Novemeber/December 2015

THE

PULSE

D e c e m b e r 4 , 2 0 1 5 • I s s u e 4 • Vo l u m e 3 • t h e s a u p u l s e . c o m PHOTO PROVIDED BY Audra Goodlock

facebook.com/saupulse twitter.com/saupulse

Broadening Our Horizons

Updates

from

SAU

students

abroad

TA B L E O F

C ON T E N T S

PHOTO BY Kayla Williamson

Eat L a z eez Pa g e 5

Me at an d C an ce r Pa ge 6

E L E CT I O N G UID E Pa g e s 8 - 9

#Pray4Par i s Pa ge 7

C rash Co u rs e s Page 4 H o lid ay T ra d i t i ons Page 1 0

DC Food Waste Pa ge 1 4

PHOTO BY Nate Bortz

S E MESTERS A BROAD Page s 11-13 “Th e Le f tove rs” Po dcast Pa ge 17

St ude nt s w i t h Disa bi l i t i e s Page 1 5

“Be a s t s of N o Nati on” Pa g e 18

P E NTATONIX Page 16 Q& A w ith Coach Bu r k Pa ge 20 T ’ wa s t h e N ight B e fo r e C h r i s t mas B rea k Pa g e 19 2

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

Health Tips from Ath lete s Pa ge 21

PHOTO BY Kayla Williamson

OPP OS I T EGENDER COA C H ES Pa g e s 2 2 -2 3

Editors’ Notes

They’ll tell you to come to Spring Arbor University for its community: what they won’t tell you is that—both inside and outside of SAU— community comes packaged in two different ways. Sometimes, it surprises you, like when you arbitrarily pick a room to sleep in on the first night of your cross-cultural trip to Greece and realize that you couldn’t have picked two better roommates (who had also picked the room arbitrarily, and with whom you’d room for the rest of the trip by choice) if you’d tried.

Other times, it is forged out of a common goal, like when you stumble into an interest meeting for “The Pulse” at the beginning of the school year and the wild-eyed editor demands that you tell the group

PHOTO BY Andri Hill

KAYL AW I L L I A MS O N FUTUREEDITORINCHIEF People tell me journalism is a dying industry.

Justin Bieber’s career died, and where is hë now?

Journalism never died though.

In fact, it never came close. It transformed and grew. So, print will (unfortunately) never be in style again. Whether we notice or not, journalism has been integrated

whether you’d rather spend your life in the same tree or the same cave and you say the same tree and the group smiles and you end up staying and helping with the newspaper for the rest of your college career.

As the third roommate and the editor who was a bit overzealous with the Would You Rather™ cards, I have been fortunate enough to experience both types of community in my time at SAU. It was while I was in Greece, actually, that I started listening to a podcast called Snap Judgment.

At the end of each episode, host Glynn Washington gives credit to the production staff by likening each of them to something related to that week’s topic—with a beat and a little bit of humor, of course.

So, without further adieu, and with a page out of Glynn

Washington’s book and a little bit of Christmas spirit, I want to thank my faithful senior staff, with whom I’m grateful to have found community while producing “The Pulse” this fall: A big thanks to…

Everyone’s favorite snowman, who holds a camera in front of his eyes made out of coals, our photo and social media editor Nate Bortz.

Watch out! Here come Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and Vixen— the determined section editors themselves: Amber Cekander, Elizabeth DeGraaf, Dana SebaldVan Doren and Carly Thompson.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed lead copy editor, who brings all errors into light, Alexa Matthews.

And, last but not least, our very own Sugar Plum Fairy, who works the magic behind the

into all parts of our lives.

Little ol’ websites like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Tumblr have changed the way we receive news. Even Instagram and Snapchat chip in. What will journalism take over next? (As long as my Pinterest board continues to be filled with “Hamilton” fan art, I suppose it hasn’t consumed EVERY part of my life.)

News is so easily accessible at all times, it’s impossible to say journalism has died. Has it changed? Yes. I think for the better. Has the number of credible sources decreased? No. The number of unreliable sources has simply increased. Are only large media outlets spreading news?

No. Anyone can be a journalist nowadays, right from the comfort of the nearest WiFi router. Hence the number of unreliable sources.

My goal for “The Pulse” over the next two and a half years is to be a credible source of local news and features to Spring Arbor

University. But not just local news.

National news and controversies can’t be ignored. Every current event affects us, even inside our bubble in the middle of nowhere.

We want to tell your stories.

Not just the fun what-did-youdo-over-break stories, but the ones nobody hears or talks about.

The ones shoved under the rug and forgotten. Our job at “The Pulse” is to bring these stories to light. And if we happen to incite a change? Our campus will be all the better for it.

So I invite everyone—from the newest freshman to the oldest professor—please, do not hesitate to contact me or any one of our staff members with story ideas or tips. While I can’t guarantee they all will be published, I encourage you keep the conversation going.

No story is too small to tell, and no topic is too taboo to cover.

‘Til the next time, Kayla Williamson Future Editor-in-Chief

PHOTO BY Kerri Conrad

KATLY N EHEATH

EDITO RI NC HI E F

scenes, and who will replace me as editor-in-chief this January, my right-hand woman, design editor, Kayla Williamson.

Cheers!

Katlyne Heath Editor-in-Chief

The Pulse Staff & Contributors Editor-in-Chief Katlyne Heath

Design Editor Kayla Williamson

News Editor Elizabeth DeGraaf

Business Manager Corina Cekander

Features Editor Amber Cekander

Marketing Manager Luke Roberts

A&E Editor Carly Thompson

Social Media/ Photography Editor Nate Bortz

Sports Editor Dana Sebald-Van Doren Lead Copy Editor Alexa Matthews Copy Editor Elise Emmert Guest Writers Audra Goodlock Jordan Moore Tony Mayotte

Designers Kim Bigos Libby Buckland Andri Hill Staff Writers Heather Clark Sarah Dean Jacob Fisher Hannah Shimanek Mary Sramek Hannah Sutter

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

3

NEWS

Crash Course in Crash Courses

“

Faculty and staff host mini-courses sponsored by SGA H A NN A HS HI M ANEK D E SIGNE DITOR

“C

rash Courses” are a Student Government Association (SGA) sponsored series of mini-courses led by Spring Arbor University (SAU) faculty and staff. Each crash-course instructor picks his or her own topic. Some are Bible studies, while others discuss anything from alcohol to “just” war. Weekly meetings last for an hour, and each series lasts for a month. The location and time depend upon the faculty or staff member leading that month’s series.

The faculty and staff who lead crash courses come from a variety of departments and positions on campus. Assistant professor of marketing Dr. Allen Knight led a Crash Course mini-series this fall called “Doubt, Discomfort and Disappointment: Real Decision Points for my Direction to the Divine.”

“One of the unique opportunities for students and faculty at our university is to explore together our walk with Jesus Christ,” said Knight. “Yet, as I reflect back on my time at SAU, the chances to engage with students in a meaningful discussion about our shared journey of faith seemed too infrequent and involved a more formal setting of meetings or classes. So, when SGA approached me about

4

participating in a Crash Course, I felt that this type of venue was just the answer. We all need a place to open up about our doubts, our fears, our dreams and our challenges as we explore

“

We all need a place to open up about our doubts, our fears, our dreams and our challenges as we explore what it means to be a follower of Christ.

Dr. Allen Knight, assistant professor of marketing

what it means to be a follower of Christ. While the number of participants in my session was small, we did get to discuss, pray and mature.

I would like to see more of these sessions in the future.”

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

Other faculty members who have led Crash Courses include assistant director of the master of arts in spiritual formation and leadership program Anna Tabone, whose series was entitled “A Study on the Lord’s Prayer,” assistant professor of English Jack Baker, who conducted “A Study on Christian Virtue,” and associate professor of communication Mary Darling, whose series was called “How I Met Your Mother: 4 Biblical Principles for a Lasting Relationship.”

“I find these really beneficial, because I personally think these professors are incredible resources for us as students,” said Allison Lahrman, junior. “The opportunity to sit down with them in more of a small group setting, rather than in a classroom, and learn from them is something really awesome and valuable. You are not only growing in your spirit and your knowledge, but also growing a relationship with the professor you are with, which is something really special.”

New Crash Courses will resume spring semester with a different set of instructors and topics. The best way to find out about a specific course is to keep an eye out for posters or ask the instructor. If you have any questions or want more information about Crash Courses contact SGA vice president Holly Holdship.

NEWS

AL E XA M AT THEWS MA: To shine for Jesus and have His presence on the Lord, and we think we can’t go wrong LEA DCOPY E DITOR

W

hile you might know sophomore Mia Awan as a student here at Spring Arbor University (SAU), you may not know that she and her mother are working toward opening an Indian restaurant. Upperclassmen may remember their old restaurant of the same name, which closed last year. The new restaurant will be housed in Westwood Mall in Jackson, Mich.

The Pulse (TP): What was the decision behind opening “Eat Lazeez?”

Mia Awan (MA): It was for a means of survival. My mom and I have an Indian background, and when we lived in India we used to cater for our family. My mom felt that it was her calling, and wanted to use it as a ministry. When we began to work on it, I knew I could either work here right out of high school or go to school and work on my off-time, and so that is the opportunity I have taken.

TP: What are your day-to-day responsibilities?

MA: My mom wakes up every morning at 5:00 to be with the Lord, and then start the preparation for the restaurant. I start by going to school at SAU, and after I finish classes around 12:00 p.m., I start work with ministries and help my mom.

and love shown in what we are doing. Some of our proceeds will also be going towards an orphanage in Kolkata, which I have been working to build and hope to move back and work after my time at SAU. TP: How do you plan to appeal to future customers?

MA: We have a variety of foods, and there aren’t any other Indian food options in Jackson. We are very health-conscious as well, so we have vegetarian and vegan options for a lot of the menu, and we pay close attention to those with food allergies and make sure to include stuff that they can eat.

TP: What have been some of the challenges that you’ve encountered so far?

MA: We’ve had people come and try to stop us, but the community has helped us out so much, and the Lord will prosper.

TP: What would you say are your company strengths?

with that. We also have great quality of food, which I think people will appreciate, and our slogan is “leave with a smile.” Hopefully this is a place that touches hearts.

TP: What are your tips for those interested in someday opening up their own business?

MA: Have faith, and pray unceasingly. If you feel you are called to it, make a strategic plan.

It will take some time and work, but as long as your keep your eye on God and are doing His will, it will work out.

Mia and her mother plan to open Eat Lazeez by the end of the holiday season.

The restaurant will be open seven days a week, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There will also be specific times when vegan meals will be available. They want to hire students from SAU who are hard and dedicated workers.

They are also looking to put up artwork made by students. If interested in either of these opportunities, contact Mia via email at mehr. awan@arbor.edu.

MA: We are built on a foundation that is based PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Mia Awan

TP: What do you see as being the most popular dish?

MA: We have a chicken dish that includes chicken, green peppers, onions and sauce, and I think it will be a big hit, because it’s very delicious and also will be offered as a vegetarian or vegan dish and has no coloring or red dye, no GMO’s, and is gluten-free.

TP: What is your personal favorite dish?

MA: Anything you would find as street food in India, like chicken kabobs or naan.

TP: Where are your ingredients from?

MA: We have suppliers from Chicago, Detroit and around the Midwest.

TP: What are the goals for the restaurant?

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

5

NEWS PHOTO BY Kayla Williamson

Here’s the Meat Does meat give you cancer?

R

ecent hype in the news has suggested that eating meat may lead to cancer.

This long-discussed topic has caused some to question whether or not to consume meat at all. Processed meat, according to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, is a definite carcinogen, while red meat may only possibly cause cancer.

There is a difference between red and processed meat. Meat containing a definite red color when it is raw is, for clear reasons, defined as “red meat.” Bacon, hot dogs and sausage, on the other hand—these are all meats that have gone through preservation processes. Thus, they are called “processed meats.”

People who regularly consume processed meat have a higher chance of developing colon cancer than those who regularly prefer red meat. A combination of 800 studies indicated that an 18% greater chance of developing colon cancer was present in those eating 50 grams of processed meat daily (i.e. one hot dog or four pieces of bacon). An increase in the likelihood of colon, pancreatic and prostate cancers all resulted from red meat ingestion in this study. While the average person has a 5% chance of developing colon cancer, those who ingest 50 grams of processed meat daily increase this chance by almost 1%.

6

“

S ARAH D E AN

STAFF WRITE R

While research is still being conducted to assess what, exactly, makes meat cancerous, chemical compounds such as haem and N-nitroso have started to provide some explanation. When haem enters the stomach, it forms several N-nitroso compounds. Because these compounds destroy cells of the exterior bowels, our body begins to duplicate cells to

“

People who regularly consume processed meat have a higher chance of developing colon cancer than those who regularly consume red meat.

account for those destroyed. This duplication increases the chances of a mistake in the DNA line, which increases vulnerability to cancer.

Another theory that aims to explain the connection between meat and cancer involve the manner in which the meat is prepared.

Cooking meats on a barbeque or grill is said to create chemicals that increase the likelihood

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

of that those who consume the meat will develop cancer. Other theories involve iron in meat and bacteria in the stomach.

While the importance of these studies is clear, it is also helpful to understand the way in which The International Agency for Research on Cancer categorizes carcinogens. Because it is a “group 1 carcinogen,” processed meat is classified alongside tobacco and alcohol.

Red meat, on the other hand, is a “group 2a carcinogen.” These categorizations, however, do not indicate the number of cancer cases that are caused by each type of meat, only that they can cause cancer, and pose different risks.

According to Colleen Doyle of the American Cancer Society, both red and processed meats should be eaten in moderation. We should move toward more white meats including fish, chicken and turkey.

Additionally, the American Cancer Society recommends a diet of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. Getting proper exercise, eating in moderation, reducing alcohol consumption and keeping away from tobacco are all means by which cancer can be prevented.

While sound evidence has been found about carcinogens in meat, much research is still being done on the connection between meat and cancer. The media’s hype may have been a little misleading: in actuality, having the occasional slice of bacon for breakfast or eating ham for Christmas dinner is, by and large, harmless.

NEWS

#Prayers4Paris Social media reacts to Paris attacks STAF F WRITE R

On the evening of Nov. 13, multiple suicide bombers and shooters attacked Paris, France. This resulted in the immediate death of 130 people, and over 360 others were injured.

The attacks came from the Islamic extremist group, ISIS, who took full credit for what happened through a messaging platform on Twitter. According to “The New York Times,” ISIS called these attacks “the first of the storm.” Yet this was only the beginning of social media’s involvement in the aftermath of the attacks. It wasn’t long before millions of people took to social media to post their opinions about what had happened in Paris.

Facebook’s participation began with a feature called “check-in,” which allowed users to notify their Facebook friends that they were safe by clicking a button. More than 4 million people used this feature.

Facebook also created a filter for people to use on their profile pictures, which was a semi-transparent depiction of the French flag. Over 100,000 people all over the world used this filter, including founder of the site Mark Zuckerberg.

The hashtag #Prayers4Paris also began to travel around social media sites such as

Twitter and Instagram, being posted over 6.7 million times in 10 hours, along with encouraging messages, tweets and posts.

Another hashtag used was #PorteOuverte, or “open doors,” which became a vehicle for Paris residents who offered help or shelter to those in need.

Also circulating were pictures of famous statues and monuments from different

“

“

H A NN A HS HI M ANEK

This online display of sympathy and support for Paris quickly turned controversial.

out that similar attacks had recently happened in Kenya and Lebanon, but had obtained minimal media coverage and attention on social media, especially Facebook.

Arguments broke out on the web about Islam—and religion in general—questioning the role of religious systems in violence such as the events that took place in Paris.

The Internet will always be a place where both information and misinformation are spread. In all of this activity on social media about Paris and other world events, it is important to recognize the Internet for its power to help as well as harm. It is our responsibility to interpret what we see on social media in a way that promotes loves and justice.

countries, such as the Empire State Building, Sydney Opera House, and London Eye, adorned with the colors of the French flag in an attempt to show support and unity in the time of distress.

This online display of sympathy and support for Paris quickly turned controversial, as some social media users took the opportunity to point

ILLISTRATION BY JEAN JULLIEN

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

7

NEWS

A Bubble-Dweller’s Guide to Presidential Candidates

Education Iran Nuclear Deal

ISIS

Immigration

Economy

Jeb Bush

Ben Carson

Marko Rubio

Ted Cruz

The Legacy

The Freshie

The Cuban

The Other Cuban

Former Governor (FL), 63

Retired Neurosurgeon, 65

Senator (FL), 44

• More accountability for higher education • Lower rates • Higher completion rates

• Run by involved parents and engaged teachers and principals • “Any attempt by faceless federal bureaucrats to take over our local schools must be defeated.”

• “Student investment:” private entities invest in students like a small business • Paying back loans according to income

• Repeal Common Core • Education should be controlled by local governments • Students should have the choice of what school they attend

“It stinks.”

“We need to negotiate better.”

Nope.

No.

• Arm the Kurds in Iraq • Control the air in Syria • Create safe zones for refugees

• No-fly zone across Turkish and Syrian border • Continue to help Syrian rebels

• Lead a coalition with Sunni allies with training, weapons, airstrikes, logistical support • Sanctions against Russia • Arm the Kurds • More airstrikes

• Visa overstays • E-verify system • Pathway to legal status for undocumented aliens

• Make it fair to those who legally immigrated here • Harsher penalties for those who employ undocumented immigrants • Better border security • Use Canada’s guest-worker program

• Triple size of border patrol • No path to citizenship for illegal immigrants • Give police more power to ask about immigration status

• Cut every agency spending by 10%, with no exceptions • Let the economy work the way it’s supposed to as a free-market economy

• Raise defense spending • Repeal obamacare • Replace with tax credits and fewer regulations

• Tax reform: adopt a simple flat tax, which everyone can file via postcard • Regulatory reform: stop the crushing regulations that strangle small businesses and make it harder to create jobs • Repeal Obamacare

Former Neurosurgeon-turnedpresidential-frontrunner Dr. Carson leads the polls with Trump, his political opposite. He says his inexperience with politics will be to his advantage. TBD if his laid-back approach will earn him votes.

“Sen. Rubio has been ‘one to watch’ in the GOP for years. He’s known for his aggressive foreign policy positions and his support for immigration reform. Rubio’s also dealt with criticism over how he’s handled his own personal financial challenges—which her argues helped him understand the struggles of other Americans. He’s hoping that, plus his Cuban-American roots, will help win votes from young and Hispanic voters who don’t usually pull the lever for the GOP. TBD on whether that strategy will win him him votes in the end.” -theSkimm

• More secure border control • Visa overstays• E-verify system

• Tax reform policy involving simplifying code • Lowering rates

“It’s hard to create a fresh reputation when your last name is Bush. But

The Gist of It

Senator (TX), 45

himself as a Florida gov. popular with Hispanics, who’s very moderate on some issues (immigration, education), and very conservative on others (economy, abortion). TBD on whether he can make enough Americans see him as just ‘Jeb!’” -theSkimm

was elected with a little help from his Tea Party friends. He’s won support from a lot of far-right voters for his hard-line positions against Obama administration policies. And caused a few headaches for his less-far-right co-workers along the way. There try to defund Obamacare. And got blamed for the government shutdown.” - TheSkimm

Want to know more? The Pulse suggests reading “theSkimm,” “New York Times,” “Washington Post,” as well as looking up the candidate’s own websites and watching televised debates.

8 thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

NEWS

Watched the news lately? If not, “The Pulse” has you covered. From Ben Carson’s quiet commentary to Donald Trump’s robust remarks, we’ve put together a condensed guide to supplement your own KAYL AWI LLI A MSO N research on each of these candidates.

D E S I G NE DITO R Donald Trump Hillary Clinton Bernie Sanders The Hair Businessman, 70

The Titles

The Socialist

Former Sec. of State, 68

Senator (VT), 75

• End Common Core • Statecontrolled standards • Curriculums are being “dumbed down” • Parents should be able to choose which schools their students attend

• Two years of free community college • Pay back loans according to income

• Free college for everyone by

“[It] demonstrates to the world, yet again, the total incompetence of our president and politicians.”

Yes.

Yes.

• Send ground troops • Take away their oil

• No ground troops • More allied planes • More airstrikes • “broader target set”

• Bigger military budget • International coalition in the area • Provide logistical support in the region • Disrupt online radicalization

• Walls. And make Mexico pay for them • End birthright citizenship • Detain all illegal aliens until they can be deported • Enhanced penalties for overstaying visa

• Close private immigrant detention centers • Comprehensive immigration reform that brings thousands of hard-working people into the economy and provides full and equal citizenship path

• Approve DREAM act • No walls • Increase funding for the Legal Services Corporation to provide legal representation to guest workers who have been abused by their employers

Rupublicans/ Democrats at a glance

Republicans • Pro-Life • Encourage the private sector (businesses owned by individuals, not the government) to help finance students • Believe individual states should control environmental laws • Support the right for individuals to bear arms • Disagree with Obamacare • Believe everyone should have tax cuts • Oppose increasing minimum wage

Democrats • Pro-Choice

• Reform taxes into four brackets: 0, 10, 20, and 25% • Phase out all deductions except for the charitable and mortgage interest deductions

• Raise incomes to save middle class • Higher taxes on wealthy

• Raise the minimum wage to $15 • Provide pay equity for female workers • Raise payroll, estate, and corporate income taxes • Higher taxes on the wealthy

Multibillionaire and infamous wordwith Ben Carson in the polls. With no money influence, Trump is free to say whatever he wants, which may or may not be in his favor. He upsets the status quo, and his supports believe he is just the guy to turn Washington on its head. TBD if all the coverage will lead to votes.

• Believe federal government should pass environmental policies • Support the right to own fire arms upon regulation (i.e. banning assault weapons and closing the gun show loophole)

“Hillz has a resume that includes former secretary of state, US senator, she’s got experience. But she’s also got baggage. There’s the possible federal investigation into whether sensitive info was compromised in connection with the personal email account she used as secretary of state. There’s also the fact that she’s been the Democratic frontrunner before–and just like in ‘08, there’s a candidate further to the left that’s generating a lot of buzz among young voters.” -theSkimm

• Encourage the federal government to give students more loans and grants

“Bernie Sanders is a self-described socialist who wants to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, and supports breaking up big banks.

He’s also drawing some of the biggest and youngest crowds of any candidate in the race so far– making the Democratic nomination contest much spicier than the party expected. TBD on whether the momentum will translate into votes.” -theSkimm

• Agree with Obamacare • Believe only the lower and middle classes should have tax cuts, and corporations and wealthy individuals should have higher taxes • Supports increase minimum wage SOURCE: 2012 Republican and Democratic Platforms

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

9

FEATURES

The Tones of Our Celebration S ARAH D E AN

STAFF WRITE R

C

hristmas: a word that encompasses a symphony of tones. It’s an annual prompting of an everyday awareness of Jesus in our lives. It’s a warm house full of family, chatter, milk mustaches and the aroma of honey-baked ham. It’s the sound of bustling footsteps down the stairs to open gifts. It’s peace, rest, quiet, thankfulness, family and Jesus.

Something in us changes around Christmastime.

Our senses become awakened—full and vivid. The traditions we have long carried ignite a fluid sense in us that withstands changes in time and generation.

These traditions carry us from one Christmas to the next, resurfacing at the beginning of each season to greet us once again.

Yet, for many people, these traditions seem ambiguous, uncertain, almost random. A tree?

Christmas Eve? The decorative colors of red and green? Where do these traditions come from?

10

The idea of symbolizing Christmas with the colors red and green originated mainly from plants associated with wintertime. Holly, ivy, and mistletoe in their evergreen nature were used to invite the coming of spring.

“Paradise Plays” were often performed on Christmas Eve throughout the Middle Ages in Europe. In these plays, people would use a pine tree with red apples to symbolize the “Paradise Tree.” The apples on this tree also contributed to the use of red today for Christmas decorations. Red holly berries are meant to signify Jesus’ blood.

The Christmas tree has evolved from several sources of tradition. The use of fir trees for celebrating Christmas is said to have originated nearly 1,000 years ago, in Northern Europe. For Christians, the evergreen fir tree has historically signified “everlasting life with God.” On Christmas Eve, Midnight Mass in held in the Catholic tradition. In some Catholic countries, including Spain, Mexico, Poland and Italy, citizens go without food for the

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

entire day. After Midnight Mass, they share a Christmas meal. In Belgium, Finland, Lithuania and Denmark, however, the meal precedes the service. It’s popular in some countries to even exchange gifts on Christmas Eve instead of Christmas day.

Spring Arbor University (SAU) students have a variety of favorite Christmas traditions.

Freshman Irina Bird said that after opening up all of their presents, her family enjoys crinkling the wrapping paper and throwing it at one another. Sophomore Lily O’Connor and her family open one present before going to a Christmas Eve church service. On Christmas, her family reads the Christmas story and watches “White Christmas” together.

However it is spent, Christmas is full of tradition and story. Its whole purpose is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, and our traditions can serve to embody this celebration.

These traditions are what weave together our joy. They are what enliven the truth of Jesus.

They are what bring us warmth, camaraderie and fellowship.

PHOTO BY commons.wikimedia.org

Three months in a foreign country? Challenge accepted.

FEATURES

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Audra Goodlock

A peek into the lives of SAU students abroad AUDRAG OOD LOCK

GU E ST WRITE R

T

o effectively condense and encapsulate a three-and-a-half-month study-abroad experience into a 500-word essay for campus to read is simply unfeasible; however, I will attempt to do so with gratitude and grace!

My semester in Guatemala has given me far more than academic coursework and worldly exploration. So, rather than listing out all of my scheduled lessons, excursions and encounters of the semester, I will elucidate the spiritual and emotional changes that have had an indelible impact on my life.

As both a transfer and commuter student at SAU, separation, immersion and adaptation have been common themes in my college journey. My adventures in Guatemala have greatly amplified these, and, as a result, my spirituality and mentality have been tried and revealed.

Being separated from all things familiar— dropped into a new world where nearly every aspect of daily living is different—can be an extreme challenge, yet it can also be so incredibly rewarding! Exotic foliage, vibrant colors and patterns, artfully crafted architecture and delectable foods are some of the wonderful changes that I’ve embraced. On the other hand, being wary of parasite-ridden water, chaotic streets with seemingly non-existent traffic laws, allegedly harmless volcanic and earthquake eruptions and my own ineptitude in speaking Spanish have tended to cloud my mind after being stripped of all comforts.

Separation from all things American has amplified my hesitancies and anxieties as well as solidified my values and appreciations, allowing me to acknowledge my emotional struggles and strengths. It’s easy to notice what’s different here. Likewise, it’s easy to think of it negatively because it’s not what is “normal” for me. Rather than viewing change negatively, I’ve learned to embrace the good changes while also greatly appreciating my favorite things from home.

Once the immersion process begins, there is no other option but to accept separation.

Immersion: a rapid transition from familiarity to a foreign lifestyle. Complete immersion is the essence of cross-cultural studies, learning the ways of a new people group. Though my Spanish was essentially nonexistent, I’ve been almost entirely immersed into a Spanish speaking culture, in which I have had no other option but to learn. Even cleaning, cooking, studying, exercising and other habits of daily living are done differently here. Immersion tests one’s flexibility and openness to learn. A fresh global perspective, an understanding for the endeavors that others endure and involvement in a new world are just a few of the emotional benefits I’ve gained from studying in Guatemala.

Acknowledging and accepting the effects of separation are only effective when you’re immersed into a new environment.

Adaptation begins after the realization sets in that both your separation and immersion are long-term. Adapting to a new lifestyle can be both frustrating and rewarding. Trusting in God,

seeking His guidance and serving His name are the ways in which I’ve both endured and enjoyed the adaptation process in Guatemala. We’ve seen beautiful sights such as Lake Atitlan, mountains, volcanoes, rainforests, the Pacific Ocean, and Tikal, but no experience is more moving and beneficial than that which changes the heart.

With separation, immersion and adaptation, I’ve learned far more about myself than I ever would have learned from the comfort of my own home.

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

11

FEATURES

FEATURES

Hello, from the other side— of the Pond, and greetings from Oxfordshire.

The more I even try to explain Oxford, the more I am convinced that it is not only a GU E ST WRITE R strange place, but an enchanted one (No, I’m xcuse the shameless and perhaps cliché not crazy) with haunted, gothic cathedrals and Adele reference, but I couldn’t resist. elegant libraries filled with ancient, magical Anyway, I was asked to write books. Maybe this is why Wonderland, Narnia, about my last three months in Oxford. I had The Shire—or, rather, Hobbiton—the setting of assumed that my experience would be an easy the “All Souls Trilogy,” and Hogwarts (to name topic to write about, but have since come to a few) were all inspired by Oxford. Granted, I realize that it is anything but easy. have no rational argument, tangible proof, or It seems most fitting to compare my even adequate words to explain this hunch. experience in Oxford to that at SAU, for both All I can say is that, if you ever find are Universities and my only contexts for yourself in Oxford, take a bike ride through understanding what university life is like. And High Street, when the moon is shining yet, the comparison is entirely problematic, for shadows onto the spires of Magdalen College Oxford is nothing like Spring Arbor. and University Church, and feel the wind, Oxford does not have open hours, required refreshing but curiously thick and warm. Hear its chapel, or ring by spring (What they make jokes whistle above the bustle of commuters heading about here, I’m not home for the evening. sure). There are no I imagine the wind as grades…well at least spirits of Oxford, old not A’s, B’s etc., no students and professors, The more I even try required lectures, and still lurking the streets, to explain Oxford, the there is no such thing like Moaning Myrtle, as busy work, for our whispering stories more I am convinced only homework is of Oxford’s past, its that it is not only a writing essays. Also, tradition. What I am we aren’t allowed to trying to say is that strange place, but an walk on the grass Oxford is a place more enchanted one. at the colleges, let influenced by the dead alone play Frisbee than the living, with a on it. Also, strangely, tradition and history nobody quotes C.S Lewis here, and I have yet that colors every corner of the town. to see a copy of “Jesus Calling.” I could go on, Yet, despite Oxford’s charming but you get the point. eccentricities, after being away from Spring For better or for worse, Oxford is a place Arbor for long enough, I have also come to wholly other than Spring Arbor—a place the conclusion that SAU has its own kind of where the next Nobel Prize project is casually enchantment. For as hard as it is to describe sitting in the science lab, and the professor the magic of Oxford, so it is equally difficult reading your latest essay is probably also cited to capture why it is that Oxford will never in your bibliography. Did I mention the Harry- be as meaningful to me as Spring Arbor.

Potter-like robes that students still have to wear The only answer is that Spring Arbor is for exams? Needless to say, it’s a strange place. enchanted, as well. Take a walk along Second

J O R DAN MOORE

E

12

“

“

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY Jordan Moore & Tony Mayotte

Street, on an unusually warm day in March, about the time when you realize that half of the student population has been hibernating in their dorms since November. Along the way, you will probably see potential lovers walking awkwardly along the conveniently narrow sidewalk, as well as sunbathers, naively optimistic about the amount work that

FEATURES TO NY M AYOT TE GUE S T W R ITE R

A

s a philosophy major—rather than an English major—I’ll leave the whimsical prose and pretty writing to Jordan. Instead, I’ll run with an attempt at briefly comparing—or rather, contrasting— Oxford and Spring Arbor.

Isn’t it interesting, looking at things in contrast? While Jordan and I have been here, life has gone on back in The Arbor. While we were playing one of our many games of Oxford Monopoly, 80’s skate night came and went. While we played backyard soccer in rainy, muddy conditions, the intramural football season saw a snowy final. Biking down High Street among 600-year-old buildings elicits quite a different emotional response than walking through the line of Bradford pear trees east of the plaza. In Oxford, our tutorials

and lectures have pounded on; at Spring Arbor, a whole semester of classes has swept by us, just as the wind blows autumnal leaves acro…Oh no, I’m writing in whimsical prose!

When we return, and thoroughly enjoy J-term and the coming spring semester in all its glory, Oxford tutorials will continue to pound on, lectures will be attended, seats eagerly filled. It’s been great being a part of this large, monstrous, beautiful thing, and to fill one of those seats for 14 weeks. But, as Jordan elegantly stated, there is something wonderfully unique about the Spring Arbor, Christian, liberal-arts culture that we find ourselves a part of—something Oxford can’t quite hold one of their many candles to.

And there’s talk, even over here in England, that there will be some tough competition for Lip Sync this year…Here’s just a heads up from overseas: Jordan and I are cooking up something good.

otte

can be done outside of the library. You will also probably hear the shuffling squeaks of sneakers on the basketball court, and maybe a guitar hastily being strummed for that special someone in Lowell.

Even amidst all of the allurement of Oxford, I cannot help but think of Spring Arbor and wonder at the odd world that it belongs to.

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

13

FEATURES

How much do we waste?

STAFF WRITE R

“S

ome poor kid in Africa is going to starve if you don’t clean your plate.”

We’ve all gotten annoyed with this phrase before, usually coming from the mouths of our parents. We know that, whether we eat our food or not, it will never help or hurt any child in Africa, or anywhere else, for that matter.

Nevertheless, the spirit of the phrase hints at a deeper issue: food waste. Everyone is guilty of it to some degree; how guilty are Spring Arbor University (SAU) students?

Jonathan Sausser, executive chef in SAU’s Dining Commons (DC), said that our food waste easily reaches a weight of 100 lbs. per lunch and dinner. With very little waste at breakfast and none for beverages, lunch and dinner alone comprise several hundred dollars of waste every day.

14

One obvious reason for our waste is that students often take more on their plates than they can eat. However, Beth Lyman, director of dining services, and Sausser said that there’s more to it than just that.

“We want to be responsible, as well,” said Lyman.

In planning for meals, the Chartwells staff considers plate and portion sizes. They are starting to take into account SAU’s class schedule, as well. Lunch hour is 11:00 a.m.-1:30 p.m., but everyone knows that it’s dead in the DC until about 12:20 p.m., when everyone gets out of class.

“Students are often more rushed during lunch and dinner, so they take more than enough to avoid the need to get more, but end up throwing the extra away,” said Lyman.

Lyman added that when students are excited for a certain food, they pile it on. One day, when mac and cheese was served, Lyman put out a sign with the number of calories per serving, wondering if students

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

“

“

H A NN A HS UT TER

realized how unhealthy it is to consume large portions in a single meal. This seemed to convince students to cut back.

“In the long run, I’m not sure if giving nutritional information will help students be wiser in their choices or not,” said Lyman.

“It will be interesting to see if it has an effect,” said Sausser, in reference to the Food and Drug A s s o c i a t i o n ’s (FDA) coming requirement that nutritional information be provided alongside food options.

While Chartwells is aware that they are not the direct cause of students’ food waste, they want to help steer students in the right direction.

A common argument made by students is, “I’m paying for this, so I’ll take however much I want.” Sausser explained that, while it’s true that students are paying for their trips to the DC, Chartwells begins paying extra for each student after he or she stops at more than two stations.

“We want the students to have variety,” said Sausser, adding that, when students go to the DC with this feeling of entitlement “they hurt their own selection.” Chartwells has to make up for the waste, which often involves cutting back on variety.

What suggestions does the Chartwells staff have for students who want to help cut back on food waste?

“Go back for seconds. There’s plenty of food,” said Lyman, pointing out that students will see one thing they like and fill their plate, but then see another thing and pile that on, too. By the time they’re sitting down, they have more food than they could or should eat. The food’s not going anywhere, students, so there’s no need to hoard it.

Lyman said that, whenever other Chartwells representatives come to SAU, they are always amazed at how appreciative and courteous the students are. Lyman challenges us to “take it one more step and be responsible eaters.”

I’m paying for this, so I’ll take however much I want.

PHOTO BY Kayla Williamson

FEATURES

Disabled and Dignified Students with disabilities talk about campus life H E ATHE RCL ARK

STAF F WRITE R

S

do stuff differently, but I can still do almost everything,” said Bird.

SAU’s belief that every person is made in the image of God drives them to offer each individual their best chance at becoming who God made them to be. Remembering this can help us to overcome our own worries about how to interact with these students, to see them as being just like us—unique and searching for their God-given purpose at SAU.

PH

OT OS

BY

An

dr

iH

ill

pring Arbor University (SAU) is commonly seen by students as an environment in which faculty and staff are more than willing to help with any difficulties they may be experiencing during their time here, both in and out of class. Yet, many may not consider the portion of the student population with mental or physical handicaps, and whether or not their needs are being met alongside those of traditional students.

Disability is a sensitive topic for most people, one that is often avoided, except by disabled students themselves. Nevertheless, it is a topic that needs to be discussed, so that SAU can offer the best learning experience possible to all of its students.

I recently met with Willie Lewis from Academic Student Connections (ASC) to find out more about the services that SAU offers its physically and mentally challenged students. I found that, after conferring with each student and looking over his or her medical paperwork, ASC writes letters to the student’s professors,

informing them of any special considerations that need to be given that student. ASC may also meet with a group of students who share a particular disability in order to get feedback on what strategies for aiding them work well and what aspects of certain classes need to be adjusted for students with their disability.

Additionally, I was able to attend a focus group meeting for SAU students with disabilities.

The purpose of the meeting was to address concerns as well as identify areas of success in SAU’s accommodation of students who struggle with physical and mental disabilities.

One of the participants, freshman Jenna Harrison, has a condition called albinism, because of which her body is unable to produce melatonin. This condition affects her eyesight, and she is legally blind. Harrison said that one of the most challenging parts of maneuvering around campus is the stairs. “I’ve just learned where to slow down,” said Harrison.

Also in the group was freshman Irina Bird, who has a birth defect that caused her to be born with one arm as well as short stature. Her physical challenges make it difficult for her to type papers for her classes and take notes in class, which she still does herself, although she has help from a note-taker. “I have to

Irina Bird, Freshman

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

15

A&E

An aca-awesome review:

M ARYS RAME K

STAFF WRITE R

M

any mark the debut of the television show “Glee” as the beginning of a resurge in a cappella music’s popularity. Soon afterward, “Pitch Perfect” and its Barden Bellas made even more people aca-crazy for solely vocal music. The vocal phenomenon that was “Glee,” combined with the popularity of Beca and Fat Amy, launched a cappella music into the mainstream.

It wasn’t long before out of the woodwork burst five friends who have, since, not only become Grammy Award winners, but have also charted at number 14 on the US “Billboard 200,” appeared in “Pitch Perfect 2,” and taken over the musical world seemingly overnight. These five friends, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Avi Kaplan and Kevin Olusola, have formed the musical group Pentatonix.

Kirstin, Mitch and Scott, friends in high school, formed what would be the beginning of Pentatonix. The three competed in a local radio competition to meet the cast of “Glee.”

They performed a version of Lady Gaga’s song, “Telephone,” and lost. Afterward, they

16

graduated high school and went on to their respective universities. While at the University of Southern California, Scott heard about a show called “The Sing-Off ” and was encouraged to audition. Scott asked his friends Kirstin and Mitch to audition with him, but there was a catch: in order to be qualified to audition, they needed four group members.

Finding another member was not difficult.

In fact, while searching, the three friends found not one, but two more members for their musical group. The first addition was Avi, a phenomenal bass vocalist who was introduced to Scott through a mutual friend. The second was Kevin, a cello beat-boxer whose YouTube video had gone viral. The friends saw his musical talent online and immediately contacted him in hopes of convincing him to be a part of their group. In 2011, Pentatonix was born, and its five members began to represent the pentatonic scale with style.

Having only met the day before, the group took a risk and auditioned with a five-part rendition of “Telephone.” They made it onto the show, and, in the process, spent a lot of time learning to musically manipulate their voices and work together as a group. Failing a few times and, in doing so, gaining critiques

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

from the celebrity judges, Pentatonix pushed through the competition and won the third season of the show.

The group is very influenced by popular, electro, dubstep and hip-hop music. Their ability to remix popular songs into new arrangements, a style Mitch calls their “flavor,” has gained them national attention.

In their last national performance, Pentatonix performed a “Star Wars” medley, accompanied by a symphony.

The Christmas season has arrived, and music describing blankets of snow, crackling fire and roaring sleighs will fill the airways.

Pentatonix has given the world a taste of a cappella holiday music in their chart-topping Christmas album, “That’s Christmas to Me.” Visit PTXofficial on YouTube to listen to and watch their performances.

Five covers to listen to: “Daft Punk,” on “PTX, Vol. 2” “Evolution of Music,” on YouTube “Can’t Sleep Love,” on “Pentatonix: “Mary Did You Know?” on “That’s Christmas to Me” “White Winter Hymnal,” on “That’s Christmas to Me”

A&E

From YouTube to the Fridge N E WSE DITOR

W

ho would win in a fight? A Russian nudist with a squeaky hammer or Mario with a potato gun? These are the tough questions that Spring Arbor University (SAU) juniors Allison Lahrman and Kylie Ambu try to answer on their new podcast, “The Leftovers.”

“The Leftovers” is a student-led podcast that releases seven-minute episodes every week. The project is the collaborative effort of a group of students from the short films class. Lahrman and Ambu host the show while seniors Dylan Sanders, Dean Christy and Joel Bradley work behind the scenes to direct, film, edit and produce “The Leftovers.”

The idea for the podcast came from co-chairperson of the Department of Communication Dorie Shelby, whose goal is to promote and build excitement for the film department.

Ambu said the idea for the podcast was inspired by Saturday Night Live skits. She jokingly added that she and Lahrman, who are both auditing the course, were asked to host because they were the most obnoxious people in the class.

According to Lahrman, the podcast will specifically promote the end-of-semester event in which film students present their work to their peers. Lahrman and Ambu will host the event and present a special episode of “The Leftovers” that night.

The podcast has covered topics ranging from Halloween costumes to Drake music videos. Every episode also includes a segment called ‘The Side Dish,” in which Lahrman and Ambu play games to compete against one another or talk about a random topic. The

“

E L IZ A BETH D E G RAAF

loser of the game may, for example, have to lick the bottom of the winner’s shoe.

Lahrman said that although the podcasts themselves are only about seven minutes in length, it can take up to three hours to film an

“

When you work hard as a group, you get in a flow, and you produce better ideas.

Kylie Ambu, The Leftovers’ Host

episode. Her favorite part of being involved with the podcast is being with the people and going through the process of filming each episode. “The behind scenes stuff can be

complete madness!” Lahrman said.

Ambu, Lahrman’s partner in crime, is a digital media and broadcasting major. She hopes to go into the field of communication, media or journalism. According to Ambu, the nature of comedy has really toughened her skin. “You need to be willing to let the people on your team say that your idea is horrible,” said Ambu.

Despite this risk of rejection, Ambu says that it gets easier with every episode. “It’s really about trial and error. When you work hard as a group, you get in a flow, and you produce better ideas.”

Ambu said that she and Lahrman plan on returning next semester to continue filming “The Leftovers.” They are excited for whatever crazy ideas they will try next.

New episodes of “The Leftovers” are released every Monday at 11:00 a.m. They can be found by searching “The Leftovers” on Facebook. It just might be the study break that you’ve been looking for!

PHOTO BY Dylan Sanders

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

17

A&E

FILM REVIEW: BEASTS OF NO NATION JAC O BFI SHER

STAFF WRITE R

T

he horrible injustice faced by child soldiers is one that the public eye has been aware of for quite some time, thanks to the efforts of groups like Invisible Children. Nevertheless, the topic is one that is difficult to comprehend. “Beasts of No Nation,” the first original film released

by Netflix, aims to tell the tale of one child soldier, Agu. The film begins with Agu, a young boy in an unspecified African country, playing with his friends, getting into trouble and teasing his older brother like any young boy might. Yet, it isn’t long before Agu’s life takes a turn, when he finds himself joining rebel forces after the government army kills his father and brother.

It’s easy to avoid controversial topics in our media landscape, but Participant Media, the production company behind “Beasts of No Nation,” works to foster difficult discussions.

They work to create media that is focused on social change, and, as their name implies, to inspire people to become more than just passive viewers.

With hauntingly believable performances

by Idris Elba (The Wire) as the commandant and Abraham Attah as Agu, the film makes the effects of war and revolution feel personal.

The commandant’s character, a ruthless leader, is revealed to be a broken man. As the patriarchal leader of the boys, he makes them believe that he is teaching them to be men, but is shown to be just as lost as they are. He admits to Agu that he is controlled by a more powerful leader and must do things

that he doesn’t want to do. Later on, viewers watch as he is disregarded and ignored by the supreme leader when he goes to meet him.

The film never provides answers about where the commandant came from or why he has agreed to do horrendous things. Perhaps, they are answers that can only be provided by those who have had their lives threatened by war and revolution.

Much of the film’s storyline is vague. We are never told what country it takes place in or why the war is happening. It seems that the film’s imprecise landscape plays into our western mindset. American viewers are good at grouping foreign countries and people groups together; therefore, the directorial choice not to name a country, in a way, mirrors our ignorance. Yet, in a world in which we are faced with so many social issues, it seems like the disconnect caused by this deliberate ambiguity could lead to apathy instead of action among viewers. At the least, the film puts a face on the injustices taking place.

Overall, “Beasts of No Nation” is an astonishing piece of filmmaking both socially and aesthetically. The first of Netflix’s produced

and released films is one that undermines the stereotypes of the streaming service and its culture of “Netflix-binging.” This film will no doubt leave its audience with tough questions and bring an issue into the light for them to wrestle with.

PHOTO FROM IMDB.COM

18

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

A&E

T’was the Night Before ChristmasBreak N ATEBO RTZ

P H OTO G RA PHY EDITOR T’was the night before break, when, all through the halls, it seemed no one was stirring, no matter who you called.

Socks were hung over heaters with care, in hopes for relief for cold feet so bare.

Students were nestled all snug at their desks, with thoughts of that one final, a pain in the neck.

Eugenius

Coffee in one hand, and computer in lap, finishing papers made them wish for a nap.

With jealous eyes, I watched them play, wishing my coffeeinduced migraine away.

When, out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter, I spilled coffee on myself while seeing what was the matter.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard out my door the low growling wails of my RA on the floor.

Tripping to the window, I flew right past my sleeping roommate who had given up on his class.

The glow from the clock tower on the new-fallen snow, showed me those done with finals, having fun below.

He was dressed in blankets, from his head to his foot, and, after studying all night, his brain was kaput.

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his bed.

I envied the pillow under his head.

Just when I’d embraced sleep once and for all, There arose a great shout from way down the hall.

“My paper is finished!” he screamed with delight, “Happy Christmas break to all, and to all, a good night!”

WRITTEN BY JONATHAN BETTENGA ILLUSTRATION BY ILSABET FOUCH

A Christmas Wishlist December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

19

SPORTS

Q&A with a Coach [Bryan Burk]

DA N AS E BAL DVA ND ORE N of the people that I was coaching I was on SPORTS E DITOR

B

ryan Burk is a 2013 graduate of Spring Arbor University (SAU). This is his second year coaching at SAU and his first year as head coach of the womens cross country and track and field teams. “The Pulse” recently sat down with Burk to learn about what it is like to coach these sports.

“The Pulse” (TP): Tell me a bit about your time on the cross-country and track teams when you were a student here.

Bryan Burk (BB): It was a neat way for me to have community as soon as I entered Spring Arbor. I loved running, and so I had the joy of being able to join the teams.

TP: What is it like to be a relatively new coach at SAU? BB: At first, it was really hard, because some

the team with. The nice thing for me is the men and women used to not be together as much as they are now, as one team, and so I didn’t know the women super well, but now that they’re together, I see all the men, and there’s still actually people on the team that were freshmen when I was a senior. Being a coach at Spring Arbor, I love it. I love the fact that I can integrate faith with athletics.

TP: How is coaching participating on a team?

from

BB: You have to be very selfless to be a coach versus a participant. Being a participant, it’s all, in some ways, about you. The coaches want you and your team to succeed, and they’re doing everything they can do, and the pressure is more about being the best you can be, whereas when you’re a coach, it’s all about them. It’s nothing about me. It’s a hard switch, because still being young and still being an athlete myself, it’s hard to go to a meet and

PHOTO BY Spring Arbor Athletics

20

different

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

I’m not doing anything except cheering people on. But it’s been cool to be able to experience the other side, just because you get to focus on the things that my coach always told me to focus on. You get to focus on what they need to focus on to become better, and you get to guide them, whereas before, it was always looking up to the leadership.

TP: What is your favorite part of coaching the cross-country and track teams?

BB: My favorite part is some of the conversations I get to have, just to be able to go through life with people. I think about some of the conversations that I’ve had with some of the girls this year and what that meant to them and what I got out of it. Sometimes, it’s them coming to me, encouraging me, and sometimes it’s me encouraging them. My wife always asks me, “How was your day?” when I get home from work, and my best days are the days that I have those conversations.

PHOTO BY Christopher Bauman

SPORTS

Make a Change Now: Fitness Tips from Student Athletes PHOTO GRAPHY E DITOR

S

tudent athletes at Spring Arbor University (SAU) not only have to balance sports and academics, but their health and physical fitness, as well. Being in good shape is a necessity for these students to succeed, but what about the rest of us? SAU athletes of a variety of sports have given us some tips for getting fit and eating healthy.

First, it is important to establish a goaloriented mindset. Sophomore soccer player Matt Stragnis specifically said to have a “champion lifestyle.” This involves setting clear goals, making a plan, and finding motivations.

Senior soccer player Abe Bonn said, “a routine is very important” for people just starting out. It is good for your body to gradually get used to healthy eating and physical activity. Getting into the right state of mind, establishing realistic goals and making a routine is the best way to start living a healthier lifestyle.

Practicing proper nutrition is a no-brainer for getting into better shape, but are strict diets and calorie counting really necessary?

Sophomore volleyball player Leah Rose offers an answer: “Control portion sizes. As much as it matters what you eat, it is important to monitor how much you eat,” said Rose.

“

“

A routine is very important.

Abe Bonn, junior

In other words, watch how much food you put on your plate. It may not be necessary to strictly eat salads, but limit how many slices of pizza you eat, and think about leaving that third or fourth cookie behind.

Many of the athletes said something that might be hard for some of us to hear: eliminate pop from your diet, and drink water like you are stuck in the desert. “Eating clean,” or avoiding processed foods and eating a variety of fruits, veggies and protein, was another common piece of advice athletes recommended for those starting the journey into physical health. Eating a good breakfast and remembering not to eat too late at night are also important practices, according to senior soccer players Steven Murphy and Travis Schupra. Eating heathy may seem daunting, but it helps to remember that one simple step, such as avoiding pop, can make a big difference in reducing excess sugar intake.

When it comes to starting a workout routine, most of the athletes recommended doing a mix of cardio and strength training three to four times per week. Proper exercise is a tag-team effort. Cardio burns fat, and strength training builds muscle. Rose suggested that students alternate “leg” and “arm” days to avoid injury. Bonn stressed the importance of variety in workouts to keep you (and your muscles) from getting bored. Try new things

like swimming or biking if running or walking gets old.

Last but not least, there are things that can help improve your health before and after your workouts.

“Do not neglect stretching,” said senior cross-country runner Simon Reidsma. “It is an important part of taking care of the body and preventing injury.”

He also encouraged maintaining proper posture and trying to spend more time standing than sitting.

Perhaps, the most enjoyable effort that we can make to improve our health is to get more

“

N ATEBORTZ

“

Control portion sizes. As much as it matters what you eat, it is important to monitor how much you eat.

Leah Rose, sophomore

sleep. Senior soccer player Christian Stragis and others said that regularly getting a full night’s sleep is important. Stragis also said that not looking at your phone right before bed helps you to sleep better.

Making lifestyle changes is no easy task, but following the advice of these student athletes can get you started in the right direction.

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

21

SPORTS

A League of Their Own: Opposite gender coach tells of obstacles and triumphs STAFF WRITE R

T

o say that men and women tend to be different from one another is…well… an understatement. In the world of sports, men and women are usually separate.

But what about when a coach the opposite gender? Bryan Burk, coach of the Spring Arbor University (SAU) womens track and field and cross-country teams, takes his teams’ gender into account when coaching.

“I definitely take a different approach than I would with a male team,” said Burk.

Burk works hard to build a positive relationship with his athletes so that they are comfortable coming to him when they have questions or problems.

“It’s different from guys, and I consider that.

I take time to build positive relationships even as early as the recruiting process,” said Burk.

Before the start of the season, Burk takes time to get to know his athletes individually.

“With guys, I think it’s more of a case of them just going out there and playing or practicing, where with woman athletes I think there needs to be more time spent in developing relationships and getting to know them emotionally,” said Burk.

Burk works hard to make sure that he understands his athletes’ personalities. He tries to be sensitive to them, to know when they are having bad days and to work to accommodate that.

Mentoring his team, according to Burk, is a big part of his job—even bigger than coaching.

“The girls open up to me a lot more than I originally thought,” said Burk. “It’s part of building a good team relationship, that trust.”

Burk’s wife also takes part in the mentoring, stepping in when the athletes have issues that are better shared with someone of their own gender.

“She can connect to them and go deeper,” said Burk. “Having her has been a great help,

22

and she loves working with the athletes and getting to do something with them, too.”

In order to foster relationships outside of athletic contexts, Burk and his wife often invite his teams to their house for dinners.

Additionally, Burk said that he often has deep discussions totally unrelated to coaching with many of his students, especially on matters such as spiritual growth.

“At a community like Spring Arbor, coaching is about a lot more than the sport.

It’s helping these girls be their best in all areas of life,” Burk said.

“

“

H E ATHE RCL ARK

At a community like Spring Arbor, coaching is about a lot more than the sport. It’s helping these girls be their best in all areas of life.

Bryan Burk SAU womens track & XS Coach

Cross-country runner Victoria Harper had similar thoughts on having an oppositegender coach.

“Personally, it doesn’t really affect me,” said Harper.

Harper had male coaches throughout high school, and she found them to be just as helpful to her as she assumes female coaches be. One of her coaches in particular, Harper stated, was a wonderful mentor.

“He was a really great role model to me,” said Harper, adding that Coach Burk is also doing a good job of connecting with her and the rest of the team.

The athletes feel comfortable going to Burk with a lot of their issues, whether they

thesaupulse.com • December 4, 2015

are academic, social or even spiritual.

“Some coaches might not really understand exactly what’s going on when one of us is having a bad day, and they might not really understand if we try to explain,” said Harper, “but Coach Burk tries to be really sensitive and pay attention, and I think he does a really good job.”

When asked if there was anything that she thought might be better with a female coach, Harper replied that she did not think so. She has never felt uncomfortable around her male coaches in high school or college.

“You’re in a big group when you’re practicing. It’s not like you’re one-on-one with them, which might be a little more concerning,” Harper said.

Harper said that a danger of having a coach of a different gender is that the coach will not be able to understand the athlete’s personal life as well as a same-gender coach may be able to.

“There can be a downside if the coach isn’t sensitive, I think,” said Harper. “A lot depends on the coach’s personality and the athlete’s. I think that some female coaches can actually be a lot tougher than the male coaches, because they say, ‘We’ve been here, we’ve done this, you ought to be able to do it, too,’ and so they push their athletes.”

Harper has been pleased with her experience with her coach both on and off the trail.

Under Burk’s coaching, her performance has improved. He has also been a mentor to her.

For some athletes, having a coach of the opposite gender is intimidating or uncomfortable. However, it is not always that way, as many of the coaches and athletes at SAU have consistently demonstrated. Burk and Harper’s positive experience as coach and athlete is an example of what can be accomplished with a coach takes care to understand his or her athletes, and in turn, the athletes respect and trust their coach, no matter their genders.

PH OT OP

RO VID

ED

BY S

AU AT H

LE TIC

S

SPORTS

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

23

SPORTS

Athlete of the Month

[ Corrie Good ] L IBBY BUCKL AND STAF F WRITE R

J

unior Corrie Good has been part of the women’s soccer team here at Spring Arbor University (SAU) for the past three years.

Throughout her time as a college athlete, she has gained great recognition for her success both on and off the field. Good has been on the all-conference team all three of her years at SAU, was named National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) Offensive Player of the Year in 2014, and received an All-American “honorable mention” that same year. Additionally, she has been on the academic honors list every year.

Last summer, Good had the opportunity to attend an athletes’ leadership retreat in Montana with SAU baseball coach Sam Riggleman. This retreat was designed to help team captains and captains-to-be fully understand and grow in their leadership abilities.

“That opportunity prepared me so much coming into this season and for my role as captain. Being a captain has pushed me to think and act in a way that is best for the team,” said Good.

Good also expressed that being a captain involves realizing how important sacrifice and service are to the success of the team. She truly values and cherishes all of the friendships and memories she has made during her soccer career at SAU. “Being on a team with so many crazy people that I love makes playing soccer that much more fun,” said Good.

PHOTO BY Taylor Johnston

In addition to the Montana trip, Good played on the Buxmont Torch semi-pro team in Pennsylvania last summer. Buxmont Torch is a ministry that is committed to using the platform of sports to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Good, along with SAU students Alyssa Joseph, Matthew Brown and Cody Getsinger, spent the summer in Pennsylvania playing soccer and growing in their faith.

“Playing for Torch this summer not only helped my soccer career, but my faith, as well. Because Torch is a Christian ministry, my faith grew a lot while I was there,” said Good.

While playing for Buxmont Torch, Good not only fine-tuned her soccer skills: she also learned the importance of sharing her faith wherever she goes.

As a psychology major with a minor in sociology, Good spends a lot of her free time in White Library, normally, accompanied by a tall frappe from Sacred Grounds. To stay on top of homework, Good makes lists, and continues to learn to manage and conquer her busy schedule. However, when managing her time becomes PHOTO BY Chris Bauman

difficult, Good is grateful for her professors’ grace and understanding when she misses class for games and other reasons.

Good shared with “The Pulse” what the women’s soccer team has been up to recently. This season, they have proved themselves worthy of attending the NAIA National Tournament for the fourth year in a row.

“It’s an honor to be a part of a team that has made it to the National Tournament every year I’ve been here. I think we have a great chance at winning the whole thing,” said Good.

Although the team has played tough opponents this year, they have still managed to come out on top. Good said that the chemistry of all of the players on and off the field accounts for some of their success. Their willingness and desire to play their best for their teammates is a mentality that may just lead them to a national title.

For more information on Buxmont Torch, visit http:// buxmonttorch.com/about.

December 4, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

24