Vol. 79 Issue 1

Southern Accent

Administration responds to increasing demand for on-campus housing options

Lesieli Savelio News Editor

On Tuesday, April 18, Chattanooga police arrested a man for making bomb threats near the Chattanooga Convention Center, according to a Chattanooga Times Free Press article.

Earlier that day, Southern Adventist University Admissions Counselors Jahnil Ancheta and Kayla Diaz were confronted by the alleged perpetrator — later identified by police as Kendal Lewis — while attending the SkillsUSA college fair at the convention center.

In an interview with the Accent, Ancheta and Diaz described the experience.

“An hour into the event, we noticed a man approaching our table,” Diaz said.

Lewis was wearing a big backpack and sunglasses and was smoking a cigarette, the counselors said.

Editor

Editor’s Note: This article is part one of a two-part series.

Since 2020, Southern Adventist University’s enrollment has increased, and the university has seen two of its largest freshman classes in institutional history. That has made the search for on-campus housing increasingly difficult for students, according to Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development.

Under increasing pressure to make room for each student this semester, the university made some policy changes.

Southern tries to keep the residence halls below 100% capacity to allow students to request to change their housing situation if needed, but that has not been possible this semester, Negrón said.

“We are filling up Talge and Thatcher because freshmen and

sophomores will always live in Talge and Thatcher,” Negrón said. “[Capacity] is certainly very close to 100%, which is not an ideal number.”

To try and create more housing space, Southern asked students who were scheduled to live in the residence halls this semester but have parents who work for Southern and live locally, to live at home for the semester, according to Negrón. Usually children of Southern faculty receive a 70% subsidy on tuition if they live in the residence halls but only a 35% subsidy if they live at home. However, this semester, Southern offered these students a 70% subsidy to live at home, something that has not been done for over twenty years.

“In order for us to be able to accommodate all the [housing] requests we get, we have been trying to artificially make more room in the residence halls,” Negrón said.

Student Development

welcomes new director of student life and activities

Hannah Boyd, sophomore nursing major, whose father works for Southern, was emailed by Student Development in July asking if she would consider living at home while maintaining her 70% subsidy, according to Boyd. She decided to live at home this semester and accept the subsidy but plans on moving back into the dorm next semester if the option is available.

“While this was a difficult decision, it was probably for the best considering the number of students Southern has this semester,” Boyd wrote in an email to the Accent. “However, it was frustrating since I had already figured out my room and had already planned it out with my roommate. It was disappointing to leave her hanging the way I did, and she had to go on the hunt for a new roommate.”

Ancheta’s and Diaz’s booth was located toward the end of the hallway; Lewis had passed other people along the way and made threats in passing, according to the counselors. They said there was no security at the event.

“They were supposed to have security; it was in the contract, but they did not,” Ancheta said. “That was pretty concerning, especially with over one thousand high school and college students.”

“He told us he had guns and a bomb and that he was going to blow up the convention center,” Diaz said. “He told us to pretend to be working and to not use our phones.”

The counselors said they were cornered. The doors behind them were locked, and there was nowhere to go. Another booth existed to their left, but no one was to their right.

“The people at the table next to us did not notice what was happening at first,” Diaz said, “It was not abnormal to see someone talking to us; that was the nature of the event.”

The man held them there at their booth for six minutes, making threats, before they could leave.

“Those six minutes felt like an eternity,” Ancheta said. “I thought I might never see my kids again. It was scary.”

After those six minutes, Lewis placed his backpack on their table and told them it had a bomb inside; he also pulled out two phones and said one was the detonator.

“That was when I knew: ‘We have to go,’” Ancheta said. “Kayla told the people next to us, ‘This man is threatening to kill us; please get help.’”

At that point, sheriff deputies, who were recruiting at the event, started walking toward the counselors in response to the other threats Lewis had made in passing.

“We grabbed hands and ran into the bathroom since he was distracted by the [deputies],” Ancheta said. “That was the only place we could go.”

After 25 minutes, police alerted Ancheta and Diaz that the perpetrator had gotten away. They were then interviewed and told they could leave.

Later that afternoon, Lewis was arrested, and it was revealed that an explosives See

According to the two counselors, Lewis stopped at their table and threatened them directly.

University starts shuttle service to combat parking problem on campus

Reporter lege in Lincoln, Nebraska, where she minored in both Spanish and accounting. Her current hobbies include watersports, reading, Disney trips and watching movies.

Southern Adventist University has a new director of student life and activities, Alexis Castro. Castro is taking on the position previously filled by Kari Shultz, who retired last semester after 24 years at Southern. In an interview with the Accent, Castro, a native of Orlando, Florida, described herself and her passion for planning and coordinating events.

Castro has a bachelor’s degree in marketing and small business management from Union Col-

Castro discovered her passion for planning in her role as a coordinator for the music department while attending Georgia Cumberland Academy.

"I loved planning all of that stuff out," she said. "It was so much fun, and I just found that I have a really big passion for planning."

Editor’s Note: The Accent published the first version of this article online on Aug. 23. The following version adds updates and additional perspectives to the story.

Southern Adventist University’s Transportation Services has begun a shuttle service for students this semester to alleviate a parking problem on campus, said Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, in an interview with the Accent.

“[University leaders] started talking about this shuttle way back in May,” Negrón said.

“We knew that if enrollment increased any more than it was last year, then we’d have a parking problem on campus.

… We are essentially encouraging students to keep their cars at Southern Village and at Spalding Cove. We’re saying, ‘We’re going to help you out by shuttling you to and fro.’”

On the shuttles’ first day of operation, Monday, Aug. 21, only 23 people took advantage of the service, said Negrón. However, he believes

the number of passengers was low because the university did not publicize the service well.

Multiple students confirmed the latter sentiment in their responses to a poll on the Accent’s Instagram.

One of them, senior psychology major Shayla Moguel-Coronel, wrote: “I think [the service is] great for the parking issues; it just needs to be advertised better.”

On Aug. 22, Negrón told the Accent that the shuttle ser-

Matthew Orquia Managing

Southern employees describe experience with bomb threat

Students' cars fill up nearly every parking space in Southern Village. Sunday, September 3, 2022.

(Photo by Adam De Lisser)

Amanda Blake Editor-in-Chief

Emma Rodriguez

A student shuttle drives its route on Colcord Drive. Monday, September 4, 2023. (Photo by Preston Waters)

"He told us he had guns and a bomb and that he was going to blow up the convention center. He told us to pretend to be working and to not use our phones."

Alexis Castro, new director of student life and activities, is passionate about event coordination and planning. (Photo courtesy of source)

Sabbath Chats: A new Sabbath School for students

Emma Boughman Reporter

Student Association (SA) will introduce a new Sabbath School class, titled “Sabbath Chats,” to campus this semester to help students grow in their relationships with Jesus and one another, according to Esteban Grajales, senior theology major and SA vice president of Spiritual Life.

Grajales has been preparing for Sabbath Chats since being hired in May, he said in an interview with the Accent. Sabbath Chats will be student-led and cover content provided by professors hand-picked by Grajales.

This new class will aim to build community and answer students’ questions “on the Bible, Christianity and society” through a biblical lens, Grajales said. He added that Sabbath Chats will provide a time for students to dive into God’s Word, to understand that God is real and imple-

ment Him and His Word into their reality.

Sabbath Chats were part of SA President and senior finance major Jared Chandler’s presidential campaign last semester.

"SA's vision for this year is to help our students grow spiritually, physically, socially and mentally,” Chandler said.

“When it comes to helping our students grow spiritually, we believe that Sabbath Chats will be very effective. … Sabbath Chats is our twist on Sabbath School, giving students a place to connect with each other and grow spiritually through biblical discussions and learning from experts at our university.”

Grajales is SA’s first vice president of spiritual life, as the position was created and approved last school year. In this new position, Grajales’ main responsibility is to make Sabbath Chats happen, which he believes will respond to a need on campus.

“Sabbath School isn’t part of college students’ lives,” Grajales said. “ … I kind of wanted a space where topics that aren’t addressed necessarily in church can be discussed Biblically, and also provide a food option.”

Sabbath Chats will begin Saturday, Sept. 9, at 10:00 a.m in the Bietz Center for Student Life and will continue on a “more or less weekly” basis, Grajales said. Although they will not offer students worship credit, the chats will provide attendees a complimentary breakfast.

Grajales explained that each Sabbath Chat will start with food in the Grid, and at 10:30 a.m., student leaders will break off with groups to hold discussions throughout the building. Each student leader will have pre-planned content given to them by a professor, providing them with questions to discuss with their group.

Because Sabbath Chats will be student-led, SA needed to find student leaders. Booths were available during the ministry expo where students could scan QR codes to sign up as volunteers, according to Grajales. He said these leadership positions are “for anyone who feels called to either lead a group or to serve as a greeter or to serve breakfast,” giving students different opportunities to be called

by God. The link to help serve is still available via Linktree on the SA Instagram page.

Grajales’ hope for Sabbath Chats is that students will be able to connect with God through His Word and begin building a habit of talking to Jesus.

“The goal, maybe, is when they leave college, [they will] really yearn for that community in Christ,” Grajales said. “ … [whatever] that looks like in the future.”

'Photography found me': 'The Photo Mom' Me Ra Koh shares her journey of transformation at convocation

Andrew Boggess Reporter

Me Ra Koh, known as “The Photo Mom” online, visited Southern Adventist University on Thursday, Aug. 31, and spoke to students about mental health at convocation.

In her presentation, Koh shared her life story, described life altering struggles she faced at home and school and discussed how God brought transformation.

As a young girl, Koh lived with an abusive father. When she got to college, she struggled with self-worth and ended up in an abusive relationship that ended when she was raped. The incident left her feeling worthless, and she considered taking her own life. She left school and spent four weeks in a psychiatric ward where God

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vice could be discontinued if the number of passengers remained as low as it was the first day.

“The students need to show us that a shuttle is worth the effort and the expense,” he said. “It looks to me like Southern Village appreciates it, but we were thinking about Spalding Cove … and Laumere Court. If those are the groups that take advantage of it, then it’ll be something we keep.”

According to Stephanie Busby, office manager for Transportation Services, the number of students using the service has increased since it began, with about 35 to 40 students riding a shuttle each day as of Wednesday, Aug. 30. The service continues to see the most activity in Southern Village, with between 13 and 18 students being picked up there, between six and eight students being picked up in Spalding Cove and between one and two students being picked up

pieced her life back together. She spent the next ten years writing her first book, “Beauty Restored.”

Koh’s life turned a corner a year and a half after completing her book when she saw her daughter playing in sunlight and set her mind on learning photography so she could capture special moments like that.

“I didn’t find photography,” she said. “Photography found me and began to heal me.”

Koh started telling other people’s stories, not just her own. She learned that “shadows define the light,” in photography and in people’s lives.

People tend to think of negative experiences in their lives as shadows or darkness and try to hide those experiences or push them aside, Koh explained.

“If we would allow God to take the shadows and reframe

in Laumere Court each day, Busby wrote in an email to the Accent. However, 340 students live in Southern Village, and 112 live in Spalding Cove, said Negrón. He was unsure how many students live in Laumere Court, but, according to a previous Accent article, the Laumere Court apartments can house 24 students between them.

In response to a question about possible changes being made to the service’s hours, Negrón wrote in an email to the Accent: “Administration is dedicated to the hours for, at minimum, the semester. It is possible that we will review these items at midterm.”

our story, it would accentuate the brightness in our lives in ways we could never imagine,” Koh said.

Koh’s photography journey continued, and she ended up hosting a show on Disney Junior for ten years and became one of the first female photographers sponsored by Sony. She said none of that would have happened if she had not owned her pain and looked for the healing she needed.

A few years later, she and her husband opened a photography studio in Frisco, Texas, where she currently helps transform people through her “Rising Phoenix” photoshoot experience.

Rising Phoenix is not just another photoshoot with the end result being a selection of photos, Koh said. She takes time to talk to her subjects’ family and friends to under-

Hours and Route

The shuttle service hours are 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays, and 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Fridays, according to Busby. These hours could change depending on demand, Negrón said. Busby wrote in an email to the Accent that a van and minibus, beginning at opposite ends of the shuttle route, run until 1 p.m. After that time, only one van runs the route.

The shuttles stop at Spalding Cove, behind Brock Hall, the AdventHealth Hall parking lot, the Summerour Hall crosswalk, the Hickman Science Center parking lot, Southern Village and Laumere Court, according to Negrón and Busby. Negrón said the shuttle arrives at each designated stop every 10-15 minutes. There are shuttle signs at each stop.

stand how they are perceived by their loved ones. When the shoot finally happens, she takes the loved ones’ insight into account and helps her subjects find a transformed version of themselves.

“When you speak the words of life to someone, they start

to hold themselves differently,” she said. “They start to move differently. They believe it.” Koh’s presentation is available online at https://www. southern.edu/events/convocation.html.

"If we allow God to take the shadows and reframe our story, it would accentuate the brightness in our lives in ways we could never imagine."

Thursday, August 31, 2023. (Photo by Preston Waters)

ing to Busby. A certified bus driver drives the bus. Two other employees, one being Lauryn Daniels, a senior business-public relations major, drive the vans.

Driver’s Perspective Daniels drives during the 1-5 p.m. shift Mondays through Thursdays. In an interview with the Accent, she explained that it takes her about 13 minutes to drive from one end of the route to the other, which means, during afternoons, students waiting at stops in the middle of the route will often see a shuttle in less than 10-15 minutes, but students at stops near the end of the route might have to wait longer.

you don’t have to worry about losing your parking space — all of that. It’s AC-filled, bro; like, if it’s hot … being inside is nice.”

He added that any announcements regarding the service would be distributed through regular communication channels, including the Weekender, digital screens and email.

Students may ask the shuttle drivers to stop at the University Health Center (UHC) as well, and the shuttle drivers have radios the UHC staff may call to request transport, Negrón said.

Currently, three employees drive the shuttles, accord-

“I cannot believe it got to this point. The fact that there are so many parking spaces that are filled is insane,” Daniels said when asked about her thoughts on the shuttle service. “Like, you go to Hickman; you go to Thatcher South parking lot or in front of Bietz. … Everywhere is filled, even across Summerour. So, I definitely see the value in [the service] because you can save gas,

Daniels considers her story of finding and attaining the position proof of God working in her life. She was looking for a job that didn’t require her to give up her favorite activities or weekends and found the shuttle driver position on the student job board. Her class schedule allowed her to work the required hours. She is paid $15 an hour and enjoys the work.

“Talk about God and provision. He provided me with a job,” Daniels said. “ … All my friends, when they found out I got the job, they would laugh and be like, ‘Oh my gosh, this job is so you.’ … God cares about the details, and He’s going to do

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Photographers

Mila Bales Ron Cabacungan

Andre Ottati

Preston Water

Staff Sponsor

James-Johnson

Students worship together at vespers. Friday, August 25, 2023.

(Photo by Mila Bales)

"We are essentially encouraging students to keep their cars at Southern Village and Spalding Cove."

"I cannot believe it got to this point. The fact that there are so many parking spaces that are filled is insane."

BOMB THREAT

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team found clothes, newspapers and other items in his bag, but no explosive materials, according to the Times Free Press article.

“The police called us, asked us for a description and told us they had arrested him,” Diaz said. “After that, victim services called us to communicate about next steps and court dates.”

According to News Channel 9, Lewis was “charged with terroristic threats, two counts of assault, disorderly conduct and possession of a controlled substance.”

Diaz attended a court hearing in June, but Lewis did not show. The counselors were told the charges could not be pro-

cessed until he received a mental health assessment.

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“I think the biggest takeaways from this situation are to be aware of your surroundings and to take people seriously,” Diaz said. “Things like this can happen anytime, anywhere. We found out after that he did not have explosives, but what if he did and we did not take him seriously? We could have died. Most importantly, [I learned] to not be afraid to seek help or go to therapy and prioritize mental health after this kind of experience.”

According to Boyd, she now drives to school, which has been challenging due to traffic by Collegedale Academy and the parking situation on campus. She wrote that living at home has made it more difficult to meet people and spend time with friends after class.

Additionally, students in Southern’s Spalding Cove apartments were asked to add a fourth person to their apartments. In recent years, Spalding Cove apartments have held three people, according to Negrón.

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exceedingly abundantly above all you could ask for.’”

Both Negrón and Busby wrote that increased demand would determine if the service will ever look for more drivers.

Busby wrote that the pay rate would remain the same for student drivers.

Daniels advises students to flag her or the other drivers if they need the shuttle when they’re not visibly planted at a designated stop.

Student Opinions

The majority of students’ responses to the Accent’s Instagram poll about the shuttle

service were positive, although many pointed out ways the service could be improved.

“Loved it. The drivers are very friendly and want to get to know you,” Abby Knowles, senior education major, wrote.

“

Overall, the shuttle service is clean. … However, it does tend to be late sometimes.”

“It’s fine. ... I just wish there was a way for us as students to track where the shuttle is at so we can plan around how to use it,” wrote Victoria Avila, senior math education major.

Brett Klasing, junior clinical psychology major, wrote, “I think it’s great! I’m just used to walking through campus so I do that most of the time. It’s still relatively new, so it might take some time (even years) for it to catch on.”

“We’ve always kept the number of people in the apartments smaller than what an apartment can actually hold, not because the apartments can’t hold them, but because we don’t have enough parking over there,” Negrón said.

While all students were able to find housing this semester, according to Negrón, some were moved into university-owned housing on College Drive East. The houses were scheduled to be destroyed for

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Although her initial career dream was to open a small business, she no longer feels she’s in the place to do that. However, she knew for a long time that she wanted her future job to include planning.

In college, Castro studied abroad for a year in Argentina, where she learned to speak fluent Spanish. After graduating, she worked as a marketing coordinator for small businesses and various companies.

Collegedale Academy’s new elementary school.

“We stopped the destruction of those houses and put older students who like to live on campus in those houses,” Negrón said.

According to Negrón, juniors and seniors are the ones most affected by the housing shortage because they may have less options available to them this semester.

“We have juniors and seniors who like to live on campus. … They are the ones who are getting squeezed because we can always fit freshmen and sophomores in Talge and Thatcher,” Negrón said.

Southern is already planning additional housing for next year, as leadership expects the Fall 2024 semester to be another difficult time for housing.

“Fall ’24 is our biggest concern,” Negrón said. “This year, I would say we were concerned, but we were able to handle the demand.

Last November, Castro got engaged to Brandon Grentz, a counselor at Southern's Counseling Services.

When Castro learned that the position of Director of Student Life and Activities at Southern was open, she was excited about the opportunity to work with students and plan events.

"I'm really looking forward to working with the student organizations and learning more about how things are done here at Southern," she said.

In an email sent to the Accent, Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, wrote, “Alexis has already proven to be a tireless worker in her job. Her knowledge and her work ethic is what led us to pick her. Students can expect Alexis to be approachable.”

Next year, all things being equal, we will have a problem.”

Last semester, Southern purchased apartments in Laumere Court. The university plans on building four more Southern Village buildings to be ready for next fall, according to Negrón. Administration is trying to focus on building flexible housing options that can still be used even if enrollment drops in the future.

“What we’re talking about is making sure that when we build, we build the type of housing that is flexible,” Negrón said. “That’s why we probably won’t ever build a dorm.”

Southern is expecting its recent growth to continue, according to Negrón.

“Adventism is growing by leaps and bounds in the Southern Union. … As a result, we’ve got a lot more academy students,” Negrón said. “ … We expect the growth because we can see it in our academies.”

Castro said she is excited to make a positive impact on the student body at Southern. She hopes to bridge the gap between administration and students by creating a more collaborative relationship.

One of Student Development's goals, according to Teri Reutebuch, administrative assistant for Student Development, is to increase the number of students bringing ideas and suggestions to the table.

“If [students] want to be involved in helping plan activities, they should stop by [Castro’s] office or talk to Lauren Fenwick, social vice president of Student Association, about those desires,” Negrón said.

“Come up to me; say 'hi,'” Castro said. “I’d love to meet you. My office is always open.”

Letter from the Editor: I said 'yes' to serve you

Amanda Blake Editor-in-chief

“Don’t let me say 'yes,'" I commanded my roommate two years ago as I fell into bed exhausted after another day as the Southern Accent news editor. “If they try to recruit me to be editor-inchief, tell me to say ‘no.’”

I said 'yes,' clearly. I eagerly applied for the position last year, and here I am, happy to say that I want to be editor-in-chief of the Accent, even if I won’t be able to escape a few all-nighters or the eternal quest for improved layout design.

I am happy to take on this tremendous responsiblity because I am confident that this year's Accent team will serve this campus and community to the best

of its ability, as other teams have done for nearly a century.

We are dedicated to skillful and honest reporting. Our goals for this year include (but are not limited to) maintaining the professionalism and integrity of the paper, producing better visuals and increasing student engagement.

At its heart, the Southern Accent is a student newspaper, and our team strives to represent your voices and reveal truth about the issues you are concerned about. To find out how you can make your voice heard by us, check out the promotion below.

Our team is also planning to expand our local coverage this year, an ambition inspired by our recent participation in the University of Vermont’s Center for Com-

munity News (CCN), an organization created to help decrease local news deserts by supporting student journalists. The Accent’s staff sponsor, Alva James-Johnson, professor in the School of Journalism and Communication, is one of 33 professors to be named a “faculty champion” by CCN.

In five of our eleven newspaper issues this semester, readers can expect an extra two-page insert of in-depth stories about our rapidly growing community.

Just as journalism itself is conducive to democracy, student media is conducive to a university campus (and community) where truth is valued and ideas flow freely. I am grateful to be in a position where I can serve my campus using my passions and talents. I am so glad I said "yes."

Ancheta and Diaz pose for a photo. (Photo courtesy of Kayla Diaz)

Southern purchased apartments at Laumere Court last semester to expand student housing options. Friday, September 1, 2022.

(Photo by Adam De Lisser)

"This year, I would say we were concerned, but we were able to handle the demand. Next year, all things being equal, we will have a problem."

"[I learned] to not be afriad to seek help or go to therapy and prioritize mental health after this kind of experience."

"Come up to me; say 'hi.' I'd love to meet you."

After two-and-a-half years of experience at the Accent, Amanda Blake is excited to be editor-in-chief this year. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

SA WelcomE Back Party

Kelsey Hamilton serves shaved ice to an attendee. The treat came from C&K’s Snowy Delights, one of the evening's food vendors. Saturday, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

Student Association (SA) Executive Vice President Dain Ochoa hands out bingo sheets to attendees of SA's western-themed Welcome Back Party. Participants who got a "bingo" by finding people who met descriptions on the sheets could redeem a bandana prize. Saturday, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

Attendees of the Welcome Back party compete in a round of tug-of-war. Saturday, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

Jack Boggess and Aiden Gariepy play a game of horseshoe toss.

Saturday, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

David Kochanski rides through the crowd on the back of a horse.

Saturday, August 26, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

MENTAL HEALTH

A holistic approach to wellness for the college student

Edward Backer Contributor

Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.

In today’s fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, often neglecting our well-being. However, achieving balance and wellness is essential for leading a fulfilling and healthy life. This article explores the five domains of wellness — social, physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive — and provides practical tips on how to nurture each aspect of our well-being.

The first domain, social wellness, encompasses our ability to form and maintain healthy relationships, connect with others and contribute to our communities. Developing interpersonal skills and having a support system is crucial for achieving our social goals. To enhance social wellness, it is essential to spend quality time with loved ones, engage in open and honest communication, actively listen to others and show empathy. Additionally, seeking opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals or joining groups centered around shared interests can foster a sense of belonging and fulfillment.

Physical wellness is the second domain and it revolves around caring for our bodies, maintaining good health and adopting healthy eating and exercise habits. It is no secret that a sedentary lifestyle and

an unhealthy diet can increase the risk of developing various health conditions. Incorporating physical activity into our daily routines, such as walking, dancing or yoga, can significantly improve our physical wellness. Finding a group or community that shares our fitness goals can also provide motivation and accountability. Small changes, such as opting for nutritious meals and choosing to walk instead of drive, can pave the way toward a healthier lifestyle.

The third domain, emotional wellness, focuses on understanding and managing our emotions in a healthy way.

Emotions are complex reactions that play a significant role in our overall well-being. To maintain emotional health, we must regulate our responses, practice self-compassion and seek sup-

port when needed. Keeping a journal to record our thoughts during challenging emotional times can help identify patterns and triggers. Ignoring emotions can harm our physical and emotional health, so it is essential to acknowledge and process our feelings. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation while building a support network of trusted friends or seeking professional help can contribute to emotional well-being.

The fourth domain, spiritual wellness, revolves around finding meaning and purpose in life. It involves connecting with something greater than ourselves, nurturing our values and seeking inner peace. Neglecting our spiritual well-being can adversely affect other aspects of our lives, such as emotional and social health. Exploring practices that resonate with us, such as med-

itation, prayer, spending time in nature or engaging in acts of kindness, can deepen our spirituality. Reflecting on our values and aligning our actions with them fosters a sense of harmony and gratitude, contributing to overall spiritual wellness.

The fifth and final domain, cognitive wellness, emphasizes keeping our minds sharp, curious and engaged. Our cognitive abilities encompass perception, learning, memory, understanding, reasoning, judgment, intuition and language. Continuous learning, critical thinking and embracing new ideas are fundamental to improving cognitive wellness. Neglecting our cognitive health can adversely affect our physical, social, emotional and spiritual well-being, as reasoning, commitments and emotions occur in the mind.

Engaging in activities that stimulate the mind, such as reading books, solving puzzles or learning new skills, is essential to enhance cognitive wellness. Additionally, challenging yourself to think critically, seeking diverse perspectives and engaging in meaningful conversations contribute to cognitive well-being.

Achieving wellness is an ongoing journey that requires effort and dedication. By nurturing the five domains of wellness: social, physical, emotional, spiritual and cognitive, you can create a foundation of balance and well-being in your life.

Prioritizing our well-being allows us to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives and empowers us to face life’s challenges with resilience and optimism. So, let us embark on this journey together and embrace a holistic approach to wellness.

Football is back: NFL returns for its 104th season

Jacob Nevis Sports Editor

After seven long months, September is finally here. And after a long wait, it brings the return of football and the NFL regular season. Ever since the 2022 NFL season went out with a bang, when the Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Philadelphia Eagles in a thrilling Super Bowl 57, regular season football has been dormant. While regular season NFL games may not have been active, the NFL never sleeps with its very exciting offseason.

Every offseason, teams will look to trade for superstar players who might help their team make the upcoming Super Bowl. This year was no different, with different teams trading for star players.

The New York Jets have struggled to find a quarterback for a long time. These QB struggles stem from not being able to draft a good QB, with their recent QB picks going to Zach Wilson, Sam Darnold and Geno Smith. After these struggles, the Jets decided to trade for the longtime Green Bay Packer and future hall of famer Aaron Rodgers. The Jets will look to Rodgers to help steer the ship towards a playoff run, having missed the playoffs since 2010.

Another team in the AFC East traded for one of the best corners in recent years after having corner issues the year before. The Los Angeles Rams had been looking to tear their team apart after winning a Super Bowl only two years prior, so they sent Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins. Ramsey, however, would get hurt early on in the Dolphins training camp, and the Dolphins will eye a Ramsey return in December, hopefully during their playoff push.

Along with the trades, free agency also makes the offseason exciting for football fans.

Some of the big free agency signings this year included former Chiefs offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. signing with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have had struggles on the offensive line, so they will look to Brown to help protect superstar quarterback Joe Burrow. The Bengals will again try to replicate last year’s success after making the AFC championship game. Another big free agency signing was former Eagles defensive tackle Javon Hargrave signing with the San Francisco 49ers. Hargave will help bolster an already stacked 49ers defense, with the hopes to help lead the 49ers past the NFC championship game this year.

This season is bound to be exciting once again as teams will be vying to win the Super Bowl. The NFL season will open up on Thursday, Sept. 9, as the revamped Detroit Lions will travel to Kansas City to take on the defending Super Bowl champions Chiefs.

My Playoff Predictions

AFC

Kansas City Chiefs

Jacksonville Jaguars

Miami Dolphins

Cincinnati Bengals

Buffalo Bills

Baltimore Ravens

Los Angeles Chargers

NFC

San Francisco 49ers

Philadelphia Eagles

Detroit Lions

Atlanta Falcons

Dallas Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings

Seattle Seahawks

Andre Johnson is a former wide receiver for the Houston Texans. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

Jorge Pontarelli and Noah Wolfe laugh together after convocation. Thursday, August 31, 2023.

(Photo by Mila Bales)

The paradoxical cycle of working to pay for higher education

Alexis Dewey Opinion Editor

You’re sitting in your dorm room after a long day, exhausted from each class, meeting and job on your schedule. It’s finally the best part of the day — the time when you get to do your absolute favorite thing in the whole wide world: the ever-present homework. (yawn)

While doing your assignments, you get hungry for dinner. You get up after studying for hours to forage through your mini-fridge. You push over the moldy strawberries and move past the leftovers from two weeks ago to find that there is no food in your desolate refrigerator. That’s when you realize that you are broke. You flashback to the day before when you hopped on your laptop to buy your schoolbooks.

“Books are $200?” you ask yourself as you go to grab your debit card out of your backpack from middle school.

If you have ever had a day like this, trust me, you are not alone. Struggling financially in college is not unusual and is actually quite common. So, the question is: How do we fix it? Or, maybe, a better question is: Can we break this cycle?

As someone who pays the majority of my college tuition, I am amazed at the end of every semester when I am able to pay for my schooling here at Southern Adventist University. On the other hand, I am also displeased when I think about how much more I could have learned if I did not have to work so hard to pay for that tuition.

Southern is considered a great university for intellectual studies and learning, and I

would agree with that. However, am I truly gaining the experience of growing and learning if I must work to the point that I don’t have an adequate amount of time to study?

Please, don’t get me wrong.

I love attending Southern, and I think it’s an amazing college.

My professors have taught me so much. However, it’s no secret that the university’s tuition is higher than most of us would prefer, and it’s been increasing.

College tuition increases every year, but student wages have not been raised to accommodate.

“Tuition went up from $11,490 per semester to $12,175 per semester. This is a $1,370, or 6%, increase for the year,” wrote Tom Verrill, senior vice president for Financial Administration, in an email to the Accent.

Southern, however, did not raise the student wages this year, wrote Verill. Southern promotes getting a job on campus as a good way to make money. However, if you must pay for your own tuition, a campus job paying minimum wage won’t make the cut.

Now, I know what you are probably thinking: “If it’s too expensive, go to school somewhere else.”

I cannot argue with you there, although I have gone to another college. I’m a transfer student, and Southern’s program and learning experience is very valuable to me. That is why I am willing to stay and pay the high tuition. I believe if God wants me somewhere, and I remain faithful to Him, He will provide.

However, my love for this university doesn’t make it easier for me to pay the bills and get my homework done on time.

RELIGION

Hunter Holland collects coins off the ground. Sunday, September 3, 2023

(Illustration by Andre Ottati)

Many of us who pay our own tuition have to work endless hours and miss out on social opportunities around campus. Even if we have scholarships and grants, as I do, we often find ourselves working more than we are studying. I’m work-

ing to support my studies. But how can I study and receive a quality education when I’m working so much? It’s a paradoxical cycle many students can never escape.

So, I ask you: Isn’t that counterproductive?

Editor’s Note: To submit a piece or pitch an idea for the opinion column, email apdewey@southern.edu. My inbox is also always open to comments, questions and critique.

Love as a motivator: Who are you running for?

Madison Wilcox

Religion Editor

You’ve done it. You’ve started the fall semester, hopped on the treadmill of long weeks and short weekends, full backpack and empty bank account, and you won’t get off until December. Congratulations for stepping on.

As you tick off the first couple of miles, I have some questions for you: “Why? Why did you step up to the starting line? And what will keep you running when you hit the wall?”

You have at least three options. Some “mental athletes” run because they can’t stand being left behind. (I’ve been there.) Fear of failure fuels a desperation for success. These students fight for passing grades with white knuckles. If they fall out of the lead pack, motivation drops, and despair sets in. Why go on when you’re miles behind already?

Other mental athletes run because they love being in the front. (I’ve also been there.) They know they can run. They can win. These students fight for their straight A’s with confidence. They don’t even consider falling out of the lead pack because it doesn’t happen to them. Success is their favorite game and their life a collection of trophies. They are the person the fearful hope to become. (And sometimes the person they pretend to be.)

These first two options operate as two sides of the same coin. Fear desperately desires success. Pride exults in it. Even the contours of a 24-hour period can display the back and forth of these attitudes toward life. Glaring defeat alternates with the glitter of success, sometimes within minutes of each other. Success is as precarious as it is tantalizing.

But, of course, there is still a third option.

Love. Love leaves the vicinity of the two previous motivations, operating in a different sphere entirely. Both fear and pride put the spotlight on self and imagine the whole world sitting in the grandstands, watching. But love makes room for a third party, another person. Life is no longer merely about you and the audience, about how brightly you shine and how loudly the spectators roar in response. Love lets another person into the arena — the person you are learning for.

That’s right, you are completing your degree for someone

else. You are here at Southern Adventist University for someone you will meet years from today.

If this is a new thought for you, take a moment to consider who your person might be.

Create a detailed picture of them in your mind. If you’re studying to be a teacher, think about that one student. One day you will meet them and be the only person who can help. What tools will you need? Where should you focus your energy now so that you can be there in the moment of crisis and actually do something? If you’re studying nursing, consider your patients. How can you

prepare now to care for them later? What else will they need besides your medical expertise?

Regardless of your degree, there are people somewhere inside of it who are either directly or indirectly influenced by your work. In the future, you may report to a boss, just as you report to a professor now, but your work will be received by someone else. Make it your goal to prepare, in this season, to bless the people you meet in the next. Run this race well, and you’ll be ready to coach other people in their unique difficulties when the time comes.

And remember the One who ran perfectly. And beautifully.

When Jesus ran the most difficult race of all, He also chose a group of people as His prize: us.

(Hebrews 12:2) The thought of redeeming even one person from sin was enough to help Him put one foot in front of the other, every moment, until the end. We are far from saviors, but our motivation can still mirror His. Next time you wonder what you’re running for, ask yourself who. Those who run for someone else run fastest.

Editor’s Note: To submit a piece or pitch an idea for the religion column, email madisonw@southern.edu. My inbox is also always open to comments, questions and critique.

Runners crouch at the starting line. Tuesday, February 18, 2020

(Photo by Andrea Piacquadio)

Why I love film photography: A lesson on patience

Allison Grundy Lifestyle Editor

Film photography has made a comeback among college students. I’ve noticed more and more people are starting to shoot film, and I think it’s a great thing. It’s become a hobby of mine, and I love shooting film for many reasons. Film not only brings about beautiful pictures but also teaches a valuable lesson that is opposed to the type of expedient photography people perform with their smartphones everyday.

Of course, smartphone cameras are a convenient way to take pictures, but I know I’ve caught myself sifting through 20 plus similar selfies (sometimes much more) searching for the one I look best in. Film photography takes the pressure out of this process because although there may be fewer images, the photos that were taken are usually easier to appreciate. For this same reason, film is a good example of quality over quantity. Personally, I have found that seeing one picture of myself enjoying the moment means so much more to me than seeing many different ones as I try to pose and adjust to get the perfect picture.

Every time I get my developed film back from the camera store, I’m simultaneously disappointed and pleasantly surprised. Not every picture turns out as I thought it would, but each picture seems lovable in a sort of imperfect way. I’m not sure if it’s the greenish undertones and grainy exposure that unifies the photos or the fact that I paid around 80 cents or

more for each picture, but every photo is cherished. In film, the pictures carry an authentic feel to them because even if they are imperfect, I feel like I’ve captured a moment in time.

I believe film photography gains most of its appeal from the process — however frustrating it may be at times. The photographer has to load

their film, maybe fidget with the settings and, lastly, wait for the film to develop. To really enjoy shooting film, you must have patience and optimism; it is the time required by the process that makes it exciting. In American culture, people get a lot of instant gratification from the things they do; everything is at the

push of a button, but the process of film is different.

I enjoy having a hobby that is a reminder to slow down and be patient. When I have to wait to see results, the end reward is that much sweeter.

My film camera adds so much beauty to my life. Yes, the pictures are colorful and turn out well, but they also keep me away

from my phone and add variety to what I do. Film not only documents the special, engaging parts of life but also keeps me present in the moment.

Editor’s Note: To submit a piece or pitch an idea for the lifestyle column, email allisongrundy@ southern.edu. My inbox is also always open to comments, questions and critique.

For a chance to be featured, use or tag @sauaccent on Instagram in your posts!

Dear Kevin

Dear Kevin: I keep losing my left socks in the wash. Am I just bad at finding my socks, or is there an evil little sock gremlin roaming the halls?

Dear Gremlin Victim,

I’ve had my fair share of visits from the sock gremlin, but over the years I’ve picked up a few tips that seem to ward it away:

Pin your socks together before the wash

It takes some extra work on laundry day, but by tying your socks together or using a safety pin to pair them together before you wash them, you can ensure that your socks stay far away from the sock gremlin.

Use a laundry bag

Putting all your socks and

anything else you don’t want to lose in a mesh laundry bag can help keep everything together. Sock gremlins can’t get through the mesh!

Dear Kevin: What’s the best Asian restaurant in town?

Dear Foraging Foodie, Although ducks like myself are omnivores, I’m not familiar with local restaurants, as I usually stick to greens, berries and seeds. I asked the Accent staff for recommendations, and Thai Chili Asian Bistro was a crew favorite. They recommend the panang curry, pad see-ew and pad kee mao. You can’t go wrong with pad thai either! No matter what, stay away from the roasted duck curry!

Do you have a question for Kevin?

Scan the QR code or click on the link in the Accent’s Instagram bio to submit your question.

Knowing that students are looking to decorate their rooms for the semester, Kevin is offering a

$10 Walmart Gift Card!

DM us on Instagram with a photo of where Kevin is hiding!

Film picture of Alicia Anderson and Emma Rodriguez at Raccoon Mountain, TN.

Saturday, April 29, 2023 (Photo by Allison Grundy)

zachwkirstein Yup.

Photo Credit: Lizbeth Rodriguez-Diep

oatmilk.allison In between Classes ������

Photo Credit: Matthew Thomas

Zach Kirstein Allison Grundy Z A

Aly Lopes Joemily Rivera

J

Jeffrey Meadows Kyla Rodrigues J K

CHATTER

Today — 6

Thursday — 7

Weekly Birthdays

TODAY |6

Chad Carney

Hannah Dempsey

Andre Evans

Tonya Fisher

Rahel Haley

Benjamin Hasley

Jim Howard

Daniel Jeon

JM Razon

Friday — 8

Sunday — 10

Saturday — 9

Clarissa Samaniego

Izabel A. Sigulinsky

Hamilton Taylor Will

Steven Williams

Thursday |7

Jack Boggess

Alexis Dewey

Logan Enoh Famutimi

Asher McNab

Elisabeth Realin

Stefania Andrada Viar

Friday |8

Brahiana Chingo

Zion Johnson

Monday — 11

Rachel Knecht

Jacqueline McFarland

Emily O’Connor

Serafina Park

Saturday |9

Lane Bales

Thirj Bautista

Hannah Boyd

Jacob Fierro

Naomy Fulgencio

Logan Gardner

Susan Pena

Rhianne Rosalita

Nathan Rose

Sabrina Yoo

Sunday |10

Noah Bravo

Claire Fisher

Niki Knowlton

Amy Mejias

Ellen Elizabeth Morris

Jennifer Perez Del Rio

Edwin Regalado

Kris Thompson

David E. Uta

Monday |11

Sergio Bonilla

Hannah Borstad

Esther Chang

Emely Chavez

Joshua Cho

Emily Dekle

Naara Feliciano

Orianny Flores Belisario

Jannysse Gray

Arvin Lopez Figueroa

Raquel Perez

Tuesday |12

Alyssa Cha

Kerysa Ford

Sharon Lotulung

William Mills

Eliana Oberlander

Sydney Shaw

Glow Shin

SA & Student Life Announcements

Sept. 6 - SA Senate begins, 8:00 p.m. @ Bietz Center

Sept. 7 - 11 a.m. Convocation - Tony Dahlberg - Service Expo (Iles PE Center)

Sept. 8 - 7:30 p.m. - Vespers - Chaplain Anna Bennett (University Church)

Sept. 9 - Sabbath Chats, 10:00 a.m. @ The Grid

Sept. 9 - The Great Haystack 1 p.m. (Iles P.E. Center)

Sept. 9 - Open Gym Night (Iles P.E. Center)

Sept. 11 - Futsal Begins

Sept. 14 - Senior portraits with Jennifer Corral Yanez

Tuesday — 12

MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS Business With a Biblical Perspective

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