Nov 20, 2015 Print Edition

Oral Roberts University · Nov. 20, 2015 Tulsa, Oklahoma · Vol 50, No. 7 www.oruoracle.com @oruoracle @oruoraclesports

THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Dorottya “Dorka” Balla and Maria Martianez have crossed thousands of miles and cultural divides to achieve one dream.

Paris Under Attack Acts of terror put the world on high alert.

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Christmas Train Leaves Station Tulsa Christmas tradition cancels 2015 run.

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PAGES 10-11

Women Can’t Be President Cultural issues impede women in leadership.

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FEATURES

Hope for the homeless Address 7777 S. Lewis Ave. Tulsa, OK 74171 Web www.oruoracle.com Phone (918) 495-7080 Email oracle@oru.edu

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Faculty Advisers

SPORTS

Cristi Eschler-Freudenrich Business Services cfreudenrich@oru.edu

Reclassification player another year on roster

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Editorial Sydney Ilg Editor-in-Chief oraclechief@oru.edu

Rachel Anderson Managing Editor oracle@oru.edu

Section Editors

Graphics / Photography

Meghan Drake Online Editor Russell Dorsey Sports Editor Madison McDaniel Features Editor Victoria Atterberry Scene Editor Alyssa LaCourse News Editor

Gerald Brown Senior Designer Tabitha Levi Design Editor Ethan Norvell Designer Xavier Gonzalez Designer Quentin Harrup Illustrator Wyatt Bullard Photography Editor Nikolai Stophel Senior Photographer Sarah Davis Senior Photographer Abby Friedman Photographer Choyce Hays Photographer Abrienne Summerer Photographer

Reporters Solomon Williams Staff Writer Parrish Purnell Jr. Senior Staff Writer Emerald Dean Staff Writer Valeria Hernandez Staff Writer Daisha Fowler Staff Writer Jadyn Watson-Fisher Staff Writer Erica Ludwig Senior Staff Writer Christen Latini Staff Writer

Applications Want to work for the Oracle?

Stop by LR 175 and fill out an application. Positions include photography, graphic design and reporting.

Membership - Associated Collegiate Press - College Media Advisers - Oklahoma College Media Association - Columbia Scholastic Press Association

Governors withdraw welcome to Syrian Refugees

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The Oracle is the premier student news media organization of Oral Roberts University. Our mission is to serve the ORU community with accurate and relevant media content, integrity, creativity and a focus on continual improvement.

W. Jonathan Cyprowski Director of Student Media wcyprowski@oru.edu

NEWS

Advertising Rachael Ngwarai Sales Mgr. Amoi Blake Sales Rep. Amir Curry Sales Rep. Gabrielle Garza Sales Rep. Kaylin Henderson Sales Rep. Jeff Mead Sales Rep. Kyra Valderas Sales Rep.

Corrections In the Sept. 18 edition of the Oracle, it was incorrectly reported no credit is given to students attending the Disney College Program. Some credits may be granted depending on specific approval.

Letters to the Editor Have a thought or story idea you’d like to share? Send us an email at oraclechief@oru.edu.

Web www.oruoracle.com Facebook www.facebook.com/ORUOracle Twitter @ORUOracle @OruOracleSports 2 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

SCENE

Fall dance concert introduces soloists

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NEWS

University ousts geese with new technology

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News Terror strikes the heart of the city of love ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

Friday, Nov. 13 will forever be a day of remembrance in France. A soccer match, restaurants, a bar and a concert venue became the scenes of horror, bringing terror to the heart of the “City of Love.”

At 9:20 p.m. local time, the first of three bombs detonated at the France-Germany soccer game outside of Paris. By 10 p.m., over 120 people were killed. By midnight, French President François Hollande declared a state of emergency, enforced the first mandatory curfew since World War II and closed the nation’s borders. Paris, the City of Lights, went dark as the Louvre and Eiffel Tower were evacuated, public transportation was shut down, and the people were asked to stay indoors.

Almost immediately, the French military launched air strikes on Raqqa, Syria, where ISIS is headquartered. Hollande vowed France will stand strong and their fight will be merciless.

ORU men’s soccer players and French natives Alexis Derennes and Baptiste Vandeputte heard of the attacks from their teammates. Both were able to contact their families to ensure everyone was okay. Both live in Lorient, France, roughly six hours from Paris.

Neither have been home since August.

“Even six hours away we are afraid,” said Derennes. “My friends sound scared because [the government] said, ‘Stay in your homes.’ It’s hard for me.”

This is the second time this year

Paris has been attacked by Muslim extremists. In January, the satirical magazine “Charlie Hebdo” was bombed after publishing a cartoon of Muhammad on the magazine cover. Al Qaeda claimed

“A lot of people say the goal of the attackers was to exclude the Muslim population from the Christian population,” said Vandeputte. “[But] Muslims are not terrorists,”

responsibility for the January bombing, but ISIS claimed responsibility for Friday’s attacks.

said Derennes. “Being terrorist is not a religion; it’s just a way to think, and it’s not a good way.”

Echoing their sentiments, President Hollande addressed the French people encouraging them to remain strong amidst fear and trust the security of the nation will be defended.

“We are not committed to a war of civilizations, because these assassins don’t represent any civilization,” Hollande said in a joint session of parliament Monday. “We are in a war against terrorism, jihadism, which threatens the whole world.”

Sophomore biblical literature major Sarah Rojas was touched by the attacks when she learned of the death of her friend Nohemi Gonzalez, an American exchange student killed in the Paris attacks.

“I didn’t even know about the Paris attacks until maybe Friday night after everything happened and then found out the next day or so that happened [to Gonzalez],” said Rojas. “My friends who were closer with her, they are really shaken up.”

Rojas is from the Los Angeles area, and her community has come together since the attacks.

“It’s amazing how even in times of trouble we all come together in a community, and God can use that to bring us back,” said Rojas.

After three days of mourning, Paris began the healing process by lighting the Eiffel Tower blue, white and red in honor of those who lost their lives. Parisians also came together by opening their homes to those stranded by the attacks using the #PorteOuverte.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 3

Governors withdraw welcome to Syrian refugees MEGHAN DRAKE Online Editor

More than half of the 50 U.S. states have withdrawn a welcome to Syrian refugees after the attacks on Paris left at least 129 dead and more than 300 wounded.

ISIS took credit for the coordinated attacks, and at least one suspect is confirmed to have entered France posing as a Syrian refugee. Governors have responded to this detail by refusing an open door in their states to the 10,000 Syrian refugees President Barack Obama has promised a U.S. home.

Alvaro Santamaria, a sophomore international business major, said his hometown of Almeria, Spain has invited many refugees in response to world crises.

“If I was in Spain, I would never let them in. It’s not because of their religion,” he said. “You can’t trust them at all. I would not let them in. But the point is how do you recognize the people that are bad or not?”

As of publication, 31 states refused to accept Syrian refugees into America. Of those 31, only one state-New Hampshire-was headed by a democrat.

Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin became one of these 31 governors, suspending a welcome to Syrian refugees on the basis of security.

“The American people need to be assured that national security will not be compromised,” she said in a press release. “We must maintain a strict verification

process against possible terrorists.”

In conjunction with three other congressional lawmakers, U.S. Congressman Jim Bridenstine called for the temporary suspension of the Office of Refugee Resettlement resettlement funding for all refugees Wednesday.

Likewise, Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett announced Tuesday he was mailing a letter to President Obama, pressing for a reevaluation of the screening process.

“Our ‘heart of the country’ values to help our fellow man are never in question. Our humanitarian outreaches to all mankind are prevalent and well documented,” Bartlett said. “We are ready to be of service, but we must have a confident and verifiable answer to the question, ‘Are we safe regarding our national security at our borders, especially regarding the present and future inflow of non-U.S. citizens?’”

Obama’s responded to the governors by highlighting Syrian that refugees are being screened most stringently. Agencies such as the National Counterterrorism Center, the FBI’s Terrorist Screening Center, the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State and the Department of Defense are using the most advanced biographic and biometric information to vet the incoming refugees.

Since 2012, 1,854 Syrian refugees have entered the U.S., compared to almost 93,000 entering Germany,

Photo illustration by Xavier Gonzalez

31 states suspend welcome to Syrian refugees. according to the New York Times.

Any refugee coming into Oklahoma is processed at Catholic Charities in Oklahoma City and Tulsa.

Catholic Charities said in a statement Monday Tulsa will not be a top destination for the Syrian refugees.

According to Catholic Charities, three Syrian refugees were placed in Jenks since 2012.

“As a family reunification site, Catholic Charities Tulsa only resettles refugees who have family or close friends already residing in the Tulsa area,” the statement said. “Because of this, Tulsa is not likely to be impacted by the Syrian refugee crisis.”

Tulsa education proposal draws new teachers RACHEL FRAZER Contributing Writer

Tulsa, Jenks and Union Public Schools, in conjunction with Tulsa Technology Center, are in the process of building the “Teach. Live. T-Town.” proposal. It is aimed to fund new teacher incentives within the districts and would be proposed as a modification to Proposition 3 of the City of Tulsa’s Vision2025 plan.

For nearly $4 million a year, newly hired teachers, including recent graduates, could receive forgivable loans covering or offsetting costs associated with buying or renting a home. Other aspects of the initiative include teacher training and professional development.

“Expected outcomes include improved recruitment, retention and preparation of teachers, as well as improved graduation rates which greatly 4 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

enhance the economic viability of our city,” said Melissa Abdo, of the Jenks Public Schools Board of Education.

The “Teach. Live. T-Town.” incentive is based on the Alliance for Excellent Education’s “Impact of High School Graduation Rates” and has a projected 13 percent increase in graduation rates, which projects more than $62 million created by fewer drop outs.

Incentives for new teachers are not readily available in Oklahoma. The state offers the Teacher Shortage Employment Incentive Program designed to recruit and retain teachers, but the incentive is not available to teachers until they complete five consecutive school years. Tulsa Public Schools is the only district in Tulsa to offer a school-funded one-time new employee stipend of $2,000 for “highly qualified” teachers, but these are strictly limited to teachers with very specific qualifications.

Data from other incentive-based

programs like “Teach. Live. T-Town.” have proven to be positive motivation for brand-new teachers. In Washington, D.C., the controversial teacher incentive program called “IMPACT” was proven by the Stanford Graduate School of Education to drive positive qualitative and quantitative results within the District of Columbia Public School system. Incentives were based on qualifying factors such as age, education and financial need, as well as annual evaluation, similar to those recommended by the “Teach. Live.

T-Town” initiative.

Clark County School District, located in Carson City, Nevada, launched a flashy recruiting campaign across the nation in order to sign 2,300 new hires

by August 2015. Although the campaign fell short, as did similar or lesser attempts nationwide, the district made considerable progress due to millions of dollars worth of teacher incentives in

the $4,000 to $5,000 range, funded by the Nevada State Board of Education.

Many school officials worry one initiative may initially serve as an attractive factor, but will not solve underlying issues surrounding teacher retention.

“Focusing on people instead of processes will keep us chasing our tail because the ‘people’ will constantly change,” said Assistant Superintendent of Sand Springs Public Schools Rob Miller. “Quality processes provide the stability that holds all great organizations together. I’m suggesting we need to replace the current problem-solving mentality centered on identifying the ‘whos’ and replace it on one focused on one answering the ‘whys’ and ‘hows.’”

For more information on Vision2025 renewals, visit tulsacounty. org or attend the next Vision Authority meeting Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m. in the Ray Jordan Tulsa County Administration Building.

Students up in arms over racism ALYSSA LACOURSE AND MADISON MCDANIEL

CHRISTEN LATINI

News Editor & Features Editor

Staff Writer

Student protests headed by University of Missouri’s football players and student groups has resulted in the resignation of the university system’s president.

In the wake of the Mizzou protests, several other campuses have witnessed the same protest on their own campus. Students from Yale, Vanderbilt and Ithaca College called for the resignation of certain administrators. Dozens of unvervisities around the country planned their own response to the protests.

Here is a concise timeline of events that happened since September that led to Tim Wolfe’s resignation.

Photo courtesy of themaneater.com

Students protest racism on Mizzou’s campus.

September: A Facebook post from student body President Payton Head wrote several white males in a pickup truck yelled the N-word at him.

Sept. 2015: A white male jumped onto stage during a play rehearsal and shouted the N-word.

Oct. 20: Mizzou student group “Concerned Student 1950” demanded President Tim Wolfe’s resignation.

Oct. 10: A group of African American students protested the homecoming parade because they felt univeristy President Tim Wolfe handled racist situations inadequately.

Oct. 24: A swastika was drawn on the wall of a residence hall using feces.

Nov. 7: More than 30 football players refuse to play or practice until Wolfe resgins or is terminated.

Nov. 9: President Wolfe resigns.

Geese be gone

Photo courtesy of themaneater.com

President Tim Wolfe gives his resignation.

Canada geese are a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, but the act makes very little provision for residents, businesses and learning institutions to protect their property against the destructive living patterns of these birds. Recently, COO Tim Philley, received an email that changed everything. “[ORU Athletic Director] Mike Carter forwarded me an email he had received from a friend about a device called “Away With Geese,” said Philley. “We had tried a number of things including professionally trained dogs and bringing swans on campus, which are known to be aggressive toward the geese. Unfortunately you have to be constant with the dogs and eventually the budget runs out, or predatory animals like foxes get to the swans, and the geese come back.”

According to the device’s website, geese have highly sensitive vision, and at night the solar-powered devices emit a gentle amber beam at about eye-level for the fowl. The completely humane and interference-free method relies on geese’ tendency to spend their days relatively nearby an area they designate as safe and comfortable for nighttime. The low-level light is noninvasive and not dangerous to humans or other animals. It disrupts the geese’s daily routine just enough to send them looking for another area to take up residence, and is completely compliant to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act. “To this point it has worked extremely well,” said Philley. “We are moving into winter as of now, but we have seen very few geese in the high traffic areas where we have installed this. It doesn’t mean they won’t come on campus initially in the spring, but they won’t stay because of the lights. It has been a very cheep fix to a big issue.”

Philley sent Google map images to the “Away With Geese” team, and they helped him develop a plan of where to install the lights on campus.

For under $300 per unit, the university has found a sustainable answer to an ongoing and very expensive problem for less than $4,000.

“One of the things that made this very enticing is the fact that it is 100 percent guaranteed by the company,” said Philley. If it hadn’t worked there is no financial risk for the university, “Away With Geese” will refund every dollar we spent.”

New solar-powered deterrents produced by “Away With Geese” have eliminated the destructive goose population on campus.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 5

FEATURES Street Rose, offering hope to homeless women

Photos courtesy of Monica Winn

Street Rose is able to offer services tailored specifically to empower women living on the streets through the donations received from selling rose necklaces. Through the use of manicures, free services and fellowship, the women are able to rebuild their self-image.

RACHEL ANDERSON Managing Editor

In a homeless shelter, with roses in hand, women without a home, without hope, were given a manicure and escorted by men dressed in tuxedos.

“I want them to know that they are enough; that they still have what it takes; that there is power in womanhood,” said ORU alumna Monica Winn. “That they will overcome and can create something beautiful.”

Winn took her heart to the streets of Tulsa and the surrounding area to create Street Rose, a non-profit organization rebuilding the self-worth of homeless women.

Street Rose holds conferences in which influential speakers share messages of brokenness and redemption to the homeless women in attendance.

The events are held where most of the

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“I see beauty in its rawest form: broken, but so wanted and desired by Jesus.”

-Monica Winn

women sleep at night, which is predominately homeless shelters.

The last event held at the Salvation Army, provided information about free services in Tulsa. Street Rose gave out gift bags, gave manicures and established a four-week follow-up program for the women.

The purpose of every event is to make the women feel worthy and valued. Winn’s passion for helping women of underprivileged circumstances came from a love for people and a vision to

help homeless women by pampering them and ultimately showing them God’s love for them as people.

“At the core of it, I saw women experiencing homelessness who truly didn’t believe they were worth anything more. I met women on the streets who believed the lie that they were unwanted, invisible and forgotten,” said Winn.

“I wanted to be a part of something that combated this lie, because Jesus said the kingdom of heaven is theirs.”

Although Winn is unsure of

her overall impact on homelessness throughout America, she knows each conversation with women on the street impacts their lives, and it’s more than enough for her.

“When I see a woman experiencing homelessness, I don’t see someone forgotten or unseen. I don’t see those lies, even when that’s all they can see,” said Winn. “I see beauty in its rawest form: broken, but so wanted and desired

by Jesus.”

Street Rose sells metal rose necklaces, with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards funding future events.

Winn encourages those who buy the necklaces to one day give it to a woman experiencing homelessness and to speak life and truth into her situation.

The next event will be held in the spring of 2016 in Seattle, Washington.

For more information about Street Rose, visit www.streetrose.org.

Study Hacks: Survival tips from APA staff

A declassified survival guide on how to make it to Christmas break ERICA LUDWIG Senior Staff Writer

Thanksgiving is just around the corner; students can taste the freedom and turkey. The lights are up, the carols have started, but school is still in session.

Every assignment is due, and they just keep coming. There’s just three weeks left, and students are feeling the impact of all the Sodexo bucks spent during all-night study sessions. The semester has had its ups and downs but Christmas break, the light at the end of the tunnel, is fast approaching.

Luckily there are academic peer advisers (APA’s) available to make the end of the semester less painful and lend wisdom to an often stressful time.

“Save money by making friends in class who usually bring extra scantrons,” said Mariah Lipnick, Frances head APA. APA’s are there to help, but they have finals too.

Don’t wait until the last minute to have them edit a paper. The Hyper Link is a great resource, because it provides much-needed extended time with the tutors. The library is another great place to find some quiet, and you can even reserve a room for your study group. Know what study method works for you and stick to it.

“Don’t give up; it’s still like 20 percent of your grade,” said Hannah White, upper Claudius head APA. Listening to music is a great tool for studying. For some it’s classical; for others it’s Disney. Then, there’s the group who turns on their gangster rap when they hit the books. Spotify has a variety of pre-made playlists for specific genres and moods.

“Don’t be a baby about it. Do the thing.

Then, Merry Christmas,” said J.J. Johnson, APA program male coordinator.

Taking tests and giving presentations are just as much psychological as it is about knowing the material. Breaks are encouraged during these crucial weeks. When students relax, it allows them to have more confidence. What matters is putting forth the best effort.

“Limit pizza consumption to one [pizza] per all-nighter,” said Cole Stephenson, APA program internal affairs coordinator.

It may seem like a great idea to study the flashcards one more time or to stay up all night practicing equations, but it’s not. Get some sleep, because it is important. Drink water and try to eat some fruits and vegetables between late-night runs to Whataburger and chugging Red Bull.

Internationals find home for American holidays VALERIA HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

It’s holiday season, and the Tulsa community will be embracing international students who cannot go home for the festivities. The “International Family Connect,” run by the International Center and started last year, is an initiative connecting ORU staff and alumni with international students.

“I need to expose students to the reality of American culture,” said Dr. Marcela Chaván, International Center director. “Keeping them [at the dorms] is not empowering them. If these are the leaders of different nations, they need to understand how Americans are, how they think and how they react.

This is why I am doing this for internationals, and, at the same time, [it] adds

benefits to the host family.”

The program is filling a need for the international community. The program will not only give students a place to be during the holidays, but also offer a family to host them sporadically during breaks. So far, the support from the ORU family has met the need.

“Being part of ORU goes far beyond being part of a particular class,” said Chaván. “[Hosts] are willing to extend that sense of belonging to internationals coming from all over the world. It is easier to host people from your own culture, that speaks your language and eat your food, but bringing someone different from you, it is truly a manifestation of community as God’s kingdom.”

Chaván held back tears as she thought of the students who are forced

to stay behind during the holidays due to finances.

“I know that for them it is the most difficult season of the year,” said Chaván. “We just don’t want to see how difficult that is.”

This initiative is not new to Assistant Professor of Media Chris Putman, who hosted people who weren’t able to go home long before ORU launched International Family Connect. For Putman, acts of kindness turned out to be long-lasting relationships.

“It seems once you open your house to students, you make a special connection that can’t be made just in the classroom,” said Putman.

Some international students spend more than a year without going home, and finding a family helps them cope with being away from their families.

Mongolian ORU transfer student Wuyinga Shen created lasting relationships with families at her previous college and hopes she can make the same relationships in Tulsa.

“If I go back to Dallas, I can just give [my host family] a call,” said Shen.

“They consider me their daughter.”

The overarching goal, beyond Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas break, is to create a sense of belonging while students are cultures apart from their family.

“Ten years from now, when we have an alumni reception, [students] won’t fly with mom, dad and uncles, but they will have a mom, dad and uncle here in the city,” Chaván said. “It is not [an initiative] that is going to go out two weeks from now.”

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 7

“

John Converse is a theological historical major, and, while serving in the U.S. Navy, Converse cooked for dignitaries and celebrities.

Photo by Wyatt Bullard

Being cook in Navy changes veteran’s worldview VALERIA HERNANDEZ Staff Writer

ORU students come from all over the world, but John Converse, a 37-year-old senior, has seen more countries than most. The theological historical major has been to the Philippines, Australia and Hong Kong because of his position as a cook in the Navy.

“Since I was a child, I always wanted to go to the Navy,” said Converse. “I was four, five, six years old, and all I wanted to do was to be in the Navy.”

At 23, college was unaffordable for Converse. During the 9/11 turmoil, Converse was accepted into the Navy.

There he fulfilled his lifelong dream while learning useful skills. It was behind the kitchen doors where Converse found his interest in cooking.

“When I went into the Navy, I didn’t have a skill,” he said. “The Navy gave me those skills.”

While in the Navy, Converse had the opportunity to cook and bake for

8 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

renowned people around the world.

“It is funny because when I was in high school I wanted to be a cook, but I didn’t have the money to go to school,” said Converse. “I got two things in the Navy: I got to serve in the Navy, and I became a cook.”

Converse cooked for congressmen, the admiral on board and important political figures around the globe, but it was hard to document for whom he was cooking. He rarely saw the faces of those who tried the appetizing dishes.

“We cooked for a Filipino pop singer; she is like Britney Spears,” said Converse. “She came on board and signed autographs.”

Converse said the Lord put him on the flagship—the number-one ship in the fleet, where the admiral is posted.

He and his crew got fleet-wide recognition for outstanding food while stationed on the ship and the ability to cook for a large array of people.

“I was one of the NEY winners, a food service award in the Navy, and this is fleet-wide,” said Converse. “That was

a huge deal.”

But the Navy sharpened more than just Converse’s skills; it modified his theology and the way he perceived the world.

“I was one of those people before entering the Navy that felt like, ‘Why are we always going and helping these terrible countries. They need to be able to take care of themselves,’” said Converse. “But when I joined the military, and went around the world and saw what the Navy was doing-that really changed my worldview.”

Converse’s ship performed primarily humanitarian missions. They delivered dry goods and on-board medical personnel delivered medicines and

“

provided medical services to citizens in countries in need.

“The Navy gave a different view on outreached people,” said Converse. “The Navy gave me an outlook on life. If the U.S. military is going out and caring for the poor and the outcast and the vulnerable, how much more [should] the church be doing that?”

Now, a decade after he entered the Navy, Converse is still practicing what he learned as a chef in a Tulsa restaurant and will be a first-generation college graduate this spring.

If the U.S. Military is going out and caring for the poor and the outcast and the vulnerable, how much more [should] the church be doing that?

- John Converse, Student

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 9

FROM CULTURE SHOCK TO TEAM MENTOR

10 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

A

s Dorottya “Dorka” Balla gets onto the plane taking her from Hungary to the United States for the first time, her emotions take off. The stewardess is going over the safety and security regulations in her native Hungarian language, but as she buckles her seatbelt, her sense of security vanishes.

“I was super excited, but I was sad at the same time because I knew I left a lot behind,” said Balla.

“My friends and family. The environment I knew for 18 years of my life. It was hard to say goodbye.”

Eight hours, nine, 10 hours pass, and, finally, the 747 makes its descent. As the wheels hit the runway of Tulsa International Airport, the dream of coming to a new country becomes a reality, and there’s no turning back.

The 20-minute drive from the airport to ORU isn’t a long one, but it gives Balla time to survey this new country.

“I didn’t see people walking on the street which is weird for me, because back home we like going out,” said Balla. “Where I’m from people are taking the bus or walking. That was different for me to see.”

As the car pulls up on the ORU campus, the excitement engulfs her. She passes the International flags surrounding the Praying Hands, Christ’s Chapel and the Mabee Center. The latter will become her new home away from home.

“This place is just huge. I’m gonna get lost,” she said to herself.

At first, nothing connects her to the culture, the language or the people except for her God-given ability to play basketball. This is the only comfort she has.

“You’re going to miss your parents, and the food is definitely different,” she said. “Those are two [big] things. My transition was hard, but my coaches and teammates made me feel loved.”

Running from the practice gym to the classroom and games stops the reality of being away from home.

Although memories are supposed to bring a sense of comfort, remembering home can also be painful. It’s times like these where many international athletes think about turning back, but much of the road is still ahead.

“I think the key for homesickness is just making yourself busy. The busier you are, the less time you have to think about what is going on,” said Balla.

“Since we are so busy, sometimes we don’t have time to stop and think ‘I’m homesick’.”

Balla had something most international athletes don’t have their first time in the U.S.- a sister. Bernadetta, or “Detti” as many ORU students have come to know her, was a junior on the women’s basketball team.

“It helped having her here. Maybe a little bit… maybe a lot,” she said laughing. “Over breaks was the hardest. Just knowing the whole campus leaves to go home, and I have to be here for basketball was tough.

Even though I had my sister, it was still really hard

Junior forward Dorottya “Dorka” Balla (Hungary) is averaging 11 points per game this season. for me. Whenever you commit, you know it’s going to be for four years. I’ve prepared myself for it. I would do it again.”

Throughout her first two seasons at ORU, Dorka grew to feel at home as a student and a leader for her team. The culture created by the coaching staff and upperclassmen set the tone for her early success.

The coaching staff takes responsibility to develop a culture, which will not only be beneficial to them on the court, but also help them mature and grow off the court.

“As one of the programs that has more international players, our women’s basketball community which includes staff and players, we’re probably more tuned into heading issues off before they become problems,” said women’s basketball Head Coach Misti Cussen. “There are a lot of conversations we have in

August and September that are hopefully preventative medicine.”

Balla’s road began two years ago and took many turns; Each turn filled with its own share of excitement, pain and experience. She is not only a basketball player, but a mentor and leader for her teammates.

Freshman women’s basketball player Maria Martianez is in her first year in the U.S. and is experiencing some of the difficulties Balla faced moving to a new country.

“In the beginning, it’s difficult. The language is so different,” said Martianez in broken English. “I know a little bit, but my teammates help me every day.”

Martianez, from Barcelona, Spain, is hoping to improve her English, but not even speaking a second language can help prepare someone for their first time in the USA. No matter how much support comes from teammates and the coaching staff for an international athlete, no one will be able to really understand them like someone who has been in the same situation. Balla acting as a “big sister” for Martianez is the perfect fit.

“I had Dorka put Maria under her wing, because Dorka has been there,” said Cussen. “Dorka had Detti to do the same thing for her, and Maria will be able to do the same for our international players next year.”

There are thousands of international student athletes participating in different sports around the country. Each travels a different road to achieve success in his or her respective sport. When they look back on their college years, their greatest success will be overcoming the challenging cultural obstacles and achieving their goals.

Freshman Maria Martianez (Spain) made her collegiate debut last Saturday scoring 12 points.

Photos by Nik Stophel

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 11

12 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

Sports Sutton prepping squad for tough stretch PARRISH PURNELL JR. Senior Staff Writer

The 2015-16 season is underway, and Sutton feels like this year’s team is the most talented he has coached in a long time. During his 21-year career, Sutton has become one of the most successful coaches in the business. Sutton is the all-time winningest coach in ORU history with more than 300 wins (306-208, .595) in 16 seasons.

“This school means a lot to me,” said Sutton. “I’m blessed and fortunate to be here as long as I have.”

This season the Golden Eagles may have the pieces necessary to get back to the NCAA Tournament, where they haven’t been since 2008.

“I really like this team,” said Sutton. “This could be the deepest team we’ve had in a long time. I love the character of this team. They aren’t afraid to put in the work. They definitely have a chance to be really good.”

2015 Holiday Preview As the men’s basketball team gears up for a challenging December schedule, the young team will be tested.

“As we go through the season the young guys will get more experience, and then you throw in the fact that we have the best player in the league in Obi,” said Sutton. “He can take over at any given point in the game. He means a lot to this team.”

The men’s basketball team is currently 1-1 on the season. The guys won their first game against Missouri State, but came up short in their first road test against the South Carolina Gamecocks. Obi Emegano scored 31 points, including a perfect 10-10 effort from the stripe, but it wasn’t enough to defeat Coach Frank Martin’s squad.

The Golden Eagles next set of games will take place during the Thanksgiving holiday. The team will compete in the 2015-16 Men Against Breast Cancer

Classic hosted by James Madison University.

The tournament starts today as Sutton and company face-off against UT-Martin at noon, Saturday against James Madison at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday against Florida International at 12:30 p.m. The tourney concludes with a game back at the Mabee Center against Tabor on Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The calendar year concludes with their toughest competition. They begin with the annual PSO Mayor’s Cup against cross-town rival, University of Tulsa, on Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. at the Reynolds Center. A week later, the men will play the University of Oklahoma and senior standout guard, Buddy Hield on Dec. 12.

Finally on Dec. 19, ORU will face No. 3 LSU, which may turn out to be the Golden Eagles’ toughest test.

After the tough non-conference schedule, ORU opens up conference play with a game in Indianapolis, Indiana against IPFW on Dec. 30 at 6 p.m.

From left to right: Photos by Abby Friedman, Nikolai Stophel and Wyatt Bullard

Top left: Guard Obi Emegano leads the team in scoring averaging 23 points per game through the first two games of the season. Top right: Walk-on Adam Glenville shoots a three-pointer versus UCO. Bottom: The Golden Eagles were defeated in Monday’s game against South Carolina 84-66.

Sutton stares at an official following questionable call during last Friday’s game against Missouri State.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 13

Reclassification gives player another year JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer

The men’s basketball program recently announced player Adam Glenville was reclassified and given junior status giving him another year of collegiate eligibility and raising questions about NCAA policies.

“When I came in [this season], I thought this would be my senior year of my undergrad; I didn’t know I had another year of eligibility,” said Glenville. “But as of late, doors opened up for me to do grad school, and I thought maybe I could play next year and have an extra year of eligibility. So, we did some research and the NCAA will let me have one more year.”

Pursuant to NCAA bylaw 12.8.1 student-athletes are allowed to participate in up to four seasons of a sport, but the seasons must occur within a five-year window from the beginning of when the athlete began studies at a collegiate institution, with exceptions for military service, religious missions and foreign work with the U.S. government.

“Adam had not intended on using all of his years of eligibility, so we

initially listed him based on his academic status, as opposed to his athletic status,” said Collin Walker, assistant athletic director of compliance.

Unlike some reclassifications, Glenville’s came easily.

“In Adam’s situation, we don’t have to file anything,” Walker said.

“Paperwork is involved if injuries occur, but he has only used two seasons and was still within his fiveyear clock; this change was more clerical than anything.”

Glenville started his collegiate career in 2012, but was not a part of the basketball team.

“I talked to Coach Brown and was interested in playing, but the team was already full by that time,”

said Glenville. “The next year, a lot of players transferred so Coach Brown said, ‘Hey, why don’t you come practice with us and do some open gyms.’ I worked really hard and all the glory to God, I was able to make the team.”

Glenville received playing time during five games of the 2013-2014 season.

He then took the 2014-2015 season off to focus on class and fulfill progress toward degree requirements set by the NCAA. Student-athletes must complete 40 percent of coursework for a degree by the end of the second year, 60 percent by the third and 80 percent by the fourth while maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher.

“It was a bummer missing [the season],”

Glenville said. “I was really upset, but I had to do it because I’m a walk-on; I had to stay on grades.”

Glenville has rejoined the team for the 2015-2016 season.

“When we got word that he could have another year, we were thrilled,” said head coach Scott Sutton. “Adam’s a great teammate. He works extremely hard. This allows us to have another quality player, but more importantly, another quality human being to be a part of our team.”

Glenville will finish up his undergraduate degree in history with a double minor in business and humanities. He will use his additional year to complete a master’s degree in public school administration.

“It’s an amazing opportunity,” Glenville said. “I love this school; I love this program. I wouldn’t want to play for any other coach. I feel like I’m getting better year by year and that I’ve improved a lot this year. I feel like I have a long way to go and that I can still get a lot better and learn a lot more. I am very blessed. God is good, and it’s great to be back.”

Adam Glenville is a forward from O’Fallon, Missouri. He was awarded junior status after reclassification. Photo by Nikolai Stophel

Daily fantasy sports sites lose another battle RUSSELL DORSEY Sports Editor

FanDuel, Draft Kings and other daily fantasy sports sites took a major hit last week as New York declared all daily fantasy sites forms of illegal gambling under New York state law.

New York attorney general Eric Schneiderman put out a cease and desist order against the sites, ordering them to stop operations within New York state limits.

FanDuel quickly responded to the cease and desist order via their website.

“Fantasy sports is a game of skill and legal under New York State law,” FanDuel said in a statement.“ This is a politician telling hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers they are not allowed to play a game they love and share with friends, family, coworkers and players across the country. The game has been played legally in New York for years and years, but after the Attorney 14 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

General realized he could now get himself some press coverage, he decided a game that has been around for a long, long time is suddenly now not legal. We have operated openly and lawfully in New York for several years. The only thing that changed today is the attorney general’s mind.”

New York is now the second state to rule daily fantasy sports sites as illegal within state borders. Last month, Nevada was the first state to make the decision.

These sites have not necessarily targeted younger users, but the accessibility of smartphone apps and major cash prizes have gotten the attention of younger clientele, including university students.

“When I first heard about Draft Kings, I thought it was a cool way to act as a hub for all

fantasy sports players out there,” said an anonymous ORU student participant. “It would allow players to test their sport of choice know-how against a much broader population, compared to with just family and friends.”

Daily fantasy sports sites have become a major attraction for all sports fans because of advertising during all major sporting events, but other states will have to decide if they will allow daily fantasy sports sites to be played under their purview.

“If this spreads as an issue to every state, I still don’t think it would be shut down,” said the student.

“There are a lot of people using these sites.”

SCENE Christmas Train leaves the station Church on the Move cancels holiday attraction for the 2015 season ALYSSA LACOURSE News Editor

Church on the Move has canceled the annual attraction, The Christmas Train, for the 2015 season. The Christmas Train has been a local tradition for decades and hosts over 50,000 guests during the Christmas season.

“We are working hard to update a few facilities,” said Priscilla Shields, partnership director at Church on the Move. “But the only way to complete the improvements is to take a year off.”

An alternative to the Christmas Train has arisen with the Polar Express in Bristow, Oklahoma. Based on the children’s book and animated movie featuring Tom Hanks’ voice, the Polar Express opens tonight.

The Christmas Train was held at the church’s summer camp facility, Dry Gulch, USA. The 1800s-themed camp was founded in 1986 by Pastor

Willie George as an “Old West” set for his “Gospel Bill” films. During the Christmas season, Dry Gulch is transformed into a Christmas village with an authentic steam locomotive. Guests riding the train hear the Christmas story and see it come to life.

“The work is primarily focused on the behind-the-scenes projects that would have affected operations during The Christmas Train,” said Shields. “Our goal is to have

most of these improvements completed prior to our 2016 summer camp season kicking off.”

Tickets to this attraction usually go on sale in November each year and sell out within minutes after the purchase site opens. The attraction required over 300 volunteers each night.

Church on the Move will be hosting its free Celebrate Christ-

mas concert Dec. 16-20 in the church auditorium. The story-telling concert incorporates theater, music, lighting and special effects reminiscent of a U2 concert. Tickets are available starting Nov. 26.

For more information on the event or to purchase tickets, visit events. churchonthemove.com/ celebrate-christmas.

Photo Illustration by Brooke Bowman and Tabitha Levi

SA plans post Hunger Games VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor

Download the Aurasma app and follow ORU Oracle to see the Oracle’s take on “Mocking Jay Part 2.”

Student Association hosted its last Hunger Games event last night at B&B Tulsa Starworld 20. The event has drawn significant participation from students for three years.

Five hundred tickets were given out for last night’s event to students who participated in scavenger hunts, dance and costume competitions.

“I want people to remember the experience more than the movie,” said Emily Branz, SA programs staffer in charge of Hunger Games events.

The previous Hunger Games events had a large turnout. Since “Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” is the last installment, SA has striven to make the event as big as possible and created more ways for students to get involved to win tickets.

Coming back with its all star cast, “The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2” continues the story of the iconic Katniss Everdeen and her fight to end capital tyranny.

“Mockingjay Part 1 left a mediocre impression on many critics. The plot was slow and left many viewers frus-

trated with the decision to split the Mockingjay story in half, claiming it made the movie feel unfinished. The incomplete storyline serves as motivation to see the final chapter for closure if nothing else.

Picking up with the previous installment’s startling image of a crazed Peeta Mellark after his rescue from the capitol’s clutches, Everdeen and her allies will continue to build an army to fight against President Snow all while protecting what she holds most dear.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 15

Star Wars intimidates holiday movie docket

SYDNEY ILG Editor-In-Chief

In 1977, a science-fiction film with unknown actors and an adventurous plot was expected to be one of the biggest flops of the year.

Surprising critics and audiences alike, “Star Wars” would go on to make more than $775 million worldwide and sell more than 178 million tickets, making it the second most-successful film of all time, tailing behind “Gone With the Wind.”

Thirty-eight years later, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens,” the seventh installment in the Star Wars saga, is projected to shatter the $1.6 billion “Jurassic World” raked in this summer

and place itself amongst “Avatar” and “Titanic” as one of the highest grossing films of all time.

The film sold more than $6.5 million worth of IMAX tickets on its first day – destroying the previous $1 million one-day presale record. AMC Theaters reported selling 10 times as many tickets as the theater’s previous one-day record.

Those are staggering records for a franchise that was expected to flop.

“I didn’t think the film was going to be successful,” Creator George Lucas said in an interview with Business Insider. “I showed it to my friends early on... They saw it and said, ‘Poor George.

What were you thinking?’”

Courtesy images Photo illustration by Ethan Norvell

Now, director JJ Abrams is reviving the series under the covering of Disney, who bought Lucasfilm and the Star Wars franchise for $4 billion in 2012.

“The Force Awakens” will also bring back the beloved original cast after more than three decades.

Mark Hamill, Carrie Fisher and Harrison Ford will return to play aged versions of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo, respectively.

Celebrate Christmas in Tulsa

“The Force Awakens” is projected to break all previous records for a December film release. Its IMAX sales, which accounted for nearly 40 percent of all IMAX sales according to Forbes Magazine, are no laughing matter. Only 28 other films are releasing the same month, many of them unheard of by the public. “The Force Awakens” is poised to take flight and jump to hyper drive.

“The Force Awakens” opens December 18.

VICTORIA ATTERBERRY Scene Editor

Tis’ the season ORU, Christmas is approaching fast. Fortunately, Tulsa will have events all season for everyone. Enjoy lighting events, carriage rides and ice skating for a small price or free. Here are some popular events coming soon.

Garden

ts tmas Lighh in is r h C a m Rhe Churc

hema Bible W here: R ow Broken Arr -Jan. 1 25 Date: Nov. nightly 11:30 p.m.

0 :3 5 : e Tim admission.

Price: Free s: ide 8-25 Carriage R ec. 4-5, 11-12 and 1 D , 8 Nov. 26-2 e *$10 Charg

W here: Glow Nov. 2 Ph 1 Gardens ilbrook Museum Date: N ov. 21 Time: 5 -8 Price: F p.m. ree admis sion Lights On! W here: Utica Square Date: Nov. 26 Time: 6:30 p.m.

Price: Free admission

Graphic by Ethan Norvell

16 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

WinterFest

W here: 3rd & D enver O utside the BO K Center Date: Nov. 26-Jan . 17 Time: Visit tuls awinterfest.com for specific times.

Price: Admission and Skate rental -$10. $5 without rental . Promotional pr ices are available on Mondays and W ednes- Thursday Night Lights days. Group rate s are available. F useum ifteen-minute carr W here: Philbrook M iage rides cost $1 0 per Gardens person.

Date: Dec. 3-31 Time: 5-8p.m. t Ever y Thursday nigh Price: Free admission

Fall recital to showcase solo performances MADISON MCDANIEL Features Editor

Photo by Sarah Davis

Photo courtesy of Jiwon Kim

Left: Professor Jiwon Kim uses the classroom and artwork submissions to communicate messages he is passionate about. Right: A piece from Kim’s “Everyone Wears Thick Black Glasses” was on display at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Professor hosts art show in Weatherford EMMA SHAW

Contributing Writer

Art and Design Professor Jiwon Kim was honored for his month-long solo exhibition at Southwestern Oklahoma State University in Weatherford, Oklahoma.

Kim’s exhibition featured the third part of his “Cultural Marriage” series.

The exhibition was titled “Everyone Wears Thick Black Glasses.” The work encompassed the “nerd” glasses trend, symbolizing the veil people wear in today’s social media-driven society.

“When I’m making a design, I’m more like a modernist, but when I do fine art, I’m more like an expressionist,” said Kim. Because of his skills in both graphic design and illustration, SWOSU hosted Kim to teach four workshops.

Kim created approximately 100 illustrations for the show, combining traditional and digital illustration. He considers the opportunity to display his own creative work in a solo exhibition as a great accomplishment.

“It was amazing,” Kim said. “They showed a lot of appreciation.”

Kim, an illustrator and graphic designer, usually creates pieces for clients

who already have an idea of what they want.

“Whenever subject matter is given by the client, I try to understand the client’s perspective and needs,” said Kim. Kim was born in Seoul, South Korea and took an interest in art when he was 5 years old. His mother saw his talent and later placed him in a special academy in Seoul. He later studied sculpture at the University of Suwon in South Korea and graphic design and drawing at Western Illinois University. He received a Master of Fine Arts in graphic design at the Savannah College of Art and Design.

Kim has been a professor at ORU since 2011 and makes it a personal goal to create artwork every year. He submits his work for exhibits around the states to expose his work to the public. He desires to become an artist who uses the computer as a tool to express his own creativity.

“I really want to say my own voice,” Kim said.

The dance department is preparing for its fall show entitled “Origins.”

Former Director of Dance Amy McIntosh developed the concept of personal experiences originating from identity in Christ before her passing in April.

“What’s going on in our lives is usually what we create from and that was very true of Amy. So, we’re continuing this whole theme of just that lineage of what she started,” said Robbee Stafford, interim director of dance.

“Origins” is comprised of nine dances including pointe, Broadway jazz, contemporary pointe trio, classical ballet and advanced choreography student pieces. The performance will showcase dancers from fundamentals of choreography, advanced choreography and senior pieces.

One of the several dances prepared for the concert is entitled “Paternoster,” choreographed by Stafford.

“The piece I choreographed is very special to me because Amy was the origin of that piece,” Stafford said. “She

had suggested I create a piece based on the Lord’s Prayer. And it’s dedicated to her, because she’s the one who planted that seed for me to create it.”

Senior Jacquelyn Bernard is one of many dance majors in the show.

Bernard will perform in two pointe pieces, a trio and a group piece entitled “Coppelia.”

“I look forward to being on stage and that rush you get on stage when the lights go on and you just get to dance,” Bernard said.

“Origins” is the first production to have separate highlight solos. The “Rising Artist Showcase,” will feature eight students in the fundamentals of choreography class. Each solo is a reflection of the student’s personal faith-journey and will be followed by a time of question and answer with the audience.

“Origins” will be held in Howard Auditorium on Thursday, Dec. 3 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. General admission is $10 and $5 for students. “The Rising Artist Showcase” will debut Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and is free of charge.

Download the Aurasma app and follow ORU Oracle to see the dancers rehearse.

Photo by Sarah Davis

Right: Abigail Dew, Vivian Chen and Evangeline Bonin rehearse their pieces for the upcoming concert.

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 17

Muse Petty issues diminish women’s leadership P.S. Data shows they’re often more effective leaders than men

JADYN WATSON-FISHER Staff Writer

In the 21st century, the reality of a woman being elected as president of the United States is closer than ever.

It’s also more distant than ever.

According to TIME only 20 percent of political positions are currently held by females. Six out of 50 state governors, 18 percent of city mayors and 3-of-9 supreme court justices are women.

According to a study by Vanderbilt University, 40 percent of nearly 140,000 bills proposed in the House of Representatives in the last 40 years were introduced by women.

A study by Zenger Folkman showed peers rate women to have an overall effectiveness of 54.5 percent versus 51.8 percent of men. They also tend to excel at producing results because of their nurturing nature, which promotes engagement among those under their leadership.

In the 2012 presidential election, 71.4 million of voters were women in comparison to 61.6 million men.

These studies have proven women are fully capable of handling the responsibilities of civil servanthood, the public approves of their leadership and women are voting, so why aren’t there more?

It’s because everything is focused on what a woman does or doesn’t do as a woman, not what a woman does or doesn’t do as a politician.

Here’s an example: A meme has been floating around social media saying, “Hi, I’m President Barack Obama and I have Direct TV. Hi, I’m presidential candidate Ben Carson and I

have cable.” Underneath is a photo of Candy Carson, Ben Carson’s wife, in a patriotic, yet frumpy skirt and blazer set compared to a photo of a much younger and more fit Michelle Obama in a custom-made Vera Wang gown.

Hosts of “The View” called presidential candidate Carly Fiorina’s face “demented.” In 2012, Hillary Clinton was criticized for wearing her glasses, having her hair in a ponytail and surprising lack of makeup. Her appearance almost overshadowed her work in India as secretary of state.

Women often abstain from going into public office because of criticism about the impact of work on their abilities to be good wives and mothers and whether or not their hormones impact

18 • THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015

their leadership capabilities. Men don’t face these types of criticisms.

Actress Jennifer Garner said no one asked her former husband Ben Affleck about his ability to juggle being a dad and working as an actor.

“As a matter of fact, no one had ever asked him about it. And we do share the same family,” Garner said. “Isn’t it time to change that conversation?”

If women have crow’s feet, it evidently doesn’t matter what bills they propose while in public office. If they have dark circles under their eyes, it evidently doesn’t matter how many people approve of their leadership. If women have less than a stellar fashion sense, it evidently doesn’t matter the American Journal of Political Science said they

secured $50 million more per year for their districts than men.

With two women running for president, maybe it’s time to stop being concerned with their appearance and personal lives, and be concerned with what they stand for on the big issues.

Illustration by Quentin Harrup

Social media skews dating world online dating have never actually gone on a date with someone they met on these sites. This shows how this generation is obsessed with “the idea of someone,” even to the point of online flirting, but never a personal conversation. When it comes to actually following through and talking in real life, people fall short.

KRISTEN LEUPEN Simple facets of dating such as Staff Writer opening a door and paying for a meal Our generation has a pretty seem completely foreign to the majorskewed view when it comes to this ity of our society. We seem to want to ordeal we call dating. rush dating, and with a plethora of apps Social media and the Internet able to assist our impatient desires, the have drastically changed how dating Internet is filled with hopeful seekers is viewed in the 21st century. Snapwaiting to catch a break. chat conversations and Instagram Even though the concept of finding “likes” have now been accepted as a someone through an unconventionform of flirting. A “like” on Instagram al source has been around from the is way more common than a compli- beginning, the idea of finding someone ment in real life. on the Internet is relatively new. The Dating apps such as Tinder, eHar- public saw this approach first in the mony and Christian Mingle are a few 1998 film “You’ve Got Mail,” starring of the most popular online dating Tom Hanks. The filmmakers worked sites. According to Pewresearch.org, hard to remove all the negative stereoone third of people who have used types associated with the practice, and,

with the Internet rising in sensation, it was only a matter of time before people grabbed hold to the new way of dating.

Not long before the Internet uproar, there was this thing called romance. Not gooshy romance and Valentine’s, but simply guys pursuing girls in a healthy manner that brought fulfillment to the original intent of dating: getting to know someone better. More times than not, it happened in person.

Going out with someone wasn’t a weird situation, but a genuine time to get to know each other. It wasn’t a matter of “if ” and “but,” rather, “when” and “how.”

The point is simple. Our world is constantly changing as we seek new ways to discover what we hope could be love.

May this serve as a small reminder that above any app, website or meaningful conversation, the best relationship you can invest in is one between two people who are fully present in the same room.

Thanksgiving: The forgotten holiday

AUDREY GRAY

Contributing Writer

Halloween is the eldest child, bribing others to get attention and spooking little kids. The youngest child, Christmas, is the star of the show.

Everything is handed to Christmas on a silver and gold platter. Christmas gets the songs, the presents, the lights and the American consumer’s attention.

But what about the lone, forgotten middle child: Thanksgiving? There are no popular songs for Thanksgiving. No, “Grandma Got Run Over By a Turkey.”

There is no hype, no pizazz for little Thanksgiving, and no child is counting down the days to cut open a turkey, or

to give thanks.

According to “The Guardian,” Thanksgiving is the seventh most popular holiday in America. Thirteen million cards are sent out annually for the Thanksgiving holiday, generally to announce a person will not be attending Thanksgiving dinner. In comparison, 1.6 billion Christmas cards are sent out for the holiday. Mother’s Day delivers 141 million through the USPS. How strange the first Thanksgiving must seem now. It was a feast the Plymouth Pilgrims prepared to thank the Wampanoag Indians for teaching them how to cultivate the land. It was a day of putting cultural differences aside and giving thanks to God for food, health, family and his provision. Now, it’s nothing special.

Instead of being a holiday of remembrance and gratitude, this sacred holiday has become synonymous with overeating, football and family quarrels.

It is important not only to remember Thanksgiving, but also to remember

why people still celebrate it. I Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

Some people do a countdown to Thanksgiving by posting on Facebook about something they are thankful for. Another creative idea from parents. com is the ABC’s of Gratitude. This

is where each person goes around the Thanksgiving table and takes turns contributing a word for each letter until everyone is fully grateful, from A to Z. These practices can help switch America’s focus from a “getting” mentality to a “giving” mentality.

You may not have everything you desire right now, but remember you have more than what some people dream of.

Illustration by Quentin Harrrup

THE ORACLE • Friday, Nov. 20, 2015 • 19

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