, which is unfortunately not the case in most situations, however, my mind is permanently wounded. The memory will forever haunt me.

I was not intoxicated, certainly did not ask for it, and was far from unsuitably dressed. In fact, I was wearing a 2XL men’s sweatshirt (nearly 4 sizes too big), baggy sweatpants, and the oh, so fashionable, fuzzy slipper-socks with sandals. I was at my local gym, the gym I attended for over 7 years because it's not far from where I live. I used the tanning beds on a few occasions and each time was a disappointment. I was once told I needed to clean my own bed because the only staff member there was busy working the front and was told not to ever leave it unattended. I appreciated his honesty, since other employees would lie and send me to a dirty bed. Obviously hiring an extra employee to ensure the place was safe and sanitized was too much for the corporation to afford... But on that particular night, I was determined to add some shade to my colorless skin for my upcoming, weekend getaway that January.

It was late, so only one staff member was on duty, a young girl.

After checking in and being assigned a room number, I headed upstairs to the desolate tanning area. When I approached the top of the staircase, I saw a figure in the corner of my eye. We crossed paths, and as we did he growled and gave me the most eerie, villain-like smirk. I gave him my: I’m grossed the F out, leave me alone at once, look. Sadly, these catcall incidents were something I had come to know well, so well that they didn’t really strike me as abnormal.

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Therefore, I quickly forgot about the strange occurrence and carried on. Just a few minutes passed when I heard frantic knocking. A man was banging on the door, shaking the doorknob, yelling "open this door, I'm an employee, open this door now”. I knew exactly who was behind that door. I froze for what seemed like forever, till I managed to blurt out “I’m calling the police.” However, I didn’t call the police, I only managed to call my friend, who was waiting for me in the parking lot. After my fib, the door knob stopped jolting. My friend ran in from the parking lot and alerted the girl at the desk about what had just happened to me and told her that I was afraid to come out of the room. They came up, got me, and brought me downstairs to the front desk. I then explained what happened as Tim, another gym employee, came to switch shifts with the girl. Tim didn't seem to believe my story, as he asked, “Are you sure?” and when I told him who it was he said “You don’t want to falsely accuse anyone.”

He didn’t have faith in me until a member (who was a man) came up and confirmed that he saw a male, like the one I described, checking out the scene, before following me upstairs.

Tim’s response was for me to “come at a safer time.” Not only did they let the guy I described walk out, they didn’t gather his info, nobody called the police, the manager claimed he didn't have access to the cameras, and on top of it, Tim told me he could not walk me to my friend’s car, because he couldn't leave the front desk unattended.... like really? I could have been raped and he just let the creep walk out. After 7 years as a member, the staff didn't care because I wasn't actually assaulted but only almost assaulted.

"I COULD HAVE BEEN RAPED AND HE JUST LET THE CREEP WALK OUT."

SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

THE STRENGTH OF CHRIST "The church is in desperate need of women leaders. This is my plea and encouragement to girls and women. The church needs your leadership."

RELIGION & FAITH

by Sarah Bender

Proverbs 31:25-26 (NIV): 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come.

26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue.

I am not sure if you have noticed, but it seems like the most common passage quoted in bios by Christian women on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media platform is Proverbs 31:25. I must admit, I think I probably see it on teenage girls’ Instagram bios the most. For the longest time I had a hate relationship with Proverbs 31. It was a checklist I despised. Anytime someone would compare me to it felt like an insult, but over the past few years, the damage Proverbs 31 has inflicted on my life is being redeemed.

Recently, some past events of deep pain came up in my life. Pain I had thought I was healing from, but the thing about pain is that it is never really fully healed. That’s the problem with living in the reality of a world in the in-between, the already-not-yet (a fancy way of saying Christ has come and his Kingdom is here, but there is still more to look forward to in his second-coming; i.e. no pain).

Sometimes pain is crippling. It leaves you weak and depleted. In my personal experience, when I am deeply wounded emotionally, I experience physical pain. This pain usually comes in form of panic attacks or headaches. Perhaps the best way to describe it is as, is weak, lacking strength. One of my biggest frustrations that often causes me the deepest pain is the concept of being a woman of God. I struggle with what it means to live out my life as a Christian woman.

Church always seems so geared toward men and raising male leaders. That really is the focus of most churches, perhaps not even always intentionally, but it sure is there. The church is in desperate need of women leaders. This is my plea and encouragement to girls and women. The church needs your leadership. She needs your dreams and aspirations. She needs your love and devotion. Nurture and encourage her. Raise up within her women and men of God so that they might be faithful to the mission of God in the world. The church needs your voice. Be God’s messenger to the people. Preach the good news of justice and reconciliation the gospel offers the world. Teach by example what it means to follow Christ. All strength is found in Christ. It is Christ who will give you the strength to stand up in spaces of pain that normally cripple a person. He will strengthen you when you feel defeated from the punches life has thrown at you. Take to heart Proverbs 31:25 and walk in the strength and dignity Christ gives you, but also take to heart verse 26. Be not afraid and speak with wisdom.

Know, the church is in need of your voice and faithful instruction. Dearest sisters, you are needed. Your voice and leadership are needed in order for the gospel to be fully embodied by the church. There will always be someone telling you that your voice doesn’t matter or perhaps they will even go to the degree of saying that you don’t belong in a leadership position because of your gender. Join me, in laying down the burden of patriarchy at the feet of Jesus. When we confess Jesus as King we are invited into a life of boldness and great strength that only Christ gives.

PROV 31 13

SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

ARTS & CULTURE

PODCASTS FOR WOMEN BY WOMEN

BY KAYLYN SWEITZER

In honor of Women’s History Month, this review highlights podcasts by women for women.

This past semester I’ve been lacking a female spiritual mentor, so I’ve been really praying for one the past couple of months. If someone had told me at the beginning of the semester that I would end up turning to podcasts for inspiration and guidance, I would’ve been VERY surprised.

Ever since podcasts have become more popular, I’ve wanted to get into them, but I just couldn’t; I could never commit to consistently listening to episodes. This is the first podcast I’ve truly fallen in love with. In Stephanie’s introduction episode she tells listeners that, “It’s okay to be a beginner.” We’re allowed to try and fail and have it be totally imperfect, and this is how I’m trying to view my life. Sometimes we just need to push through and get our hands dirty and figure it out as we go along, except we don’t have to do this alone. Stephanie calls her listeners to be honest with one another, so I’ve been learning to be honest with myself as well. She has become a light in my life just by sharing her flaws and insecurities and where she falls short; it’s been an encouragement to me, as I usually hold myself to unrealistic expectations and need to pay closer attention to where I may be lacking. Her book, The Lipstick Gospel, tells the story of finding God in heartbreak, the Sistine Chapel, and the perfect cappuccino and is available on her website stephaniemaywilson.com to download for free!

I wanted to highlight these three extraordinary women for their passionate hearts and motivational stories. Each podcast is loaded with encouragement, wisdom, and inspirational female guests. These are women who have owned their stories and embrace life by the horns. Stephanie May Wilson, Emily P. Freeman, and Lori Harder are definitely women that are worth listening to and getting to know, so without further ado, here they are!

Girls Night with Stephanie May Wilson

“Like a girls’ night at your best friend’s house, we’re navigating life and doing it together!”

Habakkuk 1:5 “Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed.

For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

Stephanie May Wilson is an author, blogger, speaker, and best friend who writes and talks about the kinds of things you’d chat about with your best friends at a girls’ night. ships, self-confidence, and individual callings. Each week she invites a girlfriend onto the show for about an hour of questions, answers, and open and honest discussions.

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SPRING 2018 The Next Right Thing with Emily P. Freeman

“I’m all about creating space for your soul to breathe so you can walk in step with your calling.”

This podcast is for the secondguessers, the chronically hesitant, or anyone who suffers from decision fatigue. Each episode is only between 10-20 minutes and provides a little white space each week, a break from the constant streaming of information and entertainment. Each episode consists of a thoughtful story, a little prayer, and a simple next right step; her goal is to make each episode relentlessly helpful and mercifully short. For the past few months, Emily has circled around a single topic per month. In January, she focused on how to manage time like a “soul minimalist.” In February, she discussed relationships, the one aspect in our lives we can’t control, predict, manage, or bullet point. How do we move forward in love when people can be so unpredictable and people-y?

Each week she delivers some muchneeded peace. Emily’s voice is sweet and soothing, a reliable relaxer in the midst of hectic schedules.

She believes that everyone has an art to offer the world but that the pace of our lives keeps us from offering it or even knowing what it is. It’s easy for me to get tangled up in a fast-paced world, distracted by the hustle and bustle of college life, and I’m also driven to the point where I forget to take time for my soul.

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ARTS & CULTURE

Emily has taught me to respect the daily pauses I need to fully be myself so that I can be present with God and faithful to those around me. With each week, she encourages me to embrace my own unique self even in the midst of hustle. She recommends small-moment living, as real life happens in even the smallest moments.

Emily offers a free eBook called Seven Little Ways to Live Art and transcripts of every episode for those who are hard of hearing or prefer reading over listening through her website www.emilypfreeman.com.

Earn Your Happy with Lori Harder: Motivation, Self-Love, Entrepreneurship, Confidence, Fitness and Life Coaching

“I believe the joy is in the journey.”

“It’s time to create a life you’re obsessed with.”

Lori Harder uses her determined spirt and motivational techniques to encourage listeners to take control of their lives and experience happiness.

She calls people to bust through their fears and connect to their souls and get focused and clear, so they can elevate their lives, businesses, and relationships. Listening to Lori every week is like getting a much-needed pep talk. Sometimes she makes me feel small when something she says feels like she’s calling me out, but then she quickly changes tactics and ends up building me up to the point that I feel charged, energized, and ready to take on the world by storm!

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Lori believes that “It’s what you’ve been thinking that creates your body and your reality.” She is all about positive attitude and owning your own thoughts! Lori’s community is a sacred space to forgive, grow, heal, find your tribe, and reconnect to your soul.

I’m often way too hard on myself and sometimes struggle to seek out joy and happiness throughout the day. I end up beating myself up, and it even hurts those around me. Lori has changed how I view life from day to day; her podcasts and the guests she’s had on the show have pushed me to embrace happiness, whether or not it’s simply handed to me. As Lori often says, “Get ready to earn, own, and unapologetically rock your happiness every single day.”

Check out her website www.loriharder.com for the chance to earn happiness by bursting through fears and reconnecting with your soul!

SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

Ode to Thy Creative Cognitive a poem by Haley Hack

Ingenious minds toil, Rehabilitating thy perception of thy realm.

Overwhelmed cores disembark to resourceful seashores.

High in the skies, -- And deep in the soil, -- Universally exposed matter.

Stimulates thy attention, -- Compasses thy heart, -- And sustains thee.

Don’t ever depart thee soul!

For ‘tis what makes thee whole.

For when ‘tis dark thy fashions a color chart.

And spirits of electrical shockwaves, Rock through thy frame, Unbridling an innovative billow, Invoking thy mind’s eye, --

Forevermore free thee will be.

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ARTS & CULTURE

SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

BRIDGE TO WAKANDA

ARTS & CULTURE

BY FRANK ROBERTS, ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

Representation matters. That’s been the rousing sentiment behind Black Panther; a film which is breaking all kinds of box office records. But, as an African, beyond simply seeing someone with my skin color and heritage reflected on screen, there is a reason I think Black Panther is now a phenomenon.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU), a small upstart of a comic book studio company struggling to stay financially afloat is now a behemoth blockbuster machine. A lot of credit goes to the behind the scenes organization and the interconnected world it has built. Many franchises now have tried to emulate this to varying degrees of success. But perhaps, the real secret sauce to Marvel’s winning streak is that it has a lot of heart.

Marvel, however you feel about it, is faithful to its characters and celebrates them. It is infectious how much its cast, crew and producers celebrate its characters. So many casual moviegoers have come to feel an extension of the Marvel “family”. So Black Panther was certainly already in good hands.

However, Black Panther’s highlights are in the ways that it bucks the Marvel formula. Its three-act structure breathes and paces itself almost without an agenda at first. Its central character is regal and muted as opposed to the cocky, quipping MCU leads we are used to. Its supporting cast are given dimensions, they are memorable and have clear, personal motives. Its villain is compelling and its location is just as much a piece of the story as its people. In fact, this might be the strongest creative voice that has ever been allowed to shine through their otherwise repetitive format of storytelling.

If you haven’t yet gotten a chance to see it, Black Panther is set in a secret, fictional African nation called Wakanda where the Panther serves as king and protectorate using the powerful black panther suit and serum. Wakanda, unlike most of Africa, was never colonized and as a people are much smarter and technologically-advanced than any other part of the world. The faithfulness Marvel brings to its movies meant that an extensive amount of research was done to make this look and feel right.

Ryan Coogler, the director, was particular about the costumes, accents and cultural elements used from various parts of East & Southern Africa. It is this specificity and respect of culture that elevate the film. (If you’re curious, google the reactions of people in theaters in Africa to see the cultural pride felt).

"... THESE PARTICULARLY AFROCENTRIC STORIES AND VIEWPOINTS HAD NOT BEEN PRESENTED IN AMERICAN CINEMA." The story is a Shakespearean drama transplanted to Africa that makes it feel more weighty than an average superhero movie. It deals with a myriad of complex themes - colonialism, isolationism vs globalism, vengeance vs forgiveness, reparations, giving back to black communities, absentee fathers, police brutality, cultural appropriation, black feminist theory, civil wars, patriotism, betraying one’s country, tensions between Africans & AfricanAmericans, the loss of national/cultural identity - the list is long and heavy and demanding of repeat viewings. In fact, the film’s greatest downfall might be that it brought so much to the table it will have slim-pickings for its inevitable sequels. That all is not to say that it isn’t funny. Black Panther marries comic relief with its tension so beautifully that you hardly ever see the jokes coming.Again, the cast is stacked. Its filled with legends such as Angela Bassett & Forest Whitaker and rising stars like Lupita Nyong’o, Daniel Kaluuya and Letitia Wright. Each’s presence lingered with me as the movie ended. I remember seeing the full casting list last year and joining in the social media chorus of #BlackPantherSoLit. So with that early hype and spot-on marketing trailers, I was already really looking forward to this film. What I wasn’t prepared for was how personal and intimate the story would be.

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SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

Ryan Coogler mentioned in interviews that while researching for visual images and storylines, he found himself on a quest for cultural identity. He traveled to Kenya and South Africa for the first time and for months tried to find himself within the rich traditions and culture that lay before him. His heart was warmed by the welcoming arms of the people and how similar their rituals were to family rituals for him back home in Oakland. He saw the same respect for the elderly, championing of matriarchs and even love for watermelon that he’d always grown up with. He was angry that he had been conditioned to feel disconnected from what was once his ancestors’ home. He was frustrated that these particularly Afrocentric stories and viewpoints had not been presented in American cinema where black Americans who feel lost could be made to understand their origins in a deep, meaningful way. The African diaspora has not been allowed to control its historical narrative for so long. Stories about Africa have often been told by someone else and it has been a story of strife, disease and poverty: a shithole.

But most shitholes find themselves on porcelain thrones at one point or another and Africa is as plush in resources as it is in stories.

ARTS & CULTURE

Coogler’s own life story is littered throughout this film. His hometown, Oakland, and his relationship with his father are used as significant story points. The villain, Killmonger, is a man who is so angered by his father’s murder that he bases all of his life’s decisions on seeking vengeance. Killmonger’s is a motivation that is so heartfelt it is difficult not to side with him. He is hurt by people in power who have ignored the plight of the oppressed. He questions T’Challa (the current black panther) about his wealth & technology at one point, “why haven’t you done anything for the rest of us?” It is a poignant question and it is a fair one. Killmonger takes it upon himself to restore power to the oppressed and lead a global uprising against its apathetic, dominant class. Ultimately, you realise that his actions would simply cause a reverse flow and not really fix the problems of the world. The best antagonist within a story is one that makes an argument just as compelling, if not more so than the protagonist. Yet, it is only by wrestling through the debate that we get to see why it is T’Challa who has the more honorable position. Coogler borrows an African proverb from his travels which T’Challa says in a final scene that sums up his justice outlook on the world, “Fools build barriers. It is the wise who build bridges.” Wakanda Forever.

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SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

ARTS & CULTURE

DAY 102 ON THE SHIP by Hannah M. Geil

While scrubbing the deck this morning, I was caught off guard by a speck of neon green paint. Now normally specks of unidentified substances don't bother me, I mean I live with unidentified substances for crying out loud. But I hadn't seen that color of green since the Great 90's themed Ye Old Prom when my sea legs were still fresh and my dancing was that of the stars. I started searching for the culprit, looking for any suspicious creatures or objects that could have created such a unique color. When I asked Jerome about the phenomenon, he laughed and said the color reminded him of the paint his sister would put on her nails. " She put more coats of that paint on her nails than an Alaskan wears while whale hunting in the dead of winter."

Suddenly a shrill sounded from the corner of the ship and I saw Trevor rush down the stairs. Curious to know why, I quickly followed behind him, kicking a stray boot to the side on my way down. By the time I caught up to him, he was surrounded by a sea of deckhands. They were grabbing at his feet like they were bears in the middle of salmon breeding season and I pushed my way into the sloppy smelly pile. Trevor's feet were exposed and his toenails shone with the same blinding bright green I found above deck. His face was beat red and his hands were death gripping the nail polish bottle. I thought the crew would make fun of such a sight, heck it was hard for me not to laugh. But they instead wanted the bottle for themselves. The crew members started rioting for the bottle, and soon there was a frenzy of grown, stinky men, applying "Lemon Lime Passion" to their fingers and toes.

Which speaking of, I better go. I am next in line Don't forget to scrub between the toes And hide your nail polish if you run into any pirates, Keep a weather eye on the Horizon, Johnny 19

SPRING 2018

VISTA MAGAZINE

COMMENTARY

TO THE STUDENTS WHO DIDN'T WIN

By Marisa Bowden For the first time in my life I finally saw the movie Rocky…

I had seen a few scenes from the movie and recognized parts that other movies had attributed to the three-time Academy Award winning film. Finally, I took advantage of this snow day, and watched how the Italian Stallion became a worldwide phenomenon.

However, when I was watching Rocky, an analogy began to string together in my head on how Rocky is a lot like students in college.

Once I finished watching Rocky, I immediately decided to type this up.

Rocky Balboa was an un-educated, workin’ class guy from Philadelphia. He talked funny, and sported sweat for cologne, but he had something that set him apart from the rest of the neighborhood...

Rocky gets the opportunity to have a boxing match with the infamous, modern day-Greek mythological hero, Apollo Creed.

Rocky trains for this fight like his life depends on it. He is seen running up the 72 stone steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, (today known as the “Rocky Steps”) and bare knuckle punching a carcass as if he was a punching bag of marshmallows. All this training, and all that he endeavors are for this fight. To keep himself focused on the fight, he sets aside the "temptation" for his girlfriend Adrian. Why? Because it’ll distract him from the fight. Meanwhile, scenes switch to Apollo. We don’t see him training; we see him calling publicists and doing business of how to accumulate him the most money once he beats Rocky. Apollo knows he’s great, and he believes Rocky is not a threat to his godlike status in the world of boxing.

At the end of the film, it’s time for the showdown. Apollo has all these men in his corner, warming him up and boosting his ego. Then the scene switches where we see Rocky get on his hands and knees in the bathroom and begin praying.

Spoiler alert, so you might want to skip this paragraph, (but then again you may miss the big point I’m trying to make). Rocky’s eyes are swollen, and if you thought he talked funny before, he is almost incomprehensible now. Our beloved fighter loses to the big-headed Mr. Creed. This was the first movie in film history ever to have an unexpected ending, where the protagonist does not win. So what made Rocky the Italian Stallion? What set Balboa apart from the rest was as he said,"… all I wanna do is go the distance.

Nobody's ever gone the distance with Creed, and if I can go that distance, you see, and that bell rings and I'm still standin', I'm gonna know for the first time in my life, see, that I weren't just another bum from the neighborhood.” Rocky lost the match, but he stayed standing. He didn’t lose by a knockout, (although he did get beaten terribly). He lost only because Apollo landed more hits on him. But, how? How does a humble man, who is shown to incorporate God in his life, dedicate his time, sacrifice the things he likes …all for a loss?

You may be reading this and feel this way too: those all nighters you had to study for a test, the billions of notecards you made, the things you gave up so you could focus better, the extra hours you took at work to pay for tutoring classes… to come so close to your goal, only to watch it fall through your fingers like dry sand. The amount of friends I know that couldn’t continue their major because they couldn’t pass a test by a few points. Aggravations swelled up in their minds like a balloon and tears delivered pain to their temples. The discontentment of their academics left them feeling like they were beaten in a boxing match, however the only thing that they failed was seeing how truly strong they had become.

Here’s the thing—you went the distance. You fought through all these obstacles but you remained standing. All those things you went through, made you who you are. It made you tougher, craftier, and better because you went the distance. Rocky may have lost but he accomplished his dream by going the distance. As Michael Jordan once said, “I can accept failure, what I can’t accept is not trying.”

Some people know Apollo Creed, but when someone says the name Rocky, everyone knows who he is.

Just like Rocky, you are still standing too. Maybe life did not turn out as you had expected, but your story is not over. College is like a boxing match, and you're not guaranteed to recieve the winning results you want, but you are guranteed to come out a better person.

Any fighter will tell you getting beat humbles you, if not strengthens you. Rocky goes on to make three more movies, and recently in his last film he trains Apollo Creed’s son. So maybe you scored really low on your LSATS and your dream Law School just isn’t going to happen… or maybe Law School just isn’t going to happen period… but you’re going to keep moving forward and you’re going to be as big as Rocky. You are going to go the distance.

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