The Meta | Issue 07

THE META A C R E AT I V E C O L L E C T I O N F R O M S O U T H E A S T E R N U N I V E R S I T Y

ISSUE 07

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meta

(adj.) of a creative work referring to itself or to the conventions of its genre; self-referential.

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THE FOREWARD things are different. things aren’t like they used to be. things are changing. our world is not the same as it was 20 years ago, 12 months ago and even 5 weeks ago. some things are the same. young ones, like us, dancing and spinning around our rooms while our favorite band plays on the stereo. chasing timeless trends, dressing like moms and dads and spinning the records they used to love. seeking out flea markets and thrift stores and beaches and oceans and the highs and lows of the world’s altitudes to ignite a feeling inside our souls. among all the things we do, we are similar. we are people — we are all human. we share the experience of living; therefore, we are all connected. some share the same hobbies, and that’s what immediately connects us to one another and creates friendships. we are all human. we all crave connection to each other that dives deeply past the instantaneous moment we walk into class wearing the same shirt, or the moment on a car ride where we shout in unison that we love the same song. connection on an unseen, deeper level is what drives humans to thrive, to grow and to experience one of the most profound emotions the world has to offer. we are all human, and we all face similar struggles. the easy way out is to highlight our joys, our highs, those thrift store trends and hottest bands — that begins connection, but we want more. we want you to feel alive. we want to make you think. a more rooted connection is made when we push the envelope and converse about topics that society is afraid of addressing. society is fearful of speaking on challenging matters simply because it is easier to put our emotions on the back burner and focus on the tangible, uncomplicated things of this world. we’re here to facilitate conversation, make you think about the things your mind may have thought of once or twice sometime ago, and here to inspire you to be a better you. let’s talk about what’s going on in our world. we all live here together, and we are here to grow together. things are different now. things are changing. humans are changing. we are the same because we are changing. this is here, but i am leaving. this is for you, for your thoughts and to help you through. this is my conversation with you. i hope it makes you think, and i hope it makes you feel less alone. remember, we are all the same.

— NICOLE TILLOTSON, EXECUTIVE EDITOR OF THE META

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CONTENTS TRAVEL GUIDE

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THE MIXTAPE

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SUBMISSIONS

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LOCAL HANGS

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THROWBACK SEU

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STUDENT FEATURE

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STUDY ABROAD

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PHOTO ESSAY

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THE TEAM ADVISOR Annalee Mutz

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

COMMUNITY EDITOR

LEAD WRITER

Nicole Tillotson

Victoria Bardega

Devin Yasi

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

DESIGNER/ILLUSTRATOR

LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

Michelle Simanca

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Isabella Lamb

Jordan Randall

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THE CONTRIBUTORS PHOTOGRAPHERS

WRITERS

Rachel Costadini, Kyle Crews, Nicole Curtis, Alexander Donalson, Dale Hansen, Tiffany Hawthrone, John Kazaklis, Macey Krause, Jessica Kurbatov, Haley Osborn,

Paola Acosta, Ray Allen, Melea Anderson, Brianna Dingess, Genesis Feliciano, Dr. Larry Hazelbaker, Nichole Jones, Andrew Kahler, Arin Kurtz, Paola Ojeda, Kurk Pyros, Esther

Maxwell Lewis, Bran Santos, Priscila Silva, Genesis Solis, Monica Winters, and Lindsey Thompson

Shemeth, Drew Smith, Jenny Suarez, Kalib Stevens and Allie Winston

THE META // ISSUE 07 The hope is the white. The uncomfortable is the confetti. The person is you. We celebrate embracing the uneasy topics because it brings us closer toward the ultimate peace.

Thanks for pushing the envelope with us.

Now, let the confetti rain down.

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AS WE WAIT exploring the complexities of the refugee crisis

During the early stages of planning “As We Wait,” a documentary that explores the complexities of the refugee crisis, I was not fully prepared for what I was about to experience.

None of us were.

Media has a way of grabbing our attention with its flashy headlines, moving stories and piercing words. Coverage of the refugee crisis had similar sentiments. Yet, the headlines are never enough to fully grasp the reality of one of the most severe crises plaguing our world today. No words can fully capture the stories that lie behind every person affected by one of the most complex, global issues.

That’s the fear that haunted all of us involved with this project: How do we tell the story of one of the most complicated topics in the world today? How do we clearly articulate a situation that carries so much weight?

There appears to be two sides of the refugee crisis – those who are for taking in refugees, and those who are against taking in refugees.

It’s difficult to empathize with situations such as these until they are right in front of you. For me, it became real when I was sitting in a refugee camp hearing first-hand the heartbreaking stories of those who had fled lives they never

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wanted to leave. This was probably one of the toughest realities to face – that there are men and women, husbands and wives, sons and daughters, students and professionals who had lives like you and I but left behind everything they knew, because that seemed the only logical solution. They literally had nowhere else to turn.

global influence to provide guidance with this complex issue.

But what if the solution wasn’t meant to come from there? Maybe the solution for some of the toughest issues in our world were meant to come from conversations we generate in our classrooms, workplaces and neighborhoods.

Hearing these stories changes you.

After hearing them, it seems like the only reasonable solution is to help these people in desperate need. After talking to others in the midst of the crisis, however, it became more apparent that telling people to simply embrace refugees overlooks the difficulties and the fears that still arise within the crisis. From economic unrest to increased social tensions due to recent terrorist attacks, it’s also easy to see how helping refugees can appear an unnecessary risk to our countries.

We hope that those who watch “As We Wait” will be reminded that solutions aren’t always simple; issues aren’t always black and white, but that doesn’t mean we choose to ignore them.

I am stuck waiting in this paradox that exists in “As We Wait.” I am waiting to follow the lead of our politicians, religious leaders and others with

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That is our hope with this film, anyway – that you would leave unsettled and asking what you can do to be a part of the bigger discussion.

We live in a world where media is accessible more than ever and we have numerous voices influencing us. That does not mean these voices are always right. So we must stay informed, ask questions and seek solutions.

Let us not ignore urgent human imperatives. Let us not neglect helping those in immediate need.

It is during times like these that our actions set the precedence. Let’s come together to respond purposefully to issues that don’t have easy solutions.

To learn more about “As We Wait,” visit www.seu. edu/aswewait.

STORY: ANNALEE MUTZ PHOTOS: ANNALEE MUTZ / HALEY OSBORN

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INTERNATIONAL HANGS travel guide STORY: COURTNEY FLOYD PHOTOS: NICOLE CURTIS / DALE HANSEN / MAXWELL LEWIS

Every year, students who embark on mission trips or study abroad programs not only get an opportunity to impact the lives around them and learn about the history of a country, but they also come across unique and intriguing places that allows them to interact with locals on a more personal and authentic level.

ENGLAND TINTAGEL CASTLE “Tintagel Castle was my absolute favorite spot. Its ruins are believed to be built in the 13th century… [and] are situated on a cliff, overlooking the most magnificent view of the sea. The only inhabitants of the castle ruins are sheep which roam the area. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the historical landmark, [and] this location was the most significant piece of the trip for me because of the unmatched view and the historical value. There is nothing like it.”

NICOLE CURTIS ENGLAND STUDY ABROAD STUDENT

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JORDAN AL QUDS FALAFEL SHOP “We had only one night in Amman after visiting Wadi Rum and Petra, so I decided to take advantage and show the rest of the group around. We went to Rainbow Street (which is a popular destination for locals and tourists) and got ‘The World’s Greatest Falafel’ at Al Quds Falafel. It’s a window shop; and for just $1.30, you can get a falafel sandwich that will blow your mind. After that, you can walk a couple blocks east to a place called Fatatri for dessert and coffee or tea. They make these desserts called ‘feteer’ that are similar to crepes, but better!

I would recommend the banana stuffed feteer with Nutella.”

DALE HANSEN ISRAEL AND JORDAN STUDY ABROAD STUDENT

THAILAND COFFEE SHOP “I had a lot of amazing locations I got to see while living in Bangkok, but my favorite place to hang out was at a coffee shop on Ramkompheng soi 53 — a street about 10 minutes from my house. I made some of my closest Thai friends there.

It was pretty much a typical coffee shop, except it was almost always full of friends that wanted nothing more than to simply sit down and spend time with each other. I taught English, learned Thai, laughed, cried, worshipped and spent a third of my food budget there. It wasn’t special for its lattes, venue, or couches; it was special for the people, the dialogue and the friendships shared there. To me, it’s more than a coffee shop halfway across the world; it’s a memory — a series of memories — of how love can jump walls and cross borders to, sometimes quite simply, sharing a latte with a friend.”

MAXWELL LEWIS THAILAND STUDY ABROAD STUDENT

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WHY NOT US, AND WHY NOT NOW? STORY: ESTHER SHEMETH

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THEIR PAST. THEIR VISION. AND THEIR PLAYLIST. As Dan Rivera led me into a room with a few cool kids from the SEU Worship crew, campus worship pastor, David Cook, invited me to take a seat in a plush chair against the wall. Little did I know that what was about to begin would be the most engaging 2 hour, 10 minute, 9 second dialogue/supposed-to-be interview of Pastor Cook and his right-hand-man, Dan Rivera.

Having both grown up in different churches, but similar Christian lifestyles as pastors’ kids, Rivera and Cook found themselves constantly serving in their home churches.

Rivera’s parents started pastoring when he was 7 years old in the Fort Lauderdale area, while at the same time running a small business.

“If [my parents] weren’t doing ministry, they were working to sustain our home,” says Rivera.

Throughout high school, Rivera had a passion for music.

“I just loved music any way I could get it,” says Rivera.

The Bee Gee’s, The Beatles and The Beach Boys’ tunes also filled his childhood memories, along with participating in theatre, football and as he puts it, “hiding from girls.”

Rivera also attended Southeastern University.

“My first year at Southeastern in 2009, I walked into a little chapel service...and thought, ‘What are these songs?’” says Rivera. “It was kind of like an introduction to people trying to make worship music more relevant to my generation.”

Following working as a worship director in Washington, D.C. and becoming a part of SEU Worship, Rivera became an integral part in the first couple of records SEU ever produced.

At 15 years old, Cook’s father, Phil Cook, received salvation and his pastoral calling through Teen Challenge.

After Phil Cook married his wife, whom he met at SEU, and planted a Teen Challenge center in 1987, David Cook was born. David not only was passionate about music throughout his younger years, but also about playing baseball, soccer and running cross-country.

Midway through sophomore year Cook says, “I really fell in love with Jesus and ended up making friends with a bunch of Christian kids. When we’d hang out, someone would pick up a guitar, and we’d just worship for hours and hours;

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that’s where I started to develop a deep desire not just for music and singing — but for worship.”

One day, when Cook’s father brought home a Hillsong CD, David remembers hearing music for the first time in his life that was unique.

“It really had an impact on me, and I couldn’t stop listening to it,” says Cook.

Through a crazy sum of events, Cook found himself in Sydney at Hillsong College, which led to his employment in 2014.

“I had no idea of what I was in for,” says Cook. “I arrived on the Australian shores with no vision — no direction for my life really. What I ended up leaving with five years later was a clear view of the call of God on my life.”

After a tough decision to relocate, Cook and his expectant wife, Corina, moved to California where baby Jude was born. From there, God brought them to Southeastern University, where he now serves as Campus Worship Pastor.

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“I’ve given the rest of my life to trying to create the same type of atmosphere that changed my life once,” Rivera says.

While SEU Worship was writing one of the songs for its new album, Cook said the chorus and bridge were birthed on the spot.

“I keep telling our crew, our students, Dan and everyone involved, about this idea of ‘Why not us, and why not now?’” says Cook. “We’re really writing these songs from a deep place of revelation.”

When asked their favorite part of SEU Worship, they both had the same answer: the students.

“They’re such a good time,” says Cook. “I feel like I get another shot at college right now.”

Over the summer, Rivera and Cook wrote the song “Revival” for the new worship album as a prophetic response to what is happening today in the news, media and the injustice happening around the world.

For Cook, however, the dream for SEU Worship is to go beyond just great music.

“THE GOAL IS NOT THE BEST RECORDS, BEST CONFERENCES OR BEST CHAPELS WE’VE EVER HAD; THE GOAL FOR SEU WORSHIP IS TO RAISE UP MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE AUTHENTIC IN THEIR PURSUIT AND DEVOTION TO CHRIST; TO RAISE UP PEOPLE WHO VALUE GOD AND PEOPLE OVER MINISTRIES AND SONGS; AND TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND AND REALIZE THAT THEIR IDENTITY IS NOT IN WHAT THEY DO OR IN THEIR GIFTS AND TALENTS, BUT THEIR IDENTITY IS IN THE FACT THAT GOD LOVES THEM AND CALLS THEM HIS,” SAYS COOK. “I’m very passionate that those three things are at the core of what we do; because, if that’s our first and foremost focus, I honestly believe that we will see the best records, conferences and chapels that our campus has ever seen.”

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THE MIXTAPE // a collection of songs by those who know music best //

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THE BEATLES Something Abbey Road (1969)

PETER GABRIEL In Your Eyes So (1986)

OASIS Champagne Supernova Morning Glory? (1996)

COLDPLAY Yellow Parachutes (2000)

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BEE GEES How Deep is Your Love How Deep is Your Love (1977)

THE POLICE Roxanne Outlandos d’Amour (1978)

THE BEATLES Hey Jude Hey Jude (1968)

THE KILLERS Mr. Brightside Hot Fuss (2003)

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BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN I’m on Fire Born in the U.S.A. (1985)

JEFF BUCKLEY Hallelujah Grace (1994)

U2 Where the Streets Have No Name The Joshua Tree (1987)

COMPILED BY: ESTHER SHEMETH

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EXPLORING CREATIVITY AND CRITICAL THINKING FOR LEADERS STORY: ARIN KURTZ / PHOTOS: GENESIS SOLIS Food, fun, creativity and crazy professors. That’s how co-teachers, Dr. David Yates and Dr. Ric Rohm, describe Creativity and Critical Thinking, one of Southeastern University’s newest courses, exploring the concepts of creative problem-solving and leadership.

“Leaders should be skilled in creative problem-solving,” says Yates. “The old approaches to problem-solving become easily outdated with the pace of change and the constant advances in technology. That’s even more of a reason for leaders to develop skills for creative problem-solving, so that they can then lead their organizations past these challenges.”

Dr. Yates has plenty of experience in the field of creative leadership. He is the current director of the SEU Center for Excellence and Creativity in Teaching, a faculty training department on campus.

“I was teaching a Creativity and Critical Thinking course for faculty and a few honors students, and Dr. Rohm was one of my students,” says Yates. “When evaluating the course, Dr. Rohm and I discussed creating an undergraduate level class.”

The course was offered for the first time during Spring 2016 as a traditional undergraduate course with 14 students. During Spring 2017, it will be offered as an eight-week Session A evening course.

“We believe that a four-hour block of time will be better to keep the synergy going,” says Rohm.

Creativity and Critical Thinking is not your ordinary course. There are no tests or papers, and students watch video lectures or read articles prior to class.

Then, they design a reflection that showcases what they learned in a creative way. Past students have written poems, sang songs, made comic strips and even created videos.

Throughout the semester, students take the tools they are learning and apply them to an organization in the community they have chosen to advise.

“This course is fun!” says Yates. “What we want our students to do is take to their future jobs the more creative approaches they learn in the classroom, not only so that they will inspire their followers, but [also] because who doesn’t want to be around people who are having fun?”

If you’re looking for a hands-on, interactive and engaging course this upcoming semester, sign-up for Creativity and Critical Thinking.

“You may not remember what you learned in other courses,” says Rohm. “But, you’ll remember what you learned in Creativity and Critical Thinking.”

DIVING INTO SOUTHEASTERN’S NEW SWIM COURSE STORY: ARIN KURTZ / PHOTOS: ALEXANDER DONALSON

Looking for a non-traditional elective course that will teach a practical life skill, while helping you build endurance and work on your tan? Check out Southeastern’s new swim course, taught by Professor Paige Woods.

Woods has been swimming since she was 5 years old and swam competitively in college at both West Point and Texas Christian University. Bringing experience as both a previous swimmer and a previous instructor at Catawba College, Woods was excited to start a swim course at Southeastern.

“Even though we live in Florida, it’s misconstrued to think that everybody knows how to swim because we’re surrounded by water all the time,” says Woods.

“But, everybody needs to know how to swim; and this course is not just for those who can swim, but is intended for those who don’t know how so they can learn.”

Students in the course are divided into four groups based on their swimming ability. Classes are spent working on technique and building endurance through lap training. The course is offered during Session A in the fall and Session B in the spring for one credit.

“I grade by participation,” says Woods. “If you do your laps, you’ll do well in the course.”

Woods encourages all students to participate in the course. She has a 100% success rate with nonswimmers learning to swim and enjoys coaching students to build their endurance and technique.

“My favorite part is coaching students in the areas they are struggling, to help them become more efficient in their strokes,” says Woods. “For those who can’t swim, nothing beats the joy I see on their faces when they finally learn how.”

SUBMISSIONS 22

I have always been fascinated with rebels, those who push the boundaries. Han Solo, John and Yoko Ono Lennon, Rick Sanchez, Emmeline Pankhurst, Jesus Christ — the usual suspects. “I’m a rebel without a cause.” I dramatically scrawled onto my desk at age eight wearing a hoodie in ninety-degree heat to stand out. Rebellion was appealing and fun. But with time, I began to realize what rebellion was not — sustainable.

It was never enough.

Pushing the envelope means to extend the limits of what is possible. As Christians, we are free. We are not bound by limits; but, sometimes, we live that way.

One avenue we have limited ourselves to tolerance and disregard is the arena of accepting others who are different from us. We don’t know how to respond to them. We are afraid to love them because we fear it will be taken as affirmation. Too often, we allow our differences to become a hindrance on our ability to love. It’s time that we push past the limit of tolerance and into the openness of love. It’s time to push the envelope.

We should hold fast to the things we believe and the truth of the Word of God. As a community, it is vital for us to communicate love without compromising truth.

Sometimes, we, as a society, are too prideful to put our disagreements aside and choose to love. No one wants to be wrong, but we have already put ourselves in the wrong when we don’t choose love.

I found that rebellion for rebellion’s sake is living in response to others. Pushing the boundaries is living for yourself. If knowledge is the only good, and ignorance the only evil, questioning everything we think we know isn’t just an intelligent idea — it’s divine. When you consider it, every society began at the hands of a rebel, someone who refused to accept the norm and decided to leave what they knew so they could do things differently. People who stay within the boundaries maintain society. People who push boundaries dare to change it.

If we do not begin with love, we will not be successful.

Hate, self-righteousness, anger and sarcasm are all crutches we use that ultimately eclipse love. Love everyone regardless of race, religion or political party.

Next, question everything. This step is the simplest, yet most difficult. Start at the foundation of everything you think you know. It will be overwhelming, but in doing this, you are building a base for your own life, rather than relying on someone else. Lastly, regret nothing.

There isn’t a single thing you can do to change the past. Every mistake, misstep, bad date, scraped knee and failed midterm is a lesson. Be determined to learn from them all.

Sure, pushing boundaries might be scary.

It’s also the only way to live.

ANDREW KAHLER

Billy Graham once said, “It is the Holy Spirit’s job to convict, God’s job to judge and my job to love.” God will do the work. Our job is to present the message in love.

We sometimes take it upon ourselves to try to convict others of their wrongs. I believe, most of the time, people feel like they are doing right by that person; however, it usually is doing that person a disservice. We don’t have the authority to cast judgment. Regardless of our personal shortcomings, our job is to love and reveal the strong desire that God has to be in close communion with all of us.

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.”— 1 Peter 4:8. No matter the sin, love is the answer. In our Christian culture, we tend to put some sins above others; it is how our human minds work in attempting to align our perspective with God’s perspective. But, the reality is we have all fallen short of God’s glory; but love covers those shortcomings. No one person is better than another.

The Christian community has the opportunity to respond the same way. The feelings that divide us in our communities are an opportunity to show love to others and reveal the deep love that the Lord has for them as well.

Love is an invitation. As we show that love, we are inviting them to a life with Christ. An invitation is a request — not a demand. This topic does not have to be one that we leave in the dark, but one that we shine the light of God’s love upon. Let us be encouraged to love everyone around us, regardless of our differences.

It is time for us to push the envelope — to live in a love that is boundless. Love that is boundless doesn’t just extend limits; it removes them.

BRIANNA DINGESS

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As we sit face-to-face, I can see the eagerness in Your countenance, Like You’ve waited for this moment, And You already know the end.

While I fiddle with this letter between my fingers, I contemplate, Analyzing Your every move, Wondering if You’ll disapprove.

Perhaps it’s why I’ve waited this long to hand this over, Seemingly why I’ve spent years stuffing this envelope with tears.

Shame, guilt and fear, As if You haven’t been in that seat ready to hear.

As a letter must reach its destination, so should I. But there are things I fail to admit, better yet, surrender.

Pretending that I’m an open letter, Truth is, I’m just playing with You, Like it’s a game of checkers.

But this letter, This is all I have, And You’ve asked for it; and since I refuse to give you half, I hand it to You. And with no words out of You, With no words, I’m reminded That although I didn’t want You to receive and open those parts of me,

It can save me.

It can free me.

So, push — Better yet, throw the letter.

Surpass the deepest parts of the ocean, Between the crevices of the soil’s erosion, With no return address.

My sins I do confess, All of the emotions that I’ve repressed.

I look at the envelope.

Now, I’m open, And it’s empty; And from within You, You pour a new letter.

The pages get filled with living words.

My soul awakens.

My feet are planted.

So now, I won’t be shaken.

As a letter, I must reach my destination.

It’s not for me, But for God’s proclamation, Announcing His good news.

It may be difficult, But we must choose.

Inside of you there’s a letter of hope; So open your envelope.

GENESIS FELICIANO

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Surrender. This word has such a negative connotation when it is the most beautiful action you can bring to the Almighty God. Surrendering is something we all go through; and lately, it has been something I have had to learn to do. I come from a hectic past, a broken home, a lot of pain and obstacles that remained heavy in my heart. Sometimes, it’s difficult to break away from the grip your past has had on you. My burdens included mental health issues like depression, anxiety and panic disorders, PTSD, OCD and body dysmorphic disorder. All of these illnesses have had an immense impact on the person I am today and on my walk with Christ. The problem with my mental illnesses is that I didn’t think they were a problem. Growing up, they just became a part of who I was. If you’re like me, we hold onto things, even those that are not good for us. But, God is just tugging at our hearts to give up what is holding us down for something better.

Recently, I feel like I have had enough. I had enough breakdowns, enough panic attacks, enough nights of crying, enough isolation and enough dissatisfaction with the way I was feeling. My surrender was long overdue. Our past is painful, but it is exactly where it belongs

— behind us. The world we live in twists words like surrender and trust as signs of weakness.

We’ve all heard the saying: “I don’t trust anyone because I know I’ll get hurt.” The biggest problem with that is we take that lack of trust and apply it with how we feel about our Savior.

I can admit that I did not trust God for a long time, because there were so many instances in my life where I felt He was absent. But, by the grace of God, I am still here. Psalm 91:1-2 says “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord ‘He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.’”

It is okay to be vulnerable in the presence of God. You are safe there. It is completely okay to come to God with anything. Nothing is too small. Your problems are not insignificant.

Asking for help is not a sign of weakness.

His power is made perfect in our weakness. I encourage anyone out there to just let go — talk to someone; ask for help. Your burdens are not yours to carry. Come to God with everything to be left with nothing, and let Him fill you with hope, peace and joy. Remember the exchange — your burdens for His grace. His grace is sufficient.

PAOLA ACOSTA

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If I had a dime for every single time I was called “emotional” or told that “I feel too much” — I promise I would have all my student loan debt paid off, able to get any car and house I possibly wanted, and still have much to spare after. In other words, I would be rich.

I spend a decent amount of my time “pushing the envelope.” Whether it be living in a way that challenges the preconceived notions of certain groups of people, or asking hard questions to force people to think, some would say I’m always pushing it.

Feelings make us know what familiar is, draw us near to what intrigues us; and, for some of us, it very well makes us who we are.

There are communities all over the globe asking themselves hard questions. The real hurt lies in allowing people we go to class with to hurt and struggle, while we act like everything is fine. That is not the Gospel, and we know it. It is no longer time to sit on the sidelines; it is time to act. As a black woman, 2016 has been the worst year that I can remember.

Between the constant media coverage of racial issues, and a growing number of people in my life expressing sentiments that are less than welcoming, I am reminded every day that racial discrimination in America is alive and well.

It’s not that we need to move and act on every single thing we feel; but, it’s okay to realize that we do feel, and some more than others. I’ve seen it many times over and over again that people criticize when others feel too deeply; it’s a negative characteristic to carry — almost frowned upon. To hide, push away and shove down any feelings is the “best way to go.” It’s the high road that should be taken.

For us to feel so deeply is a gift and a quality to be treasured. Sometimes things hurt, and those things hurt us deeply; but, running away from them isn’t the answer. We have to be understanding and aware of the feelings we carry, but not allowing it to consume us. I do believe that creating a space where we’re allowed to feel, to know, to be aware is healthy and should be a place that’s safe. No one should have to believe that their feelings don’t matter or that they’re not allowed to have them.

For myself, I’m an emotional person, someone who stereotypically “wears her heart on her sleeve.” I’ve come to not only be okay with feeling, but knowing it’s a part of me. It makes me, me, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I tend to overthink and overanalyze everything, from the minimal details, to my life’s course. We have to be aware of where our feelings are taking us. I’m learning that being self-aware is important. Feel, asking yourself why it’s making you feel that way, become self-aware and express your feelings in a healthy way. Whether through writing, talking to someone you trust or even if laying it at the feet of Jesus (which always helps to go first to). I don’t know what your best way of handling and expressing your feelings are; but, if you’re a feeler too, who has emotions that run deep, don’t shy or run away from them. Be appreciative that you have great compassion that doesn’t always come by. You’re made exactly that way for a reason.

Being emotional can be a good thing. It means you care; and, well, I care a lot. That’s not a bad thing.

Your feelings shouldn’t be something you suppress; they should be used for the good that they bring. If you’re on the other end, and you know someone who’s a feeler, be understanding and have empathy. It’s a beautiful thing that we aren’t all made the same way.

JENNY SUAREZ

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Many people who are not of color have approached me and asked what they can do to help. My first answer is always the same: have a conversation.

Plenty of people around campus are more than willing to explain why #BlackLivesMatter, why many of us are afraid of our grandmothers or even how our hair works.

If we are afraid of getting to know each other, how will we ever reach out to others whom we have even less in common with? A single conversation will not solve all our problems, but it’s a great place to start. We can’t dismantle systemic inequality in a day, but we can love our neighbor in our dorm and stand in solidarity in a true, tangible way.

MELEA ANDERSON

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SELF CARE the struggle is real

PHOTO: MACEY KRAUSE

If you are a college student, you know that Jesus was absolutely serious when he said, “In this world, you will have trouble,” John 16:33.

Student life is filled with intense experiences.

Some are intensely positive, and some are intensely stressful. Almost everything about student life is so much more complicated than things used to be.

“Adulting” is hard work, but you don’t have to let anxiety and stress replace your dreams.

Hard times and challenges will come. Here are just a few small, but mighty, things you can do to get through them with your emotions intact: Aim for excellence, not perfection.

If you think that you have to be perfect at everything, even an excellent result will seem like a failure. If you strive for excellence, knowing that you won’t always be perfect, you can appreciate your accomplishments — even that “B” in the hardest class you’ve ever taken.

Focus on the present.

We often let our minds wander to past regrets and hurts, or to worries about the future. Doing this just feeds any anxiety or depression we may be feeling. Catch your mind when it wanders; take a deep breath and focus on what you are doing right here, right now. When we live with excellence in the present, the future has a way of taking care of itself.

Tell yourself, “This may be hard, and I may not like it; but, I can stand it.”

We are used to being comfortable physically and emotionally; but, people are capable of incredible endurance, and so are you.

Assuming that you are not in an abusive situation, don’t sell yourself short by saying or believing that you can’t handle the challenges you are facing.

Don’t struggle alone.

Spend time with friends. Talk and pray about your problems, but also just get out and have fun. If what you are dealing with is keeping you from meeting your daily responsibilities, or you don’t feel like you have anyone to talk to, call one of our campus counselors at 863667-5205.

Finally, please take care of yourself.

Treat physical illness. Eat balanced meals.

Avoid mood-altering substances. Sleep at least seven hours per night, and get some exercise every day. Being physically healthy is a major asset in your battle to overcome stress, and regular physical activity can improve your mood no matter what you are going through.

“In this world, you will have trouble, but take heart! I [Jesus] have overcome the world,” John 16:33.

The struggle is real, but the God of the universe is on your side.

STORY: PAULA K. WHITAKER, PH.D., FL LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST FL PY0005265

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FIGHT THE NEW DRUG STORY: JORDAN RANDALL Porn.

Four letters that have caused a lot of pain, a lot of heartbreak and a lot of darkness for a lot of people — too many people.

Maybe you struggle with it, or maybe you know someone directly affected by it.

I don’t know what you feel in your chest when someone says the word porn, but I know that there’s some pain in mine. Pain for the people’s lives I’ve seen destroyed by pornography, pain from the silence, pain in the struggle.

There’s pain for my friends, and pain for the people that are involved in the industry.

I don’t know what pornography has stolen from you.

I don’t know what pornography has ripped from your hands, but you should know that it’s not too late to take it back. You should know that these words are being written on behalf of the love that awaits you, on behalf of the freedom that stares at you.

It’s so easy to let the things that are dark stay in the dark.

The light can be a scary, scary thought.

But, if pornography is the darkness, then I’d like you to think of these words as the match that helps you find the curtains. Together, we will rip them down and let the light shine through.

This is how we push back. This is choosing to step into the ring. The worst thing we can do is fear the conversation.

Pornography seems to get all of its power from the silence.

I propose we begin to take it back. The following conversation is hopefully going to inform you, move you and pull you. It’s going to be a little bit uncomfortable for all of us, and what you do with that is up to you.

But, I hope it involves a conversation. I hope it involves being anything but silent. Here’s to letting the light in, and here’s to real love. Go on — you can say it. Porn kills love.

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PORN KILLS LOVE ­an interview with Robbie Tripp Jordan Randall: Fight The New Drug has grown pretty exponentially in the last few years. Has it been at all overwhelming? Was it expected? What’s been the coolest part of this journey?

Jordan: On that note, reading about how FTND got to go present the case against pornography to the United Nations is incredible. How important was that for the movement? What does it mean going forward?

Robbie Tripp from Fight The New Drug: It’s definitely been something that we’ve always dreamed of. Because we’re targeting millennials, we knew that this movement would largely exist online and through social media.

We’re lucky to have such a talented and creative team.

It’s a tricky topic. It’s something that can very easily be misconstrued as radical or even prudish. Within the last two years are probably when things really began to take off on our social media. We hit 1 million likes on Facebook, and shout outs from Terry Crews, and even this year working with Josh Radnor from “How I Met Your Mother” and Elaine Bradley from Neon Trees. The conversation and the topic itself has gotten a lot of shine, even outside of our movement. With Rashida Jones making her “Hot Girls Wanted” documentary, and Joseph Gordon Levitt speaking out about it with his movie “Don Jon,” we’re just glad to be on the forefront of this movement that’s starting to become more of the conversation nationwide.

Robbie: We always make it a point to attend conferences and other gatherings where we can get the message out. Our main focus is helping society as a whole understand that there’s actually science and research that are showing how harmful pornography is. So our CEO, Clay Olsen, and our Program Director, Craig Bakker, who schedules all of our presentation tours worldwide, went to New York City back in March 2016; and they addressed a lot of politicians, leaders and other activists on the scientific harms of pornography. Whenever we go to these conferences, it’s been cool to see so many of our Porn Kills Love tees. They’ve gone far beyond just our FTND movement and become sort of a symbol to the anti-porn movement as a whole.

Jordan: In a culture that has very much normalized porn, it’s interesting to see now how certain celebrities and public figures are making that shift and saying “Hey, maybe porn isn’t all that good for us.”

Robbie: I think one of the biggest examples of that this year is the Time Magazine article “Porn and the Threat to Virility.” It came out in April [2016], and it was a cover story about why young men specifically are becoming advocates for turning off pornography. The fact that a renowned publication like Time would feature the topic and the problem of porn on their cover story really shows how we are making progress.

Jordan: “Porn Kills Love” has become your anthem, having the mantra scattered across billboards in the Bay Area of California. What would you say those words mean to FTND? Robbie: From day one, that has always been the focal point of our movement. We want to be talking about what we’re for, as much as we want to be talking about what we’re against — that’s always been what has separated FTND from other approaches to the issue. So, we are fighting for love, as much as we’re fighting against pornography. We know through science, and research and personal accounts, that pornography is so damaging to relationships — what it does and how it affects attitudes and perceptions toward committed relationships, toward sex and toward intimacy. What it does to warp, twist and poison relationships is perhaps the biggest problem; and the biggest issue with pornography is it changes how

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people view those around them and makes it very difficult to be in a meaningful relationship.

Jordan: Using scientific study as the basis of your beliefs about porn sets FTND apart. However, your organization often gets put in a religious box, even though you don’t use a religious reasoning for your claims. Southeastern is a Christian university, but the science that often gets shunned when talking about pornography is absolutely important. Have you found it easier to reach people of faith on this issue, or has it been harder to reach people with no religious background?

Robbie: We knew from the get-go that this issue has been approached in every way, from a religious standpoint and a political standpoint. So, from the very inception of FTND, [it] was always going to be a non-religious/political movement. We were solely on the science, the research and the personal accounts that showcase the harms of pornography. So, yes, just by the nature of our cause, we’ve gained a part of our following that is religious and has more of a moral connection to our cause. But, what’s really been great to see is connecting with people who don’t necessarily subscribe to a certain religious belief that say that pornography is bad, and that’s how we know that we’re succeeding in our mission — when we find people who say, “I am an atheist, but I don’t watch porn; and I’m against porn.” This has been approached from religious and political perspectives, and we think it’s important to cover every aspect of this issue. Organizations that are acting from a religious standpoint, or getting really involved on the political side — we think that’s something that absolutely needs to be done. But, as for FTND, we focus solely on the mission to decrease the demand through education and awareness. So, to answer your question, this movement has really spread worldwide.

Jordan: This is a very cause-driven generation, meaning we like to support causes and movements. What would you attribute to the slow change in perspective that is happening in the world right now with pornography?

Robbie: There are actually studies that show that millennials are more interested in social change than past generations and less interested in the usual institutions that our society has relied on in the past, such as religion, government — they’re less trusting of these things. What they are interested in is making a difference in the world, social justice and all of those things. So, having the groundswell of information is the driving force behind this movement, and that’s what we put all our weight behind — and also just making it less of a taboo. With the culture of our society, a lot of topics are definitely more accessible now. There’s not much that’s off-limits in today’s social media day and age, for better or for worse. But, in our case, it makes talking about pornography easier, makes it more accessible; and that’s not to say that it’s been easy, because there’s been lots of opposition. People that say, “These sources aren’t credible,” or “Oh, this is pseudoscience,” or “I watch porn. I’m fine.” There will always be that opposition, but that doesn’t discredit or discount what the actual academic journals are publishing.

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Jordan: On FTND’s social media, you often share stories of people who have been directly affected by pornography, whether they be addicts or former porn-stars that come forward and admit the damage that porn has caused in their lives. Do you have a favorite story or one that sticks out to you?

Robbie: There have definitely been stories or videos that have launched FTND into the national conversation. Most recently, our video with Elizabeth Smart...was covered by CNN and the New York Times. That was really big in getting the message out in pornography’s links to sex-trafficking, sexual assault, rape and what it can do to people who view it. We’ve talked with several porn-stars who have had long and successful careers in the porn industry. Our video with Greg, who was a male porn-star in the industry for 26 years — arguably one of the most successful of all time — was particularly powerful, because people got to see the perspective of a male porn-star and someone who had been in the industry for so long and was willing to speak out about the damage.

Jordan: Your organization also offers a recovery program called Fortify, offering help to those who are struggling with a pornography addiction. There are other porn recovery routes, but I’ve never seen anything like Fortify — especially since you now have an app. What is it all about? What’s the inspiration behind it, and what does it offer to those who might be struggling and reading this interview?

Robbie: Early into FTND, we were getting emails from kids as young as 8 years old saying, “I’m struggling with pornography.

I obviously don’t own a credit card, and I’m scared to death to tell my parents. So, what do I do?” We just were getting so many messages and emails from kids saying “I’m stuck because I don’t feel comfortable telling my parents or telling anyone about this, and I have absolutely no means of getting into these recovery programs that cost money.” So, we created Fortify for that very reason. It has been a long process of developing the curriculum, working with psychologists, therapists and researchers; and it’s grown into what it is today...We have over 60,000 users in over 100 different countries that are signed up for Fortify and are getting the help they need. It’s great, because it’s free for anyone that’s 21 or younger; then there’s an adult version that has a very inexpensive fee. Earlier this year, we released the Fortify app, which now allows users who are already signed-up to take their recovery with them.

We’ve developed several features for it that make it unique, and make it very helpful. It’s currently helping thousands and thousands of teenagers and adults take a step toward freedom from pornography.

Jordan: Are there any stigmas surrounding those struggling with pornography that FTND would like to knock down or get rid of?

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Robbie: Definitely. The perception that people who look at porn are perverted, dirty and evil — it’s just not the case. Good people are watching and struggling with pornography. Most people come across it at some point, and the perception that we need to shame people who are struggling with a pornography addiction is wrong; it’s not going to help anybody. We feel very strongly that we need to approach this issue from a place of positivity and support, not from a place of shame or guilt.

Jordan: What would you say to the person who’s reading this conversation and is struggling with pornography?

Robbie: Porn isn’t worth it. It’s a selfish and hallow counterfeit of a connection that should be filled with love and meaningful interaction. There will never be any sort of satisfaction through pornography. It will never fulfil you, it will never satisfy you and there will always be a need to go back looking for more — looking for something that you’ll never find. We believe that true 36

love, real love, is the most genuine, authentic and fulfilling thing out there. Pushing away pornography and living a porn-free life allows you to rid yourself of the chance of addiction and to be passionate and pursue the things that you really want in life.

Jordan: What gives FTND hope, moving forward on this journey into 2017?

Robbie: All of our fighters — people like you. People who believe in this movement, who push it forward and are dedicated to raising awareness. We wouldn’t be where we are without the millions of people all over the world who believe, understand and know that pornography is harmful. That gives us hope; that no matter what our efforts are, they’re just going to be echoed further and further by a movement of people worldwide who understand these harmful effects, and are willing to be bold, take a stand, be different and raise awareness on this issue.

SEARCHING FOR PEACE

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IN A MESSY WORLD

It is impossible to talk about any subject without first acknowledging that it exists.

This acknowledgement and recognition is the starting point to any racial reconciliation or diversity conversation that is going to take place in our nation today. If there is not a divide in our nation, the idea that there are people groups who are the recipients of oppressive actions seems unimaginable.

To agree that all is well in our nation magnifies the voice of the majority and simultaneously silences the voice of the minority; but, it is that voice, the voice of the oppressed, the marginalized, the forgotten, the overlooked, that must be heard in order to initiate the steps toward the healing that is necessary today.

As Christians, to choose whether we believe someone is oppressed — I liken to choosing if someone deserves love.

Based on man’s determination of need, one can dictate who receives love and who does not, but to be Christ-like in faith and deed means any who communicate oppression are in need of freedom.

My responsibility is to engage in such a way that the light and love of Christ provides the opportunity that hope can be birthed anew. Racial reconciliation is the responsibility of all believers. — RAY ALLEN, Director of Student Conduct

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It doesn’t take a complicated lens to see that this world is in chaos.

Images and headlines assault us with this evidence throughout each day, and as compassionate Christians, it’s easy to feel anxiety in the midst of such madness.

But it is not God’s plan for us to be dragged into despair, so how do we manage to find peace when everything we see is a mess?

We change our thinking. Proverbs 23:7 says as a person thinks, so is he or she. So, if you are thinking wrongly, stop it — that sounds easy enough, right?

Of course not.

Changing one’s way of thinking requires something that’s very hard to achieve in our quickpaced, microwave speed culture. Intentionality is required. In prayer, practice and sometimes counseling, we must focus on changing our thinking intentionally.

There are many Scriptures that help us focus on the process of change, which also line up with the psychology of change.

For about a year, I have signed off on emails with the sentence, “In order for things to change, one must change things.” I have lived long enough to realize that — as great as I am — I am not capable of, wise enough or created for purifying a world destined for sin, hate, greed, self-centeredness and destruction.

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So, what can I do?

I can change me, and how I function in a world that is on a collision course to receive the judgment of God. I can do what God’s Word tells me to do by taking control of my thought process and choosing “not to be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind” (Romans 12:2).

Even among the ruin I can strive to attain the “mind of Christ” by thinking of things which are “true, honest, just, pure, and lovely and of good report” (Philippians 4:8).

Once I accept that my responsibility is not to impose holiness on others, but rather love others and, with the help of the Holy Spirit, work toward making myself holy, it becomes easier to find peace — to “let go and let God” take care of His world.

If I am to live as God intended, with the joy of the Lord as my strength, then I must train myself to feel and focus on joy.

I will do as Peter instructed, and “I will prepare my mind for action. I will keep sober in spirit and I will fix my hope completely on the grace that will be brought to me!” (1 Peter 1:13).

Peace will come when I, with the help of the Holy Spirit, do the required work within to change me.

— DR. LARRY E. HAZELBAKER, PhD, Professor of Psychology

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SO YOU THINK YOU CAN WHAT? STORY: KURK PYROS

When was the last time our peers stood up and challenged the norms we live by?

At So You Think You Can Preach, 10 students come to the stage with a 5-minute message that God has placed on their heart. Their words speak to the entire community of Southeastern University and hold the power to change the lives of students, staff and the online audience.

Contestants compete for a chance to preach with Campus Pastor, Philip Urdiales; but most don’t go in with that goal. They seek to impact their community with their words and stories.

Questions continually rise, asking why individuals would put themselves in the sacred position of preaching to be judged

and compared against others. Others claim preaching is being praised on such a pedestal, when the work of a Christian is clearly to remain humble.

This isn’t just a question at SEU, but similar shows and discussions have come up around the nation. Some have failed, but So You Think You Can Preach at Southeastern has continued to thrive for several reasons.

“So You Think You Can Preach started two years ago when we had the idea to give students the opportunity to share their gifts for communicating; that is why it has become such a fun and important event,” says Urdiales. “This event isn’t about competition or popularity; it’s about developing students through encouraging their gifts.”

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So You Think You Can Preach pushes the envelope. Students, faculty and the community are challenged to think deeply about issues confronting us today and take action in their own lives.

We ask students to bring sermons close to their heart because they present messages that we need to hear, and not just a droning voice floating past deaf ears. We need to be questioned — in a healthy way — about our faith and our way of life.

As Christians, we can’t be content to have high-sounding doctrine that makes no impact on the way we live. College isn’t about ourselves; nothing in this life should be. It’s not enough to be doing good things; they must be the right things.

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So You Think You Can Preach may not be the conventional, traditional way of pastoring; but God has called us to step further. This event isn’t for people to show off their talents; it’s for us to show up as a community of believers and have God show off His glory through us.

“Every year, what amazes me is the students who attended the event, and how they tell us a word that one of the contestants spoke changed their life,” says Urdiales. “Even in a brief five minute message, God will still speak to hearts. I am so thankful for a community and for students who [are] willing to share what is on their hearts.”

We learn so that we can grow in His kingdom.

We show up, so He can show off.

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LOCAL HANGS + central florida + STORY: VICTORIA BARDEGA PHOTOS: VICTORIA BARDEGA / JOHN KAZAKLIS / LINDSEY THOMPSON / MONICA WINTERS

BODEGA ON CENTRAL + st. petersburg, fl +

From inspiring conversation with locals to fresh, visionary concepts, Lakeland’s charm is a sweet taste of the vibrant energy found in Central Florida. Each semester brings a new reason to love and appreciate Southeastern’s opportune location. The spirit of creativity and entrepreneurship continues to awaken innovative culinary and shopping experiences that make living in Florida quite the worthwhile adventure.

St. Petersburg is known as a beautiful beach town located west of Lakeland. During the weekends, its artistically paved streets and hidden cafés attract many, including the locals’ choice, Bodega On Central. This exotic Latin market offers a delicious menu of freshly made sandwiches, salads and main entrees. Although Bodega is primarily known for its flavorful Cuban sandwich, they

also offer a multiplicity of enjoyable vegetarian and vegan cuisine. Along with their Latin-inspired coffees and guava pastelitos, their juice bar supplies guests with crisp, all-natural juices and revitalizing smoothies. Their variety of wholesome options also includes shots of wheatgrass and turmeric. Locals love Bodega’s calming feel as its shack highlights a very minimalist interior. From catching an afternoon refresher, or relaxing with pals after a beach day-cation, Bodega offers a multicultural delight that invites locals to experience a true love for community and food.

LOCATION: 1120 Central Ave St. Petersburg, FL 33705

RECOMMENDATION: Lola Rico smoothie with a hot-pressed Cuban sandwich.

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BORN & BREAD BAKEHOUSE / PATRIOT COFFEE ROASTERS + lakeland, fl +

Saturday mornings in downtown Lakeland are much busier than anyone would expect. Starting earlier than its open time of 8 a.m., natives line up at the corner of North Kentucky Avenue and East Pine Street for their chance of purchasing Lakeland’s most mouth-watering pastry, the Cruffin, followed by a delicious, hot cup of Patriot Coffee Roasters’ latest blend. Jennifer Smurr began Born & Bread Bakehouse in hopes of bringing a fresh take on the art of bread making to the Lakeland community. As well, her brother-in-law, Chris McArthur, co-owner of Black & Brew Coffeehouse & Bistro, broke ground in recent years with becoming the first Lakeland coffee roaster in town. Together, they currently own a storefront that is opened every-so-often for locals to

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experience the aromatic creative space where their products are made fresh. Plan to make your visit to the market early!

They tend to sell out quickly.

LOCATION: 1113 S Florida Ave Lakeland, FL 33803

RECOMMENDATION: A Tiramisu Cruffin followed by a cup of Java Blawan.

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TAMPA INDIE FLEA + tampa, fl +

Tampa artisans and creative vendors gather once a month, from 12-4 p.m., in the beautifully historic Rialto Theatre for an exclusive marketplace set-up that features locally crafted goods. From roasted marshmallow donuts, to sweet lavender macaroons and vegan focaccia slices, the marketplace presents a unique infusion of exotic flavors. Forget Urban Outfitters! While exploring the Indie Flea, one will come across many matchless, handmade souvenirs and tailored styles for an affordable deal.

Every month brings in a high volume of coffee roasters, candle makers, jewelry crafters and vintage clothing retailers. SEU alumna, Raney Wade, occasionally sells at this location from her original clothing brand, Rane Made, a Lakeland-based fashion line. Another local artist and youth pastor, Bump Galletta, vends several of his remarkable drawings during market hours. Grab your friends and be on the look-out for the next Indie Flea through social media.

LOCATION: 1617 N Franklin Street Tampa, FL 33602

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RECOMMENDATION: The Folk Lohr for handmade embroidery.

TEA LARGO + lakeland, fl +

Otherwise known as Lakeland’s first tea company, Tea Largo showcases an incredible variety of boba teas, loose teas and other natural treats. Its vibrant color scheme and old-fashioned furniture provides locals with a memorable café adventure.

Throughout the year, Tea Largo has tasty, natural-based snacks, including refreshing ice pops and smoothies. For the truly artistic soul, the storefront is attached to its sister store, Picassoz Cup. This creative space features a pottery-painting studio where Lakeland natives come to practice their skills behind the paintbrush. Monthly, they offer cool events and art workshops, which are posted online through their social media accounts.

Whether you’re craving an acai bowl with some friends, or wanting to escape the books for a while for a painting session and a sip of matcha, Tea Largo is the best outlet to release that semester stress. As you follow the mosaic floors, you can’t help but fall in love with this charming stop.

LOCATION: 4634 Clevland heights Blvd Lakeland, FL 33813

RECOMMENDATION: An Acai Bowl accompanied by a strawberry boba tea.

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HIDDEN

Nestled next to the double doors of the Tuscana Ristorante entrance, a small window is hidden beneath a canopy. Around lunchtime, a long line of students wait patiently by the window as they try to grab lunch in-between busy class schedules.

HERO STORY: DEVIN YASI

Inside, looking out through the window, Gwen Brown works diligently as she puts together lunches for the students waiting outside. She smiles and remains focused on her work, but she takes time to talk with those who stop by daily to visit.

For the past four years, Gwen has been working part-time for Chartwells, which supplies the dining experience at Tuscana Ristorante. Over the course of her time at SEU, Gwen has gotten to know many of the students who call the university home and has seen the impact students, faculty and staff have upon the Southeastern campus. “[I love] the Christian atmosphere,” says Brown.

“The kids are all nice, [the] staff, the faculty — everybody has a caring attitude. It’s just a nice environment to be in. I love it.”

The positive environment of the Southeastern campus is not the only thing Gwen has noticed about the university, however.

“The most important thing is love, and I strongly believe that,” says Brown. “I see a lot of love [on campus]; and you know, if you’re looking for a positive place to be to fulfill your life, [Southeastern] is it.”

While Gwen works daily to serve the students of Southeastern, it is the students themselves, and the university as a whole, who have had the most impact upon her life.

“I didn’t get to go to college, but I could have gone to college,” says Brown. “Instead, I chose another path. But, in my own children’s lives, I would like to

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see them attend college and also choose a path where they can impact other people’s lives. Just watching what the people here are doing makes me realize that there’s more to life than just ourselves.

We’ve got to reach out to others.”

Throughout her day, Gwen is consistently reminded of each day’s blessing and thanks God for bringing her to Southeastern.

“Every day you wake up and you start thanking God, for everything, and Southeastern is on my list,” says Brown. “It just starts with walking through the campus and being thankful for the maintenance people who do such a beautiful job. Throughout the day, you just meet positive people who uplift you; and, you know, you just have to thank God for everything and everybody.”

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THROWBACK SEU STORY: KALIB53 STEVENS

1954 Class of ‘54 graduating class.

NOVEMBER 6, 1935 The Alabama Shield of Faith Institute was established.

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1940

1940—1946 Southeastern Bible College moves from Alabama to Atlanta, GA.

1950

1960

OCTOBER 13, 1936 College name officially changed to “Southeastern Bible College.”

BEGINNINGS

1952 Southeastern Bible College settles in Lakeland, FL.

MILESTONES AND CHANGING RULES

2005 Name is officially changed to Southeastern University.

Open dorms are allowed in Bethany and Bauer.

1997 Casual Wear is not allowed before 3 p.m. on weekdays.

2009 Open dorms instated for all eligible dorms.

Men cannot have their hair shaved, tied back or in a ponytail.

2010 Facial piercings allowed.

1990 1987 Students must attend all chapel services during the semester with 5 absences allowed.

Students under 18 years old must have written parental permission to date.

2010

2000

2007 Tuscana Ristorante opens.

2000 First year where dancing is not strictly prohibited in the student handbook.

2011 Longboarding and skateboarding allowed on campus.

2001 Mascot is changed from the Crusaders to the Fire.

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PATHWAYS SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE

STORY: DEVIN YASI

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Southeastern University has seen a lot of growth over the past two years. From the construction of a newly designed science building to the creation of Buena Vida, the university shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

The new additions to the university are not all in the form of buildings and degrees, however. The university’s College of Education has been at work creating a brand new program developed for furthering the education of those with special needs.

In fall 2015, the Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Amy Bratten, sat in her office across from a parent who struggled with her child’s education program.

“A friend of mine had called me and said that her son has special needs; and she just wanted to know if I would help her and a whole group of parents, actually, come up with different ideas and more opportunities for their kids to learn and be better served,”

PHOTOS: GENESIS SOLIS

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says Dr. Bratten. “So, she came to campus one day...and [we] had a conversation; and the conversation basically ended with: Well, let’s not talk about it anymore, let’s solve this problem. Let’s just make our own school.”

Dr. Bratten began to move forward with her idea and brought it forth to the SEU administrative team.

“Once I went to the administrative team and asked them, ‘Is it possible for us to do this?’

They said, ‘Well, it totally falls within the vision of what Southeastern is all about, so what are we waiting for?’” says Dr. Bratten.

After receiving the go-ahead for her idea, Dr. Bratten put together a steering committee from the College of Education to begin conducting research on how to start a new school that would address the needs of both parents and their children.

On Sept. 7, a year after the birth of the initial idea, Pathways School of Excellence welcomed 20 students to its facility.

“We have 20 students, and they are divided up between three different classrooms based on age level, functioning level and academics,” says Dr. Bratten.

Pathways, which operates out of the first floor of the Business and Education building, has three classrooms dedicated to education, as well as an additional sensory room.

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With its facilities fully functioning, Pathways is beginning to make significant strides in providing middle, high and post-secondary education to all its students.

The school is not just a unique learning opportunity for those who attend.

Southeastern students of any major can also become involved in Pathways through contacting Professor Teresa Paton and inquiring about volunteering in the program.

“We’re not just for education majors,” says Dr. Bratten. “Being a lab school means that the school is on our campus and has all of our resources of the university at [its] disposal, but that also means that our students have Pathways as a location that they can go into and learn from.”

Now with the initial dream realized, Dr. Bratten continues to look forward to the future of Pathways and oversees the administrative aspects of the program, while Professor Paton operates as director.

“Everything along the way has just fallen into place the way it should, which is another reason why we know that this is something that God is working through,” says Dr. Bratten. “And, now that we’ve opened and our students are here, and our teachers are here and we’re seeing breakthroughs from behavior, academics and socialization skills. You just see God at work all the time in there…it’s awesome.”

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HANNAH SCRUGGS STORY: DEVIN YASI

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A STORY OF SURRENDER “This isn’t my story; it’s God’s story that He’s writing through me,” says Hannah Scruggs, a senior at Southeastern University studying practical ministry.

For Scruggs, telling God’s story has been a life-altering experience that has shaken her to her core. Now in her fifth year of college after transferring from Polk State, Scruggs’ journey did not begin with Southeastern.

Growing up in a Christian home, Scruggs accepted Jesus at the age of five and regularly attended Trinity Presbyterian Church with her family. She became active in the church; and during her time at Polk State, she worked as an intern at Trinity Church.

It was during her two years at Polk State, where she pursued a nursing degree, that she formed a friendship through a one-on-one Bible study and regularly began attending First Chapel at Southeastern University.

After a life-changing missions trip to Zambia and hearing about the launch of the SEU nursing program, Scruggs transferred to Southeastern.

During her first year at SEU, Scruggs went on a spring break missions trip to Haiti.

“I knew that the enemy was trying to keep me from going on that trip; I got sick the night that we were leaving,” says Scruggs.

But, illness did not prevent Scruggs from flying to Haiti and ministering to God’s people, nor did she allow her lifelong struggle with eczema to stop her.

“I’ve had eczema like my whole life — pretty bad,” says Scruggs. “I was seeing an eczema specialist at USF; [it was] just really bad, like one of the worst cases he had ever seen — and he was 70 years old.”

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In Haiti, Scruggs journaled about her experience, during which she wrote a prayer asking for the Lord to help her fall on her knees for Him. Awhile after this this prayer, Hannah and her team encountered two young children, a little boy and his older sister.

“This little boy and little girl [were] holding hands [while] walking through the field, and the little boy walked straight up to me, of all the people,” says Scruggs. “The little boy put the little girl’s hand in my hand, and I just felt like it was the Lord telling me like, ‘Take care of my little girl.’ So, I picked her up, and I knew something was wrong with her. I picked her up, put[ting] her on me. [I] held her for four hours that afternoon straight. I never put her down.”

After trying to talk with the little girl and make her smile, Scruggs continued to hold on to the child and love her.

“Honestly, I felt like God was teaching me how to pray in that moment too. Like how to pray for His people, for the ones He loves,” says Scruggs.

After several hours, Hannah brought the little girl back to her brother.

“I was saying to her, ‘Do you know that Jesus loves you?’” says Scruggs. “She smiled at me.”

Scruggs returned to the United States on a Sunday night and began attending nursing classes again the next day. By Thursday, however, she began to notice a difference in her skin.

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“It looked like I had pink eye, and then I had [what looked like a zit], and I probably had three,” says Scruggs. “I was like, looks like my eczema is breaking out.”

However, the irritation of her skin did not subside. After a week, Scruggs made an emergency appointment with her eczema specialist at University of South Florida to figure out what was wrong.

“The second [the specialist] looked at me, he said, ‘You have eczema hepatica,’ which is a herpes virus that you get through your eczema; but it’s only internationally,” says Scruggs. “What happened was I was holding that little girl, and her disease contracted with mine; and, I got her disease.”

Fear had begun to set in, especially when her eyesight began to fail, and Hannah was immediately put on medication to combat the disease. “[The doctor told me] this disease will get worse before it gets better. But, hang on; you’ll be fine,” says Scruggs.

“Mind you, the Lord has shaken me to like the core a lot, through illness and sickness.”

But, it didn’t get better.

After a month of being on medication, Scruggs’ condition worsened. She was unable to move her jaw, barely able to speak and could not move.

“I hadn’t showered in probably two weeks, hadn’t eaten in a couple days, because what had happened was the zit looking things had opened, spread [and] eaten away

my skin,” says Scruggs. “Then my skin was falling off; it was just awful. I was in my bed in a vegetative state.”

Scruggs was rushed to the ER and then transferred to Orlando Regional Hospital later that same day.

“The minute I walked into the ER, the lady at the front desk started crying,” says Scruggs.

Hospital staff immediately rushed into action, placing Scruggs in an isolated burn unit and ran a culture to determine the state of her condition. “[My] one infection, eczema hepatica, had turned into five,” says Scruggs. “Then, I had staph, MRSA, eczema herpetic and two fungal infections.”

Scruggs was placed on antiviral and antibacterial medication, in an effort to combat the diseases. During this time, Scruggs’ mother was told that her daughter could die at any minute.

“You know in the Bible when it talks about peace surpassing all understanding, I had that,” says Scruggs.

“That morning when I woke up, I was like ‘this sucks, but I’m going to be okay.’ That night, I was like ‘I’m going to die.’ Can you imagine?”

While in the hospital, her phone mysteriously stopped working — preventing her from communicating with family and friends. Despite all this, however, Scruggs strongly felt the presence of God speaking to her. “[I felt God saying], ‘Focus on Me. I am giving you this time, and this is going to change your world. Like, rock you to your very core, because that’s what you asked for,’” says Scruggs.

As Scruggs adjusted back to normal life, she felt a strong calling to change her major from nursing to practical ministry — a calling she had been ignoring and testing the Lord about for the past nine months.

“I felt in those five weeks like a leper probably did, written about in the Bible,” says Scruggs. “People shouted ‘unclean’ when they passed people; and they couldn’t touch them, couldn’t walk up to them, basically they were a disgrace. That’s how I felt. I just have so much sympathy now for those people in the Bible.”

Now, nearly two years since, Scruggs is pursuing a degree in practical ministry and leading a missions trip to Kenya this coming summer, her first missions trip since being healed.

“It was the hardest time in my life,” says Scruggs. “I know that I am who I am because I went through that.

If I had to do it over again, I would, to be where I am at today.”

But, Scruggs’ miracle did not end with her being healed of five diseases. As of Oct. 4, after being on a clinical trial drug for eczema for the past eight months, she has been fully healed of the disease that started them all.

God shook Scruggs to her core in Haiti because of her willingness to fall on her knees for Him, and God heard her prayer.

“I truly believe God hears our prayers and will answer them, so just be careful,” says Scruggs. “I’m a sinner, in need of a big Savior, but I will never be the same. I truly can say that I have loved the Lord, with all my heart, mind, soul and strength since getting that sickness.”

Over the course of just eight days, however, Scruggs’ health began to improve, including the return of her eyesight.

“All I can say is that it was a miracle of God,” says Scruggs. “I was in the same state like that for like two days; then miraculously, just day-after-day, it started to get better. All my skin that was gone, it started to come back. [The doctor] came into the room [asked], ‘Are you the same Hannah Scruggs I came into the hospital for at 2 a.m. eight days ago?’ I [replied], ‘Yes.’ And he was like, ‘This can’t be.’ All I said to him was, ‘That’s the God that I serve. He healed me.’”

The same day she was released from the hospital, Hannah attended First Chapel at Southeastern University. She was overwhelmed by the amount of people who approached her and the stories of how many friends and family had visited and prayed for her intently during her time at Orlando Regional Hospital.

“I had no idea the amount of prayer and love being poured into me while I was there, but I felt it a thousand percent,” says Scruggs.

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STORY: ALLIE WINSTON

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SPORTS AND FRIENDS? I THINK YES. STORY: ALLIE WINSTON

From football and baseball to wrestling and soccer, college athletics is a unique place for one to find community and feel at home on the field or in the stands, all powered by the highadrenaline rush that competition sparks.

However, what happens when sitting and watching is no longer enough to feed your addiction?

Southeastern, and many other colleges throughout the country, provide a great intramurals organization for people who have an affinity for the culture of sports.

A chance for students to come together and compete in the sport of their choice, in an effort to build community and camaraderie, SEU Intramurals offers indoor soccer, flag football, volleyball and softball during the fall season. As well, in the spring, they encourage students to sign-up for powderpuff football, ultimate frisbee, basketball, outdoor soccer and sand volleyball.

Kyle Nelson, the new intramural coordinator at Southeastern, credits his participation in intramurals with sparking a profound impact on his campus experience and student life, as he went from being an actively involved participant to a sports manager — which eventually led him to his current role.

Nelson says his favorite thing about the program is how “you get to see the community building” that occurs between gaming activities.

For three consecutive years, Nelson has played a small part of something big and has learned a great deal through his experience. Intramurals increased his people skills, his handling of leadership roles and opportunities, while also encouraging a life of accountability.

Intramural athletes take the games and competition completely seriously, but the lasting friendships make a greater impact than the score of a game. The best of friends formulate through gatherings and teamwork, which has been a huge source of socializing for incoming freshmen and upperclassmen.

Indoor soccer manager, Corey Powell, is encouraged by the community students are creating through their love of soccer.

“No one is trying to get recruited for FIFA, but [it’s the fun of the game that causes students to] come out and play for an hour,” says Powell.

Not only is the intramurals community great for getting your week’s worth of exercise, but it is also home to a great place to build relationships — and what better place to do so than on the soccer field or volleyball court?

If you’re looking for an outlet to show off your God-given sports talent, then intramurals is the way to go; and, if you’re looking for a group of lifelong friends and camaraderie, then it’s a lifetime memory that will leave you with no regrets.

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65 PHOTOS: TIFFANY HAWTHORNE

ART ABROAD study abroad photography exhibit

Every photo tells a story.

To be inspired by a photograph’s beauty is to know that God is the Creator of the cities, creatures and people all around us and all around the world.

This past summer, over 800 students attended either a study abroad trip or a mission trip.

Between the love of selfies and good Instagram aesthetics, this roughly translates to about 5,000 pictures taken. However, five students took photos that landed them a spot in this year’s art gallery located upstairs in Bolin.

These are their stories.

STORY: NICHOLE JONES

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“PLAYA POPOYO”

“ISLA DE OMETEPE”

“LAGUNA DE APOYO”

“BASILICA CATEDRAL DE LA ASUNCION”

RACHEL COSTADINI, now an online student at Southeastern, traveled to Nicaragua alongside six other students on the study abroad trip led by beloved Spanish professor, Jason Old.

as naturally beautiful and carefree, so Costadini told her to jump off the dock so she could snap a picture.

The photo creates a great visual for the atmosphere of the trip as a whole.

According to Costadini, the entire country was filled with incredible photo opportunities, and there’s no wonder that she captured four shots worthy of hanging on display.

The crashing waves seen in “Playa Popoyo” were quickly described by Costadini as “terrifying” — not only because the crashes were enormous, reaching up to five feet in the air — but also because “they looked like chocolate milk,” says Costadini.

Her first photo, titled “Laguna de Apoyo,” features one of the country’s many volcanoes. However, this volcano stands out among the rest for being the volcano on which Rachel and the rest of her team sled down.

“Though at first terrifying, the ride down is well worth the initial fear,” says Costadini about the experience of sledding down a volcano.

Behind the lens of “Isla de Ometepe,” Costadini captures a shot of fellow trip attendee, Hayley Rosales.

Costadini and Rosales, along with the rest of her team, became lifelong friends over the course of their trip.

Rosales was talked of with fondness, being described

Using the waves as props, Costadini and friends took a series of photos, with one featuring a teammate with her arms spread wide, as if she were using waterbending to make the waves crash herself.

Finally, “Basilica Catedral de la Asuncion” shows the most peaceful place in Nicaragua that Costadini experienced.

The cathedral was considered a place of holy ground, where the students were asked to take their shoes off and meditate. As seen in the picture, the cathedral’s roof was built entirely out of white stone, with the only contrast being the clear blue sky and the mountains in the distance as far as the eye could see.

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Alongside 14 other students, KYLE CREWS attended a mission trip to Australia to work with children’s ministry, local churches, and government housing facilities.

“Lorne in the Distance” showcases the Great Ocean Road, which runs along the Southern tip of Victoria, Australia.

Among his experiences, Crews and the students cooked and cleaned and hosted a cookout for Sudanese refugees and the low income families once a week during their three-week stay.

“The moment I saw the coastline, I knew I had to get a picture of it,” says Crews. “I want them [the viewers] to see the natural beauty of Australia…[and] Lorne is just a small little town situated on some hillsides next to the ocean — but, it was absolutely gorgeous, despite not having any big fancy buildings.”

“Birds of Lorne” displays one of many cockatoos found in Australia as the focus. The team was told by the locals that the birds were comfortable enough with humans that they will walk up and beg for food.

Crews and the team experienced this bizarre birdhuman friendship with David Saley, one of the team members, by coaxing the birds to perch on his arms to feed on grapes.

With the abundance of close-proximity birds, Crews knew he needed a picture, and his main goal was to capture a candid shot of a bird. Not only did the bird come as close as seen in Crews’s photo, but also the bird “came up to the camera and put its beak on the lens,” says Crews.

“BIRDS OF LORNE”

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“Great Friends in Great Places” features some of the individuals on the trip who impacted Crews in a way that he will remember forever. The title, intentional in more ways than one, plays off not only the geography of the land, but also his connotation with the moment.

“The name seemed fitting...great friends on the Great Ocean Road...It’s okay to not laugh. I know, it’s an awful pun,” says Crews. “We needed some expression shots that weren’t all of us just standing there smiling. While everyone else was enjoying the view, I went off to the side and got the camera ready. I told everyone to look at me, and this was everyone’s initial reaction.”

“GREAT FRIENDS IN GREAT PLACES”

“LORNE IN THE DISTANCE”

“STREETS OF REYKJAVIK”

JESSICA KURBATOV, now a graduate student at Southeastern, traveled to Iceland on a mission trip with her team.

“The vision our team had was to break the ice by establishing relationships and bringing Jesus to the community of Reykjavik,” says Kurbatov.

Working alongside Filadelfia Church, the Iceland team helped clean, paint and renovate the church, as well as join in with their regular, weekly youth ministry.

“My first photo, ‘Streets of Reykjavik,’ was captured along the city’s harbor, where you see what is captured in the photo, and to the right is the ocean with mountains covered in snow in the distance,” says Kurbatov. “I held my phone one inch above the ground, focusing on the buildings in the distance and took the photo. I wanted to capture the long path amidst the ice and rocks, as if you were the traveler, the tourist in Reykjavik.”

Iceland is home to a unique aesthetic and minimal color palette, which played into the editing of Kurbatov’s photos.

“My theme for the photos as I edited...was to simplify them with minimalism in order for the focus to be

“HALLGRIMSKIRKJA CHURCH”

on the shape, structure and mood,” says Kurbatov.

“Visiting Iceland at the end of their winter, the skies were clear and the ground was covered in a thin layer of snow, providing the look I wanted to capture.”

Capturing the photo, “Hallgrimskirkja Church,” required much more effort than meets the eye. The seemingly peaceful image was actually set right in the midst of a winter storm.

“The wind was blowing so hard that I could barely stand,” says Kurbatov. “Our team held onto each other as we slid across the ice from its force.”

Being the largest church in Iceland and the sixth tallest architectural structure in the country, the church also symbolized something more to Kurbatov.

“As I look at the photo of Hallgrimskirkja Church, I not only see the beauty of its architecture, but [also] the transformation it could make in one’s life,” says Kurbatov. “It resembles all the churches in Iceland that have so many empty seats and want to welcome everyone in — Filadelfia Church being one of them. We were the first team from Southeastern to go to Iceland, [and] this year there will be two more mission trips. I am thrilled to see how Iceland will be impacted.”

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PRISCILA SILVA, a senior at Southeastern, led a mission trip of three people to the island of Maui in Hawaii this summer. However, her journey in the Pacific did not end with a mission trip.

new friend were exploring the island, and they decided to climb the highest mountain on the island to “see what felt like the ends of the earth,” says Silva.

Partnering with New Hope Maui Church to establish the details of her trip, Silva, Gary Johnson and Rebecca Alves worked in low-income neighborhoods to provide an organization similar to a boys and girls club, where they gathered kids to share the gospel and play baseball — the kids’ sport of choice.

“To the Ends of the Earth” represents a deeper symbolism due to the girl featured.

The boys and girls club became such a hot topic in the neighborhood that the baseball team, as well as Silva and her team’s effort to establish and sustain the club, made the front page of the Maui newspaper.

After the three-week mission trip, Silva and Alves were presented with the opportunity of staying in Hawaii for the summer to be interns with New Hope.

Silva’s photo, “To the Ends of the Earth,” was captured during the internship stage of her trip.

The photo was taken when Silva, Alves and a

The girl, an intern at New Hope the previous year, had previously left the church on bad terms.

When the pastors of the church realized that Silva and Alves had established friendships with the old intern, they were cautioned on continuing the friendship.

However, Silva knew that both parties consisted of God-loving people who simply needed to be reconciled back to one another. The picture represents this situation, as “the contrast featured in the photo resembles a yin-yang sign,” says Silva, with only the girl disturbing the clear line between mountain and sky.

The photo symbolizes not only the intern being brought back to reconciliation with the pastors, but also each of us being reconciled back to Christ in our own darkness.

“TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH”

“SOMEWHERE TO BE IN FLORENCE”

BRAN SANTOS, who studied abroad in Europe with SEU’s Department of Communication in May, explored two cities in Italy with a team of students and professors.

Focused on learning how to best capture what they saw in picture form was the main goal of the students on the Department of Communication’s first ever study abroad program.

His photo, titled “Somewhere to Be in Florence,” encompasses the overall effect and feeling that the city instilled in him.

“My whole experience in Italy was amazing, walking throughout the streets and plazas felt like walking inside of a painting,” says Santos.

“I’m convinced that the people in Florence pretty much breathe art. This picture shows a bunch of strangers who are rushing to their destinations on a busy morning — a bunch of strangers I don’t know and probably never will, but all with some sort of art within themselves waiting to be revealed.”

Of utmost importance to Santos is the editing process of his photograph.

“The editing behind this photo is minimal, showing its neutral tones that really point out the Piazza del Duomo as the background,” says Santos. “This image reminds me of the beautiful little simplicities found in everyday life; [I] hope people can see that too.”

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UNIFORM a photo essay by Jordan Randall There are 7 billion people on the planet, and there’s more that brings us together than anything that pushes us apart. We are different but the same. Varying but alike. This is about the trek to find the uniform and strip away the rest. This is about finding what binds us together and embracing what separates us.

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IF I COULD GO BACK COMPILED BY: ARIN KURTZ

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ARIN KURTZ

CLASS OF 2016 ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP If I could go back and tell that wide-eyed, anxious freshman one thing, I would tell her: “Say yes more.” Say yes to the things that excite you. Say yes to things that scare you. Say yes to things that you know you’ll love, and say yes to things that you’ll grow to love. Say yes to things that will make a memory. Say yes when you barely can keep your eyes open, and say yes to things that make you lose sleep. Never in your life will you have the opportunity to say yes so freely. Take advantage of it. Don’t be afraid of the possibilities that might arise. Let the fear of the unknown drive you to do things that will develop what you are passionate about. Simply say yes.

DREW SMITH

CLASS OF 2016 ENGLISH AND INTERCULTURAL STUDIES If I could go back to the days of excitement, limitless dreams and the pathways of life at my feet like crossroads that were too numerous to count, I would tell myself to breathe. Be present. Live today, not tomorrow. See people, not your agenda. Stop, look around and take it all in. Freshman year should be renamed to “Freshman Second;” because, looking back now, those precious times are gone. Time is a commodity, especially on a college campus. Should you set a schedule, study diligently, go to classes and prepare well? Of course.

Don’t ever belittle the steps that lead to a successful college career.

However, if I could go back and warn my bright-eyed and optimistic self, it would be: “Make your life revolve around the here and now, along with the people in front of you. Go. Be. Live.”

PAOLA OJEDA CLASS OF 2016 GRAPHIC DESIGN

If I could go back to my first year of college, I would look more into the God-hints that were placed throughout that time. Originally, I began as a Music Education major and genuinely believed that it was my calling and the occupation I would be doing for the rest of my life. But, what I failed to consider was the little hints that were thoughtfully placed — hints nodding toward an artistic career. I had a creative knack, but didn’t believe I could ever make it into a career. Yet, even before I began college, there were signs that I had overlooked pointing straight to it. Eventually, I listened and put the hints to action, now majoring in Graphic Design. If I could go back, I would consider all my possibilities. Just because something is a “hobby” does not mean it can’t be more.

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