Vol. 53, No. 10
FINAL ISSUE 2018 -2019
Dedicated to the People Who Made It.
New SBP announced Page 3
An ORU year in review Pages 8-9
Tulsa, Oklahoma • April 26, 2019 • www.oruoracle.com
Farewell, The Oracle Pages 12-14 Photo by Sterling Zoe Rubottom
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05/31/2019.
2 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
New Student Body President announced by Faith Wilson Print News Editor
Like most Wednesdays on ORU’s campus, students piled into Christ’s Chapel on April 17. However, this service was associated with added excitement as the unknown results for the student body presidential election lingered in the air. Aleah LaForce and Garrett Maddox sat next to Abby Nusbaum and Karina Salcedo as tension built for the announcement. Students began a drumroll across the chapel. President Dr. William M. Wilson announced that Aleah LaForce and Garrett Maddox won the election. LaForce and Maddox ran on the slogan of “Let’s Celebrate!” with hopes of promoting diversity, sustainability and life on campus. “I put ‘Way Maker’ on repeat as I went to bed. The next morning, it was the first song played in chapel. It was a ‘wow’ moment with the Holy Spirit,”
LaForce said. LaForce shared that being elected has been a “good weird,” as people have begun to greet her with “Madam President.” She said that she is filled with gratitude from the support. Maddox was joyful that campaigning was over. “It’s really peaceful now that it’s over. Campaigning consumes your life, but everyone was open and honest, which helped us to have a clean campaign,” Maddox said. LaForce and Maddox won by a margin of 5.4 percent with 700 votes, versus Abby Nusbaum’s and Karina Salcedo’s 629 votes. With the knowledge that both campaigns had a nearly even voting outcome, LaForce hopes to implement some of her opponents’ ideas. “I think that the ping pong intramurals is a great idea for student recreation,” said LaForce. “The professional clothing drive is really
important, especially for students who can’t afford those things.” Having a diverse support group will be a major help in the long run, LaForce added. While several ethnicities are represented on her team, she is also happy with the diversity in majors, which she believes will be a great help during her presidency. “We’ve been partnering with sustainability and social work majors and athletes and people who will definitely be able to give us opinions on things that we don’t have a hand in,” LaForce said. Some of LaForce’s team members plan to continue to help her and Maddox during the presidency. “With delegation, I think it’s important to realize what you can and cannot handle. There are some people who really thrive in some things, and others who thrive in other areas,” LaForce said. Throughout their campaign,
LaForce and Maddox stated several times that open communication was key in connecting with people. Both wish to build relationships within the student body and to communicate their willingness to put in the hard work to attain those relationships. “It’s time to solidify relationships between the president’s office and athletics, or anyone else who wants to see us,” said Maddox. LaForce and Maddox hope to encourage the student body to talk to them about what they want for the incoming year, and they plan to show students what the jurisdiction and duties of the presidency entail. “I want them to know we are approachable,” said LaForce. “We are also students, but we are here to serve. I want them to also know that some things are out of our jurisdiction or aren’t fiscally possible. But if they have ideas, we’re here for them; they’re not alone.”
The 2019-2020 Student Body President, Aleah LaForce and Vice President, Garrett Maddox. / Photos by Faith Wilson
April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 3
Provided by Rafael Barreiro
MMI students appear on Wheel of Fortune set by Elliot Smith Staff Writer At the beginning of April, ORU’s MMI students took a week-long trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Every year, MMI students are provided the opportunity to experience the National Association for Broadcasters show, as well as meet various TV show writers, producers, editors and directors. The MMI students, alongside Professor Rafael Barreiro, made appearances on the set of the game shows “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy.” “My favorite was meeting Amick Byran, the singing voice of Moses in Prince of Egypt, and Andrew Troi in Star Trek,” said Kayla Williams, a first semester senior cinema, television and digital media major. “Amick was so nice and gave each of us a list detailing ‘how to make it’ in the media. On the list, there were several scriptures encouraging us to find our identity in Christ and not in what we do. I thought that was very powerful in an image-driven culture.” The group was also given the chance to listen to a panel of department heads who worked on Captain Marvel. “That meant so much to me!” said Williams. “I loved the movie, and it was neat to hear how they brought different scenes to life through sound and special effects while still trying to make sure they didn’t cover up Brie Larson’s acting.” The set is located in CBS Television City, Studio 33.
4 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a world-renowned climate communicator, spoke on campus April 17. / Photo by De’Ja Bunyan
Climate change hits ORU by ChaeWoon Yoo Print News Editor “No, I don’t believe in global warming because faith, or belief, is the substance of what we hope for and the evidence of the things not seen,” said Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, a world-renowned climate scientist. She spoke in the Zoppelt Auditorium on April 17 to talk to students about climate change. “And clearly, science is the substance of things here and now of what we can observe,” said Hayhoe. Often referred to as a climate communicator, Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist. Hayhoe was included in Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People of 2014, amongst others like Beyoncé, John Green and Barack Obama, and in 2017, she was one of Fortune’s World’s Greatest Leaders. For Hayhoe, she doesn’t accept global warming on faith. She looks at data, analyzes models and helps city managers and ecologists quantify the impacts of global warming. The data shows, she said, evidence of the planet warming. So who is responsible? Hayhoe explained that science clearly points toward humans, and scientists have carefully examined all the other natural suspects such as the sun, the earth’s natural cycles, volcanoes and more. “Every season has been warming since the 1950s, and our winters have been warming faster than any other season,” said Hayhoe. Hayhoe addressed those who might argue and say that the scientists are faking the data. “If scientists have been faking data, they would have had to been faking data since the 1600s,” said Hayhoe. “That’s how long we have been collecting temperature and thermometer data all around the world.”
She further explained that if people are still not convinced by any of the scientific data collected, there is still proof of the earth warming by the evidence of God’s creation that anybody can see with their own eyes. “Why does it matter to us?” asked Hayhoe. “Because when you think about global warming, what’s the number one image that comes into your head? It’s big, it’s furry and it’s usually sitting on a piece of ice, looking sad. It’s a polar bear.” She then asked if anybody had ever seen a polar bear out in the wild with their own eyes. No one at the event raised their hand. “Exactly. No wonder we don’t think this matters if the number one symbol is a polar bear on ice. So why do I care about the changing climate? I care about a changing climate because we humans are metaphorically sitting there on that shrinking piece of ice. We are the ones at risk, and I believe that we are to love others,” said Hayhoe. How does climate change affect people? Hayhoe explained that climate change affects people because it takes many natural risks that humans may face and intensifies them. Climate change takes heat waves and makes them more powerful and harmful. It takes heavy rainfalls and “supersizes” them as the air becomes warmer, thus holding more water vapors. So when a storm comes about, the multiplied water vapors are swept and dumped back on the earth. Climate change worsens hunger, intensifies water shortages and increases diseases. “I care because I believe God has given us responsibility for the welfare of every living person, which includes plants, animals and people. And I care even more because it disproportionally affects the poorest and most vulnerable among us,” said Hayhoe.
A guide to the 2020 candidates by Jennifer Lupinacci Staff Writer
2020 Presidential Candidates: If 2016 was the year of Republican candidates, 2020 is the year of Democratic candidates. With more than 20 confirmed candidates, there are several options and platforms for voters to decide from. Here are eight of the top candidates running.
Democrats: Bernie Sanders, a Vermont senator, is back with his second presidential campaign. He is known for his democratic socialist policies, such as “Medicare for All,” free college tuition and the desire to reduce upper-class elites’ political power. Elizabeth Warren, a senator for Massachussetts, is passionate about income inequality. An Oklahoma native, she advocates for Native American heritage and women’s rights. Kamala Harris supports middleclass tax cuts and implementing more liberal civil rights, both of which she brought to discussion as a senator for California. Some know her for speaking out against President Trump’s cabinet nominees, particularly Brett Kavanaugh. Kirsten Gillibrand, New York senator and former congresswoman, is currently one of the Senate’s leading
liberal voices. She advocates for women’s equality and opportunity. Beto O’Rourke, former Texas representative, ran for the Senate in 2018 but was narrowly defeated by Ted Cruz. O’Rourke has now been touring coffee shops across the U.S. to gain support on a personal level with voters. He is pro-choice and pro-LGBT, supports the legalization of marijuana and hopes to make the citizenship process easier. Joe Biden is passionate about economic protection for low-income workers and restoring America’s global standing. As former vice president for President Obama, a senator and twotime presidential candidate, Biden has experience with presidential campaigns. Republicans: Donald Trump, as shown in his current term, is passionate about reforming immigration, improving
trade, withdrawing the military from overseas, renegotiating climate change legislation and arms control. William F. Weld is a former federal prosecutor and governor of Massachusetts. In 2016, he ran for vice president on the libertarian party ticket. Weld prefers fiscal restraint and supports free trade, immigration reform and legalizing marijuana.
ORU ad team competes at nationals by Lauren Brewington Staff Writer Every year, ORU Public Relations and Advertising students compete in the National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC). This is ORU’s sixth year to compete in the AAF competition and the team took home the Judges’ award for Outstanding Presenter. Held on April 5 in Shreveport, Louisiana, the competition was sponsored by the American Advertising Federation (AAF). The district competition included 14 colleges and universities from Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma. The presenters, Madison Dillingham, Lauryn Scott, Holli Anne Spears and Seth Roche were recognized at the NSAC Awards Dinner at Shreveport’s Convention Center. Wienerschnitzel is the world’s largest hot dog chain and was chosen by AAF as the 2018-2019 client sponsor. Wienerschnitzel asked students to create a campaign that changed perceptions
about hot dogs to produce national demand for the category. Wienerschnitzel’s Chief Marketing Officer Doug Koegeboehn made the Judges’ award. “We were excited to see the team’s hard work recognized through the Judges’ award,” said Cristi Eschler-Freudenrich, ORU assistant professor of communication media and NSAC faculty team advisor. “Our team invested in primary and secondary research, creative messaging and promotional activities about the client to position the hot dog as ‘The Official Food for Fun.’” Stephenie Wimberly, senior public relations and advertising major, was awarded a $2,500 scholarship based on her academic performance and professional portfolio. “[I am] so proud of our team who participated in the AAF District 10 competition,” stated Freudenrich. “Thank you to our leadership team, Marlena Gailis and Madison Dillingham, whose commitment made the team’s success possible.”
The ORU ad team took home the Judges’ award for Outstanding Presenter at the NSAC competition. / Photo provided by Ad Team
April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 5
Three ways to reach out for an outreach by Staci McCoy and Gabriel Jaggernauth Lifestye Editor and Staff Writer
ORU Missions & Outreach offers ways to easily join local volunteer opportunities and give back to the community, but what happens after the school year and later, after graduation? How can students and graduates serve without the magic sign-up sheet and GroupMe reminders? Without practical ways to get involved in various outreaches outside of ORU, it can be difficult to know where to start, and contributing to an outreach brings an immense joy that should continue far beyond a college career. Start by checking out your church’s outreach opportunities. Churches often connect with various local outreaches and ministries, creating a wealth of community in and outside the church walls. Don’t dismiss the idea of checking out all your church may have to offer because it just might hold your perfect niche. Being a twenty-something-year-old, do what comes natural and hop on Google. It might seem too easy, but isn’t that what every millennial wants?
Simply search “Tulsa outreaches,” or whatever city you find yourself in, and skim the selection of organizations and Facebook pages for ways to get involved. Communicate with ministries and outreaches you find for details and opportunities. If nothing quite peaks your interest, take a look at community service—you still have an opportunity to do good. Try volunteering in a soup kitchen or hospital; these hold opportunities to share the goodness of God while helping people in their dayto-day lives. If all else fails, look for ways to give back in your daily life. Keep care packages in your car to give to people in need. Look for ways to bless those less fortunate. Outreaches bless communities with the heart of God, sharing it with those who might have withdrawn from faith and related things. Believers possess the gifts of joy, love and kindness, and these are things that impact others; outreach is the perfect chance to be the hands and feet of Christ, something that doesn’t change after graduation.
ORU Missions & Outreach teams went into the Tulsa community on April 6 for the Spring Outreach event. / Photo by Jonathan Rodriguez
Summertime sadness on campus by Chisom Favour Uche-Onyilofor Staff Writer As students anticipate the upcoming summertime, some are packing up just to unpack in another room right back on campus. The summer season is much longer in America than in other countries, with three month break. Unfortunately not all international students are able to make it home for the summers. Spending the entire summer on campus might sound lonely and uneventful, so here are some ways to stay occupied all throughout the warm season. If you feel the need to catch up or get ahead on your degree plan, summer school is a great way to spend some of your summer. It knocks off some classes that could make the academic year cumbersome. With summer school, the possibility of graduating early (or on time for some students) arises, lightening your course load and sometimes student loans. For those interested in making some money during
6 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
their summer stay on campus, ORU also offers jobs under the Summer 360 program. Jobs are posted on Handshake, beginning May 6 and ending Aug. 10. Students can work 30 hours per week and receive payment bi-weekly. The cost of housing is covered for students completing the 360 hours. This is a perfect summer program for making some extra money because it is literally in your backyard. Unfortunately, the only on-campus food service available during the summer is the The Deli in the Graduate Center, which will still close at 2:30 p.m. daily and remain closed on the weekends. Sodexo may not cater to you summer-stayers, but several surrounding restaurants accept Eagle Bucks, eliminating the tax from purchases. There are also many food delivery service options (DoorDash, Postmates, Grubhub, etc.) if your budget allows it. For those who love to cook, find a grocery store in Tulsa that caters to your culture and get to
slicing and dicing in the dorm kitchens. For those without a car, transportation services like Uber and Lyft can get you everywhere in Tulsa. The newest addition to Tulsa transportation, Lime and Bird scooters, could be a last-minute option. Whatever you do, don’t let a lack of transportation keep you from enjoying the summer. Take advantage of time spent off campus by going to the movies, the park or a bowling alley—get creative and get outside, or at least off campus. Find stuff that makes you happy and satisfies the newfound free time rather than spending the whole day working or sleeping. Keep an eye out for what campus services have planned throughout the summer because they might be few, but they’ll be worthwhile. Don’t spend the summer locked up on campus—summertime is the period for energizing yourself after a long school year. Do what you can to make sure you start the next school year well rested, not burnt out.
How to prepare for the Endgame This three-hour finale must be taken very, very seriously. by Gabriel Jaggernauth Staff Writer until this point (like why Tony Stark After 10 years of edge-of-yourseat films, the anticipation has built up to one final, three-hour movie, releasing April 26. The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) produces films that require extreme preparation before watching. There is no way to just jump in—there are too many moving pieces, too many converging plotlines and too many men in spandex. That being said, here are a few ways to prepare for “Avengers: Endgame.” 1. Catch up on the past 10+ years of the MCU. Every movie in the Marvel Cinematic Universe is, in one way or another, connected. This is what makes the MCU such an epic franchise. To fully understand everything that has happened up
has a picture of Peter Parker in the trailer for “Avengers: Endgame”), it is necessary to see a few of the movies in the MCU. However, if you are a dedicated fan who wants to be really prepared, it’s best to see the entire MCU from the start, “Iron Man,” to the most recent adventure, “Captain Marvel.” Buckle up and prepare for an epic, two-day binge session. 2. Gather a squad to watch the finale.
Get friends from all over campus to go watch the film with you. The more the merrier, and with more hours than usual for this flick, this is going to be a merry time. 3. Wear the merch and wear it proudly. Don’t be afraid to show off how much of an MCU fan you are. The best merch to get is T-shirts, and there are a ton of designs to choose from. We b s i t e s like TeePublic have an awesome T-shirt collection. 4. M a k e sure you can handle three hours. While a
three-hour film is nothing new, distractions can cause you to miss a few minutes of the movie. Knowing this series, no moment of this movie will be worth missing, so it will be important to stay in that seat. First, maybe pass on a large soda or ICEE. Make sure that you are well rested before seeing the movie. Finally, make sure you will be able to pay attention to the entire movie; it is promised to be worth it. 5. Be sure you are going to have fun. Whether you are a fan of the MCU or not, this movie is catching enough hype to ensure a good time. With your friends by your side, “Avengers: Endgame” is guaranteed to be an amazing movie. Remember, no spoilers. Thanos snaps for your silence.
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April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 7
A YEAR IN REVIEW 2018 - 2019
August 2018 to May 2019 was packed full of memories and tragedies,
successes and failures, events and lengthy study sessions. Lots happened. Let’s reflect. ORU mourned and commemorated the loss of… John Chau Bob Canada Ossie Mills
Favorite event of the year (polled from The Oracle’s Instagram) Culture Fest Homecoming Haydown Hoedown Battle of the Bands Christmas Lighting Midweek Movies Campus Worship
STUFF THAT HAPPENED ON CAMPUS AND AROUND TULSA… Hammocks become legalized on campus ORU cuts ribbon on new Sports Park Keith Wheeler ends his 24,901-mile walk with a cross at ORU ORU takes over Salvation Army kettle locations Students combat depression and anxiety by starting a mental health initiative
ORU Theatre presents Oklahoma premiere of “Brightstar” Aleah LaForce elected as Student Body President College of Business gains Stovall Center of Entrepreneurship The Golden Eagle crosses the road, expanding the campus with purchase of new building
Lots of sketchy emails are sent out to students; ORU security fights against phishing emails
President Dr. William M. Wilson becomes resident president
Students celebrate different cultures at Culture Fest
The “Timeless” Homecoming Gala overflows with students at the Mayo Hotel
Clubs and students start the year off at Partiestival Los Caballeros wins Battle of the Bands The prayer garden lights up during the Christmas Lighting event Lime/Bird scooter revolution kicks off The annual Tulsa state fair draws in a crowd
8 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
Students throw down at the Haydown Throwdown Mother Road Market opens for business First Lady Melania Trump visits Tulsa elementary school Tulsa gathers at Gathering Place for the first time
WHAT THE ORACLE HAS BEEN UP TO 215 articles written and published
113,622 words written—give or take a few
Won Second Place Overall Newspaper, Second Place Online Newspaper, First Place Enterprise/Investigative Reporting, First Place Team Enterprise/Investigative Reporting, First Place News Photography, First Place Editorial Writing
ARTISTS WE GOT TO COVER Switchfoot and Colony House (Brady Theater) UPPERROOM (Christ Chapel)
ADVICE FROM THOSE WHO MADE IT “Finish the assignment early and go to the event. Make memories worth remembering.” - Driennah Laney
Aaron Watson (Cain’s Ballroom) Lauv (Cain’s Ballroom) Chris Young (BOK Center) Panic! At the Disco (BOK Center) Death Cab for Cutie (Cain’s Ballrooom)
“Study abroad!” - Natalie Seale “Take a dance class! I may be biased as a dance major, but literally dance classes are fun!” - Shelby Waters “Watch out for the geese; they wake up at the quack of dawn.” - Kayley Forshey “Avoid the seafood in saga. There is always something fishy about it.” - Miqueas Barreiro
THINGS OVERHEARD THIS YEAR THAT YOU WOULDN’T HEAR ANYWHERE ELSE “Bro, I think you can change God’s mind.” “...while simultaneously living a life sold out to God.” “Did somebody lose their purity ring?” “I like your pants.” “Thanks, I got them for like three bucks in Asia.” “So you pray with your roommate every night?” “Dude, it’s like God is giving you a gift right now.” “I’m dating now!” “Well, I’m engaged.” “After I get my things from my dad, you guys wanna go pray in the Prayer Tower?” “Is there any reason you’re hanging out with people who aren’t spiritually connected?” “Who said that? Jesus? I don’t think he meant it that way. I think you’re taking it out of context.” “How did you know my name was Andrew?” “Bro, are you serious?” “Yeah!” “We’ve talked like TWENTY TIMES.” “God said that? Honey, I don’t know if he meant it that way…”
April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 9
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10 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
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How to say goodbye, athlete style by Miqueas Barreiro Staff Writer
There are many ways to end. The best are like John Elway, Payton Manning and Ray Lewis, all of whom retired as NFL Super Bowl Champions. Much more common are the less glamorous ways, like the retiring of Brett Favre after his career dwindled from legendary Packer to irrelevant Viking or Barry Sanders’ listless and underwhelming last game as a Detroit Lion. As I read up on athletes’ last games and seasons, focusing on the ones that quit by choice, I realized just how many legends pass into the history books without much fanfare or send off. Can you tell me when Michael Jorden’s last game was? Or who he even played for in that game? (Hint: It wasn’t the Bulls). So many of these athletes end up
finishing their careers as nobodies on irrelevant teams, relics of a bygone area. But there are two exceptions I will highlight. The first exception is Kobe Bryant, scoring 60 points in his 1,346th and final game. Kobe and the Lakers overcame a 10 point lead held by Utah Jazz in the last three minutes of his career to give the team and LA one last, thrilling win. You could tell it was the end. There were no critics to silence, no “we’ll get them next season”—just Kobe, a ball and an opportunity to put an exclamation mark on the last page in a chapter of NBA history. The 37-year-old Black Mamba was visibly exhausted from his exertion. He knew this was his last hurrah, and he was giving it everything he had left. There was nothing left to prove. Of all the ways a legend could go
out, that was it. The other exception is a guy you’ve probably never heard of, unless you have been a Vikings fan for the last 10 years or so. His name is Chad Greenway, ex-linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings. Yeah, he’s not the most famous NFL player, or even most famous Viking. He didn’t have the best stats or flashiest plays. But what he did have was 11 consecutive seasons in Viking purple, only missing four games during that time. His career spanned from before the Brett Favre Years, through the Childress Saga and the Frazier Fiasco and into the modern Zimmer Era. In other words, Greenway was as Viking as the horns on the helmet and became the staple of the Viking’s defense. Greenway took several pay cuts to stay with the Vikings, and his hard work and team-first mentality set the stage
for the current culture of success in the North’s defense. His last game was a 38-10 meaningless win over division rivals Chicago Bears. In front of almost 66,655 adoring fans, who had cheered him on through the good, the bad and the ugly, number 52 took the field one last time. Kobe ended his career a five-time World Champion. Greenway ended his career having only four playoff appearances. Kobe ended his career as a legend of his sport. Greenway will only be remembered by the most dedicated of Vikings fans. But in the end, both athletes left the sport knowing they gave it their best shot, both stayed loyal to their team and their fans until the end and both finished out their careers with the respect they had earned. And that is the best way to end.
Tiger Woods makes a comeback by Brendon Martin Staff Writer
People love seeing the underdog succeed. So this week’s lesson? As former Titans coach Jeff Fisher puts it, “A setback is a setup for a comeback.”
Graphic by Jonathan Westcott
On Sunday, April 14, the age-old adage “actions speak louder than words” rang true yet again. Tiger Woods’ performance made the resounding statement that he is still a world-class golfer despite recent years of doubts and criticism. Woods has had his setbacks. From numerous surgeries, personal scandals and a decade-long title drought, Woods reversed his downward spiral. Despite the odds against him, in one day he stunned the world. In one day, he made one of the greatest comebacks of all time. In one day, he revealed the true Tiger Woods and inspired fans across the globe. Woods’ latest victory at the 2019 Masters Tournament brought his major title tally to 15. Just two years ago, he underwent his fourth back surgery, a desperate last attempt to salvage his renowned career. With a shattered public
image, it appeared his record-breaking had come to an abrupt end. It seemed Woods had lost everything—his career, his marriage, his popularity and perhaps even his legacy. Obviously, Woods didn’t settle for this. He took time to heal and recover, clear of the paparazzi and pressure. He got his confidence back and began to be competitive again, attaining his first tournament victory in over five years. Overcoming numerous physical and emotional obstacles, Woods clawed his way into the Masters and back onto the worldwide stage. “This is just unreal, to be honest with you. This has meant so much to me and my family, this tournament, and to have everyone here, it’s something I’ll never, ever forget,” said Woods to Golf Channel. This past weekend reminded sports fans of why they love sports. People love a good comeback.
April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 11
Life after graduation
Olusjiji O. Oluloto Staff Writer It’s been four months since my graduation. I thought life was going to be easier, but it has been difficult. I had big dreams about my future. However, I wake up every day to apply for jobs and go to interviews. It gets debilitating receiving the 20th email saying that I’m not a good fit for a company. It’s a struggle holding onto hope despite evidence for the contrary. But through the troubles that I’ve faced, I’ve
learned a lot in the last few months. First, you must remind yourself every day that you’re not your job, even if you love your work. Remember that your career is a temporary assignment. Your identity is in God himself. Also, God may be calling you into a season of hiddenness. You may want to do great things for God, which is wonderful, but also want to be famous for doing it. Furthermore, all the trials and difficulties you’ll face are developing you to be a strong man or woman of God. Sometimes the advice, “follow your passion,” isn’t very helpful. Passion is something that can grow or die. It isn’t fixed. Get a day job and don’t abandon it just because you’ve found something that you’re passionate about. Develop your passion on the side. Havilah Cunnington says to first discover your life’s purpose you must first reflect on all the times God’s hand has been on your life supernaturally. Second, look at your pain points. Your past and present struggles give you the credentials to minister to others. Third, look at your gifts and talents. Lastly,
Cunnington believes that God will strategically use relationships to shape your path. Don’t waste your 20s. Our culture tells us to have as much “fun” as we can because we have a long life ahead of us. As a Christian, you’re called to live for a greater glory. Focus more on the impact that you’ll make on earth for the future generation and for eternity. After you graduate, take a few days off and pray. You need to get quiet and calm enough to silence the many voices and listen to God’s voice. On a more practical note, find ways to improve your resume. Leverage the networks that you have. Many people get jobs in companies and ministries through the recommendations of acquaintances. During the application process, find ways to get out of the house. Staying indoors all day can be depressing with all the job rejections that will come your way. Practice gratitude every day. I remind myself to be grateful about what I have—health, food, shelter, family, a master’s degree, writer for The Oracle—in my life rather than focusing on the job that I don’t have. So, remember, be patient and don’t lose hope.
In sports and life, a goodbye
Hillary Hurst Sports Editor My time at The Oracle ends just as unexpectedly as it began. I am at a loss for words—which seems ironic since I work for a newspaper—on how to express how much being the Sports Editor means to me. I’m aware not many people are sports fans, but as my final act,
12 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
I’d like to take this opportunity to leave you all with a few of the most vital lessons anyone can gain from playing sports. 1. In sports and life, you need a team. We are not meant to do this life alone. In the most recent NBA season, LeBron James and the Lakers were in a mid-season game, and one of LeBron’s teammates fell down. Before his teammates could get there, he had already stood up. However, LeBron called his teammates into a huddle and said, “Anytime you fall, stay down. Your brother will come and pick you up.” We all need people surrounding us who will be the first to rush over and help us when we are down, for we can accomplish far more together than apart.
2. In sports and life, perseverance will take you further than almost anything else. For 2018, my word of the year was “persevere,” and I could not have picked a more fitting word. Through tearing two ACLs and dealing with mental illness, I learned how to persevere. The struggles were blessings in disguise because the danger, the hurt and the heartbreak all provided opportunities to succeed in the midst of trial. No matter what you’re going through and no matter how dark it gets, remember that you stand for a greater purpose and doing hard things is what you’re made for. 3. In sports and life, being unafraid to fail is key. When the game is on the line and the coming freethrow shot will decide who wins, there
is absolutely no room to entertain the thought of failure. Positive visualization and confidence are necessary to win in high pressure situations. The same goes for life. If you think you can do it, refuse to let anyone tell you otherwise, and if you know what you want, then go get it. The only person who can stop you is you. My time at The Oracle has allowed me to express a softer side of myself I don’t necessarily get to show on the court, and I will forever be grateful for my time as Sports Editor. I am a firm believer that sports can teach us so much about life, especially basketball— the greatest, most poetic game ever. To The Oracle, to our faithful readers who don’t use our editions as shields from the rain, most sincerely, Thank you and goodbye.
I’m moving into The Oracle office
Kayley Forshey Managing Editor “I don’t want to go.” - Doctor Who. Same. Of course, I’m ready for real adult life— for living on my own, for having a full-time job, for growing up a little more. But working at The Oracle is something I’ve always wished I could take with me. Sure, I’m ready to no longer be a student, but I’m not ready to say goodbye to my favorite people. I especially can’t say goodbye to my fearless leader, Cicely Rubottom; she’s still in my phone as “Cicely Rumbottom” because when we first met, I didn’t hear her correctly, and now I refuse to change it. I can’t do it. Saying goodbye is too hard, so I’m not saying
goodbye anymore. Rather than going through the dreaded tears, the bitter parting, the dramatic hugs and declarations of “we must stay in touch, we must!” I’m simply not going to leave. I’ve thought it all out, and I really think it could work. I love my job at The Oracle too much to just pack up and move away. So, without further ado—introducing The Oracle’s new permanent Managing Editor: Me! I’m packing up, getting that diploma and moving into The Oracle office. I know administration may not approve this, but I’ll move in secretly, so let’s keep this I-refuse-to-say-goodbye-plan between you and me. Here’s how I’ll do it: First, I’ll slowly move things from my dorm to The Oracle office before gradutation. The space under the Editor-in-Chief ’s (EIC) desk makes for a nice place to sleep (I heard the Unofficial Assistant to the EIC often naps there), so I’ll just need my pillows and blankets to make things a little more homey and less office-y. I’ll hide all my dress-code-appropriate clothes throughout the office, strategically placing my pants in one file cabinet and my shirts in another, covering them with a stack or two of old print issues. Shoes will be harder to hide, but I think The Oracle has me covered. I’ll just place a pair or two behind the dozens of old yearbooks that line the bookshelves,
slipping them out undetected whenever I need them. I’ve been using a shower caddy for almost five years now, so that won’t be hard to move. I think I’ll keep it in the advertising office, behind the printer. No one ever looks there, right? I’ll brush my teeth and get dressed in the tiny bathroom down the hall. When I need to shower, I’ll head to the Aerobics Center and sneak in behind a student, obviously looking like a student myself (I’m probably going to look like a student for the rest of my life; I don’t think I’m getting any taller. Being short really does have its perks.) Now for all my books and knick knacks—these might be harder to move into the office, but I think I can do it. I’ll space them out, office by office, desk by desk. I think my fellow writers, editors and photographers won’t mind the place looking so cozy. At night, I’ll hide in the EIC’s office as security locks up. When the coast is clear, I’ll watch Netflix on the office computers and eat leftover pizza from The Oracle office parties. During the day, I’ll keep doing what I love—editing and writing. I already know the new EIC, so I’m sure she won’t mind me sticking around. It’ll be just like it was before, right? Saying goodbye is too hard. I know on the other side of painful goodbyes are healing beginnings, but I’m gonna skip the goodbye this time. I’m never leaving. See you around the office!
Kayley Forshey thinking we haven’t noticed her slowly moving in her stuff and sleeping under the desks. Photos by Cicely Rubottom and Alejandro Contreras
April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 13
Letter from the Director by Dr. Linda Royall
When the Bard wrote, “Parting is such sweet sorrow,” I’m quite certain he did not have his literary nest emptying every spring. This is the hard part, and why I don’t wear mascara to graduation. The comradery and creativity of The Oracle production process creates an interpersonal dynamic that’s part family, part professional and always interesting and fulfilling. It requires me to develop a persona that’s a combination of mom, drill sergeant and creative muse, with a bit of English schoolmarm thrown in for good measure. Every graduate that departs The Oracle nest to move into new opportunities and the proverbial “adulthood” is the best I’ve ever had—really. They just get better and better. This year we bid adieu to Editor-in-Chief Cicely Rubottom. If ever a person was born to be a journalist, it is Cicely. She is relentless in pursuit of the Truth (with a capital T), justice and excellence. She operates equally well across all media platforms. Cicely is already a force in print, digital and film media. I am quite certain we will see her byline frequently in press and in the credit roll of film documentaries. She personifies strong, capable leadership. We will miss her—I will miss her! Kayley Forshey, The Oracle’s Managing Editor is a writer/editor after my own heart— she reads all The Oracle stories aloud! I always suggest my students do this, but it has taken an English/Writing major to actually see the merit in auditory editing. The quality and artistic value of the Oracle has been greatly augmented under Kayley’s creative mentorship. And she also writes excellent, entertaining satire. Goodbye to our female sports editor, Hillary Hurst. Great sports editors are part athlete and part press pundit, all the while keeping an encyclopedia of stats at the forefront of a fast and furious brain. I like for all journalists to take a turn at writing sports—it’s a great way to learn active voice and dynamic writing style. Hillary is a natural at this. ESPN get ready—teams and athletic competitions across the country need great sports reporting like she turns out. As these young eagles soar high and free toward endless possibilities, we can proudly say we knew them when. And I will cope with an empty nest once again, with bittersweet pride and sorrow. Godspeed Cicely, Kayley and Hillary!
14 • Oracle • April 26, 2019
Farewell from the Editor If these walls could talk...
Cicely Rubottom Editor-in-Chief “The newspaper arrives at our front door and becomes part of the archive of human knowledge,” reads the paper mache sign the new Editor-inChief nails into my old, stained wall. “And then, it wraps fish.” Another year means another Editor-in-Chief has entered through my door that doesn’t quite close all the way. She’ll learn that nothing here really does—not the door, not the drawers, not the work day. It will take her a week to clean out the piles of paper in my dusty corners, a month to train and organize the new staff (and herself), a few months to actually know how to do what she’s been pretending to know how to do and a full year to actually feel confident in it. By then, we’ll have gone through the death of a succulent to learn that only a fake one can survive down here. We’ll grow a collection of handmade knick knacks—gifted after the hard days by the sweet boy whose title I am confused by. Sports Writer? Last Minute Photographer? He’ll go by Unofficial Assistant to the Editor-inChief if you ask him. Whatever he is, we’re very thankful for him. She and a small, hyper-caffeinated girl will direct harmonized screams and rants at my anything-but-sound-proof walls. Some days will be happy—full of writing and creative brainstorming among the editors. Other days will look a lot like that meme of the dog sitting in the middle of a burning house, sipping coffee and saying, “This is fine.” Yeah, I might be an office, but I know memes. That hypercaffeinated girl talks a whole lot about them and puts them on my walls to make the Editor-inChief laugh amidst the fire.
We’ll go through the process together 10 more times. The process where every print story gets edited and doctored at least eight times, and every page gets carefully sifted through and designed by the sassy design editor and his team. The process where, as the clock strikes midnight, several editors tiredly crowd around a screen, desperately trying to craft a pun or oxymoron that fits—just landing more quotes on the Board of Shame in the process. Story meeting, writing, researching, training, editing, photographing, designing, digitally promoting, problem solving, uploading, shoving it in people’s hands. And through it all, Dr. Linda Royall will come to the defense of The Oracle and the students’ education every single time. In between all that, the team will cover concerts, start a podcast and amateur the art of writing satire. With the help of the brilliant Digital Media Editor, The Oracle online will meet professional videography, experiment with new forms of marketing and grow the social media from zero to award-winning. Cicely won’t tell you, because she’s not an emotional goodbye person, but when she has to graduate, she’ll miss me. She’ll leave through my shaky door a far more confident writer, leader and editor having known and worked with some of the most gritty, talented, hilarious people. Since 1966, I’ve known dozens of leaders within my walls, way too many versions of The Oracle logo and stories that caused storms of praise (or anger). At times, I’ve almost gone down with the paper completely. But here we stand, stronger than ever—collecting stacks on stacks of newspapers, now part of the archive of human knowledge. Then, at the end of the day, that same newspaper will wrap fish. All its creators graduate or move on. And then they realize that all the blood, sweat and tears weren’t all they stressed it to be. What is important was who they left as—archivers of human knowledge and intellectually-stimulated, feisty writers. Soon, a new Editor-in-Chief will walk through my broken door and nail something else into my Swiss cheese walls, and we’ll do it all over again— in whatever form that may be.
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April 26, 2019 • Oracle • 15