Vol.76, Issue 22

Sports| 5

Opinion | 5

Religion | 6

Lifestyle | 7

#StopAsianHate: Sport leagues, players speak against ongoing hate crimes

Are you racially insensitive?

'I am a disciple of Christ': Founding your faith on the rock

Amancia Carandang Follante:

April 7, 2021 Collegedale, Tennessee

Fixing your presumptions

Everyone’s lola, “Yoya”

Southern Accent

Vol. 76 Issue 22

The student voice since 1926

Southern to organize two vaccine events Asian Night on campus before the end of the semester Preview:

Everything you need to know

Xavier Quiles Lead Reporter On April 17, Asian Club will host the last major cultural celebration of the school year — Asian Night. There will be two shows at the Goliath Wall. The first will start at 9 p.m., and the second at 10:30 p.m.

Illustration by Nick Nieves.

Amanda Blake Lead Reporter On March 28, Southern students received an email informing them that there were extra Johnson_&_Johnson_COVID-19 vaccines available at a community vaccination event hosted by_the_Collegedale_Church_of Seventh-day_Adventists,_and they could be vaccinated if they came to the church immediately.

About 30 minutes later, students received a second email informing them that all the extra vaccines had been spoken for by those waiting in line.

According to nursing professor Jill Buchholz, who was also the event organizer, the vaccine site was “inundated” with students. Buchholz said she is working with the School of Nursing, administration and the_Hamilton_County_Health

Department to organize two more vaccine events on Southern’s campus this month.

“The hardest thing I had to do was send those students away,” Buchholz said. “So, we want to be able to give them an opportunity where they’re not fighting with the community to get vaccines.”

According to Buchholz, the vaccine_event_on_March_28 was for the local community.

From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., only people_who_had_signed_up for an appointment through the Hamilton County Health Department received a vaccine. But at 3 p.m., Buchholz and her team calculated that many people never showed up_for_their_appointments.

They had close to 130 extra

The hardest thing I had to do was send those students away. So, we want to be able to give them an opportunity where they’re not fighting with the community to get vaccines. vaccines, so Buchholz worked with Marketing and University Relations to send the email informing students about the o p p o r t u n i t y. _B u c h h o l z _a n d her team were able to administer_all_the_extra_vaccines.

However, she said not all the extra vaccines were given to students because some South-

ern faculty, Southern staff and c o m m u n i t y _m e m b e r s _a l s o came after 3 p.m.

Buchholz said future vaccine events will require people to sign up for appointments. But if extra vaccines become available, Southern will send an email to students like the one sent on March 28.

According to Buchholz, one of the vaccine events will be completely set up through Southern for Southern students, faculty, staff and all their spouses. The second vaccine event will be for the community, but students can still sign up for it through the Hamilton County Health Department. Buchholz hopes to organize another on-camSee VACCINE on page 3

Our performances will be topnotch this year.

A few countries have only been practicing for a month, but I’m really proud of where everyone is right now. It's super exciting.

Charles_Dugaduga,_sophomore nursing major, is the vice president for Asian Club and the director of Asian Night.

“There’s_no_particular_theme this year; we decided to change things_up,”_Dugaduga_said.

“We’re straying away from the traditional Asian Night or even all_the_cultural_nights_where there’s_usually_an_underlying theme, like a storyline or skit.”

Dugaduga_explained_that because_of_COVID-19,_things had_to_be_different_this_time See BCU NIGHT on page 2

Graduation stole project brings Southern hires first director of Adult Degree cultural vibrancy to graduating seniors Completion program Frank Canizares Staff Writer Raising two daughters as a single mother was tough for Cynthia_Wright._She_worked two jobs to ensure her children received an Adventist education, believing it would help preserve their faith. But it also meant_postponing_Wright’s dream_to_obtain_a_college degree of her own.

That changed after Wright’s daughters graduated from high school, presenting an opportunity for her to go back to school.

Her older daughter went to college first, earned a bachelor's degree, and then took a break.

Wright eventually caught up to her daughter academically, completing_her_associate’s,_bachelor’s and master’s degrees as an adult. Wright and her daughter eventually graduated together.

“We both graduated summa cum laude with a 4.0 GPA —

something I am very proud of,” Wright said.

Now, Wright is the recently-hired first director of Southern’s Adult Degree Completion Program, a new initiative aimed at adults 25 and older who were once in college but never completed the requirements to graduate. Having experienced the challenges of adult education firsthand, Wright believes s he _ b ri ng s _ t he _ k nowledge gained _ to _ her _ new _ position, which she began on March 29.

“One thing that I do feel I can contribute [to this program] is that I can relate to adult students because I went back to school later in life in my 40s,” Wright said.

Prior to coming to Southern, Wright worked at the University of Florida in Gainesville in the area of cardiology research.

See WRIGHT on page 3

Monday, April 5, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

To celebrate the cultural differences on campus, Stephanie Guster, senior advisor for diversity at Southern, has been working on a project to create ethnically diverse stole designs that can be worn during graduation.

From left to right, these stoles represent Asian Club, BCU, OIC and LAC.

Zoe Kanas Lead Reporter In 2019, Southern announced there was no ethnic majority on campus. And two_local_newspapers,_The_Chattanooga_Times Free Press and The Chattanoogan, _ published _ articles _ highlighting _ the _ diversity _ of _ the

school. Southern ranked first in racial diversity among universities in the South, and on Niche, currently ranks 193rd in ethnic diversity among all American universities.

Stephanie_Guster,_senior

advisor for diversity at Southern, has been working on a project_to_create_ethnically diverse_stole_designs._Graduation_stoles, worn over the robes at graduation, are typSee STOLES on page 2

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

2 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021

NEWS

Gym-Masters overcome challenges, prepare for Saturday Home Show

ASIAN NIGHT continued from page 1

around, with smaller performance groups for each country. “ We_had_to_cut_down_on participation because we just wanted to avoid being a problem_with_COVID,”_Dugaduga said. “We_didn’t want people getting_quarantined_in_gen-

eral,_because _when_someone catches it, the whole team goes into quarantine. So, each performance will be in groups of five for each country.”

Asian Night was planned over the past two months, but Dugaduga_said_this_will_not impact the quality of the cultural night.

“Our _ performances _ will _ be

top-notch this year,” Dugaduga said. “A few countries have only been _practicing _for _a _month, but I’m really proud of where everyone is right now. It's super exciting._We_have_really_good choreographers; we have a lot of dancers. It’s a good thing to watch out for.”

STOLES

continued from page 1

Wednesday March 31, 2021. (Photo by Lila Odhiambo)

Kedrick Larson bases a move called the “Crazy Stack” as the Gym-Masters run through a routine for the upcoming home show. Gym-Masters will host their annual Home Show this coming Saturday Night.

Jasmine Miller Contributor COVID-19 has been a struggle_for_many,_including_the Gym-Masters_team_here_at_ Southern._Last_semester,_a member tested positive, and the entire team was put into quarantine for two weeks.

This_semester, _ the _ team has been able to continue d e s p i t e _t h e _d i f f i c u l t i e s _ and_has_implemented new precautions to try to keep everyone healthy and safe.

In the beginning of the Fall 2020_semester,_Gym-Masters members were given a _ waiver _ that _ states _ the potential risks of Gym-Masters,_according to Gym-Masters_coach_Richard Schwarz.

Since the beginning of the a c a d e m i c _ y e a r, _ S c h w a r z said _ three _ team _ members have tested positive for the coronavirus. _To _his _knowledge, _ all _ three _ members contracted the virus off-campus. To further prevent the spread, _ Schwarz _ said _ the team works in small groups of the same five to six people and records all practices.

He said he is pleased to see how the team has “protected each other by calling [him] when they did not feel well and [missing] practice for the safety of others.”

According _to _sophomore theology _ major _ and _ second year Gym-Master Kedrick _ Larson, _ before _ practice,_Gym-Masters_must go through wristband and temperature _ checks _ separate from the daily checks required on campus. After practice,_Larson_said_the team vacuums, wipes down surfaces and sprays equip-

ment_with_electrostatic s p ra y e r s . _I n _a d d i t i o n _t o t h e _c l e a n i n g , _G y m - M a s ters must wash their custom-made masks that are u s e d _o n l y _f o r _p ra c t i c e , according to Larson.

An event that is in the planning process is the annual Home Show, which will look different from past ones.

Schwarz has set the date for April 10 and has limited the Home Show to only Southern students. He said he will provide “noise makers” so people can make noise while not yelling or screaming, and _ will require people to keep six feet of social distance.

Schwarz _ said _ the _ team will _be _sharing _a _storyline about_“Gymmasticitis,”_and the show will be filled with “humor, excitement and contemplation.”

As they continue to plan for the big event, Gym-Masters members are also aware of the fact that there will be complications due to COVID-19.

Cameron Hodges, a captain on the team and fourth year Gym-Master, said Home Show “could be complicated … if Gym-Masters in certain routines are quarantined.”

Despite the circumstances, Larson _ said _ the _ team _ has relied on each other.

“Gym-Masters is like a family,” Larson said. “We can lean on each other. And having worship before practice helps us get closer to God, too.”

Larson_said_he_is_also excited _ to _ perform _ in _ the Home Show “and to showcase the skills that God has provided us.”

ically plain, without much or any decoration.

“President_Smith_requested that_I_work_on this as Senior Advisor_for_Diversity,”_Guster said. “Students benefit from the support of cultural club membership,_celebrations,_understanding their identity, belonging and social connectedness.”

The Diversity Committee on campus has two main focuses: to_promote_understanding of _ cultural _ differences; _ and to_promote_the_celebration of diversity for all ethnic and underrepresented groups.

Guster said the project was heavily inspired by Revelation 7:9-10, which reminds her of how diverse God’s creation is; yet, we all come into unity under Him. The_designs_that_were approved by Academic Administration_were_developed_in collaboration with club presidents,_according_to_Guster.

The stoles themselves will be

The stoles being based on our cultural clubs represent so much more than the garment.

They represent the fabric of what makes us a diverse community and family. made available to members of the various ethnic clubs on campus. Club membership is required to purchase the stole, as the funds will help support the clubs remaining active.

“The_stoles_being_based on_our_cultural_clubs_represent so much more than the garment,” Guster said. “They represent the fabric of what makes us a diverse community and family. They represent

the student leaders who serve, who advocate, who plan ways to showcase the ways God made us different, while at the same time expressing gratitude for the love that unifies us. I believe they represent the divine tapestry that God himself created.”

Students_interested_in purchasing_a_graduation_stole should contact their cultural club_president,_and_if_they have not yet joined a_club, they are highly encouraged to do so. Currently, the price of the stoles is estimated to be around $65.

“I also hope to inspire cultural club leadership,” Guster said. “It’s more than a stole.

It represents all of the hours cultural_club_leaders/members put in. ... They represent the rainbow that will be at the graduation of the redeemed.”

Corrections and Clarification

The_Southern_Accent_takes_complaints_about_inaccuracy seriously._To_fix_errors_or_misinformation,_we_will_publish, with_some_limited_exceptions,_corrections_or_clarifications._To report_mistakes,_email_us_at_accent@southern.edu_or_reach_us_ through_our_social_media accounts.

Southern Accent The Accent encourages readers to write articles and voice their opinions.

However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Accent, Southern Adventist University, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Monday. April 5, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

The cultural club representatives (Top, L-R: María José Morán, Georges Ambroise. Bottom, L-R: Erin Yoon, Soko Paongo) show off the new cultural stoles that can be worn during graduation.

Lifestyle Editor Elise Deschamps Editor-in-Chief Paola Mora Zepeda

Opinion Editor Samuel Mora

Managing Editor Christina Coston

Religion Editor Sarah Klingbeil

For any questions, comments, and article submission information email us at accent@southern.edu

News Editor Taylor Dean

Sports Editor Zach Roberts

For all advertising inquiries, email studentadmgr@southern.edu

Collegedale News Editor Bailey DuBose

Photo Editor Xander Ordinola

Copy Editors Megan Yoshioka Patrick Scriven Layout Designer Nickolas Nieves Web Manager Timothy Morgan Circulation Manager Evarline Ondieki

Lead Reporters María José Morán Amanda Blake Aubri Dancek Lesieli Heimuli Zoe Kanas Xavier Quiles Staff Sponsor Alva James-Johnson

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

3 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021

NEWS Student workers eligible for salary compensation to make up for time in quarantine María José Morán Lead Reporter

Tuesday, March 30, 2021. (Photo by Lila Odhiambo)

Cynthia Wright is a new addition to the Southern faculty as she fills the position of Director of Adult Completion and is in charge of enrollment numbers.

WRIGHT

continued from page 1 She is also a professor and has taught anatomy, physiology and medical terminology. In her most recent position, she taught parttime in the pharmacy technician program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.

According_to_Wright,_the Adult Completion Program will provide_a_variety_of_options, including_night, _ hybrid _ and online classes.

“A lot of students that I'll be recruiting for this program will be _ students _ that _ came _ back to _school _later,” _Wright _said.

“They have other responsibilities; they need to go to school in the evenings or at night. I went through that as a student because I was a_single parent raising two daughters.”

The_program_will_open_in phases, according to Dean for Graduate and Professional Studies Tyson Hall. The first phase in the Fall 2021 semester will focus on former students. The second phase will begin in the Winter 2022 semester for the Bachelor of Science in Business Management_program._The_Graduate and Professional Studies office is currently working on the third phase to add additional academic programs formatted for adult degree_completion_students in the semesters that follow.

The _ Graduate _ and _ Professional_Studies_office_has_contracted with a higher education

marketing firm that has experience in marketing graduate and adult degree programs.

“We are working with them to _ identify _ our _ messaging, develop a website for the program and create targeted digital marketing campaigns,” Hall said. _ “With _ Cynthia’s _ arrival on campus, we are hoping to begin _ personal _ recruitment efforts in the near future.”

Our goal is to introduce not only Southern to the community — because a lot of people don't know who we are or what we stand for as an Adventist university — but also to introduce them to Jesus Christ as they are interested in this program.

The program will consist of a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Communication, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration,_and the Bachelor of Integrated Studies, an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree that allows students to design and

customize a specific course of study to best suit their educational and professional objectives. Wright wants the curriculum to be community-based.

“Our goal is to introduce not only Southern to the community — because a lot of people don't know who we are or what we stand for as an Adventist university — but also to introduce them to Jesus Christ as they are interested in this program,” Wright said.

Rachel Williams-Smith, an advisor and sponsor for the program, said the cost for tuition is a 40% reduction of the traditional tuition cost, as reported in a previous Accent article. She said some courses could be eight weeks long depending on the major.

Hall said the Graduate and Professional Studies office is excited to welcome Wright to Southern as the first Director of the Adult Degree Completion Program.

“Her teaching experience with adult learners, love for helping students better themselves, and her passion for sharing Jesus in everyday settings will serve her well in this position,” Hall said.

Wright said she is also excited for her new job.

“I'm excited to be here, and I look forward to getting this program off the ground,” she said.

Student workers who have been financially affected by being quarantined during the 2020-2021 school year are currently able to apply for financial assistance.

In an email sent on March 26, _Associate _Vice _President for Human Resources Brenda Flores-Lopez explained to the student body that if they were “not able to attend work at Southern as a result of having to go into quarantine or isolation,” they are able to apply to for a unique relief fund, which compensates for the money lost as a result of quarantine or isolation.

“Since March 2020 the federal government has granted three rounds of federal stimu l u s _ m o n e y, ” _ s a i d _ S e n i o r Vice-President _ for _ Financial Administration Tom Verrill.

According _to _Verrill, _Southern has received an estimated amount of $13 million which has been_allocated to different areas. Of the total money received, $4.5 million has been allocated towards extra COVID19 expenses, which administration has decided to use to assist_student workers who have been directly affected by quarantine or isolation.

According to Jason Merryman, vice president for Enrollment Management, the idea to assist these student workers “originated from a student question/suggestion _ during a student town hall session at the beginning of the semester.”

After administration explored the idea, they decided to implement _ the _ fund _ for _ student workers because most students “depend_on_their_earnings_to help _pay _for _school _and _personal expenses.”

The application, which_has

a deadline ending on April 16, requires the student to get a confirmation via email from his or her supervisor confirming that work was missed.

“I feel as though it is a great idea because it’s not like I intentionally went out looking_for_ COVID,”_said_Arielle Belgrave, an elementary education major who was in both quarantine and isolation. “I was having a [normal] day and taking my precautions, but life happens.”

to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“COVID_has_become_very serious, and I would like to p ro t e c t _m y s e l f _a n d _o t h e r s from it,” said senior theology major Sylvester Smith.

S e n i o r _r e l i g i o u s _s t u d i e s major Jefferd Daniel said he wants to get the vaccine to help achieve herd immunity.

“I_think_for_me,_it ’s_more about helping us come back to normal society,” Daniel said.

“As we all get vaccines, hopefully less and less COVID cases will arise, and eventually, we can come back to life preCOVID.”

The application, which has a deadline ending on April 16, requires the student to get a confirmation via email from their supervisor in order to confirm that work was missed.

Belgrave, who held three jobs on campus at the time she went into quarantine, missed nine days of work as a result of being exposed to the coronavirus and ultimately contracted the virus. As a result, she lost an _ estimate _ of _ $200, _ which she’s _hoping _to _compensate for by applying to the student worker relief fund.

“I am glad Southern understands that we live in a pandemic and still knows I work paycheck to paycheck, and I still need that money that I didn’t get,” Belgrave said.

VACCINE

continued from page 1 pus vaccine event in May, but the details of that event are still undetermined.

“My dream is to get 3,000 vaccines out by the end of the school year,” Buchholz said.

Buchholz said signups for each event will be made on a firstcome,_first-served_basis,_and students should carefully watch their emails for more information_about_dates_and_vaccine supply. She also said both medical and nonmedical students can sign up to volunteer at the vaccine events at southern.edu/ serve. If extra vaccines become available,_volunteers_automatically become first in line to receive them.

Junior nursing major Sierra Anderson volunteered as both a_traffic_conductor_and_vaccine administrator at the vaccine event on March 28 and received_a_vaccine_herself.

Anderson said she got chills, a headache, muscle and joint pain, and tiredness about nine hours after being vaccinated.

She had these symptoms for about 18 hours, but she was still very glad to be vaccinated.

“A f t e r _r e s e a r c h i n g _f o r _a few months, I decided that I wanted_the_Johnson_&_Johnson version,” Anderson said. “I am happy I got this one. While there were side effects, side effects are a sign of your body accurately reacting to the virus DNA that was inserted into your tissue.”

Anderson_believes_it_is important that people educate themselves on what is scientifically proven about the COVID19 vaccines. “ Whether_you_are_pro_or anti-vaccine,_it_is_not_good enough_to_simply take another person’s_word_and_make_a choice off of it,” Anderson said.

“Really study what you believe.”

Communication_Professor Lorraine Ball also received a vaccine at the vaccine event on March 28. She said she felt achy_and_chilly_the_evening after_being_vaccinated,_and she had a terrible headache that lasted about 24 hours.

However, she described these symptoms as “textbook.”

“I was comforted with the idea that this was not unusual, and I shouldn’t be alarmed,” Ball said.

Ball_chose_to_get_the_vaccine because some of her students had gotten COVID-19, and she felt it was important to arm herself with another layer of protection.

Some students are not planning to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.

“I’m_not_an_anti-vaxxer_or a_conspiracy_theorist,”_said senior English education major Will Reed. “The fact is, no one, including the CDC, knows the potential long-term effects of this vaccine, so I’m waiting it out while protecting myself in other ways.”

F re s h m a n _c o m p u t e r _s c i ence major Esther Peden said

she cannot take the vaccine because she has a known allergy to doxycycline and carries other unknown allergies to certain chemicals.

“For safety reasons, I have to wait about two years before I get a new vaccine so that it can be fully tested,” Peden said.

Other students are planning

Sunday, March 28, 2021. (Photo courtesy of Kerry Allen)

Vaccines were administered by volunteers at the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists.

4| Wednesday, April 7, 2021

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

NEWS

origami art::

Professor takes paperwork to a new level

Wednesday March 31, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

Robert Ordonez is a computer science professor at Southern Adventist University and has been teaching for eight years. Ordonez is also known for his work in origami. Although always having an interest in origami, it really sparked once his son reached an appropriate age to where they could bond over it. In this picture are a few examples of Ordonez’s origami pieces. Some of the pieces are stable and do not move (center, back left), while others can move and be played with (right, front left).

Wednesday March 31, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

Ordonez teaches his computer science class on coding and programming. He was first introduced to coding in fifth grade when a computer science major began offering coding lessons. “[Coding] hooked me from really early on, this idea of that there’s organization and out of that organization there’s creativity,” Ordonez said.

Wednesday March 31, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

Ordonez pulls folded pieces of origami paper out of their case. Occasionally at church children will come up to Ordonez and ask him for action origami, which he then folds for them. This form of origami is designed to move and do some type of action such as a bird flapping or a frog jumping.

Wednesday March 31, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

Ordonez holds a piece of origami that he built. Ordonez constructs modular origami, which is origami built from more than one piece of paper. He has built pieces that have 12, 16 and even 96 pieces of paper.

Wednesday March 31, 2021. (Photo by Xander Ordinola)

Ordonez demonstrates how one of the origami pieces will explode when hit. This specific model is called “Butterflies,” because it breaks apart into 12 pieces that resemble butterflies. “It’s kind of different [Butterflies],” Ordonez said. “The others are intended to stay together, but this one I tend to use as an object lesson. Sometimes we look like we’re all put together and yet something comes along and I’m really close to falling apart. I have to remind myself to be a little extra kind to those around me because they just might barely be holding it together and you don’t know that.”

5 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

COLLEGEDALE NEWS

Little Debbie Park coming to Collegedale Alana Crosby Staff Writer The McKee family of McKee Foods Corporation is donating a parcel of land to the City of Collegedale for a park that is scheduled to be completed in the summer of 2022. _Construction of Little Debbie Park, to be located behind the Collegedale Commons, will tentatively start this summer.

According to Mike Gloekler, corporate_communications and_public_relations_manager for McKee Foods Corporation, the McKee family is working on plans for the park along with the_City_of_Collegedale_and Barge Design Solutions.

The park will be on 10 acres located behind the Col-

legedale_Commons_on_the north side, bordered by Swinyar Drive on the west, Leyland Drive on the south and the Collegedale Greenway to the east, according to Gloekler.

According to Bridgett Raper, communications_strategist for the_small_cities_coalition_of Hamilton County, building the park will cost the City of Collegedale nothing.

“The McKee family purchased the plot of land from Southern Adventist University with the sole purpose of donating the parcel to the City of Collegedale, specifically for use as a park,” Gloekler said. “The McKee family are all outdoor enthusiasts

who_believe_finding_ways_to get_out_into_nature_nurtures the whole person and brings friends and family together.”

Some anticipated park features are: one large pavilion with restrooms, five small pavilions,_16_swings,_11_benches, more_playground_equipment, block seating, two bicycle racks, 10_picnic_tables,_83_standard parking spaces and four Americans with Disabilities Act compatible parking spaces and a bridge over the creek.

A few playground highlights include a sensory wave seat, rock pool climber, wrinkle wall sidewinder,_flower_talk_tube, sensory dome, zipline and play-

core musical instruments. Also featured in the plans for the playground_are_Little_Debbie snack-shaped_play_sculptures.

Branded items such as these will be maintained by the McKee Foods Corporation.

According to the Little Debbie Park website, the vision for the park is to be a “relaxed and natural area focused on people rather than things.”

The City of Collegedale has released this statement: “We are very excited about the Little Debbie Park at the Commons._A very generous donor has agreed to construct and give a large park that includes over 400 trees,_over_5,000_shrubs,

BACK-IN PARKING (89 SPACES)

PAVILION WITH RESTROOMS

ENGINEERED WOOD FIBER PLAYGROUND AREAS

open space, greenway connections to and through the park, a large pavilion with restrooms, several small pavilions, covered swings and a playground.”

“Any time we can preserve g re e n _s p a c e s , _t h e re _i s _a n immediate benefit to the community,”_said_Gloekler._“The park will feature a large playground with accessible play for all ages and large grassy areas for impromptu pickup games — football, Frisbee, kickball — and picnics.”

Raper_encourages_locals_of Collegedale_to_attend_commission meetings to show support for the donation of the park.

ORCHARD PLANTING

POURED-IN-PLACE PLAYGROUND AREAS

TYPICAL BERMS GUIDING VIEWS TO AND FROM THE SITE LIGHTPOLES (TYPICAL)

SWINYAR DRIVE

SMALL PAVILION (12’ x 18’)

OPEN LAWN AREA

COLLEGEDALE COMMONS

LINEAR SWING STRUCTURE (TYP)

CONNECTION TO COLLEGEDALE COMMONS

LIFE CARE

10’ CONCRETE PATHWAY (ADA ACCESSIBLE)

SMALL PAVILION (12’ x 18’)

MUSICAL PLAY ELEMENTS OPEN LAWN AREA

CHURCH

LEYLAN

D DRIVE

BRIDGE TO FUTURE PARKING AREA

EXISTING TREES CONNECTION TO EXISTING GREENWAY

REES

ING T

EXIST

G

RKIN

RE PA

FUTU

Illustration courtesy of Mike Gloekler Bird’s-eye view of planned Little Debbie Park to be located behind the Collegedale Commons.

SPORTS #StopAsianHate: Sport leagues, players speak against ongoing hate crimes Zach Roberts Sports Editor There has been a rise in hate crimes against the Asian and Pacific_Islander_community, largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year we saw a mass shooting in Atlanta in which the majority of victims were Asian women.

In another incident, a 75-yearold Asian woman was also the victim of a recent hate crime.

The spark in anti-Asian sentiment has prompted everyone to stand up for something, including sports leagues.

In late February, the NFL posted_a_statement_saying, “The rising acts of verbal and physical violence against the Asian_American_and_Pacific Islander_(AAPI)_community is abhorrent, disgusting and must cease as we are all a part of the same human family. We at the NFL stand in solidarity with AAPI community and are against all types of racism and intolerance #StopAsianHate.”

Shortly thereafter, the MLB followed suit.

“Across_the_country,_there has been an alarming increase in_hate_crimes_directed_at Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. These acts — based on racist ideologies, xenophobia and ignorance — have no place in our society or our communities. It is our shared responsibility to root out insidious hate with empathy and understanding. We condemn these targeted acts of violence and commit to taking action as we stand in solidarity with the Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”

Following the Atlanta shooting, the NBA made their statement, too.

“Last night’s tragic events in Atlanta are part of a disturbing rise in violence and discrimination towards Asian Americans.

Today and every day, we stand with the Asian community and

condemn all acts of hate and racism. #StopAsianHate.”

Many teams followed and made their own individual statements, as well.

This isn’t a new phenomenon. Recently, sports teams and leagues have been quick to take a stand on social justice issues. Releasing statements about current events has become a part of being a team or league. The injustices we have seen have seeped through and made their way into sports. In this example, anti-Asian hate is at the forefront of the sports world.

Olympic gold medalist snowboarder Chloe_Kim,_an Asian American, recently opened up about these events. According to_Yahoo_sports,_Kim_posted screenshots of her direct messages with expletives and anti-Asian remarks. She added that she’s been seeing these types of messages for the last

seven years. She said she also received messages, primarily from white people, condemning her for being silent — but they had no idea what she’s been experiencing.

In the NBA, perhaps the most notable Asian American basketball player (Yao Ming is the only challenger) Jeremy Lin, reported experiencing racism on the basketball court. Lin has been very outspoken on these issues_and_recently_posted on Twitter describing that he had been called “coronavirus” on the court by an opponent. According to Yahoo Sports, Lin, who plays in the G League for the Golden State Warriors affiliate, refused to name the player, but pleaded with fans and followers for help. The NBA launched an internal investigation and was able to identify the player and is moving forward with handling the issue with Lin’s support, according to Shams Charania.

In a bit of good news on the subject,_Los_Angeles_Rams safety_Taylor_Rapp_is_launching_an_NFT,_or_non-fungible token,_and_is_donating_the funds to stopping Asian hate.

NFT’s have taken the world by storm recently, some going for incredible amounts of money.

According to CNCB, Rapp will launch six digital collections and 90 total NFT’s in an effort to raise money for the Asian communities struck by the recent violence.

For a long time, sports were heralded by fans as an escape from reality. As we saw a lot last year, sports can only provide an escape for so long.

At some point, these issues come right to the front door, whether we want them to or not. Now, sports leagues, teams and players are leading the charge to make a change.

6 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

OPINION Are you racially insensitive? Fixing your presumptions Ethan Jiao Contributor Ever since the inception of COVID-19, people have found ways to perpetrate xenophobic hate against Chinese people all around the world. Many Asians have been attacked or discriminated against by individuals calling the coronavirus the “China virus,” assaulting Asians or even murdering them.

The fact is, racism against Asian Americans has been around for well over a century. During the late 1800s, the Chinese Exclusion Act and the banning of Chinese laborers by the United States government fostered a negative sentiment toward Asians.

Later, during World War II, the U.S. federal government established internment camps for approximately 120,000 Japanese Americans — most of them U.S. citizens.

Since_2020,_Asians_and

Pacific Islanders have been blamed for the pandemic and suffered greatly. On March 18, 2021, a shooter opened fire at an Atlanta spa, killing eight victims, six of them being Asian.

The list goes on and on.

Sometimes it is easy to fall into the category of being racially insensitive, which simply means being unaware of the implications of insulting or inappropriate words, although your intentions might be harmless. However, insensitivity can turn into racism if one refuses to learn or educate themselves about certain racial issues and still keeps making those same mistakes, claiming ignorance.

I remember when I first came to the United States from Hong Kong, I received many racial comments such as, “Do you eat dog?” and “Ching Chong.”

I never thought that in such a

diverse country people would fail to acknowledge that racial slurs should not be made anytime to anyone. Then I realized most people were never educated on the topic of racial insensitivity. Children grow up making squinty eyes or telling the Indian kids that they stink.

Even adults make assumptions and statements such as, “Oh, you must be good at the violin.”

Or, they ask, “Can you translate that for me?”

I am sorry to disappoint, but the only instrument I play is the calculator.

All jokes aside, some of these assumptions may have some truth. But in reality, we are all the same. Culturally, Asians seem to be hardworking, academically talented and successful. And, it seems Asians generally have it all put-together. But Asians are just like any other

group of human beings. Some of us are better at academics, some are not. Some of us are more privileged, and others not so much. The problem here is making the false generalization that if a part of something is true, then everything else must be true as well.

If we try to think about everyone as normal human beings, many situations can be eliminated by not making false assumptions based on racial profiles. I still get mistaken as Korean now and then.

Just because there are many Koreans on this campus does not mean that anyone that looks East Asian is Korean. The same goes with last names — I am not limited to Kim, Lee or Chan. Although those names are common, it does not apply to every single Asian you may encounter. Of course,

I am sure many people do not have the ill-intent to be offensive or inappropriate. But it is crucial to keep in mind that in many cases, people can appear racially insensitive.

Being racially insensitive is a big problem that has been heavily overlooked. Many people make the excuse that they were not aware, and therefore are not responsible for their actions. I think everyone has a job to rethink their presumptions about people they encounter.

Being racially insensitive does not only apply to Asians but every other race as well.

People have suffered enough just because of the lack of awareness, and it should not continue to be an overlooked problem affecting future generations.

So, are you racially insensitive?

Illustration by Nickolas Nieves

RELIGION “I am a disciple of Christ:” Founding your faith on the rock Megan Yoshioka Copy Editor Last week, I had an eye-opening conversation with my great uncle, Robert Koide, or as I call him, Uncle Bob. Uncle Bob was raised in a half-Japanese, half-Hawaiian_household.

Growing up, he was exposed to different Christian denominations. His mother was a Catholic, and his grandfather was a Methodist. He was first introduced to Adventism when he was eight years old.

He attended the Adventist academy in Hawaii, Hawaiian Mission Academy, and went to Walla Walla University, which at the time was called Walla Walla College. However, he is not an Adventist. He used to be a member of the church, but he decided to leave in 2010 because he does not believe that certain Adventist doctrines align with the Bible.

Uncle Bob said he didn’t start_studying_scripture in-depth until 2006. Those studies led to his eventual departure from the church.

Although he is always willing to share about his beliefs, he doesn’t force his opinion on anybody. He doesn’t judge Adventists who choose to stay in the church, either.

“It’s between them and God, that’s all,” he said. “And it’s between me and my God as to … my relationship.”

When people ask Uncle Bob about his denomination or if he has a title within a church, he simply tells them, “I am a disciple of Christ. That’s all I want, nothing more. I just want to be that.”

I was really impressed by Uncle Bob’s attitude. Even though he disagrees with some Adventist doctrines, he still shows genuine love, kindness and respect to the church members. He does not look down on people or judge them for their differing beliefs.

Instead, he focuses on his own relationship with Christ.

As someone fatigued by the politicization of religion, I found Uncle Bob’s perspective refreshing. I honestly can’t remember the last time I had a religious conversation that focused on the personal relationship with Christ. Especially today, most of my conversations about religion tend to focus on other things such as the relationship with the rules or relationships with others.

My focus strayed away from what should have been the foundation: Jesus Christ.

The Bible says not to put your confidence in man because they will only disappoint you.

It also states that we cannot be saved by the law. Instead of founding our faith on these things, scripture calls for us to trust in God. “He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.” (Psalm 62:2) I appreciated my conversation with Uncle Bob. Through it, I recognized the practicality of this lesson by not just his words, but also by his example.

Illustration by Nickolas Nieves

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

7 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021

LIFESTYLE Amancia Carandang Follante: Everyone’s lola, “Yoya” Elise Deschamps Lifestyle Editor Some of my earliest memories include Sabbath morning breakfasts_at_my_grandparents’ house. I would wake up to the smell of garlic fried rice wafting throughout the entire house, and I knew it was waiting for me at the kitchen table.

My grandma would wake me up saying, “Huli na, we are late to church!” when in reality she just wanted to make sure I ate breakfast and had worship with everyone else.

That is my lola, who is famous in her own right, and known to our family and friends as “Yoya.” Anyone who has had t h e _p l e a s u re _t o _m e e t _a n d spend time with Yoya automatically understands why I would describe her as famous: She is overflowing_with_hospitality, love,_generosity_and_wisdom.

Despite_having_lived_through experiences that no one should ever have to live through, Yoya has remained steadfast in her faith and love.

Yoya immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in her early 20s. She barely spoke English, yet was on her way to teach a class of second graders. This job would mark the beginning of her 52-year teaching career, ranging_from_elementary classes to college algebra. Prior to this, she was the only woman in_her_c la ss_fo r_e ng i ne e ring school, but dropped out because she “could not draw for the_life_of her” (pre-computer era, obviously). While in Canada, she was penpals for a year with her now husband of over 50 years, my family’s “Yoyo.”

Yoyo was in the U.S. Navy, taking their marriage to Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia. This is where they settled and_raised_my_mother,_aunt and_uncle,_and_also_where_I grew up eating her garlic fried rice on Sabbath mornings.

Wherever_Yoya_goes,_and_I mean wherever she goes, Yoya either_knows_someone_or_is sure to make a new friend.

“Even my orthodontist was my student!” Yoya said. “And also my chiropractor. And actually, now that I think of it, my pharmacist. Because when I got my prescription from this guy, he recognized my name as his seventh grade math teacher. Ha!” In_addition_to_being_a teacher_at_a_local_community

college and high school, Yoya tutored on the side in order to support her three children attending Adventist boarding school while her husband was deployed. Yoya also continued to send money to help support students in the Philippines to go to school.

“I should have had some million dollars saved,” she said.

“But I did not. I was helping a lot of people back home. I was always housing people.

My house has always been an open home to anyone without a place to live. I had someone stay with me for three years while they finished high school.

He was in a small gang, was into drugs, and stealing. Now, he’s a nurse in California.”

Yoya actually taught me and

Photo courtesy of Elise Deschamps Amancia “Amy” Carandang Follante.

some of my lifelong, childhood best friends math too. She let me have countless sleepovers at her home for as long as I can_remember,_always_cooking and making sure no one left her home the slightest bit hungry. Her love and support reaches anyone and everyone that crosses her path.

However, that doesn’t mean she isn’t one to become angry or passionate; she is fiercely protective of those she loves, and_will_raise_her_voice_in defense_of_anyone_who_is_in need of defending. As a child, she_yelled_at_Japanese_soldiers raiding her small family’s home_for_taking_their_eggs.

She stood up to cruel family members and ended up supporting_them_financially_for

Photo courtesy of Elise Deschamps Elise Deschamps spending quality time with her lola.

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

Twitter Amy Van Arsdell @amy_joy_va

much of her life. She lived a life fueled by Christ-like compassion and forgiveness.

Yoya, Amancia “Amy” Carandang Follante, a strong, hardworking and incredibly mighty Filipino woman that stands tall at 4’11”, has paved the way for her_children,_grandchildren and_eventual_great_grandchildren._Her_impactful_love spreads widely and permeates deep into the communities that she taught the quadratic formula to, into the family members and friends she sponsored academically, and into the stomachs of whoever sat at her dinner table. She turned 78 just this April 1, and I am forever grateful to have her as my, and many others, Yoya.

#SAUlife Paula Vasquez

Lyanna Vega

I got the J&J covid vaccine yesterday (YAY!) and had to debate all day today whether my headache and fatigue were side effects of that or just of being a sleep-deprived college student

Andrea Stevens @andens99

Reached that point in studying for my test where I’m laughing and crying simultaneously.

Bradly Hutchinson @be_rad_ly

*Me using a two-screen monitor display* “Wow! I can do so much multitasking on here and balance all my thoughts and ideas!” *constantly keeps his email open on both displays with two different apps*

pawlasol “Darling, shine, that’s all.” #SAUlife

Woobin Cho

lyanna.vega Think you can read me? #SAUlife

Juliana Camacho

María José Morán @mmoranhdez

if i ever have children, give me a “condolences” card.

Sam Kumendong @samm_ek

I apologize to my neighbors and suite mates in the dorm that have to hear me screaming in my room every day

Zoë Kanas @immaterialbimbo

everytime campus safety gives me a ticket it reminds me i have severe anger problems and probably should see a therapist cho.woobin made u look :p #SAUlife

Congratulations @jjhyun_97 Come pick up your gift card in the Accent office.

Claire Edens

s.julianacamacho R.I.P clinicals. #SAUlife

Brianna Perdomo

Kevin is looking to grab some supplies for the week. Find him in this issue to recieve a

$10 Walmart Gift Card!

DM us on Instagram with a photo of where Kevin is hiding in this issue for a chance to win! the_redheaded_mermaid @madisonave. photography is the best in the biz!!! #SAUlife

love_briannap God never gives you what you can’t handle #SAUlife

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

8 | Wednesday, April 7, 2021

CHATTER

Today 7 59-81

Online F21 Registration for Returning Seniors > 93 Hours 11:30 a.m. – Volunteer Appreciation Month 7:30 p.m. – SA Senate, Presidential Banquet Room

Friday 9 57-77

Online F21 Registration for Returning Juniors > 54 Hours & Seniors Student Missions Exit Retreat 12:00 p.m. – Southern Sophomore Success 6:30 & 8:00 p.m. – Vespers: Roger Hernandez, Tent/Online 8:08 p.m. – Sunset 9:00 p.m. – AfterGlow

Sunday 11 50-73

Student Missions Exit Retreat Student Employee Appreciation Week 10:00 a.m. – SOAP Ocoee Rafting Trip 2:30 p.m. – Gym-Masters Home Show Matinée 7:30 p.m. – Wind Symphony Concert, Online

Check out our new website!

www.southern-accent.org

Thursday 8 Online F21 Registration for Returning Juniors > 54 Hours & Seniors Student Missions Exit Retreat 11:00 a.m. – Departmental/Schools Convocation 12:00 p.m. – Southern Sophomore Success, Online

Saturday

57-75

10

54-70 Student Missions Exit Retreat 9:00 a.m. – Connect, via Facebook Live & YouTube & Live at the Goliath Wall 9:00 a.m. – Adoration: David Ferguson, Adoration Livestream & Live in Sanctuary 11:45 a.m. – Merge, Livestream & Live in Tent 11:45 a.m. – Renewal: David Ferguson, Renewal Livestream & Live in Sanctuary 7:30 p.m. – Evensong, Online 8:09 p.m. – Sunset 9:00 p.m. – Gym-Masters Home Show, Iles Gymnasium

Monday 12

Tuesday 13 54-77

Online F21 Registration for Returning Sophomores > 23 Hours & Juniors & Seniors Student Employee Appreciation Week

Online F21 Registration for Returning 54-75 Sophomores > 23 Hours & Juniors & Seniors Student Employee Appreciation Week GRE Subject Exam Badminton/Tennis Singles Begins May graduates deadline to finish incompletes & home study correspondence Last Day to Order May Graduation Regalia Online – www.cbgrad.com

Weekly Birthdays TODAY|7

Ethan David

Sunday |11

Michelle Adalbai

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Bethany Edwards

Samuel Rivera

James Kim

Daniel Hoke

Paul Schafer

Mina Kim

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Saturday |10

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Qualyn Robinson

Grant Hagen

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Thursday |8

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James Wood

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Tuesday |13

Andrew Hansbury Cassidy Munson

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Friday |9

Ethan Wu

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Monday |12 Aimee Richard

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