THE CHRONICLE
FAVOURITE MEMORIES The Marvel of God’s Creation
BURMAN LAUNCH
Creative ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP GUIDE
Life
Head Staff
INFO
EDITOR - IN - CHIEF REBEKAH MAURICE
ASSISTANT EDITOR EMILY CORTEZ
Contributers
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JEFFERY BRADBURN
TALIA SMITH
ASHIA LENNON
RACHEL MAURICE
BIANCA BASTON
RYAN BROUSSON
JYSSICA DELPECHE
NISHA JOHNY
IRHIS SALEHI PARAST
KELVIN KUBLALL
INFO
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Editor's Message BY REBEKAH MAURICE
This year has been one of the craziest and busiest years that I’ve had in university but also the funnest. I have met a lot of new people and made a lot of new friends and I hope that in some way the work that I have done has impacted each student even just a tad so that we now have a connection. You, as readers and as students, have given me such an incredible opportunity to serve you all year and I greatly appreciate your support and your willingness to serve and provide for me whenever I reach out for assistance. I will be reprising my position again next year as your Editor-in-Chief and I look forward to making the paper better and better. If you would like to get involved in paper next year please drop me an email on my personal account or on The Chronicles account: sachronicles@cauc.ca. I am always looking for new writers and new perspectives so let me know. I will be hiring more staff next year, if you do not want to commit to full-time work I always accept freelance. I am also looking at providing more opportunities for students to get involved who writing may not be their strong suit. I also want to begin providing training sessions for those who would like to get involved or enhance their current skills. I have been well loved and appreciated this year and I just want to say THANK YOU! There is no paper without readers so please let me know how I can better serve you in the upcoming year. Also you may have noticed how sleek and beautiful this issue is, unfortunately our budget does not allow us to print like this all the time but we wanted to do something special for the final issue. This issue is more of a lifestyle magazine than it usually is, it is designed so that you don’t need to read it right now in the thick of exams but you can take it home or on the plane or wherever and enjoy it after things calm down. But there are still some awesome reflections on the past year as well as some scientific articles from my sister and from John Henri and if you have been keeping up with the email discussions Kelvin has an article touching base on the thread he began about the athletics department. So Enjoy!
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P.S. Thank you for all the people who expressed concern when I went missing last issue, Emily did a wonderful job in my absense. I was going to put in a picture of my painting but it is just too beautiful for human eyes to behold so I had to destroy it. P.S.S. If you enjoy the design of the paper, this one especially and you would like to keep up with me this summer check out my blog. I post pretty graphics that I’ve designed like here in this issue, there’s also lifestyle tips, creative writing and my opinions on various issues.
blogofbek.com
THE GAME THIS ISSUE IS TO NAME WHAT EACH OF THE ICONS ON THE BURMAN SPREAD REPRESENT ABOUT CUC/BU. SEND YOUR ANSWERS TO SACHRONICLES@CAUC.CA FOR A PRIZE
INFO
There is nothing more beautiful than an empty calendar SUN 5
Easter Sunday
MON 6
Easter Monday
TUES 7
WED 8
THURS 9 Reading Day
FRI 10
Exams Begin
SAT 11
8:45pm Double Split @ Hideout
Exam Week AIA Convention
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6pm Religious Studies Banquet
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Exam Week
18 Grad Weekend Choral Union Tour
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OD 350 Field Trip Orchestra Tour Choral Union Tour
The content of this newspaper represents the views, opinions and interests of the students on the Aurora Chronicles (The Inquirer) Editorial Team. Readers should not assume that what they find in this newspaper is automatically endorsed or supported by the CUC Student Association, Canadian University College, its Administration or its employees. What you find here may very well be one student writer’s opinion. While we, the Editorial Team, do our best to ensure that the information provided is correct, mistakes do occur and we cannot guarantee the accuracy of the material. If you do notice any mistakes or you disagree with the appropriateness of any of the content please contact the editorial team directly at sachronicles@gmail.com
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Favorite Memories Just Ask.
BY JYSSICA DELPECHE As I reflect on this past year, I must say that my most memorable experiences have happened while participating in service projects –voluntary activities that involve serving and assisting those that we may or may not interact with. We have been blessed this year at Canadian University College to have access to a wide variety of volunteer opportunities. One experience that sticks out was my last visit to the Edmonton Institution for Women with the prison ministries team. In addition to singing and talking with the women there (which is a wonderful experience by the way), God reminded me of one of his promises that I had taken for granted. A promise that we have heard and repeated several times before; but one I never fully understood, that is until last month. This message is found in Matthew 7: 7-11. It reads: ASK, AND IT SHALL BE GIVEN YOU; SEEK, AND YE SHALL FIND; KNOCK, AND IT SHALL BE OPENED UNTO YOU: FOR EVERY
ONE THAT ASKETH RECEIVETH; AND HE THAT SEEKETH FINDETH; AND TO HIM THAT KNOCKETH IT SHALL BE OPENED. OR WHAT MAN IS THERE OF YOU, WHOM IF HIS SON ASK BREAD, WILL HE GIVE HIM A STONE? OR IF HE ASK A FISH, WILL HE GIVE HIM A SERPENT? IF YE THEN, BEING EVIL, KNOW HOW TO GIVE GOOD GIFTS UNTO YOUR CHILDREN, HOW MUCH MORE SHALL YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN GIVE GOOD THINGS TO THEM THAT ASK HIM?
I got it! Well… maybe after the third time it was read, but the message was so clear. It made so much sense. No longer do I need to worry, cry, stress, or brainstorm a master plan out of my surrounding chaos. God loves each of us so much and is eager to provide and supply us with all that we ask. God is always listening; He always cares regardless of wherever we are or whatever horrible sins we think we have committed. I am so happy that this reminder came when it did. More importantly, I’m super excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for each of us. I pray that as we complete this semester that we will not hesitate to “ask seek and knock.” We too can be successful in every area of our lives as we strive to continue our academic journeys and begin our careers. We just have to ask.
“BUT BLESSED ARE THOSE WHO TRUST IN THE LORD AND HAVE 17:17 NLT).
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MADE THE LORD THEIR HOPE AND CONFIDENCE” (JEREMIAH
from the Year
EVENTS
Favorite Memory
IRHIS SALEHI PARAST It was a beautiful March evening, March 14 to be exact. It wasn’t too hot and it wasn’t too cold. It was just right, cliché and all. It had been a beautiful Sabbath day and the sunset was bringing it to a close. I’ve always had a fascination with clouds and the sky, the way that it appears to be a spectrum of colours and manages to be a constantly changing gradient with every passing minute. Tonight was no different. As the sun was setting I knew that I couldn’t miss a chance to take advantage of this ever-fleeting weather, knowing full well that it could snow within the next couple of days, so I begged my friend Nat to go on a walk with me. We were not disappointed. With the sun setting, the light breeze was becoming a little colder than we had expected, but the sky made up for it. Our hands were beginning to lose feeling, but as we walked around campus watching the sun go down, the view was breathtaking. The different shades of purple, blue, pink, yellow, and orange all intermingled together with the clouds in order to create this animate masterpiece, and it was just for me. Recently I’ve been learning pieces from “Sketches in Color” composed by Robert Starer on the piano. When I looked at the sky, these pieces are what came to mind. The sky consisted of magenta, periwinkle, sapphire, marigold, apricot, amethyst, amber, vermilion, and that was just naming a few. The medley of colours was engrossing. The magnificence of it all brought one of my favourite memory verses to my mind:
“IF I RIDE THE WINGS OF THE MORNING, IF I DWELL BY THE FARTHEST OCEANS, EVEN THERE YOUR HAND WILL GUIDE ME, AND YOUR STRENGTH WILL SUPPORT ME.” –PSALMS 139:9-10
Even though I may not always get to see them every day, I find the sunrises and sunsets to be a daily reminder of not only how intricately God designs nature, but how intricately He knows my heart and what makes it happy. He knows exactly how to take my breath away. My God is amazing, cliché and all.
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EVENTS
Memories
BY RYAN BROUSSON I am graduating in a couple weeks and I have been thinking about the last five years I have been here at CUC. I have had a lot of good memories, made a lot of good friends, and overall have just become a better person. As I have been thinking about all these great times, my mind has drifted to this year, my last in Alberta. Several of my good memories involve hikes in the mountains near Banff. On one occasion two friends and I hiked past four or five lakes and ended up on the top of a mountain. We hiked though snow and rain and ended up seeing a spectacular view. The lakes were crystal clear and very cold. Half way up we stopped for lunch at the first lake. At this lake there were rodents called pikas, they are similar to mice. There were about ten of them and they all wanted our lunches. They got so bold that one climbed onto my shoulder. As I went to take it off, it became vicious and bit me. It drew blood too. That was an experience. Who knew they were so ‘friendly’. Moving forward through my year of, I remember the theological conversations I have had with several friends. I enjoy theology and philosophy. These discussions have ranged from ethics to the Sanctuary to origins. These conversations are going to stick with me as I go into my future schooling and beyond. They have given me ideas and perspectives that before I had not thought about. They have expanded my thinking. In a year’s time there are so many memories that are made, especially when one is surrounded by great people. As I leave CUC at the end of April, these experiences will stick with me from years to come. Thank you to all those who have been a part of this year.
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THE MARVEL OF GOD’S CREATION
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THE WONDER OF THE HUMAN BODY BY RACHEL MAURICE
LIFE. It’s a miracle and it’s something that we enjoy everyday. Unfortunately, amidst the chaos and busyness of our lives, we often forget just how fortunate we are to be alive and take for granted all the different systems that make life possible. The human body is one of the most complex living ‘machines’ in the entire world and yet we hardly ever stop and think about everything that’s going on inside us. That’s one of the things that my classes this year have made me appreciate and become more aware of. As a biology major, I learn about the ins and outs of the human body and what it is that keeps us going, and the more I learn, the more I come to appreciate God’s creation. There are so many biological processes going on inside our bodies that we’re not even consciously aware of, and yet they continue to function like they’re supposed to. Just imagine if you suddenly had to think about your heart beating to make it pump blood throughout your body, or tell your stomach to start digesting your food after you’d eaten. These are just some of the processes that we don’t even give a second thought to, and yet they continue to function. One of my classes that have given me a greater appreciation of God’s handiwork in the human body is histology. As some of you may know, histology is the study of the different tissues in the human body, and the functions that they carry out. Throughout this semester, our class has examined just about every type of tissue there is and the roles that each of them plays in the eleven different body systems. Asides from the lectures themselves, the part of my histology class that has made the biggest impact on me is the labs. As I’m sure that some of you can relate, it’s one thing to read about
something and another thing entirely to actually see it, and that’s exactly what the labs have been like. In our afternoon labs, our class has actually been able to look at tissues under a microscope, and see all the different cells that they’re made of. It’s honestly amazing to see connective tissue up close or explore the inner-workings of human bone marrow. Under the lenses of a microscope everything looks so much more complex, to the point where the very skin on your fingers looks like a masterpiece. Now I know that there are some of you out there that don’t share the same enthusiasm for histology that I do, but I also know that everyone can appreciate just how marvelous we are even if you’ve never used a microscope. The fact of the matter is that we humans are intricately and miraculously made and yet we don’t even take the time to thank God for the bodies He’s given us, or praise Him for the systems that sustain us. It seems like the only time we ever stop and think about our bodies is when we’ve found something that we don’t like and wish we could change, or when we’re suffering from some sort of aches and pains. But the thing is there is just so much in our bodies to be thankful for that it’s a wonder we never take the time to notice. So, if nothing else what I would like for people to take away from all of this is that our bodies are not something to be taken for granted or disregarded. Every cell in our bodies is a masterpiece and together they make up the systems we need to enjoy life. Remember it’s like it says in Psalms 139:14, “I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well”.
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PHOTOGRAPHER : JENNIFER LAAN 1. PACINIAN CORPUSCLES
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12. 13. 2.MAMMALIAN OPTIC NERVE 3.NEUROLOGLIAL ASTROCYTES 4. HUMAN MEDULA OBLONGATA
5. HUMAN SPINAL CORD 6. RETICULAR SPLENIC TISSUE 7. FRONTAL LARYNX
8. HUMAN STOMACH FUNDUS 9. MEISSNER’S CORPUSCLES 10. URINARY BLADDER
11. HUMAN ARTERY AND VEIN 12. CORONARY ATHEROSCLEROSIS 13. MAMMALIAN HEART TISSUE
“Boas and tigers and Earth Hour at the Science Centre BY JOHN HENRI RORABECK “Boas and tigers and chicks! Oh my!” Certainly many visitors thought this as they saw a red tailed boa, tiger salamanders, and a flock of baby chickens in the atrium of the Science Centre last Sabbath afternoon. Guests were encouraged to touch, hold, and learn about the different animals. Also on display were rock, mineral, and fossil displays, along with interesting specimens under microscopes and the 270 gallon freshwater aquarium. Families from the community joined CUC students in the Science Centre to experience creation in a fun, new way. Students, parents, and children alike cuddled with the baby chicks and held the young boa and salamanders, which are housed in the Science Centre and cared for by John Henri Rorabeck. The salamanders are on display 24/7 in a display case on the wall, and the boa, nicknamed Serenity, can be viewed and held by appointment. Feeding time for the snake is every Monday evening, and all are encouraged to come watch. The chicks had hatched from eggs being observed for a class project, and are now at a local farm. This activity was part of a celebration of Earth Hour, a worldwide pledge to go one whole hour without using electronics. While many students and faculty were supporting Earth Hour, most of the day’s activities were organized by Professor Sara Chavez and student Christopher Villacorta. A senior in Environmental Science, Christopher has a deep passion for the environment. “WE ARE CARETAKERS, NOT RULERS, OF THIS PLANET,” Christopher writes. He encourages the study and enjoyment of nature, and led participants on an hour-long
We are Caretakers not Rulers of this 16.
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hike down by Lake Barnett before bringing them up to the Science Centre. Christopher compares Earth Hour to the Sabbath, since “IT IS A TIME TO CREATE AWARENESS ABOUT CREATION.” Not only that, Earth Hours also “requests us to reduce our use of electricity,” and when more people join in, a difference can be made. Many people on campus participated in Earth Hour, which took place on Saturday from 8:30-9:30pm. Various activities were held, such as game nights, song services, and a short play in the Ad building. Christopher, along with many other students, look forward to drawing even more attention to this cause next year. Rachel Maurice attended the afternoon program, and particularly appreciated how “THE COMMUNITY WAS GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY
TO GET A CLOSER LOOK AT WHAT WE STUDENTS DO ON A REGULAR BASIS AND TO SEE WHAT IT’S LIKE TO STUDY ON THIS CAMPUS.” Being a Biology
student herself, Rachel thoroughly enjoyed getting up close and personal with the animals. “I also really like how the students led out and explained the animal displays,” Rachel commented. If you did not make it out to this fantastic event, you missed out on a great experience. But fear not! There are plenty of opportunities to learn more about God’s creation right here on campus. Take a stroll through the Biology department. Look at the displays, the fish tank, the salamanders. Hold the snake. Ask questions. Walk down by the lake to listen to the birds and see the new life that is just around the corner. GET OUT INTO NATURE AND SEE WHAT GOD HAS IN STORE FOR YOU. If you have an open mind, you will not be disappointed. And who knows, you might even learn something new!
chicks! Oh my!”
A grand total of 3,528 students and staff from across Alberta participated in the One Hour, No Power: Campus Challenge contest this year in celebration of Earth Hour 2015! Here are the results, congrats to everyone who participated! 1. Canadian University College with 27.8% participation (165 pledges) 2. King’s University College with 26.8% participation (225 pledges) 3. Keyano College with 21.9% participation (508 pledges)
GOD’S CREATION
EARTH HOUR RESULTS
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1. UNIVERSITY CONVOCATION - DAN JACKSON SPEAKING 2. CHURCH - HYMNS WITH CANADIAN ROOTS 3. EARTH HOUR 4. HERR LECTURE SERIES - ROGER EP 5. FREUD’S LAST SESSION - BRADY HUFFMAN + KENNETH WRIGHT
Changing Narrative. Creating Culture BY NISHA JOHNY
As the last Student Association President for Canadian University College, and the first for Burman University, I know I have big shoes to fill. “Whose shoes?”, you might ask. “Yours?” No. Not my size 8 brown feet’s, no. “Then who?” My expectations’ shoes. The vision that I have for my campus. Hers. The potential I see for Burman’s. His. If my expectation, my vision, and my potential were living and walking people, they would wear shoes. Beautiful shoes. Comfortable, yet attractive. Shoes that (s)he would wear interchangeably. Whether they be heels, flats, converses, oxfords, or heels again, (s)he would wear it with pride. With confidence. Every stride taken with a contagious commitment to seeing things through. Do we know this person? Do you? Is (s)he here? Currently, this anonymity is walking around in my head and I am really tired of it. I can’t sleep. I barely have the strength to keep going because (s)he keeps me up at night. The bright light of all the wonderful possibilities and improvements that (s)he gives me in regards to how to make Burman University the place we all want to be at: it’s really bright. And the thing is, you DO know this person. They run around in your head too. When you walk into the cafeteria, when you sit in front of the computers at the AD building lab, when you hear rumours about the Athletic Department or the tragic horrors of accreditation stories, when you attend Vespers, Convocation, or Church, (s)he walks in. Your head swims with narratives about how it could be better. How it is worse. How it could be improved. How it might be too late. How it is ABOUT TIME somebody changed things up in here. But who? Who is (s)he? Who is this person with the shoes that we wish we wore? Who is this anonymity that we wish could be one of us? Well, dear friend, I am here to inform you that at Burman University, you are going to have to wear those shoes. The ones (s) he wears when (s)he walks around in your head. Those. Here is my point. I am not one to say that we need to change everything about our campus or that we need to start fresh and rebuild from scratch. However, I do recognize that we can improve.
AND SURPRISINGLY, IT DOESN’T START WITH THE CAFETERIA MENU ITEM.
IT STARTS WITH YOU.
You see, one of the primary factors that we can all attest to desiring more of is pride. Pride in the numerous great facets that our campus possesses already: the beautiful hilltop, the various excellent programs of study, the closely knit community, the church family, the professors, the clubs and organizations, the talent, the people, the opportunities to grow academically, mentally, spiritually… And yet, the general atmosphere on campus is one of apathy. Or is it? Maybe it is fear. Maybe it is guilt. Maybe people don’t care. Is it because CUC isn’t the right fit or is it because you are walking around in shoes that you haven’t grown into?
LAUNCH WEEK
You and I have a HUGE role in developing the CULTURE on campus -a set of shared attitudes, values, goals and practices that characterize an organization. What do you want Burman University to look like? What do you want Burman University to feel like? The answers to those questions will always remain just that. An answer. Unless you are ready to join me in taking steps to mold the culture on campus. The kind that you and I both desire. On Sunday, SA and CM leaders met at Alberta Conference Youth Director Kevin Kiers’ house where he led us in a dialogue of the same topic to generate thought and ideas. When asked as to the kind of steps we wanted to take in order to facilitate and develop a culture at BU that we could take pride in, many responded with
“WE NEED TO BE MORE CARING”, “WE NEED TO REACH OUT”, “WE NEED TO BUILD RELATIONSHIPS”, “WE NEED TO BUILD COMMUNITY”.
Here are the 5 simple, but effective steps that Kevin suggested to take in order to mold culture: TALK ABOUT IT – Start conversations with your faculty, staff, peers, and leaders on campus as to what you want Burman University to look and feel like. DEFINE IT – Help define and pin point the kind of culture you want for our university. LIVE IT – Do something about it. What simple measures can you take in your day to day life on and off campus to help us develop and facilitate a certain atmosphere? MEASURE IT – Are you seeing a difference? Keep an eye open and an ear to the ground to measure and gauge the difference, no matter how small or big. Remember, every little step counts! REWARD IT – Celebrate even the smallest of victories. It goes a long way. Encourage one another positively when you see a fellow peer or colleague taking steps towards achieving this goal! Just as universities have obligations to cater to our needs as students, we too have the responsibility to give back. To find our purpose here at Burman. To Take the good and make it great. Take the great and make it greater. It is time for us throw away our dirty, old shoes and put on new ones. We cannot settle for mediocracy so let us do something about it.
THE SCARIEST PART ABOUT THE FUTURE IS THAT IT IS IN OUR HANDS. BUT THE MOST EXCITING PART ABOUT THE FUTURE IS ALSO THAT IT IS IN OUR HANDS.
I am excited to see what we can accomplish for the future when we come together as a school family, as a community, as an institution. Aren’t you? 21.
ACRONAIRE
LAUNCH WEEK
HOMESHOW
LAUNCH WEEK
ATHLETICS DISCUSSION A Real Issue, A Real Solution BY KELVIN KUBLALL
“What is your definition of A REAL ISSUE?” -Bruce Boyd. Well, as addressed by several CUC team captains, coaches and alumni, #WeTheStudents acknowledge a need, a desire, a dream to grow, expand, and reach others through our athletic program. The opinions have been raised, the issue at hand is being addressed, now we await. So, what is your definition of a real issue? Is it the fact that our cafeteria gets more negative reviews than some hollywood films, or the argument that “photo radars serve a purpose” on our streets? My issue
WE OUGHT TO FOCUS LESS TIME ON THE LITTLE THINGS THAT SIMPLY ALLOW US TO “GET BY” AND RATHER FOCUS MORE ON THE BIGGER PICTURE WHICH PROPELS US TO “GET AHEAD”. It would have is that if
been amazing to see the same number of faculty and students who engaged in the photo radar discussion, show similar interest in our athletic situation, but we assume, that’s because its not a real issue? I think we need to see the bigger picture.
“The Acronairs have been the oldest sports team on this campus.” The Program has grown, they are requested to perform, they travel to various places, new equipment and facility is bought. This excelling sports team did not simply shoot out of the water, it took time, it was a process, of hard work, determination and diligence through coaches, leaders, our campus and the aid of investments.
“IN MY HUMBLE OPINION TO SIT AROUND AND WATCH OUR “ATHLETIC PROGRAM” BECOME AT BEST, MEDIOCRE, IS VERY DISTURBING” - CAREY (MENS BASKETBALL) “THE HOCKEY TEAMS BEEN DEAD, AND WILL STAY DEAD.SIGNED, A PLAYER THAT JUST PRACTICES EV-
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ERY SUNDAY.” - ELLIOT CHOKKA (AURORA HOCKEY) “PEOPLE WOULD ACTUALLY HAVE PRIDE AND COME TO OUR SCHOOL IF WE HAD A BETTER ATHLETIC PROGRAM” - JOSE SANCHEZ (MENS SOCCER) Well there it is, we’ve acknowledged the issue we have at hand. We want to help our school progress, and advance into new fields of ministry through its athletic program. We all had our separate divided views of what was really going on and our questions were all answered on Monday March 30th. In attendance at the Burman University Athletic Meeting were coaches, faculty and staff, administration, directors of programs on our campus, athletes and students. This meeting served as a brainstorming effort to help our current situation with athletics on campus. The administration answered our many questions, and students gave their input and suggestions. It was a beautiful thing to see the many passionate representatives willing to discuss the need for a better athletic program here at BU. And it came down to this statement, “Don’t think we aren’t doing anything! We care just as much as each one of you and we are trying our best!” There you have it, We are trying our best to build and grow as an institution acknowledging that athletics has served as an important part in our growth to become Burman University. But
WE NEED YOUR HELP! We need the students to embrace a positive atmosphere of encouragement and participation in the programming being offered on campus. Whether it means participating, cheering or simply talking positively about our teams and programs to help foster a community of togetherness here at BU!
CREATIVE
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The Story Of An Unlikely Immigrant BY SASHA HAMILTON
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CREATIVE At first they thought it was a poplar. Then the jagged bark and palm leaves took form and campus authorities began to marvel. It was a warmer than normal April that Spring and with the snow completely melted by the end of March, people had joked about the beach weather, but this? When the media discovered that a palm tree was growing on a hilltop in central Alberta, the news teams descended. “Scientists are baffled by the phenomenon,” one reported. Another wrote it off as a prank pulled by a wayward college student. But the tree thrived, unhindered by the Canadian climate. “It is a sign of blessing from God,” the pastor preached from the pulpit one saturday in mid-May, “The Lord is pleased with our example in the community, and this, our growing miracle, is a representation of the warm breeze of his pleasure”. Others joked that the growth was a result of the Campus’s overall sunny disposition. “We truly are a spot of sunshine within the cold interior of a secular world.” When rumours of a frigid north wind blowing in a snowstorm on Victoria Day, faculty rushed to build a shelter for the foreign plant. One student tried to point out that if God had potted the tree outside its tropical jurisdiction, surely he could protect it from the harsh Canadian elements. The shelter for the tree was built anyway but the snow never came. The tree flourished throughout the dry humid summer, undaunted by mid-summer storms and the early frosts of autumn. The hilltop collectively cringed at the first sign of snow, but the palm tree withstood the elements, taking in the harsh Alberta climate with relative ease. When a new wave of interest in the now famed “Lacombe Palm Tree” hit the next July, a small group of zealous students decided that Christian Education was being overshadowed by the tropical foliage and tried to cut it down. “We should be known for the quality of Adventist Education,” They cried, “not for some fluke of nature. After all, this is Canada, palm trees shouldn’t even be here.” Following the attempted cut down, (which was thwarted instantly by Campus security), someone had nailed a sign to the tree; its prejudice black letters stated “Go back to your own country” and signed, “The Evergreen”. Though the sign was removed, it caused such an uproar that a community wide meeting was held in the church one thursday evening to discuss the problem. “This is an outrage!” one proclaimed. “To be fair, Palm trees have never inhabited Canada before. Why this sudden change? What if this palm reproduces? What if more palms grow here? What will this mean for the future of our native vegetation?” “It’s not like we can uproot it and send it back. It grew here. It’s been climatized.” “It hasn’t been climatized. It hasn’t been anywhere else. Canada is where it belongs.” “There is plenty of space in Canada for Palms and our own vegetation to co-exist,” another retorted, “What we’re dealing with here is plant-based racism.” Some voiced pleasure at the unusual growth, many voiced contempt, even more were completely indifferent to the situation all together. “Who cares” barked a farmer, “it’s just a damn tree!”
Still the assembly was divided. Everyone marvelled that the tree had generated such polarity. The heat of the argument reached the media, who in turn vocalized the issue Canada-wide. What should be done? Should anything be done at all? The country was lit up with opinion. Everyone seemed to have one. Then Immigration and Citizenship became involved. The official statement that was released was as follows; Dear Canadian Citizens, Your collective concern in regards to the “Lacombe Palm Tree” has generated quite the uproar. We understand, and share your concerns. There are many aspects to be taken into account in dealing with this very sensitive issue. Please be assured that the office for Immigration and Citizenship has thoroughly looked into all sides of the issue at hand. As Canada has always been a safe haven for the foreigner (many positions in government office are held by those of differing origins), the official stance of the Canadian Government is that of acceptance. However, after extensive research it has come to our collective attention that there are no laws or guidelines in our constitution with regards to the immigration of foreign foliage and therefore, as the Palm in question has broken no laws in its unexpected sprouting, we are obliged to put the issue to rest. The Canadian Government trusts that this statement will be accepted by the Canadian people, and that the Palm will be treated with the same respect as the Canadian Poplar, Birch, Spruce, and Evergreen. Please be assured that Parliament is in the process of drawing up documents in the event of another vegetation matter of this nature surfaces again. Sincerely, The Office of Immigration and Citizenship Although many citizens were unsatisfied by the vagueness of the statement, the uproar concerning the Lacombe Palm subsided. The occasion for the official document drafted by parliament has never arisen, and having reached full maturity and in good health, the Lacombe Palm Tree can still be viewed on the hilltop at Burman University.
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What if Your Parents Came to Live with You in Your Apartment? BY REBEKAH MAURICE
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The knock came to the door presently at a quarter past noon. It awoke me from my celestial slumber and had me, with sleep-crusted eyes, grope through my darkened residence. I dragged a still-slumbering appendage with me as I slunk down the hall to find the rapping ever louder as I neared its proximity. Before the knock of 2011 on the newly awakened March afternoon, I had lived a comfortable existence, one that I had no issue acknowledging as privileged. My home was one of ever delight and I prided myself on its always near-perfect cleanliness. After the fact however, I realized I had lived my astral existence in nothing but a fool’s paradise. The knock was accompanied by a silver headed man in his late fifties. A burly man crammed into a 5’ 4” frame. The kind of man to whom a hammer was merely an extension of his arm and who was never done until a job was finished. I had grown in his house of wood carvings and the scent of men’s aftershave. A house built by his father’s callused hands and his adolescent fingers. A house not understood by the “here and now” millennials and not likely to be. But he had left his domain and crossed the threshold into mine. My father’s entrance into my home seemed to be the great equalizer of my early adult life, his magnificence became the standard by which my life was tested. His continual “that is not how I would have done it” brought a shiver of anxiety that crept the framework of my flat. It caused the furniture to cringe in expectation of judgement and caused the fridge to stand on edge. It seemed that my drapes were too long, my fridge too extended, my cupboard door continually barred my bottom drawer from existence and the floor creaked with even the minutest of movements. A draft came from an unknown source, the tub leaked into oblivion and the ceiling seemed to descend ever lower with the continual thrump of the neighbours in the sky. My father busied himself with his inspection and his true order of business was continually abated by the new occurrence of a tear in the carpet or a chip in the tile. He began to spew words like “gut” and “demolition” and “complete remodelling”. My furnishings eyed me with great apprehension and sunk their appendages firmly to the floor, who himself was quite evidently fearful for his continual existence. I tried to interject on their behalf as my father’s tape measure pressed firmly on my couch’s abdomen. But he was not attuned to the wavelength of inanimate objects.
At the first union meeting of The Living Room Incorporated, on the eve of the ninth, my constant companions looked to me as their leader and pressed to me that it was a great deal that I owed them for their years of service. I had always been a great believer in the idea of the union, of the working bodies rallying together against the foes of administration. So I took up their cause, though they knew my experience was little as I had never had an occupation and was yet to see a union outside of old industrial revolution movies, to support the furnishings that had always supported me. The next day my father strutted up and down the length of my cringing carpet measuring this and that and making obscene marks on the face of my wary wall with a flattened pencil. The windows eyed me with apprehension as I mustered all of my strength to confront him. “Father” I began after a careful clearing of my throat, “it has come to my attention that…”. He misinterpreted my meaning quite easily to be my observation of the unalignment of my hall decor. All the screws would have to be repositioned, which would leave holes in the wall which must be plastered over, which must then be repainted, meaning we should go with an altogether different colour and that we might as well just remove the whole wall and open my room to the kitchen. The persistent flooring pressed up against my heels motivating me to further my contest. I cleared my throat in objection but when he turned his face it was not that of a dictator. It was so illuminated with the pride of construction and betterment that my resolve disintegrated. I submitted to a complete reworking of the layout. That night in the living room the racket of competing voices was monstrous, each effect I owned was ready to rise up against me. I tried to reason with them, tried to sell the change as progress but they would have none of it. They were ready for a revolt and if I was not with them I was against them. I solemnly retreated to my bedroom where my mattress stiffened in protest against me. The next day my father began his demolition, shocked when at each blow of his hammer the wall stood firm, perfectly intact. By noon he was sweating and muttering profanities that I had never before heard grace his holy lips. But still my 80s orange wall bore nothing but a scratch. After a lunch that I had bought from the food-to-go counter at the grocery and tried to pass as my own handiwork, the plates my only witness, my father decided instead he would begin by uncluttering my home. He took
out my trash, my broken CREATIVE broom and my dollar store christmas tree still sitting on my coffee table. Then he made a move towards my fortress of solitude. Nest, as he is affectionately called by myself and his living room companions, is a hand me down, so far removed from its original owner that there is no one who remembers its origin and it quite likely simply appeared to some fortunate soul, a gift from the college gods. He is ethereal in nature, capable of providing a plethora of diverse comfortable positions for sleeping, reading or the like. However his aura of light and magnificence appeared to be invisible to my father who used words like “outdated”, “sloppy”, “falling apart” and “it has a tear right down the middle with its insides poring out”. My father reached his hands for Nest’s sides like hands reaching for a throat, ready to take life right from it. With great resolution I flew from across the room, sweeping past my father and into the arms of my beloved. Newly determined to intercede on his behalf. “Daddy please! He’s a good chair, he is soft and dependable, sure he might be coming apart at the seams but nobody is perfect.” He eyed me quizzically “Honey, it’s ugly and old”. “Dad please, this is my chair, and my lamp, and my rug and my apartment. And it might not be perfect but it’s still mine, it’s my little piece of the world and you’re trying to tear it apart, you’re uprooting me. You have your place dad you have your work and your house, I’m just trying to find my place, but I can’t do that if you keep telling me what to do, I need you to let me build my home, myself. You need to go back to your place dad, so I can build mine.” “Dad?” “Dad are you okay” The tears came then, a twinkling in the corner of the eye and then a torrent, a heart wrenching sob. And I heard about the job loss. And then about the foreclosure. And the whole house heard him. And my home joined him to her bosom and Nest rocked him back to wholeness and all was subdued. And my effects looked up at me at me abashed and ashamed, and we sat there all night, an assembly of sympathy, and Lamp dimmed, and we all mourned in silence, and we were all one. 29.
CREATIVE
Love me Like...
BY EMILY CORTEZ
Love me like moonlight kisses Like waterfall smiles that spill into everything Love me like back seat hand holding and stolen looks in across the room Love me like crazy, like cat lady with her new kitten Love me three am calls about how the Galaxy is so big. Love me like lazy morning cuddles, banana pancakes and all Love me like yesterday. Love me like tomorrow. Love me like now. For the present is the best place for love. Love me like I’m your only poet love me like I’m crazy but you dig it Love me like he can’t. Love me like best friends like Saturday morning coffee at the breakfast table . . .
30.
Love me like your favorite novel.
CREATIVE
Love me like your wishes on stars or your dreams that are so big, so loud, they shatter glass oceans Love me like the ocean loves waves. Love me like you’ll come back. Love me like California loves rain But also loves
sunrises
Love me like we love our wide open sky.
Then love me more, because that’s just a fraction of how much
I love you. 31.
CREATIVE
A Poetic Argument to Never Leave Canada BY JEFF BRADBURN
I MISS THE PORTLAND RAIN I MISS THE DARK CLOUDY DAYS I MISS THE SOUND OF RAIN IN TREES THE COLD SLAP FROM AN EVENING BREEZE PEOPLE DO YOGA, EAT TOFU, AND DANCE WEAR BEARDS, FLANNELS, AND TIGHT SKINNY PANTS WHERE READING IS COOL, HOCKEY’S NOT IMPORTANT AH, BUT WE DON’T HAVE TIM HORTONS I MISS THE GIRLS WITH JACKETS, TIGHTS, AND BOOTS THE SLEEPY TOWN AND PORTLAND MOOD OF PORTLAND DAMSELS WITH PORTLAND LIVES DRINKING ORGANIC COFFEE TO ENERGIZE THEIR LOVE OF NATURE AND REFINED TASTE YES, PORTLAND IS A PERFECT PLACE WITH HIPSTER GIRLS THAT NEED A COURTIN’ AH, BUT WE DON’T HAVE TIM HORTONS MY HEART MISSES HOME AND LONGS TO RETURN THERE’S AN EAGLE INSIDE ME, MY PATRIOTISM BURNS WITH PRIDE OF THE LAND FROM WHICH I’VE COME THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST WHERE LIFE IS FUN IT’S A BIG WORLD OUT THERE THAT NEEDS TO BE SEEN AND WHY SHOULDN’T WE? WE’RE YOUNG, RESTLESS AND FREE YES THE WORLD OUTSIDE CANADA NEEDS EXPLORIN’ BUT DON’T LEAVE, NEVER LEAVE, THERE’S NO TIM HORTONS
32.
LIFE
GUIDE
The M A I T T E L Road U THE
Road Trip Trip
GUIDE
GUIDE
Advice
The summer holidays were made for adventuring. They provide a time frame where you are allowed to be carefree; no exams to worry about, tests to study for, papers to write, or books that you have to read. You have every right to do whatever you please (within legal parameters of course), so why not travel? Traveling can be physical or mental. What I mean by that is you can hop on a plane to Europe, rent a bike, and go from London, England all the way to Florence, Italy, or you could go to your local book store, pick up a book and have the adventure of a lifetime while remaining in the comfort of your bed. Either one guarantees optimal satisfaction that will leave you so refreshed and revived! All the life that these past two semesters have sucked out of you, will be returned by engaging in an adventure. Just choose one, or both. Now, I am a travel novice, but through preparing for my backpacking adventure to India in May, I have learned a few tricks and some pointers that may benefit you with your summer travels:
4. Be Adaptable - Travel plans never work out exactly how you want them to, so you must be prepared to adapt to whatever situation you find yourself in. If you’re constantly fixated on all the things that are going wrong instead of enjoying the adventure that’s been placed in your way, then you’re going to have a horrible time. But, if you decide ahead of time that you will keep an open mind and just roll with the punches, you will have a blast. Plus, it’s always the travel mishaps that make the best stories.
1. Finding a cheep plane ticket- this one can be tricky, especially when you’re not dealing with an airline directly, but some other travel agent. I got jipped some money when booking mine because I failed to read reviews on the agent I was booking with. So, before you decide to book with a travel agency, READ REVIEWS! Secondly, make sure that all the taxes, baggage, and any of the extra costs are included in your flight cost; it may appear that the ticket you found is the best price, but there could be hidden costs, so watch out for that! Lastly, be sure to get the name of the person you speak to on the phone so that if there is confusion and a mess up, you can call back and say who yu spoke with and get things sorted out.
6. Budget - This can be difficult, especially when you are faced with delectable food, coffee, and great souvenirs that you know your mother’s cousin’s daughter, twice removed, would love. But, let’s be real, you can’t buy everyone something and you can’t have the best of meals all the time. So, plan on eating one amazing meal a day, and for the other two, head to the local markets, but some nuts, fruit, etc. and eat those for your other meals. You want to make sure you have some extra money in the event that something goes wrong. Also, hostels are lifesavers, but make sure you check reviews before planning your stay at one. For transportation, you can rent a bike, a car, or get a train pass, or even travel by foot. Choose the one that fits your budget best.
2. Travel Insurance - This is probably one of the most crucial parts of travelling. Travel insurance will cover trip cancellation, interruption, baggage loss, sickness, and death (they’ll fly you home). You don’t want to be traveling, have your flight cancelled and lose your money from that ticket, or get sick while you’re in another country and have to pay for medical bills that could leave you in debt for a long time. It’s important to cover your bases! My advice to you would be to not buy travel insurance through whichever airline you’re flying with, at least not immediately. Be sure to shop around in order to find the best price. I went through four different travel insurance agencies before I found the cheapest and most reliable (according to reviews) travel insurance agency. Keep your options open.
7. Travel In Pairs - Get a group of your closest friends together, or just one, but make sure you have someone to travel with. As much as we’d like to think that we would be ok on our own, we aren’t because of the world we live in. That being said, don’t let that deter you from traveling, just make sure you have some close mates with you. It’ll also make for some solid bonding.
3. Packing - This might be the most difficult part of the trip for some people, because, let’s face it, we all want to look cute while traveling just like the people on Instagram and Tumblr. The reality is, having too much can be a hindrance for you while traveling. You have to pack and unpack all of your clothing, half of it you won’t even wear, and it can get frustrating! So, when you’re packing, pack everything you think you’ll need, then take half of that out. Hurrah! You’re packed. You really only need a few basics when you’re traveling int he summer: 5 shirts, 2-3 pairs of pants/shorts, 2 pairs of shoes (one being sandals), lots of underwear, a few pairs of socks, and your basic toiletries (yes, mascara counts). The positive to packing light is that you now have room to bring home some souvenirs which will look great on your book shelf or as a table centrepiece. 32.
5. Be Respectful - When you travel, be it in North America or in a foreign country, it is so important to be respectful of the people you encounter. They have lives, traditions, and values just like you do. Open yourself up to learning something new by immersing yourself in the culture you find yourself in. The locals will love you and appreciate you so much when you make an effort to engage and respect them.
8. Make Copies - This one may seem less important, but it’s not. Make sure that you make photocopies of every important documentation you will be bringing with you on your trip, and give those copies to your family in the event that you lose them along the way. 9. Music - make yourself a solid playlist so that your trip resemble an epic movie and so that you will have something to sing along to, even if you are out of tune. Music will always set the vibe, so keep it happy and chill. I hope that these nine tips will serve you well on your adventures this summer. I have included some websites for hostel reviews, bicycle rentals, cheap plane tickets, and places to make the ultimate playlist. Cheers! Eurovelo.org wwoof.it warmshowers.org expedia.ca
Playlist
GUIDE
LACOMBE CINEMA
33.
THE ROAD TRIP Bag Haul kit! rfi st aid
WHAT THEY ARE WHERE YOU CAN GET THEM WHAT THEY COST REXALL GET JR TO TAKE IT
!
s
ks nac
ESSENTIALS BACLK PACK WATER LIP BALM CAMERA PHONE LAPTOP BOOKS NOTEBOOK - MOLESKINE GPS - BORROW? SNACKETY SNACKS - REXALL UMBRELLA BEANIE MARSHALLOWS + STICK
odie o h y f ect com f r e p e th
eading easy r
PHOTOGRAPHER : CHRISTIAN LINTAN
Summer Reading List Edtor's
GUIDE
Pick
36.
THESE ARE SOME AMAZING BOOKS THAT I EITHER HAVE ENJOYED ALREADY OR THAT I AM SOON TO ENJOY. THEY ARE ALL EASY READS THAT YOU CAN ZOOM THROUGH ON A ROAD TRIP, ON THE BEACH OR AFTER YOUR SUMMER JOB WHEN YOU JUST NEED A BREAK. THEY’RE ALL DIFFERENT SOME PHILOSOPHIC, SOME SELF HELP AND SOME DEFINITE TEAR JERKERS. ENJOY! - REBEKAH
It’s the End BY ASHIA LENNON
The end of the semester brings about a range of emotions like “oh my gosh, I can’t believe it’s over!” or “Thank God it’s over!” We are on the verge of new beginnings which is exciting and scary all at the same time. I spoke with a graduate who expressed mixed emotions about leaving and a bit of uncertainty for the future. On the other hand, there was another student who was more than looking forward to summer and all the wild and exciting adventures that lay waiting. The looked forward to all the Instagram posts of summer skies, barbeques, toes in the sand, pool selfies, folk fair selfies, and selfies just because. Or maybe this summer you have no elaborate plans to tour Europe or go off to summer camp; maybe you are stuck here with me for summer school! I am beseeching you despite the busyness and chaos of your soon to be amazing summer lives, pause and reflect… It is so easy to go through motions of things and to live off the emotions and repercussions of all that’s around you. Stop… look around and see the majestic beauty of nature that has awakened from the slumber of winter. Sit outside in the shade, or the sun. Pause and reflect. There is the idea of an Ebenezer stone in 1 Samuel 7:12. “Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means “the stone of help”), for he said, “Up to this point the LORD has helped us!” Taking the time to reflect and process gives the power to remember. This gives the opportunity to remember not only sensational moments but to contemplate the lessons from our mistakes. The ability to remember is remarkable adage for the power to not only change but move on. Whenever playing word mole or candy crush in order to advance to different levels; It required you to recall the skills and knowledge learnt from the lessons before. It was in accomplishing this that you were able to move on to the next level. Sometimes it took longer than anticipated, sometimes a bit more attempts than initially thought but you would get there. The same is so for the changing seasons in your life good or bad, Pause and reflect. Ask yourself key questions on what steps you made to make it successful or what could have been done better or how you contributed to the problem. The other key point is acknowledging our God of help, Psalm 146:5 “BUT JOYFUL ARE THOSE WHO HAVE THE GOD OF ISRAEL AS THEIR HELPER, WHOSE HOPE IS IN THE LORD THEIR GOD.” (NIV) having always present in our minds the reality of God and His help in times past enables us to conquer anything that besets us. I know you’ve heard praying is integral, but it truly is. Present your life before God and see the incredible discernment he gives during your pause and reflection time. By actively choosing to have God as part of your journey with His presence comes His peace and His joy to wash over you regardless of the circumstances. Sometimes our God of help will not calm the storm but let the storm rage and calm the child. I really love that quote from Leslie Gould. It gives perspective on our sufferings and uncertainty, God is here, He has been here and will always be here. It is in the quiet personal moments that we pause and reflect we realize and receive encouragement that “thus far the Lord has helped us”.
LIFE LIFE
WITH PEOPLE PACKING UP FOR THE SUMMER OR MOVING HOME AFTER GRADUATION WE THOUGHT WE’D SHARE SOME MOVING ADVICE FROM KELLY BROWN
STEP 53: IF AN ITEM HOLDS SOMETHING IN YOUR APARTMENT, IT SHOULD HOLD SOMETHING DURING THE MOVE The idea here is to minimize empty space, so this is especially crucial for non-collapsible things. Baskets can hold pillowcases or towels. Tote bags can hold other tote bags. Pots hold other pots, plus bundles of silverware held together with strips . os packing tape. Oh, packing tape. You’re my best friend.
STEP 54: IF A LARGER ITEM NEEDS A SMALLER ITEM TO FUNCTION, TAPE THEM TO EACH OTHER TV remotes get taped in to the TV. (Not the screen. You Know.) Once you have disassembled your ikea furniture, the screws should get taped to the underside. Really these items are going through enough stress already. No need to sperate them from each other and add to it.
37.
LIFE
THE BEST BRUSCHETTA EVER! BY EMILY CORTEZ
WHAT YOU NEED: 4 big vine tomatoes, half a red onion, basil (at least five leaves add more to taste) Extra virgin Olive oil (to taste) Balsamic vinegar (to taste) Salt and pepper (again..to taste) Optional: Garlic powder. Just a pinch. French baguette HOW TO DO IT: 1.Wash everything. Like. Everything. All of your veggies and your basil. Get two cutting boards, a baking sheet, and set your oven to 350 degrees 2.Play some music, don’t get lonely in the kitchen. 3.you dice your tomatoes, like actually really dice them. All four go into a large mixing bowl. 4.coarse chop your onions. Not too fine that you lose the color but just just thick enough that it can hold its own when you plate it. Add to bowl. 5.You just want the leafs of your basil so make sure you cut away the stem. Now roll it, not top to bottom but side to side so you don’t bruise the basil too much. Finely shred the basil. Add to bowl. 6.Toss these three ingredients in the bowl using a mixing spoon. Next, add the olive oil, the balsamic vinegar. Next come your salt and pepper, mix again till everything is coated. Taste to make sure that’s what you want. 7.Dry your hands and now cut the baguette at an angle. You want to make sure you’re left with little bread like pedestals for your mix. Now toast these for roughly five minutes or until they’re starting to turn a light gold. 8.Now drizzle some EVOO over the bread then plate the mix in the bowl onto the bread. 9.After you’ve plated you can add cheese if you like to the top or more basil for a garnish. 10.Impress your parents with this easy appetizer. You’re basically Julia Child!
39.
Onto the Next Adventure
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL RETIRING STAFF AND FACULTY
The
Tassel is
Worth The
Hassel CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES OF THE CLASS OF 2015
See You Next Year