September 2015 by Spring Arbor University's The Pulse

THE

PULSE

O c t o b e r 2 , 2 0 1 5 • I s s u e 2 • Vo l u m e 3 • t h e s a u p u l s e . c o m facebook.com/saupulse twitter.com/saupulse

TA B L E O F

CO N T EN T S Eng l is h Mural Pa g e 5

Lau n dr y C ards Pa ge 8

Ben Ca rs o n Page 4 N urs i n g P ro gra m Pa g e 9

SY RIAN RE FUGEES Page s 6-7

Qu ar te r-Li f e C r i si s Pa ge 1 1

Ca mp us S a fety Pa g e 10

H ow d o e s SAU rank ? Page 1 5

SPORTS & A CAD EMICS Page s 22-2 3

ST. J O H N ’ S BIBL E Pa g e s 1 2 -1 3 Studying with Mu si c Pa ge 17

Fall Playlist & Artis t Review Pa g e 16

P rese a s o n Page 2 0

PHOTOS BY Nate Bortz

Coa c h I nt ervi ew Pa g e 2 1

thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

Lov e B uilds Pa g e 14

BOO K TA L K Pa g e 18

Flatli n e Pa ge 1 9

Editor’s Note So another year of syllabi, coffee runs and Netflix binging begins.

PHOTO BY Madie Swink

Featur es Editor Amb er C ekander A&E Edito r C arl y T h o mpson

You didn’t disappoint.

Needless to say, we’ve been given more than enough to fill our humble September 2015 issue of “The Pulse.” It may be difficult to believe it’s already time to return to our books for another year of academia, but there are a few indicators we can look to in order to know for sure: when the leaves have started to turn, pumpkin spice is all the rage at Sacred Grounds and the September

Editor-in-C h ief K atlyne Heath News Ed ito r El i zab eth D eG r aaf

For the “Pulse” staff, the beginning of the ’15-’16 academic year means another nine months of scrubbing dry-erase-board-markersmeared fingers, staring at blinking cursors on computer screens and, well, anxiously awaiting the arrival of news.

Already this year, the English department has taken it upon itself to color the walls of SayreDeCan, a presidential candidate has visited our campus, the student body has discovered the havoc that can be wrought with the “reply all” button (see our Flatline article on the SAU Pulse Facebook page) and a copy of the first hand-written Bible to be commissioned in 500 years has arrived in our library. These are but a few of the newsworthy stories that have unfolded or begun to unfold on our campus this fall.

The Pulse Staff & Contributors

S por ts Edito r Dan a S eb al d-Van D or en Design Ed ito r K ayla Williamson S ocia l Med ia/ Photog ra phy E d ito r Nate Bor tz

KATLYNEHEATH

EDITO RINC H IE F

L ea d Copy E d ito r Al exa Matthews

issue of “The Pulse” has appeared in stacks around campus, we know autumn is here, as is another year of stories waiting to happen.

Business Man a ger Al l i so n L ahr m an

Thank you for keeping the campus of Spring Arbor University full of life and story.

Adver tising S pecialists C o ri n a C ekander L uke Ro ber ts Designe r s Ki m Bi g os L i b by Buckland An dri Hill Al i Westr a Ab b ey Wr ight

Cheers! Katlyne Heath Editor-in-Chief

SLR 2015

S ta f f Writer s H eath er Clar k S arah D ean El i se Emm er t H an n ah S utter Bri an n a L oom is Kylie Ambu H ai l ey C l osely El i zab eth Br endle H an n ah S h im anek G uest Wr iter s An drew King Mar y S ram ek

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

NEWS

Ben Carson campaign trail leads to Spring Arbor

STAFFWR ITE R

he Spring Arbor University (SAU) Fieldhouse was filled with both students and SAU community members on Sept. 23 for a political rally being held by GOP candidate Dr. Ben Carson. Carson’s staff rented the space for the rally. The event was not endorsed by SAU, but many students and faculty members attended. After opening remarks by University President Brent Ellis, Carson delivered his speech in his soft-spoken and conversational tone, and touched on several major issues of the 2016 campaign. Using the university’s concept and values, which Ellis described as “unapologetically Christian,” as a starting point, Carson spoke on the legalization of homosexual marriage, the government’s obligation to fiscal responsibility and the necessity of holding tight to traditional American values in the face of the massive changes now sweeping the culture. “I have no interest in being like everyone else and giving up our values...for the sake of political correctness,” said Carson, reinforcing his statements that some values must be protected, no matter what popular opinion dictates. Carson bookended his speech with mentions of America’s educational system, which fit his choice of venue. He gave a personal anecdote of his mother’s commitment to educating her sons and her persistence in taking charge of their opportunities to learn.

E LI ZABETHDEG RAAF N E WSED ITOR

Carson stated that in its early days, American educational systems were so advanced that Europeans such as Alexis de Tocqueville marveled at the rapidity with which the young country established prestigious institutions. He also discussed the widespread literacy that was once the norm, even among the isolated and the lower societal classes. Now, Carson went on to say, illiteracy is responsible for a massive number of children who never finish school. He and his wife have created a project that places reading rooms in schools in underprivileged neighborhoods in order to give the students exposure to reading that they might not otherwise receive. He also spoke against the pervasiveness of “political correctness” in the educational system today and its detrimental effects on learning. He

PHOTO BY Nate Bortz

thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

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H E ATHE RC LA R K

called for a need to return to America’s earlier greatness, and ended by giving the audience “homework,” to research concepts like the fiscal gap and to seek out their representatives. SAU students could easily attend this event, which allowed them a firsthand glimpse of the nation’s political process.

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He called for a need to return to America’s earlier greatness.

“Dr. Carson’s rally gave an interesting opportunity to think about the relation of religion and politics,” said Dr. Inyeop Lee, professor of political science. He said that he plans to discuss the rally with students in his classes, several of whom attended. Students themselves appreciated the opportunity. “This was my first experience with any political rally, and I thought it was great,” said sophomore Kara Liskey. “There was so much energy and excitement before Ben came out on the stage. His speech was really well put together, and I just enjoyed the entire thing. I’m so glad that he chose our school to come to.”

New English Dept. mural brightens SDH CA R LYTHO M PSO N A& EE DITOR

STAFFWR ITE R

What used to be the plain, beige walls of Sayre-DeCan Hall have now been adorned with a brightly-colored mural depicting the profiles of several of the English department’s favorite authors. According to Department of English chairperson Dr. Kimberly MooreJumonville, the mural came out of Englishfaculty discussions about the power of the imagination to shape the world. “We hoped a mural would give shape to the imaginations of our intellectually curious students who engage these authors, their ideas, their quirks, and their commitments,” said Moore-Jumonville. The mural was painted by Joel Varland, Design Professor at Savannah School of Art and Design, and took six weeks to complete. He is also the brother of Roger Varland, associate professor of art at Spring Arbor University (SAU). Joel Varland and MooreJumonville attended SAU at the same time (1976-1981,) and here became lifelong friends. “I am grateful Joel was willing to offer this gift of his art to the university. This was his way of giving back to the school that shaped his Christian worldview and his

imagination as an undergraduate,” said Moore-Jumonville. Each English faculty member proposed three authors as well as three quotes for Joel to choose from, and each figure ended up on the mural. Most of the authors pictured on the mural are ones whom the English faculty teach, such as Dante, Shakespeare, C.S. Lewis, and Wendell Berry, but they also reflect the literary loves of our English professors. Moore-Jumonville’s favorite author depicted on the mural is Charlotte Bronte. “I admire her novel, ‘Jane Eyre’ for its candid narrator,” said Moore-Jumonville. According to Moore-Jumonville, there will be a ceremonial dedication of the mural, and a reception with Varland. The English faculty hopes to have a key for the mural labeling who each author is and where he or she is pictured on the mural. “I hope the mural encourages curiosity, imagination and continued conversations across campus that will find their way into our class discussions. There is nothing like the authors of great books to inspire good questions that begin to shape knowledge and wisdom in us,” said Moore-Jumonville.

PHOTOS BY Nate Bortz

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E L I S EE M M E RT

I am grateful Joel was willing to offer this gift of his art to the University. Dr. Kimberly MooreJumonville Dept. of English chair

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

SYRIAN A & E REFUGEES Desperation, invasion and a broken generation

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Hannah Shimanek

H A N NA HSHI M A NE K

STAFFWR ITE R

he Syrian refugee crisis has been the headlining news for quite some time. While this may be a recent topic in the media, it is not a recent event. The crisis began almost six years ago, but until it gained popular media attention, has been ignored by most of the world. How did this crisis start, and what is actually happening? A socialist government called the Ba’ath Party controls Syria, led by Bashar al-Assad who came into power after his father. In January of 2011, Syrian protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against the Assad regime. The government retaliated by kidnapping, torturing and killing the civilian protesters. As the riots continued, the government showed their power by destroying entire towns and communities, killing hundreds of bystanders in the process. The civilian rebels began to form an army of their own to fight back against the government regime. After months of rising tension, on March 15, 2011, the Syrian Civil War officially commenced. As the war continued, people began to flee the country. What started out as a few thousand refugees rose to millions within two years. Lebanon, a neighboring country where Syrians took refuge, was the first to build refugee camps in an effort to receive assistance from the United Nations (UN) and provide support for the 6

desperate needs of the war victims. A refugee camp is a temporary settlement supported by a country’s government, the UN or an organization like the Red Cross. Other countries, like Egypt and some European countries, began doing the same as more refugees left Syria. Border-hopping is a treacherous process. The endangered citizens of Syria must depart in the middle of the night on foot to avoid snipers. Carrying all their belongings, they begin their days-long trek out of the country. If they are caught, the government kidnaps the males to join the regime. Millions are taking these risks to avoid having to stay and face life-threatening circumstances. The media finally tuned its ear to this issue when a picture was released of a 3-year-old’s corpse that was

thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

washed ashore on a Turkish beach. His name was Aylan. He was a Syrian boy who fled the country with his mother and brother, whose drowned bodies were also found. The picture shocked the world, and Syria began to attract more negative attention. Further problems arose when the surrounding Middle Eastern countries began to fill, and European countries stayed closed to fleeing refugees. As sanctioned by the UN, refugees have rights, but they have to first enter countries such as Greece or Italy to receive them. Many are trying to legally apply to get into these countries, but as the process lags, they have become desperate. Some must take boats from Asia or Africa to be smuggled in. Those who aid them are called “people smugglers” and they are currently the

only ones benefiting from this crisis. system. We help with any issues such as They can charge one refugee up to language classes, government interviews, $10,000, according to the Washington doctor’s appointments, cell-phone services, Post. computer purchases, etc. Communication Once the European Union decided with friends and family is all they have, to take in refugees Syrians have poured so therefore, it’s extremely important. It into the borders of Europe. It is reminds me of a college dorm situation, approximated that 8,000 refugees come where we are the RAs. We have to use into the continent every day. Some of psychology every day to solve roommate these refugees go issues regarding to governmentreligion or clashing run camps, and cultures. Some of It is approximated some adjust to our guys (we have that 8,000 refugees life in the new no families, just country by finding single men) have come into the jobs and renting been with us for continent every day. apartments. over two years, so Another option they help a lot with the refugees have the new additions. is government housing, which is what We love what we do, as it is very husband and wife Ernst and Karen rewarding. We are overwhelmed with run. They are friends of my high- respect and gratitude from our men. They school French teacher. This is a letter come from situations so horrible, none of Karen sent me to explain what they do: us can ever imagine, yet mostly smiles and laughter are the day’s sounds. My husband Ernst and I are in our I find that if you treat people how you middle 50’s, we live outside Salzburg, Austria, and three years ago, we decided that we would qualify our home, which used to be a bed & breakfast, as a home for refugees. In Austria, refugees are first taken in at a government facility for processing, checking info and so on, and then they are sent to private facilities to await their positive status. Here with us, they are two to a room and are responsible for keeping it clean and neat, washing their own clothes and bedding and such, and they also shop for their own food and cook for themselves. Naturally, they come to us with no knowledge of the German language. We both speak English, and that helps more than you know; at least there is some way to communicate for the basic needs. As for our job, we are the support

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would like to be treated, it works. The refugee crisis in Europe at the moment is critical. There are not enough private facilities to house them as we do. There are far more tent cities than our society can accept. The Austrian people, I find, are divided just like anywhere else. My contribution to the debates so often now is to remind them that we have such a good life, we are very fortunate to live in peace and freedom, and we can certainly find it in our hearts to share with others who are less fortunate. Karen The current Syrian refugee population is over three million and increasing daily. While this issue is far from home and far from being solved, people like Karen and Ernst are helping defeat the crisis, one refugee at a time.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY Hannah Shimanek

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

Laundry cards replace quarters in three SAU residence halls DA NAS EBAL DVANDO RE N HA NNAHSUTTER

S P ORTSE DITOR

here is a new way to do laundry in several of Spring Arbor University’s (SAU) residence halls. At the beginning of the school year, every student living in Lowell, Gainey and Andrews Hall received a card that can be swiped on washers and dryers in order to do laundry. Money can be loaded onto the cards using a machine, which takes cash, located near the Holton Health and Wellness Center. This system replaced the old method of using quarters to pay for laundry. According to Bobby Pratt, assistant dean of students, this change was made because students were frustrated with having to constantly acquire quarters. The Student Government Association (SGA) and Pratt made the decision to have students use cards. SAU contacted the third-party company that manages the washers and dryers and had the company install the new card system. Pratt also said that although there is currently only a “cash-to-card machine,” soon a “card-to-card machine” will be installed, so students will be able to use credit or ATM cards to load money onto their laundry cards.

STAFFWRIT E R

Pratt said the switch to laundry cards was made in order to have “convenience for our students.” “In this day and age, everybody’s used to having a card for something instead of carrying around coins,” said Pratt. Kelly McGraw, resident director of Lowell Hall, agreed with Pratt. “Our whole goal is to make things as easy and convenient as possible,” said McGraw. Pratt and McGraw could not think of any downside to students using the cards, but not every student was happy about the change. Melia Nagayama, a junior at SAU, said she would have preferred to continue using quarters, and she lacked the motivation to go and load money onto the card. “I’m lazy. I don’t want to walk to the student center to put money on my card,” said Nagayama. Another student, however, was in favor of using laundry cards. Andrew King, a senior at SAU, said he loves the new system because he finds it easier to use the card than quarters,

thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

and naysayers should give the cards a chance. “The only reason I could see to dislike it is if you don’t live in one of the buildings that has the laundry cards,” said King. Students may also have noticed a price increase from $1.00 per load to both wash and dry to $1.25 per load. Pratt said this was not related to the change in payment method. Rather, there had not been a price increase in about 10 years, so the cost would have risen regardless, due to SAU’s contract with the company. Pratt said if all goes well with the laundry cards, students can expect to see the new system in more residence halls for the 201617 school year, and eventually, all throughout campus. “We’re calling this the pilot year,” said McGraw, “and so we’re trying it out in the three biggest res halls to see how it goes.”

ILLUSTRATION BY Andri Hill

Nursing at Spring Arbor: Kauffman to create an undergraduate nursing program on the main campus

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from all points of view—history, art, English,

wishes she could have taken a Bible class for

AL I S O NW ESTRA etc. Kauffman said 70% of nurses get their nursing, so she could know how to encourage STAFFWR ITE R

Healthcare in the United States is projected to be the occupational field with the greatest employment increase within the next few years. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Of the 30 occupations projected to have the largest percentage increase between 2012 and 2022, 14 are related to healthcare.” Nursing is the second most requested program that Spring Arbor University (SAU) does not have. While the university offers an online master’s program for nurses who are already licensed, it does not have a prelicense program. SAU’s chair of the nursing programs Dr. Al Kauffman, along with others, has recognized this need and is working on meeting the demand for a four-year bachelor of nursing program. The reason for beginning the process of creating this new program is two-fold. First, there are few Christ-centered nursing programs in the US. Second, SAU has the opportunity to meet that need, and, according to Kauffman, it fits the SAU Concept. The potential nursing program would integrate the practice of nursing with the liberal arts, which would give students a perspective

licenses with an associate’s degree. With her patients and maintain her composure nursing as part of the liberal arts education, it while working. “Nursing is very stressful, so would be a four-year program. Kauffman said being able to have Christ as the basis of my secular nursing programs often teach nursing life has helped me cope with the stress of purely as a practice being a nurse.” discipline, but it Kauffman said is hoped that this Christianity is the potential program will basis of Western “But I wonder what teach students to find healthcare, and that meaning in the art of is why he, along with healthcare would nursing. others, is working look like if the Registered Nurse toward providing a motive was helping Morgan Wisen attended pre-license nursing a secular university for program. Though people and being nursing, and she said, the program is in the a light to them, as “I don’t understand very beginning stages how nurses can study of development and well as studying the intricate structure nothing is definite, it is God’s design.” of the human body hoped that Spring Arbor Morgan Wisen, and not point it back will eventually have to a Creator.” She a program that can Registered Nurse said that a lot of the integrate Christianity nurses she has worked and the liberal arts with became nurses with nursing, so that because it pays well. “Their motive is to provide students can some day critically participate in the for their families,” said Wisen. “But I wonder contemporary world and represent Christ through what healthcare would look like if the motive healthcare. was helping people and being a light to them, as well as studying God’s design.” Wisen said she

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ILLUSTRATION BY Andri Hill

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

FEATURES

A Night in the Life: Campus Safety B R I ANNALO O M I S STAFFWR ITE R

A faint jingle filled the otherwise silent Dietzman Hall as third-year Campus Safety officer Jessica Tower sifted through a bulging ring of keys. The room was dark except for an orange glow from the exit sign hanging above the door and a light from a lamppost outside. Tower tried one of the keys, but the lock wouldn’t turn. She tried a second key and, with a click, the door locked. “Sometimes the keys are a struggle,” Tower said. Dietzman Hall is just one of 30 buildings Campus Safety officers check and lock up on a daily basis. Residential and academic buildings, along with the Spring Arbor Free Methodist Church and various Ganton buildings, are patrolled routinely. “Normally we go over and sit in the Arbor Manor lot while employees change shifts,” Tower said. Officers do this to make Ganton employees feel safer while walking to their cars in the dark.

HE ATHERCLARK STAFFW RIT E R

Campus Safety has someone on duty from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. every day, but during a 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. shift there are two Campus Safety officers working. This is because, while one officer checks and locks up the buildings, another patrols the campus’s perimeter by car. “We also check the baseball and softball fields, as well as Mt. Beebee,” Tower said. Campus Safety patrols the perimeter because more students tend to be out on campus during this time. Parking lots need checked, and yes, with checking parking lots comes the writing of the infamous tickets. “We don’t have any personal vendettas about people when we hand out tickets,” Tower said. “We’re just abiding by the community standards as Campus Safety officers.” She went on to say that while it may seem like they give out a lot of tickets, ticketing is actually what they spend the least amount of time on. “We probably spend the most amount of time on student and community calls. The

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majority of the time is spent answering calls and helping people out around campus,” Tower said. The officers help students unlock their cars, give rides to their dorms if they feel unsafe, answer their questions and jump start cars. “I did a lot of jump-starts last year,” Tower said, “especially in the winter.” In order to be prepared for situations that should arise during the school year, returning officers complete a week long training session. “During the summer we have CPR, first aid and situational awareness training which prepares us for the year ahead,” Tower said. “If there was one thing I could tell students it’d be we’re not trying to be mean and we didn’t take this job because we thought we’d get some higher level of authority. We took it because we genuinely care about the safety of the students here,” Tower said. Campus Safety can be reached at (517) 7506911. Their office is located in the lower level of the Kresge Student Center.

Quarter-Life Crisis H AI LE YC LOSE LY A LE XAMATTHEWS STAFFWR ITE R

College is a transitional time for everyone. For some, this means going through what we’ve defined as a “quarter-life crisis.” A quarter-life crisis, similar to the infamous MidLife Crisis, can occur when a person, usually in his late teens to early 30s, has begun to question what he’s doing with their life, or worry he hasn’t accomplished anything worthwhile. Whether you feel you have experienced this type of stress or not, we have put together a timeline that will hopefully give you a sense of the different stages of a quarter-life crisis and how you might be feeling while going through them.

Timeline

1. Denial—believing you know what your future will hold and feeling as though you’re past not knowing who you are. 2. Breakthrough—realizing you might be more lost than you are willing to admit.

L E ADCO PY E D I TO R

3. Help—finding a mentor or friend you can count on to guide you through your journey. 4. Rough patch—struggling through making decisions and working through hard times (this may include a mental breakdown or two). 5. Peace—gaining more and more confidence every day with how things are coming along and beginning to see everything will be okay. In other words, finally discovering it’s really not the end of the world if you end up changing your major four times. 6. Contentment—finding your identity and feeling confident in what your life holds, despite the fact that you will never be able to plan everything out just perfectly. Once you realize you’ve been experiencing a quarter-life crisis, don’t be overcome with worry!

PHOTO BY Kelsey Hunt

Here’s a list of things to do now that you’ve become self-aware: • Take a step back and remember life isn’t a race • Rediscover yourself • Find new interests • Meet new people • Look for new experiences • Be intrigued by some new passions • Find out what you don’t like -Start setting some achievable goals • Reach out to those around you • Stop comparing yourself to others • Share your problems • Get away to a relaxing place that will give you peace, even if just for a day Whether you’re a freshman in the denial stage or a senior still working through the latter stages as you prepare to enter the “real world,” we are here to remind you it will be okay. After you’ve gotten through your quarter-life crisis, you’ll be more than ready to handle your midlife crisis like a true champ.

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

The St. John’s Bible An illumination of scripture Harold Dunckel and Bill Zeller, said library

K AT LYNEHE ATH director Robbie Bolton. EDITORINCHIE F

o “ignite the spiritual imagination” is the purpose of the Saint John’s Bible, the first hand-written and illuminated manuscript of the Bible to be commissioned in 500 years. This year at Spring Arbor University (SAU), a copy of one volume of the Saint John’s Bible is on display in White Library. Indeed, it’s difficult to miss it; students who have visited the library since their return to campus have likely seen the prominent display, placed directly beyond the library’s entryway. The stand the volume is placed upon was hand-crafted and custom built for the purpose of holding the Bible by SAU alumni

When the Benedictine monks of Saint John’s Abbey and University in Minnesota requested the skill and talent of Donald Jackson, a Welsh calligrapher and artist, in creating a Bible that would be written, drawn, painted, and illuminated with platinum and 24-karat gold on vellum (pages made of calf-skin) by hand, their aim was to craft “a Bible that would use traditional methods and materials while engaging contemporary questions and concerns.” Fifteen years and seven volumes later, the Saint John’s Bible was completed, containing words lettered by scribes using quills and “ink made from

thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

nineteenth-century Chinese candle soot, honey, and egg yolk,” and illustrations that incorporate images inspired by 9/11 and the Holocaust. Only 299 copies of the Saint John’s Bible have been—and will be—printed. SAU has rented a copy of a single volume, the Heritage Edition of the Gospels and Acts, for the entirety of the 2015-16 academic year and plans to encourage students to engage with the manuscript via events scheduled throughout the year. Every day, around 1:00 p.m., the open page of the Saint John’s Bible is turned, making each day’s display of the Bible unique. Additionally, all students, faculty and staff are invited to attend a weekly “visio divina”—Latin for “divine seeing”—meeting on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. in the lower level of the library. During “visio divina,” multiple readings of a single passage from the Saint John’s Bible are interspersed with moments of contemplative silence and discussion about the passage, while the manuscript remains open on the table. The key to each “visio divina” is the illuminated illustration upon which the group’s meditation and discussion centers. By focusing on the image, participants are led to a deeper understanding of the passage being read. “Experiencing scripture through handwritten script and the visual images of the illuminated passages forces the reader to slow down. Scripture can’t be consumed in the same way we read information online. Reading the Word of God in the Saint John’s Bible is done in a reflective and transformative manner,” said Bolton. Furthermore, faculty members from across campus will be giving lectures throughout the year on topics pertaining to the Saint John’s Bible, including during Homecoming weekend and for February’s Focus series, “Imagining the Word.” For more information on the Saint John’s Bible, follow @stjohnsbible_sa on Twitter, visit stjohnsbiblesau.org, or like SAU Focus Series on Facebook.

Illumination and “The St. John’s Bible” JEF F REYBILBRO

ASSISTANTP ROF ESSOR OFE N G L ISH

The first verses of Genesis tell us that of The Saint John’s Bible, in contrast, God formed the world through his Word offer a different haptic experience, one with and that his first creative utterance was “Let consequences for how we understand the there be light.” While the source of this meaning of the words written inside. These light is implicit—it’s not the sun as that light volumes slow us down as readers, invoke a source wasn’t created until the fourth day— sense of awe, and summon us to attend. In this original light seems to emanate from the addition, the gold and silver illuminations invite Godhead itself. As John, the same author who us to imagine the written words themselves as identifies Jesus as the creative Word of God, a source of light. Instead of the reader’s mind writes, “God is light” (I John 1:5). being the locus of meaning and providing This identification of God with light is the light of understanding, the text becomes one of the reasons that manuscript Bibles the origin of meaning. As the psalmist writes, have traditionally been illuminated. Donald “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light Jackson, the calligrapher unto my path” (Ps. who directed the creation 119:105). of The Saint John’s Bible, It is this outward defines illumination as orientation of light It is not so much that “the play of light on that is a particularly gold,” and indeed when appropriate the illuminations shed you turn the pages of form for divine light on the words… this Bible, the reflective revelation; God’s texture of the gold leaf Word—both the as that they represent appears to cast light second person of the light-giving outward. In this way, the Trinity and the power inherent in the the illuminations in The written scripture Saint John’s Bible invert whose authority words of revelation the orientation of light depends on this themselves. that we generally imagine original Word— when we read a print text. illuminates the It is not so much that the world and our illuminations shed light on the words (they are understanding. Apart from this revelation, not mere illustrations) as that they represent we dwell in darkness. As John declares, in the the light-giving power inherent in the words Word “was life, and the life was the light of all of revelation themselves. people. The light shines in the darkness, and When we read a printed text, the page the darkness did not overcome it. . . . The true itself is flat and the reader’s mind parallels light, which enlightens everyone, was coming the role of the external source of light in into the world” (John 1:4-5, 9). illuminating the text and making meaning. As the school year begins, then, take an A printed book is easy to manipulate—you opportunity to come by the White Library and can hold it in your hand, flip back and forth turn the pages of The Saint John’s Bible. Join between sections, scan the table of contents, us for our weekly visio divina prayer times. buy another cheap copy—and this ease of use Consider how this beautiful book can help provides the illusion of control and mastery. you reimagine the light of Scripture and of the Print encourages readers to imagine texts as God who spoke the world into being. manageable; readers have the upper hand and *See page 23 for information about The the book responds to our desires. Saint John’s Bible student essay contest. The oversized, leather-bound volumes

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October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

PHOTOS COURTESY OF Saint John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. 2014

An excerpt from Dr. Bilbro’s blog

A & E Let’s talk about porn A look at the ministry Love Builds

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SA RA HDE A N K YLI EAMBU

STAFFWR ITE R

STAFFWRIT E R

ornography. It’s a simple word that Builds” to describe the beautiful restoration will bring a shudder to almost every that can be found in “building up” a positive household in America. It’s the “latest” view of how love should operate. Having struggled with porn and lust yet oldest drug on the market today, and it’s himself, Cross testifies to the destruction this almost impossible for some to escape. Alec harmful drug can Cross, a sophomore provoke. He stands at Spring Arbor as personal witness to University (SAU), is this addiction, which seeking to serve as a Everyone on drives his passion wedge in this addictive some level needs to help others seek cycle. redemption. To him, On campus, Cross to work on love being vulnerable for acts as a Peer Advisor, at some point. the sake of others is Spiritual Life Advisor, well worth it. and Wellspring band Alec Cross, Many often member; however, sophomore underestimate the this year many know effect porn has on him as the brave females. Yet Cross student who is tackling the very topic that is so taboo it is unspoken said the ministry has actually received more of in many Christian ministries. Almost the equivalent to the name “Voldemort” in the Harry Potter series, pornography has served for many years as the back-burner issue for many preteens, teens and adults. Cross is not the first student to have fallen victim to this lure of seduction; however, he is attempting to create an environment in which those who have also struggled or continue to battle with this issue feel comfortable to discuss their situations and seek help. “Love Builds” began as a vision for Cross’s future youth ministry plans. Yet, as the summer elicited more prayer and conversation about the ministry, Cross asked the question: why not start at Spring Arbor? He now envisions SAU as the “home base” for this ministry, but eventually would like to see it carried out in surrounding churches, campuses and communities. The name of the ministry is derived from Cross’s idea that it’s not simply about the chains of porn. He uses the title “Love

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14 thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

feedback from females than it has males. Allison Lahrman, a junior at SAU, will lead the meetings for female students. “Everyone on some level needs to work on love at some point,” said Cross. “It’s not specific to males.” In addition, Cross desires to educate students about the broad scope of lust in culture. The literature we read and the movies we watch include underlying promiscuity that contributes to this spectrum of lust. Cross aims to help the campus of SAU develop a healthy relationship with both others and themselves. It is his goal that Love Builds will serve as a forum to bring the issue of porn to the center and help educate generations on what the Bible has to say about lust versus love. “It’s more than just pornography,” Cross said. “‘Love Builds’ is about a biblical idea of love.”

How do we rank?

Where SAU falls on President Obama’s scorecards The university’s number (left) in each category represents its ranking within the total number (right) of schools evaluated in that category.

AL E X AM ATTHE WS

LEADCOPYEDITOR

In this digital age, information is so readily available. You can find out exactly where your new crush went to high school after only moments on Facebook, and you can get an idea of a certain company or organization’s mission after connecting with them on LinkedIn. What is stopping us from onlinestalking our chosen university? For those who are intrigued by the status of Spring Arbor University (SAU), or any other potential school, a new website is gaining momentum online. “College Scorecard” offers statistics about thousands of college campuses across the United States. From the physical location of the school to the graduation rate, “College Scorecard” takes into account everything in between. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a scorecard can be defined as an indication of status. For our own SAU, that status is lower than most of us would likely prefer. To add a bit of comparison, we’ve also published the stats for Michigan State University (sorry, UofM fans). Despite the numbers shown, it is necessary to note that the rankings do not include other important statistics involved with other school involvements, such as athletics, turnouts for events and the costs that might have to do with how much students can be involved with their school. Extracurriculars are also a big deal within schools, and many students are involved in one or more within SAU and MSU, but this isn’t something the site takes into account. It’s up to you what you make of these numbers—they don’t ring true for every student and every student’s experience may be different. There’s always room to work to make things even better.

Spring Arbor Michigan State University Rank University Rank Category

Total

Category

MSU Total

Nationwide Fair

732

1,223

Nationwide Fair

643

1,223

Region (Great Lakes)

127

404

Region (Great Lakes)

118

404

State (Michigan)

Admissions Selectivity

777

2,286

Admissions Selectivity

908

2,286

1,265

Average Combined SAT Score (Math & Reading)

328

1,265

Average Combined SAT Score (Math & Reading

585

Student to Faculty Ratio

1,102 2,453

Student to Faculty Ratio

1,492

2,453

Percentage of Full-Time Teachers

2,184 2,681

Percentage of Full-Time Teachers

365

2,681

Average Faculty Compensation

1,309 1,755

Average Faculty Compensation

1,755

Expenditures per Student

1,454 1,850

Expenditures per Student

369

1,850

Freshman Retention Rate

737

2,192

Freshman Retention Rate

197

2,192

Graduation Rate

921

2,096

Graduation Rate

211

2,096

1,741

Graduation Rate Boost Better Than 221 Expected

Graduation Rate Boost Better Than 482 Expected

1,741

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

A&E

A R T I S T

R E V I E W

is unique and the music videos he creates

Josh and his wife, Shenae Grimes-Beech,

of his pieces. Largely acoustic, Beech’s music is open, exposed and raw. Many songs, like “LONDON RIOTS,” are based on events that impacted Beech. Music may be his passion but Beech began his career as a model for large names in the fashion industry such as Vogue, Givenchy, Burberry, Moschino, Valentino and Tommy Hilfiger. Fashion and music are both ways Beech expresses his personality; his style and music give his audience an honest representation of who he is as an artist. Before becoming a solo artist, Beech sang in self-titled bands BEECH and JOSH BEECH AND THE JOHNS. Upon moving to New York in 2011, he started the band Josh Beech and the Johns, and released an album with his two friends. “LIGHTS” by BEECH reached the top 40 charts in Germany. Even when surrounded by the unfamiliar, he pushed forward and performed his music in Europe and the United States. His unique music isn’t totally obscure. Some of his songs may have been heard in the background of the series finale of “90210” or “Keinohrhase und Zweiohrkuken.”

and Twitter accounts so fans know when to expect new content. His dedication and openness with his fans shows his genuine love for music. Even while working on fashion with his wife, Beech works on solo musical projects and is releasing his first solo EP on Oct. 15. The EP is currently available for preorder on iTunes and a free download of Beech’s song “Holding Your Umbrella” is available on Soundcloud (soundcloud.com/ joshbeechmusic) where he posts new songs and updated versions of his music.

MA RYSRA M E K supplement the emotion and narrative drive post life and career updates to their Instagram STAFFWR ITE R

he music industry is filled with self-made names like Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, and Nikki Minaj. These artists flood the radios and charts with Top-40 hits. Popular artists can overshadow musicians who are currently climbing the ladder to musical success. These obscure artists, often found through related artists or an accidental play on Pandora, can bring clever lyrics, emotionally driven music and great musicianship. Josh Beech is one of those musicians. Like millions of other aspiring musicians, Beech has been interested in music since he was a child. Piano became his first instrument when he was 10-years-old. At age 16, he began playing the guitar and started a band with his friends, learning to sing because they were missing a vocalist. Beech’s largely self-taught, singer-songwriter talents make his music something to remember. If his musical talent and English accent aren’t enough to pull in listeners, then his original lyrics and Mumford-and-Sons-meetsThe-Lumineers, folk-rock vibe will. His voice

Five Songs to Listen to:

• “LOVERS” on the album “LETTERS WRITTEN IN THE SKY” by BEECH) • “BITE YOUR LIP” • “FIGHT STRONG” • “LIGHTS” by JOSH BEECH AND THE JOHNS • “LONDON RIOTS”

YOUR BACK-TO-SCHOOL PLAYLIST EL I Z A B E THDE GRA A F vibe in “BLANK SPACE” make a refreshing on Moscow Road with this song on the stereo N E WSE DITOR

Coming back to school means new classes, homework and the welcoming of everything fall. Whatever this fall brings, let these songs be the playlist to get you through. 1. “BLANK SPACE”— RYAN ADAMS If you think Taylor Swift’s catchy songs are overplayed, check out Ryan Adams’s cover album of 1989. His acoustic style and mellow

take on Taylor’s popular hit. 2. “TEAR IN MY HEART”— TWENTY ONE PILOTS If you need a break from studying, turn on TWENTY ONE PILOTS. If you haven’t listened to the whole album, start with “Tear in my Heart,” and de-stress. 3. “ST. CLARITY”—THE PAPER KITES Fall is the ideal time for long drives. Pile your friends into a car, head out for a drive

thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

and enjoy the sweater weather. 4. “THE WEIGHT OF LIES” — THE AVETT BROTHERS The AVETT BROTHERS are perfect to listen to during any season, but they make particularly great study buddies. 5. “ELECTRIC LOVE”— BØRNS It’s the weekend! Welcome it with this feelgood, pump-up song.

STUDY MUSIC SESSION

Music: helpful study aid, or downright distraction?

FEATUR ESE DITOR

EL I Z A B E THBR E NDLE

STAFFWR ITE R

lasses have just started, but it won’t be long until cramming all night for midterms and finals becomes our new “normal.” For most, this time is used with as much coffee as Sacred Grounds has to offer, late night meal exchange from the Cougar Den and, sometimes, your favorite music playlist. With Spotify, Pandora, YouTube and many other music databases, getting the right collection of music to listen to while you study isn’t difficult. Yet, music can be a helpful aid to some and a downright distraction to others in terms of studying. Abbie Romano, assistant resident

director of Muffitt Hall, is one of talking in the Cougar Den or today’s hits.” many students who enjoys listening to When asked about his preference of instrumental music while she studies. study music, Dr. Bruce Brown, professor “Music plays a huge role in my of music, said, “I know lots of people academics and how I study,” said Romano. do like to listen while they study, and for “I am the type of person who gets them, I think it’s fine. To me, listening distracted pretty easily, so music often to music is a conversation, and I cannot helps keep me focused. I really love Bethel usually do something else important while Music’s “Without Words” album. It is a lot I am really listening. I don’t usually enjoy of their well-known music that doesn’t worship songs, just, engage me deeply.” well, without the Music has words.” become a Music can be a There are also foundational aspect helpful aid to some students like Alissa of many cultures and a downright Molina, who can’t and its usage varies listen to classical from entertainment distraction to others music when she to relaxation to in terms of studying. studies, but needs to instruction. Some have some sort of students find the background noise. wordless phrases of “I come from a very loud family, so classical music more fitting to their study I need loud noises when I study,” said habits, while others prefer more hustle and Molina. “If I’m studying somewhere bustle in accompanient to their academics. quiet, I have to put on music that contains Whichever you prefer, make sure to enjoy loud noises and words. I can’t study to it not only during finals week, but before classical or calming music because it and after as well. doesn’t allow me to get my work done, it just puts me to sleep. I need noise to keep me concentrated, whether that’s people

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AM B E RC E K A ND E R

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

A&E “Remote Virtue”

From inspiration to publication

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A MB ERC E K A ND E R ideology and answered the question of why

FEATUR ESE DITOR it’s important to understand what you’re watching. Five years of back-and-forth production “The book is a how-to guide,” said and writing will be culminated on Oct. 31 Letherer. “A guide of how to watch movies when Jen Letherer, and television with assistant professor intention.” of communication, “Remote Virtue” releases her newest covers a variety of key “You have to book “Remote Virtue: points, according to A Christian Guide Letherer. Ideology’s learn how to read to Intentional Media importance, a literature, why Viewing.” historical overview “I’ve been teaching of film criticism, don’t you have to film studies for a long how film relates learn how to read time,” said Letherer. to literature, movies?” “When I was in redemptive graduate school I was narratives and the Jen Letherer, a productions major, idea of truth in films assistant professor of so my degree is in film are some of the Communication production. I could main ideas covered manipulate a camera but within Letherer’s that was not my gift; I book. didn’t get excited talking about the technical “You have to learn how to read aspects of a camera.” literature, why don’t you have to Letherer began teaching film studies classes learn how to read movies?” at Spring Arbor University and fell in love with said Letherer. them. At the end of her book, “The ideas I developed began to play off Letherer takes four popular things that had always fascinated me. Just television shows, “The like some people get fascinated by something Walking Dead,” “Top technical; they take it apart to see how it works, Chef,” “Modern Family” that’s what I did with stories,” said Letherer. and “Downton Abbey,” and After publishing a couple of reviews uses the tools she offered in on books relating to Christianity and film, previous chapters to “read” Letherer was approached by J. Harold Ellens an episode of each show. who was putting together a series on faith, Letherer plans to use spirituality and psychology. Ellens told “Remote Virtue” as a Letherer he would like her to write a book on textbook for her intro to a Christian perspective of television. film class. Letherer wrote an entire manuscript which “I became that was then rejected by the publisher, who professor,” said wanted a complete revision. In the end, after Letherer. “I did this consultations and multiple redrafts, Letherer because it’s stuff I talk took half the book, dove into the theme of about all the time.”

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thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

The lessons Letherer lays out in her book can be applied to non-film majors, as well. “Everyone loves movies,” Letherer said. “Even if they don’t, they have a movie they like or a TV show they’re into. Don’t you want to know what it’s feeding you?”

PHOTO BY Andri Hill

A N DR E WK I NG

G UESTWR ITE R

onald Trump opened his rally last Thursday at Spring Arbor University (SAU) with a question. “Where,” the Republican presidential candidate thundered, “is the elephant?” It’s a question that has been on the hearts and minds of SAU students for months, since the elephant’s disappearance following Lip Sync last April. Donald Trump brought hope to hurting students, promising to “find the miscreants responsible for this, and let me just say, when we do it’s going to be very, very bad for them.” Trump also gave detailed plans on how he would protect the elephant once recovered: “I will build a wall around the elephant. And on top of the elephant. A horizontal wall. Totally walled in. Totally safe. And then I’ll make God pay for it. Because as a terrific song says, ‘Jesus paid it all.’”

These remarks were greeted with uproarious applause and a chorus of amens. However, the Republican frontrunner’s statement prompted audience questions in regard to his purported Christian faith.

Recently, Trump called himself “a believer, big league, in God and the Bible,” but seemed to hedge when he said he preferred “messiah’s who weren’t crucified.” When asked during the Q and A session what his Christian faith meant to him, Trump replied, “I love the ‘Footsteps’ poem,” and went on to say, “the beauty of me is that I’m very rich in money, but very poor in spirit. Nobody is poorer in spirit than me. Nobody.” Later, Trump was asked to name his favorite Christian book: “‘The Da Vinci Code’ is just terrific. A great, great read.” While Trump at least claims to be a devout Christian, he professes no allegiance to SAU’s affiliated denomination, the Free Methodist Church. President Ellis gave Trump a tour of the campus on Thursday morning, and the billionaire businessman took serious issue with the Wesleyan Quadrilateral. He suggested Tradition, Experience, Reason and Scripture be replaced by “Huge, Terrific, Walls and the Chinese Mind.” He also suggested a name change: “Call it the Trump Square. Quadriplegic is too—bleh—wordy.” Trump also took issue with the Quadrilateral’s namesake, showing a surprising amount of knowledge of the theologian’s history. First he mocked Wesley’s reputation as an equestrian, calling him “not much of a jockey.” Trump added, “John Wesley’s a chump. I’ve been divorced three times, and I’m a better husband than John Wesley.” When asked for comment on Trump’s claims, SAU’s resident Wesley expert, Chuck White, said, “Yep.” PHOTO FROM http://www.theharwoodinstitute.org/wp-content/ uploads/2015/07/trump.jpg

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

SPORTS

Preseason: behind the scenes

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A look into preseason’s role in SAU athletics L I B BYBUC K LA ND

Bethany Balcer, a freshman on the STAFFDESIGN E R women’s soccer team, describes her preseason eing a college athlete can set one experience as intimidating at first and more apart from the rest of the student physically demanding than she had anticipated. body in many ways. The daily training However, the presence of her team alleviated sessions, jam-packed schedules, weekend some of the stress. “Although preseason games, matches or meets was so physically and early arrival prior demanding, being able to the beginning of the to do it with a great and academic year are just It almost makes supportive group of a few examples. That you feel like a girls made it tolerable,” said, many students professional said Balcer. are unaware of what Abe Bonn, a junior preseason truly entails. athelete, becasue on the men’s soccer The majority of fall all of your time and team, is no rookie sports begin their season when it comes to in mid-August, which energy goes into being a college athlete. means the athletes’ training. When asked about his summers are cut short, preseason experiences, and their school year Abe Bonn, he said they were some begins a month early. junior of the best times he Preseason is indeed has had in college. filled with sunny days, “It is nice to get sweaty sessions, sore here before school starts so we can only focus muscles, team bonding and road trips, but on the sport we love. It almost makes you feel according to Nate Miller, men’s soccer coach like a professional athlete, because all your at Spring Arbor University (SAU), the reality time and effort goes into training,” said Bonn. of it is so much more. “Preseason for us is no doubt the most important time of the year. Our guys have very few distractions and they are completely devoted during those weeks to prepare for the season physically and mentally,” said Miller. “It is a crucial and special time for the team to build intense chemistry and become unified. There is so much planning and preparation that goes into those weeks because it is the foundation and platform for our whole year.” As one might expect, preseason is incredibly difficult and physically taxing. Often, the athletes are pushed to their breaking points in order to get the results the team desires.

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thesaupulse.com • October 2, 2015

“We eat, sleep and breathe soccer for a whole month.” SAU’s athletes are dedicated to excelling on and off the field, and preseason is just one way the athletic program strives for excellence.

PHOTO BY Tamryn Sanderson-Smith

Q & A with Coach Martinez TP: What unique qualities do you as a coach bring to the volleyball program? BM: I was blessed to go through a very successful college program with a great coach who poured into me as an athlete and as a person. It was extremely challenging and a lot of hard work, but so worth it. I desire to bring those same ideas to SAU in order to move our program forward.

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TP: What changes or growth can we expect with the program? BM: We desire to become more competitive in our league, and, in the years to come, nationally. In order to do that, the girls are

This season marks Betsy Martinez’s first as head volleyball coach for Spring Arbor University’s (SAU) womens volleyball team. Martinez holds multiple awards and records from her high school and college days, but we at “The Pulse” wanted to see what she has in store for SAU. The Pulse (TP): What is it like to balance the jobs of assistant director of athletics and women’s volleyball coach? Betsy Martinez (BM): It has been a good transition. I have had outstanding guidance from Ryan Cottingham and Ryan Frost as well as the other coaches on staff. It is wonderful to work with such an awesome team of coaches in the athletic department. TP: What, initially, made you interested in Spring Arbor University (SAU) volleyball? BM: The mission statement of our athletic department completely aligned with my coaching philosophy. I love the idea that Spring Arbor volleyball is a program that doesn’t only pursue excellence on the court, but in the classroom and in our spiritual journey.

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Our main goal is [that] these young women will leave SAU transformed not only as athletes but as individuals and Christ-followers

of the coolest things to see is how each player is willing to share what God is teaching them through our team devotions each day. TP: What has been your most memorable moment, so far, coaching here at SAU? BM: Our first win as a team back in August. It was encouraging to see the girls work so hard through preseason and see the work pay off so quickly. TP: What is your main goal for the volleyball program here at SAU? BM: Our main goal is [that] these young women will leave SAU transformed not only as athletes but as individuals and Christfollowers. We desire our players will understand it is about so much more than volleyball… it is about learning to glorify God in all we do and in all situations. It is our hope our student athletes will learn the lessons they need to go out and serve Christ and the people around them well.

Betsy Martinez, womens volleyball coach

learning some offensive and defensive system changes as well as becoming more disciplined and mentally tough. TP: What can you say about your players in terms of leadership, ability and spirituality? BM: We have an outstanding group of young women who are dedicated to our program and willing to make changes in order to grow. We have several leaders on our team—some who lead vocally, some who lead by example and some who are wonderful servant leaders. One

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

PHOTOS BY Nate Bortz

Balancing Sports & Academics SARAHDEAN

STAF FW RIT E R

PHOTOS BY Chris Bauman

PHOTO BY Name Name

thesaupulse.com â&#x20AC;˘ October 2, 2015

Ain’t nobody got time for that

:30 a.m.: Roll out of the comfort of a without experiencing pure chaos (insert sound warm bed. Do devotions. Get ready for of the DC at Midnight Breakfast). the day. Bart said one way she practices time 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.: Go to class and try management is by scheduling out time for not to fall asleep. Slay the increasing pile of everything she needs to accomplish during the homework. Organize life. day and letting that guide her. 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.: Tennis practice. “When spontaneous events occur, which Remainder of the evening: Floor community can be quite often, I have to adjust free time time. Connect with the family and the fiancé. or relaxation time to fit those things in,” This is a regular day for Alyssa Bart, a said Bart. Eating on-the-go or while doing junior at Spring Arbor University (SAU). She is homework are sometimes unavoidable tactics the resident assistant for combating her busy (RA) of floor 1 South schedule. in Gainey Hall, a The rewarding member of the tennis aspect about Bart’s team, coordinator of hectic life is that it is When spontaneous the siblings program filled with everything in SAU’s Center for she loves: building events occur, which Autism Spectrum relationships, being can be quite often, Enrichment (CASE) an RA, playing tennis, I have to adjust free and a biology precoordinating CASE med major with a and learning through time or relaxation Spanish minor. In academics; she values time to fit those addition, she was it all. recently engaged and “It fulfills me. It things in. is planning a wedding makes me feel like Alyssa Bart, for this June. I’m doing what God junior Sigh. created me to do.” Remember the Bart advises Core 100 lecture students to balance you probably slept their priorities. She said through, the one about those two words that it is often necessary to sacrifice certain social epitomize your college experience? activities for academic concerns or time with Well, folks, here it is in full view: a case study Jesus. of one SAU student who, like most of us, is “It’s important to take care of yourself. Be trying to achieve (insert the classic “make good wise in your spare time,” said Bart. choices” voice) effective time management

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Time Managment Tips Bart’s method is doable for most of us; we just have to attend to our priorities first and foremost and make time for the rest. Here are some extra tips on time management to guide you through your college career: 1. You do not have to go to every soccer game. The Firm has a way of enticing you with loud drums and horns to come out of your dorm rooms when you know you should stay and finish your homework. Stand firm (No pun intended.). 2. Set some boundaries with the library. Sure, Hugh and Edna might grant you your coffee cravings and social time, but let’s be real: how often do you walk onto the main floor of the library and see anyone actually getting work done? 3. As for Sacred Grounds, it is sacred for a reason. Be honest: how many of these socalled “meetings” that you are adjourning really just serve as another excuse for you to drink coffee and procrastinate? 4. Stop talking about the “p” word and how much it is invading your life. If you can care enough to constantly vent to the world about how much you struggle with procrastination, you can care enough to do something about it.

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com

Athlete of the Month: DA NAS EBAL DVANDO RE N

S P ORTSE DITOR

ennifer Coffell, a junior at Spring Arbor University (SAU), is a third-year member of both the track and cross-country teams. Coffell consistently strives to better herself as a runner for both herself and her teams. In cross-country, Coffell serves as a key runner for the team. In track, she runs “middistance”: 800 meters during the indoor season and 1,500 meters during the outdoor season. For both sports, Coffell dedicates hours of time each day to prepare for competition. A typical day for a student athlete is known to be grueling, but between work, classes and practice Coffell somehow manages to keep it all together. With the support of her team, family, friends and boyfriend, Coffell finds it easier to look past the stress and enjoy the sports she loves. “For cross [country], it’s really nice once the leaves start changing, because we’re always running outside, obviously, so we get to experience nature every day on our run and just see how everything becomes so vibrant in the fall,” said Coffell. What makes this sport so special to Coffell? The team. Coffell shared that she loves the

Jennifer Coffell

atmosphere surrounding her and her team. She stated that her coaches are so supportive and that Bryan Burk, a coach who started working for SAU a year ago, has really invested in the team as a whole. While track and cross-country can easily be labeled as “individual” sports, Coffell truly finds community and refuge in having fellow teammates to lean upon. “It’s really awesome to come back here and be able to train with the girls again, because in the summer, a lot of us don’t have training partners,” said Coffell. “So even though a race, for example, is sometimes a lot about the time you’re trying to hit, you’re not just running for yourself, but also for God, for your coaches and for your teammates.” Coffell spoke very highly of the girls on her team, stating they have time for both work and play. Normally, the girls lead the typical, busy lives of student athletes. However, en route to meets, they can get a bit rowdy. Often, they listen to music and sing along energetically on the road. This past summer, things got a little crazy in Gatlinburg, Tenn. “We were jamming so hard to the music in the people mover there were people on the

sidewalk dancing and having a good time with us,” said Coffell. “It was awesome.” So far, the Cougar cross-country team seems to be doing well in their season, and the track team is working hard to prepare for their upcoming indoor and outdoor seasons. With dedicated athletes like Jennifer Coffell, these teams are likely to remain strong in their upcoming competitions. You can support Coffell and her team on Oct. 3 during their annual homecoming race.

PH OTOS BY Rita B roe ke m a

October 2, 2015 • thesaupulse.com