[Issue 1 Volume 64]
welcome back
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What you'll find:
WELCOME FROM THE EDITOR4 WELCOME FROM THE SA PRESIDENT5 FOR THE FRESHIES6 FOR RETURNING STUDENTS8 Lifestyle10 HANDSHAKE12 Summer:Camp14class16 “TO BE”18 “WARM BLOODS IN CANADA”20 Devotional21 Submissions22
CONTRIBUTORS: Ivah Lumalang Kaylie Copeland Codrina Baston Talia Smith Jeff Bradburn Sarah Wallace Rechelle-lee smith victoria soto angelica cornejo Zahara M c gann Richard Sheppard Layout design by Jacqui McCarty
Welcome
Hello Beautiful People! I’m Ashia Lennon, your new editor for our school publication, The Burman Chronicle. Usually here is the part where one begins to describe the quaint monotonous beauty of their home town… I cant say I’m sure of where I permanently call home. I was born nestled in the warm country side of Jamaica. I’ve also had the pleasure of living in the suburban shrubs of Hamilton, ON as well as under the endless skies of Regina, Saskatchewan. Since this past summer after four long months I will say I have also lived in Vancouver. As a child I had no interest in colouring and to some extent I still can’t hold a crayon right. I was and still am curious, adventurous and definitively more talkative. Ive always had a vivid imagination with a knack for telling crazy stories. For me I found solace and excitement in its truest form wrapped in a nook with a book. Whether penning my own ludacris ideas of purpled eyed, three pegged animals or lost in an epic adventure, words have always fascinated and held my interest. Artistic expression has helped me express the happiest moments when there lies the need to immortalize the overwhelming emotions of joy and contentment. It’s been my journal through brokenness, doubt, discouragement and disappointment. Its seen me through heartbreak and wrestled with me in understanding and putting into perspective the word around. For this year we have the privilege of continuing the legacy of the paper’s predecessors in excellent journalism. The hope
from... for our newspaper is that collectively we can have partnership with you our readers and hold intellectually stimulating thoughts and understanding on diverse contemporary issues. It is also my hope that our publication become the avenue for discussion across the university’s departments. My actual fantasy is to be featured in BUZZED but lo… some dreams must remain humbled. This up coming year filled with promise and hopes, will also be realized through hardships and pain. Andrew Solomon says in his Ted Talk on “How the worst moments in our live makes us who we are” said most eloquently “We don’t seek the painful experiences that hew our identities, but we seek our identities in the wake of painful experiences. We cannot bear a pointless torment, but we can endure great pain if we believe that it’s purposeful. Ease makes less of an impression on us than struggle. We could have been ourselves without our delights, but not without the misfortunes that drive our search for meaning. ‘Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities,’ St. Paul wrote in Second Corinthians, ‘for when I am weak, then I am strong.’” As you forge your own legacies and conquer challenges allow us to share in your Burman experiences, the joy and the sorrows. I will not disregard the reality that this year will be challenging and it may stretch you. We want to be there, a digital hand to hold, a pen to write , a canvas to draw or an ear to listen and empathize. We are here, so please share your stories…
Ashia Lennon
...the EDITOR
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...the SA PRESIDENT I am greatly honoured, on behalf of the Student Association, to warmly welcome all of you to Burman University. Anticipation and excitement fill the air as we embark on this journey together, to achieve our personal and educational goals. As I asserted in my presidential platform, the key word to proceeding forward on our voyage this year is TOGETHER. Although our backgrounds and experiences are diverse, we will unite by making our differences become our strengths. They will be the glue that binds us together with compassion and acceptance and, most assuredly, not the cause of separation. Together, we will create a campus where all ideas can be expressed freely. Together, we will view ourselves and each other with pride for being part of a harmonious family. On a personal level, I have discovered, after attending Burman for the last 3 years, that your Burman experience will be what you make it to be. If each of us strive for excellence and in addition, choose to use our God-given talents to the best of our abilities, we can accomplish anything and make this a year to remember. I strongly believe that, TOGETHER, we will make great things happen. Through our acts, WE can infuse this unique university with a living and breathing reflection of God’s character. By focusing on not only academic excellence, but also allowing love, compassion and service to others to guide us, we can achieve greatness in diverse ways. Let’s do it! Just as Christ continues to serve and love us, let us also strive to follow in His footsteps by serving and loving each other. TOGETHER, we will strive to uphold Burman University’s reputation as a learning institution of which we are all proud. And last, but not least, we know HE will also be proud of our “home away from home”—Burman University! Wishing you a year filled with love, laughter, success and happiness! We are here for you, if you need us. Praying for you always,
Ivah Lumalang 5
This one is
FOR THE
FRESHIES * * * Written by Kaylie Copeland
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Dear Freshmen, Welcome to Burman University! I’m happy to see some new faces and excited to get to know you all as the year progresses. I know adjusting to University life can take a little bit of time and isn’t always easy, so I’ve got some advice for you guys! Firstly, get enough sleep! Walking around like a zombie is lame and your brain doesn’t function properly. I know that later in the semester this will become your last priority, but I highly recommend you all do your best to get enough hours in every night. Secondly, Freshmen 15 is a legitimate thing. Trust. I know. We get a great student discount at the gym so make use of it! It’s a great release of school stress and helps you stay out of the dumps as the days get shorter and darker here in central Alberta. Fuel your body right and get a good workout in when you can. You know, do your squats and eat your veggies. 8 am classes are hard to wake up for. We know and we feel your pain. But wake up for them! Don’t skip your classes. You’re paying how much for tuition?! Skipping classes shouldn’t even be an option! Plus, your professors hate when students skip their classes. Class sizes are pretty small here, so they’ll definitely notice. Just don’t do it, it’s a slippery slope. Further, your professors WANT you to succeed. The faculty and staff here at Burman are here so we can get an education, they want to work with you. If you’re struggling, visit your professors during their office hours. Go to tutoring, ask questions, get help! Don’t be afraid of looking stupid. Be proactive in your educations and you will definitely see the benefits. That’s what you’re here for, after all. Okay, so here’s what I really want to say to you guys. Yeah, you’re all here for a degree. You want to get that education so you can move on with your life and get into your career. Same. That’s a great goal, and I encourage you hold onto that as your years here unfold. But here’s something I’ve learned about my years at Burman University. I don’t remember the majority of my first year classes. Sure, the knowledge from Intro to Psych carried over to my more advanced Psychology courses,
but I don’t look back at my time at Burman and remember my classes. You know what I do remember from my freshmen year? Canoeing on a lake with twin boys at CUE Quest, not realising that these two would eventually become a huge part of my life. I remember walking into the dorm and being invited on a spontaneous trip to Edmonton with a group of girls I didn’t know very well - but talking that whole drive about some of the deepest and most personal parts of our lives. I remember becoming friends with a girl a year older than me and praying with her every night on the first floor of LVH. I remember the late night study sessions, not for what I was studying (although that is also recommended), but for who I was studying with. Guys, as important as your University career is - the friendships and connections you make are equally as important. The people around you are going to be the people you get through the next four years with. This may not be your home, but for the next 8 months it is and these people - they will become your family. Love each other and offer support where you can. Be kind to everyone, befriend the lonely. Right now everything looks exciting and fresh and new. But University gets hard. Homesickness kicks in when you least expect it. Some of you will get your heart broken. You’ll fail a test. Won’t make the basketball team. Depression and anxiety among college and university students is high. You’ll struggle, that’s something I can guarantee about your year here at Burman University. Something I could guarantee about human existence in general. You’ll struggle. But the struggle will be so much easier to get through if you have a support system. So, my biggest advice to you freshmen is to make use of the built in support system you have here on campus - each other. Love each other. Support each other. Appreciate the moments you have with each other. And while you’re appreciating the beautiful moments, try to get enough sleep, eat some spinach and go to all your classes!
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t i ) h t / k or(
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Why did you decide to pursue a post-secondary education? Why did you choose to attend Burman University in your pursuit of a future career? What do you like doing? What makes you who you are? When people look at you who do they see? Who do you want them to see? What do you need to change? These are questions I ask myself often. For some questions, the answers change every time I ask. For others, they remain the same and a few of those questions I’m not even sure what the right answer is, I may never even come close to answering. When I look back at my freshmen year, sophomore year, and junior year I’m blown away at how much I’ve changed. Maybe it’s maturity, maybe it’s spirituality, maybe it was all the stress and slowly
learning how to be an adult (Lord knows I’m still learning). Being at Burman has changed my life. It wasn’t a sudden conversion but a veryyy slow and steady shift like when you slowly start to develop feelings for a close friend and you start getting really confused because #1 ew, and #2 EW (jk those are really cute love stories I recognize!). Nevertheless, it’s a conflicting feeling. This bumpy university experience is full of these dichotomies. Being far away from home, trapped in a dorm room, making new friends, missing old ones, having new experiences that old friends may not understand, feeling spiritually uplifted or possibly spiritually weak, physically and mentally drained, or psychologically stimulated from this
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wonderful blessing called education. There are so many highs but there can be just as many lows. Thankfully, Burman provides you with an environment in which you never have to go it alone. This is a campus in which you have the opportunities you need to grow towards becoming a faithful disciple, successful student, inspiring leader, newspaper editor, you name it. This issue is filled with encouragements and tips for freshmen. This is a new beginning for all you freshly planted Burmanites and I want to encourage all of us returning students that this can be a new beginning for us too. As humans, we’re constantly searching for those “restart” moments; a New Year, another birthday, a new month, a new semester.
sto a B a n Codri
Although we don’t need to wait for those moments, they can still help steer you in the right direction and help refocus your goals and aspirations. These “restarts” imply a beginning in which you look back at the past and think about what you liked or didn’t like and that’s when you have the opportunity to change. One of my professors last semester liked to remind our class about the famous Socrates quote, “An unexamined life is not worth living”. So look at your life and examine yourself. What do you want in life? Are your priorities helping you grow to reach your goals? I’m trying to answer these questions about my life every day and let’s just say I know I’m losing some time being distracted
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by things that aren’t contributing to my ultimate goal. We live in a world filled with distractions. Distractions are everywhere and can come in the shape of a human being, books, smartphone, apps, etc. As the school year begins and you start getting bogged down by papers, assignments and exams, try to remember what is most important. Examine your life each day. What could you have done better? What can you do each day to reach whatever goal it is you aim to achieve? Self-examination and life re-evaluation will remind you of your purpose and give life its WORTH. As Seventh-day Adventists, I believe our purpose on the Earth is
to share God’s love and His message of salvation with everyone around us. How can we share this message with others every day? What do we need to do to be able to share God’s love effortlessly? These questions are another sermon altogether. Don’t sit comfortably in your bed scrolling through social media, watching Youtube and dreaming of a better life. Its time to get up and DO. If it’s worth it, work it.
“An unexamined life is not worth living.”
5 Places to Go When You Need To Destress Written by Talia Smith
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The Mountains
Whether you like hiking or just going on roadtrips, going to the mountains is always a solid choice when trying to find a way to destress. The mountains are awe inducing and give you an overwhelming feeling of freedom that make you feel 100% alive. The fresh air will do you good and spending that time with friends just makes for an overall stress free experience.
Dose
This might be a little biased, but I have always found that driving to Dose Coffee in Red Deer has always served in helping me destress. The environment is super chill, the people are kind and it has such a positive vibe to it. You can sit there nose deep in a book or sit around a table talking over a hot beverage with friends. Kicking it back with some friends or a book that isn’t school related never fails to help you destress from classes. On a side note, Dose Coffee is coming to Lacombe November 1st, so you won’t have to drive all the way to Red Deer for a destresser.
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Lacombe Yoga
Exercise of any kind is always a good way to shake stress out of your system, but Lacombe yoga will never fail to rid you of stress. The studio itself is so calming when you walk in the door; the decor, the smell of tea brewing, chill music playing in the background, and the welcoming people at the front desk who are always ready to answer any questions you have. This place is brimming with good vibes, so much so that stress will melt away almost as soon as you walk through the doors.
Watch the Northern Lights
As the weather gets colder, the Northern lights showcase their brilliance more than ever. This is a good time to bundle up, grab some friends, and maybe a large thermos of tea or hot chocolate, head to the field behind the science building, and watch the Northern lights and stargaze. Your mind won’t think about any of those upcoming assignments you haven’t done because you’ll be so captivated by the lights that paint the sky.
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Healing Hands Massage
Sometimes the best thing to do is to splurge on a massage. I know we are all students on a student budget, but a massage can help you destress so much and you’ll feel amazing by the end of it.
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We had a blast at handshake – Thanks for coming! 12
Photos from “President’s Page for Burman University” on Facebook—keep up with Dr. Haynal’s photo updates by liking the page!
SUMMER :CLASS Oregon Shakespeare Festival “The question; that is the question. The question!” The voice was disembodied, but loud over a microphone, silencing the throng taking their seats under the stars. “To be or not to be,” a new voice firmly stated into the mic. One lucky audience member had been given the opportunity to take the Bard’s most famous line and make it his own as the drama on stage commenced after intermission. Such playful, but intelligent creativity characterized much of what our group of seven experienced on a summer tour to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival (OSF). Founded in 1935, the Oregon Shakespeare has expanded to become the largest repertoire theatre company in the United States and the quality of their productions certainly reflects that. However, those of us who went on the tour will remember it as being an intimate experience. From pre-play talks in which we got to act (and goof off a little), to selfies with actors, to our own developing friendships within the group, this tour was the highlight of the summer for many of us. Earning three credits in only three and half days at the festival, our schedule was almost as full as our minds and hearts… and forsooth! they were full! We started with my personal favorite of the canon—Richard II. As I mouthed the lines with the actors, I was surprised and fascinated by this production’s attention to the comic elements of a heavy play about the downfall of an extravagant king. Nor was pathos ignored, but it came out subtly in costume changes or the hesitant contraction of a hand.
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The same evening in the Elizabeth theatre some of us may just have noticed something in our eyes as we watched the conclusion of the deeply spiritual A Winter’s Tale. Whether we shed tears or not, we all agreed that ‘when we grow up’ we want to be just like patriarchy-smasher-extraordinaire Paulina. (We are also all happy to be able to throw into random conversations the best stage direction ever: “Exit, pursued by a bear.”) Our next day was intellectually stimulating as we contemplated the connection between money and human objectification in a provocative production of Timon of Athens, while our next show—with ghosts flitting around us and electric guitars becoming part of the story—made us look at the familiar plot of Hamlet in a whole new way. On our last day we were happy to finish off with song, dance, and hilarity in Twelfth Night, even as we left the charming town of Ashland with vows to return and see even more plays next year. I left OSF with memories, strengthened friendships, three credits toward my degree, and some bargain purchases. Through viewing the diversity in casting and hearing about the efforts OSF makes to promote education and keep theatre from being merely the domain of the rich, white, and privileged, I also left Ashland with a renewed belief in the power of art to make a difference in the world.
Written by Sarah Wallace
Watching the set being changed (PC Patsy Glatt)
Hazel and actress Sarah Bruner
The group in Oregon
Laertes (PC Katelyn Ruiz)
DON’T in the cold desert air as My knuckles were covered in blood, dust swirling g something illuminated five grown men yelled with all their might, smashin . Desperate times call in the light of a headlamp. A rock became a weapon for desperate measures. s that look like another Mountains of stone as red as brick? Endless canyon these were sights which planet? Burritos the size of a man’s arm? Of course a group of friends, road we had to see for ourselves. So I found myself with enture. tripping to the great land of Utah in search of adv yonlands National Park, After a day backpacking deep in the remote Can madly craving a decent we stumbled out, having run out of CLIF bars and and aching blisters was the meal. What kept us going despite the blazing sun es, but most of all, beans. thought of our well supplied car, full of all delicaci Far too many cans of beans. to our campsite, nearly It was around midnight when we made our way nd our precious cans of delirious with hunger. The group of us huddled arou one problem. None of us beans like lions around an antelope. Only we had knew how to use the military can opener. but our five college degrees Now I pride myself in being decently intelligent, can of beans. We were combined were not enough to break open even one frustration. None of us devastated. So we smashed the can opener out of tears. Then we got a little said it, but we were blinking back bitterness and desperate. one of the fist-sized stones I don’t know what came over me, but I picked up in hunger. Others took nearby, wielding it like a caveman, and screeching best to smash it open, turns cursing at this despicable tin can, trying our sending bits of sand and rock flying.
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SETTLE Written by Jeff Bradburn
intensified the desperaAt one point I cut my knuckles open, which only nd, I don’t know. As tion. How no one called the police in the camp grou bean juice dripped down someone managed to smash in the tinniest hole, pnel of our can opener our arms. The goal in sight, we used the bent shra to pry the lid open the rest of the way. ped most of the sand By the time we got three other cans open and scoo out, someone suggested heating it up on a stove. RM BEANS!” Yelled one “I DON’T WANT TO SETTLE FOR YOUR WA friend in incoherent hunger. e in life than those cold, At that moment there was nothing we craved mor we didn’t want to settle gritty beans. We had worked for it, bled for it. And language how good that for less. I cannot begin to describe in the English meal tasted. school year—don’t settle. So that’s what I leave you with at the start of this k and complain. Don’t Don’t settle for what is comfortable. Don’t sit bac a guy or girl because it’s wait for someone else to do it. Don’t just settle for uld take a chance. Don’t convenient. Or let fear run your life when you sho rself to be. settle for being less than the person you know you me, but is our goal in There are plenty of chances to settle for less, believe someone you’re not? To life really just to be comfortable? To be liked for wait ‘til tomorrow to create change? to rise up and meet When we choose not to settle for what’s easy but it head on, you will find challenges like a stubborn can of beans and face yourself living a much more interesting story.
Let today be known as the day that I discovered that I don’t need to explain myself to anyone. I don’t need to explain why I don’t want to do what you’ve asked me to. I don’t need to explain why I feel strongly about certain things. I don’t need to explain why I felt uncomfortable enough to leave. I don’t need to explain why I refuse to respond to men when they challenge me in a demeaning way. I don’t need to defend my need to defend myself. I don’t need to explain myself because I am. I am an entity. An unexplainable, Complex Being, One that I don’t even completely understand myself. I do not need to go through the trouble of racking my brain for words created by men to describe feelings that men feel. Women feel a multitude of feelings that men cant even begin to understand. And vice versa. It varies from human to human. Unfortunately, Humans are not equipped with the ability to create our own language and have someone else hear and understand it. No one attempts to explain why he or she is. Why should I feel as though I should? I don’t need to explain myself because those who love me, see me. They see and understand my flaws. If they come up in discussion that’s fine but an outsider does not need or will no longer have the right to test-drive my mind, soul, and emotions. I don’t need to explain myself because my people will interpret my actions as they see fit, no matter the explanation I give. Some individuals will see me as an angry black feminist who is most definitely is going to hell. Finally. I’m okay with it. I am okay with your interpretation of me. I’ve fought too long and too hard to introduce myself to myself. They’re finally getting acquainted. I will not rip them apart simply because I would like my soul to be an easier pill to swallow
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Written by Rechelle-lee Smith
To Be
Now They don’t always get along They fight Sometimes But they know each other. Now I give myself permission to just be To be annoying To crave romance To be painfully awkward in social situations To be unsure of myself To be incredibly sure of what I am doing To lead To follow To fall in love To give my heart to others To be obnoxiously emotional To be void of emotion To search for Christ To exist The way God intended me to be. Just Be
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By Victoria Soto
DEVOTIONAL
“In the beginning God...”
Written by Angelica Cornejo
GENESIS 1:1
The start of a new school year – for some, their first, for others their second, third, fourth, or even fifth. Nonetheless here we are at Burman University pursuing our goals. Whether they are academic, spiritual, or you realize you don’t even know what goals you might have at this moment, we are all striving for something. We are all trying to make it to some place, to some destination. No matter where you’re trying to go, the journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step (said the wisest monkey in Disney history). My question to you is, “are you starting yours with the right step?” The Bible begins its beautiful story with its very first verse in Genesis which says, “in the beginning God…”. Before the creation of the world, it was God. Before you were born, it was God. God was, has been, and always will be the Source, the Foundation, the Beginning of all things. When you wake up in the morning, you don’t just get out of bed and walk out the door without having showered or brushed your teeth or having eaten breakfast. You make sure you’ve done all you need to do in order to be prepared for the day. In the same way, as you begin this new academic year, I encourage you to begin with God. Before you step out of your room or house to go to class, begin with God and ask for His blessing. Before you walk into Student Finance to talk about your inability to pay for this year, begin with God and pray for the miracle you’re seeking because He will answer you. Before you go to write that Greek test, begin with God and He will remind you of all the things you’ve learned. Before you even go looking for the lucky one, begin with God and ask Him to show you the person He has especially for you. Psalm 37:5 invites us to commit our way to the Lord and to delight in Him because He will give us the desires of our heart and help us succeed and I know we all want to succeed this year. Choose to begin each day with God and remember that those for whom God is the first, last and best thing in their lives … they are the happiest people in the world. Blessings, Angelica
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SUBMISSIONS
#BU
One of my favorite quotes comes from the world-class gymnast’s Dan Millman’s memoir “Way of the Peaceful Warrior”. In it he accounts his counselor, Socrates, saying “ The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but building on the new.” University is ultimately the place where change happens in copious amounts. From friend groups, to majors, to Facebook relationship statuses, throughout your years in university you will constantly be in a state of change. But with this inevitable force take time to try to utilize it to the best of your ability. How so, you might ask? Maybe try to shake things up a little by changing the way you plan your week. Check out the worships on Monday night. Create an active study group for a Tuesday afternoon. Find a couple of friends to go out to Boston Pizza on Wednesday night, for wings or vegan pizza. Move from your regular lunch table and sit with a professor on Thursdays for lunch. Take advantage of the fall weather and your Friday schedule by studying by the lake. Join Native Ministries and help out at their reserve on Sabbath. Try a new exercise routine on Sunday. Add your charm and personality on campus and ultimately learn a thing or two from others. So for a shameless BurmanU endorsement, and a little reminder for you to follow @BUSA, Unashamedly #BU .
Zahara McGann
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Welcome to Burman University! My name is Richard Sheppard. I am a second year student and my major is in Religious Studies, the Pre-Professional Track program. I am 22 years old and single. I was born in Newfoundland but raised most of my life in Manitoba, and I am the eldest of three children. I have been a Seventh-day Adventist for just over three years now but I have been a follower of Jesus for most of my life, as far back as I can remember. For this past summer, I worked as a maintenance assistant at Camp Woody Acres for the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Newfoundland and Labrador. This year was the year that Newfoundland power came into the camp so a line had to be cut through the trees for the poles to come in. My job was to clear the trimmings of the trees that my supervisor would cut down and save the good of the logs that he cut the trees into for camp fires. This went on for roughly 2 months. Suffice to say, the bugs and still hot days with little breeze were not making the job easier. We also insulated and panelled one set of cabins thereafter. Worker’s Camp was a blast! There were a lot of people that came to help set up the camp for Camp Meeting. My position was still maintenance but the responsibilities were shared with one of my close friends from Burman who was also part of the Newfoundland VBS Team, plus my supervisor. Lunch time was 2-½ hours, and a hot day calls for a swim! So, almost every day during Worker’s Camp, the new friends that I made and I would go down to the waterfront for a dip. Work started again at 2:00 only to finish at 5:30 so it was a lot more relaxing than before, and there was no set curfew! Camp Meeting was different. It was very tightly scheduled so there wasn’t a lot of free time to hang out with friends. Nonetheless, being only on garbage duty and night-watch during Camp Meeting, I would be down at the waterfront every day, excluding Sabbaths, to go water-tubing, which was fun! On Sunday, August 7, I rode back to Corner Brook with the father of one of my friends where my aunt, uncle and 2 cousins were as well as my family that had arrived there three days beforehand. We had lots of fun vacationing around the Corner Brook and Springdale area. My nan and pop’s 50th anniversary dinner was also held on August 13 and it was a fun--and funny--night. August 21 came and my family and I both flew to Winnipeg and then drove back to Thompson four nights later. I was in Thompson then until September 3 when I began travelling back to Red Deer, AB in order to come back to this wonderful university and meet all of you wonderful new people, and I am so glad that I am here!
Richard Sheppard
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