Construction shifts traffic on Apison Pike
With the construction of the bridge on Apison Pike nearing completion, a lane shift took place on Saturday to redirect traffic on the road.
According to the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) website, the bridge remains on track to be completed by summer 2025. In a Facebook post published on March 20, the city of Collegedale's government notified residents of the lane changes that would be made.
“You may have noticed a significant increase in activ -
ity from TDOT on the Apison widening project,” the post from the city read. “They are tentatively planning to shift lanes through the new traffic signals before the bridge span starting March 31st.”
Construction on Apison Pike began in March 2020, and the project aims to improve safety and route operation with better accessibility, according to the TDOT website. The project is divided into four segments, with the first two being completed and the third, being the bridge currently under construction.
The bridge's construction on Apison Pike is split into three phases and is currently in its third phase. According to a TDOT press release, this
phase of the project involves a shift in traffic and temporary traffic control.
“The modified traffic pattern is necessary to accommodate work on a box culvert near Ooltewah-Ringgold Road and will remain in place until construction of the bridge over the railroad has been completed,” the release states.
Drivers can reference the TDOT SmartWay Map for the most up-to-date traffic information.
Drivers can reference the TDOT SmartWay Map for the most up-to-date traffic information, according to the release.
Some students from Southern Adventist University shared their experiences navigating the lane shift.
Sarah Castillo, sophomore physical therapist assistant major, said she did not like the traffic flow in the area.
“I think the first day [of the lane change] was Saturday, and I was going to church, and then we were there for probably 10 minutes to get up to the light, and it just took a really long time to get out of school,” Castillo said.
While she thinks there are traffic problems now, Castillo believes there will be less traffic once the construction is complete. Another student, Nathan Bartlett, second-year fresh -
man, majoring in English professional writing, shared a sentiment similar to Castillo's.
“Well, when we went through, it was very slow because there's a lot of traffic,” Bartlett said. “I wasn't sure if that was because it was [the] first [time it was open], but it was ample more traffic.”
Like Castillo, Bartlett also believes that once the construction is finished, traffic will get better.
Two students, Ashauna Simms and Challgney Lin-Ao, both junior nursing, pre-licensure majors agreed that the road change improved traffic.
“I kind of feel like it’s a lon -
Editor's Note: This article, written for the F24 Mag & Feature Writing class at Southern, is a personal account of the writer's experience at Klatsch.
The two people across from me were familiar faces, but the moment I began to ask my first question, I realized just how little I knew about them.
She sat closest to me, sandy blonde hair framing her soft, kind expression. He glanced at her occasionally, his mildly stern look disappearing, replaced with a hearty smile.
Pastor David and Cinda Sitler met at a Sabbath potluck in their late twenties.
“She sat down and said, ‘How many children do you want to have?’” he recalle d, chuckling. “Basically, she says, ‘Look, I'm old, and I'm not messing around no more.’” Both had almost given up on dating at the time and expressed having been “burned” before. However, Cinda’s church family was not about to give up on their
matchmaking efforts. They had begun a campaign to “help Cinda” and arranged for her to meet two suitors. One came to church in an outfit that appeared to be taken straight out of the dirty laundry pile. The other arrived in a “really nice suit” smelling of French
cologne. The man in the suit was Pastor David.
By their second date at Olive Garden, the couple knew they wanted to marry.
“She was what I was looking for, praying for,” he said.
They married on Dec. 19,
Jehiely Balabarca
A faith-driven historical drama about the early Adventist movement is making waves in the film industry.
The Hopeful, directed by Emmy-winning filmmaker Kyle Portbury, was recently recognized with several award nominations. Winners were announced in February of 2025, placing the film alongside some of the year’s most prominent productions.
The film tells the story of William Miller, a farmer-turnedpreacher who predicted Christ's return.
Released in April of 2024, the film tells the story of William Miller, a farmer-turnedpreacher who predicted Christ’s return and sought meaning through biblical study in the aftermath of the War of 1812. His prophecy led to what became known as the “Great Disappointment”
in 1844, and the movement eventually led to the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
After opening in more than 900 theaters across the United States, The Hopeful ranked among the top 10 at the box office during its debut run.
The film was nominated for three Crown Awards from the ICVM.
The film was nominated for three Crown Awards from the International Christian Visual Media Association (ICVM) — Best Evangelistic Film, Best Soundtrack and Best Editor—recognizing its ability to inspire and share the gospel through high-quality storytelling. It also earned a nomination for Best Direction of a Feature Film at the Australian Directors Guild Awards, putting Portbury’s work in the same category as Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga.
Students gather in the basement of the Sitler household after Vespers.
(Photo courtesy of source)
A sign announces the road closure and redirects incoming traffic to the new lane change on the Apison Pike. Monday, March 31, 2025 (Photo by Andrew Boggess)
Eliana Morales Copy Editor
Hayden Kobza Managing Editor
Chloe Smith Reporter
Reporter
Southern’s past and present parking dilemma: An ongoing problem
Student complaints about parking at Southern Adventist University have been an issue for decades. While current students may perceive this as a recent problem, the Southern Accent has been reporting on parking problems since 1980.
The Accent went through all articles written about parking at Southern since the newspaper’s first issue. Its first mention of parking issues was a letter to the editor titled “Cramped Parking Problems Plague Students,” published on Jan. 31, 1980.
“With a fall 1979 enrollment of over 2000 students, we must realize the need for improved and added parking facilities,” wrote student Johnny Lazor, “and not only realize it, but do something about it!”
In 1988, ticketing began on registration day, and over 200 tickets were written by Sept. 1.
The problem persisted, and students were also frustrated with Campus Safety. In 1988, ticketing began on registration day, and over 200 tickets were written by September 1, according to the Accent. Issue 1 in Volume 44 of the Accent reported that student Tim Prusia parked in Talge’s front lot and received two
Bridge shift continued from page 1
ger route, so I feel like it's kind of less traffic because there’s more time for the cars to go,” Simms said. “So I’m still kind of fond of it.”
"Really looking forward to being able to avoid the backup from the railroad crossing."
Lin-Ao said that she believes that it is a great addition.
“It’s cool,” she said. “Because I've noticed that the road is always under construction, and it has been for a long time.”
In an interview with the Accent, Jason Allin, staff planner for the City of Collegedale, gave his thoughts on the status of the project and its completion.
“We’re being told August
tickets in one day and a third after moving to the back lot and parking in a dean’s spot.
The third ticket was later dismissed because the sign indicating the dean’s spot was not easily visible.
“Where else was I supposed to park?” Prusia said. “It’s like a money-making scheme.”
On Feb. 15, 1991, Southern implemented a new parking policy and lowered the fine from $5 to $3 for the first ticket, $5 for the second, $10 for the third and $15 for the fourth. Once a student received a fourth ticket, Campus Safety could ground their
is when the bridge is actually going to open,” Allin said. “Whether that happens or not, I’m not sure.”
Many community members posted comments on the city’s Facebook post to give their feedback on the update.
“Really looking forward to being able to avoid the backup from the railroad crossing,” one comment from Matt Callahan read.
The original road beside the bridge will be used for driving onto Southern's campus.
The original road beside the bridge will be used for driving onto Southern’s campus, according to the City of Collegedale. For further information on the Apison Pike project, visit the Tennessee Department of Transportation website at tn.gov/tdot.
vehicle.
Southern Villagers also struggled with parking back in the ’90s as much as they do today. On Sept. 23, 1994, the Accent published an article titled “Villagers Vent Parking Woes.”
Village residents Alyssa McCurdy and Nola Bidwell wrote, “True, we could leave an hour earlier from our homes to find a parking space, but do dorm students have to leave an hour earlier to find a parking space? No, because they take ours.”
In an Accent article titled “Ten Ways You Know You’re At
The
Hopeful continued from page 1
In an interview with Sight Magazine, Portbury discussed how historical figures like William Miller, Ellen and James White, Joseph Bates and Joshua Himes have been mythologized over time. He emphasized that these individuals were real people with relatable emotions and experiences.
Portbury stated, "These characters...are people,if you grew up Adventist, you’ve heard of. But they almost aren’t real people anymore.”
“[In the film],you see that these people had the same hopes, fears dreams and desires everybody does," he explained.
Students and faculty who watched the film praised its cinematography, pacing, and emotional depth.
Beyond critical recognition, "The Hopeful" has struck a chord with audiences. Students and faculty at Southern Adventist University who watched the film praised its cinematography, pacing and emotional depth.
“It wasn’t just another faith-based movie,” said Jonathan Navarro, freshman theology student. “[It felt] like you were actually there, experiencing what they went through.”
Southern” that was published Sept. 5, 1997, the second point written said, “You park – just for a second – in front of Talge/Thatcher parking lot, and the second your feet hit the pavement, campus safety is there to impound your car!”
In October 2001, the Accent reported that Southern had 1,565 parking spaces but 2,235 registered vehicles. Faculty parking was the worst, with 174 dedicated spaces for the 651 registered faculty vehicles.
On Dec. 10, 2002, the Accent reported that Gorden Bietz, then president of Southern, was planning to build a three-level parking garage. According to the Accent, this garage would be located between the Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church and Iles P.E. Center.
On Oct. 26, 2006, the Accent reported that $11,905 had been collected in tickets for a total of 513 vehicle violations.
According to the Accent, in Sept. 2015, Campus Safety took a new approach to parking permits. The university offered free parking permits for community students in less populated areas. The stickers had an O instead of a C and provided parking at farther locations, such as the church parking lot and Morningside Drive near the Biology Trail.
Parking on campus has changed over the years...
Parking on Southern’s campus has changed over the years, but the growth of Southern continues to be an issue that has yet to be solved since students first began bringing cars to campus.
In September of 2002, the Accent reported that, in an attempt to ease the strain on parking, Southern spent $5,000 re-striping the lower Lynn Wood and Iles parking lots to create 22 more parking spaces.
“The Hopeful,” a movie about the early Advent Movement, was nominated for three ICVM Crown Awards. (Photo courtesy of source)
A section of Apison Pike remains blocked off during construction. Monday, March 31, 2025 (Photo by Andrew Boggess)
Parking at Southern Adventist University has been an issue for over 45 years. Friday, March 28, 2025 (Photo by Chino Zhao)
Anaya Parker Reporter
Klatsch
continued from page 1
1993, in Michigan. Pastor David had completed seminary, and Cinda was teaching at Andrews University.
Six years later, on May 14, their son Nehemiah was born. Today, he works in Human Resources (HR) at Adventist Health headquarters in Roseville, California.
The couple has been actively involved in Christian ministry their whole marriage, according to Cinda. They are trained facilitators for Prepare-Enrich, a marriage-prep course, and have conducted premarital counseling with young couples. Currently, they are working on a new seminar curriculum called Fishbowl Marriage, which focuses on marriage within the context of ministry.
In September 2018, they moved to Collegedale, Tennessee, where Pastor David became pastor at Standifer Gap Church.
The couple has invited young adults... to their house every Friday night.
Now in their sixties, the couple has invited young adults, mostly Southern students, to their house every Friday night from 8 to 11 p.m. for the past six years. This gathering is called Klatsch.
The name was coined after Cinda listened to a sermon about connecting with people. She then went home and felt impressed enough to search the thesaurus for synonyms of the word connection. Klatsch appeared as a “fellowship or gathering around food or coffee.”
“It kind of fit our vibe,” she said.
Cinda’s inspiration for Klatsch was sparked while she was still in school. One of the teachers would invite students over on Friday nights.
“She would open up the door, and you literally felt like you were the only person in the whole world,” she remembered.
In August 2019, Pastor David and Cinda hosted their own version of these gatherings for the first time. They advertised by handing out cards in the church foyer to passing students. Pastor David prayed for 30 people to come, and Cinda prayed for 50.
Fifty students showed up at the house on Friday night. They sat in a circle downstairs and began a lively discussion on why they felt the church pushes young people away. Meanwhile, Cinda stood pressed against the wall, observing them.
“I was scared to death,” she said. “I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness, all these people came to my house! What are we going to do with the rest of the time here?’”
After two weeks of not interacting with the students, Cinda thought, “They all came, and they’re sitting all over my house. They’re dirtying my house up and eating my food. So I guess I’m just going to go sit down.”
She perched at the end of the couch next to a group of girls. As she began talking with them, she realized, “Oh, they’re like really normal people.”
After that encounter, seeing the students make themselves feel at home didn’t seem so rude to Cinda.
Klatsch has dramatically expanded since then, accord-
ing to Pastor David. There have been up to 235 students on some nights.
The couple is grateful for this, but they miss being able to get personal with everyone who comes by and want Klatsch to be more than just a place where students can eat.
Pastor David said that although he realizes food was always a part of Jesus’ ministry, Klatsch is “not just another food service.”
Cinda expressed that, in her heart, she desires to be able to take a break from constantly putting food out.
“I want to hear people’s stories,” she said. “I want to hear how your life is going and if there’s stuff you’re thinking about, struggling with or interested in.”
“That’s why we really do Klatsch,” said Pastor David.
In the past weeks, the couple has been able to take a break and sit with students. This is partly due to their LifeGroup, where students are invited to help prepare and run Klatsch.
"Klatsch happens because people participate, No one is paid to do anything."
“Klatsch happens because people participate,” said Pastor David. “No one is paid to do anything. As everybody owns it, then God can do something with it.”
Arionna Haakenson, a speech-language pathology major, has helped out in the past.
“They [Pastor David and Cinda] kind of inspire me because I think this type of ministry is so beautiful,” she said. “A lot of times, there’s not even enough help, so they’re working overtime.”
According to Pastor David and Cinda, the dream is to see many other Klatsch houses in the area. Pastor David suggested that there should be Klatsch houses for those who prefer smaller groups as well. He believes that if other people began hosting students, it could bridge a generational divide.
“I really think the older generation is scared of your generation,” he said. “Your generation doesn’t know what to do with the older generation. Everybody thinks the other one doesn’t like them, and it’s kind of this wall of separation. That’s not the way to do it. God doesn’t.”
As our conversation ended, just as it does on Friday evenings, Cinda offered parting advice to young people.
"Don't be afraid to try new things. If God's calling you to do something, just do it."
“Don’t be afraid to try new things. If God’s calling you to do something, just do it,” she said. “If He’s calling you to go as a student missionary, just go. If He’s calling you to start a ministry, just go. You won’t know if you don’t try.”
COLLEGEDALE NEWS ANNOUNCEMENT
Southern journalism class documents Collegedale's growth
Nestled within a scenic mountain landscape, Collegedale hums with the rhythm of rumbling trains, the energy of Happy Valley and the warmth of Southern hospitality.
It’s a community where tradition and progress intertwine. But how will this small college town look, feel and change over the next five to 10 years?
Boasting a population of 11,000, Collegedale is the fastest-growing city in Hamilton County, according to the 2020 U.S. Census. And while growth has its advantages – increased tax revenue, more businesses and better housing options, to name a few – it also poses challenges for the local community.
Among them: Traffic congestion on narrow neighborhood roadways. The proliferation of housing developments in rural areas.
• Infrastructure inadequate for the growing population. A lack of affordable housing for local workers.
This semester, students in the interactive journalism class at Southern Adventist University have embarked on a multimedia project documenting the story of Collegedale at a crossroads. The research explores why the city is growing, how residents are being impacted and what leaders are doing to manage the change, all
within the historical context of the city’s small-town roots.
Led by Professor Alva James-Johnson and co-instructor Ryan Harrell, in partnership with the Southern Accent, the project will result in a special issue of the Accent as well as an interactive website with loads of information.
Along the way, we will update readers on our findings through weekly postings on social media, so please look for our posts on the Southern Accent Instagram and Facebook accounts. To learn more about our team and the overall project, scan the following QR code, which will take you to our blog.
Southern students hold candles in the Sitler's backyard.
(Photo courtesy of source)
Front row, left to right, student Eliana Morales, and instructors, Alva Johnson and Ryan Harrell. Back row, left to right, students, Anaya Parker, Hayden Kobza, Nyah Jackson and Alissa Flores. Missing from the photo is student, Cindy Hernandez Nino.
"Senate Surprise" — Taco Bell
Alfredo Trevedan and Edvan Benitez hand out a free burrito to a student.
Friday, March 28, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Josh Nerona hugs Alfredo Trevedan. Friday, March 28, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Edvan Benitez handing out free burritos to students outside the Bietz Center for Student Life. Friday, March 28, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Alfredo Trevedan and Edvan Benitez pass out burritos to students.
Friday, March 28, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Alfredo Trevedan holds a burrito as if to mimic a phone call.
Friday, March 28, 2025. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
MENTAL HEALTH
How to face off against life’s changes
Abby Dizon Contributor
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
Whether you are a new freshman in college, a transfer student, a senior about to graduate college or anyone experiencing a significant change, you understand how challenging change may be.
The constant worry of feeling like an imposter who doesn’t belong or whether you can quickly adapt can feel overwhelming. However, the fact of the matter is that change is inevitable, and it is happening all around us in both big and small ways.
Although change itself can be overwhelming and daunting, how you control your response to it determines the extent of the impact, making it either more difficult or easier to manage. Here are some ways in which changing your perspective of change can help you effectively manage transitions:
Maintain Routines
While life may be changing around you, maintaining your routine can provide you with more comfort and help you feel grounded. By this, I mean continuing small activities you practiced before the change occurred.
While I transitioned into post-college life, I, too, felt overwhelmed and anxious. However, maintaining my gym routine gave me a sense of normalcy and comfort amidst the chaos. Adapting to a new gym itself was daunting
and uncomfortable, but as I stuck to my routine at my new gym, I realized that it helped me transition more effectively. So, although the environments of your routine may change, the more you adhere to your triedand-true routine amidst change, the more it will make navigating through new changes easier.
Seek Support
Finding a support group is one of the most important tools for adapting to change.
Whether you are starting a new job, a new school or experiencing another significant transition, change often includes a shift in the people around you, which can make you feel isolated.
Research has shown that loneliness and social isolation are linked to a higher risk of premature death.
During this time, you should especially take care of your mental well-being and reach out for social support. You may feel reluctant to reach out, but keep in mind
that there are people who truly care about you and want to offer help, but they won’t know unless you tell them.
Whether it is through a family member, a friend or help through a therapist, seeking social support can alleviate feelings of isolation and give valuable insights on how to adapt in the midst of change.
As change unfolds all around us, how you respond shapes your experiences and outcomes. You can either remain in your comfort zone as life
moves past you, or you can face it head-on, embracing the transitions as opportunities to thrive and grow.
By sticking to your routines and leaning on support networks, you can empower yourself with resilience and adaptability to navigate change.
Change can be daunting. However, approaching it positively and embracing it fosters a mindset of ongoing learning and self-improvement.
SPORTS
Experiencing 90 minutes of madness
Alissa Flores News Editor
I stared wide-eyed into the football (soccer) pitch as an Olimpia player threw a punch at the FC Motagua assistant coach. A nearby banner was trampled as a throng of angry, passionate men crowded around the fight. Honduran games are known to be intense and dangerous—not just for the players, but also for the fans. Tonight was no exception. All around me, the stadium roared. Curses and insults were flung into the air, as well as trash and plastic bags full of liquid. I was overwhelmed, yet — enjoying myself?
Four days earlier, my parents had told me we wouldn’t attend the final for Honduran Liga Nacional. Then, the night before the match, they surprised me with last-minute tickets. I squealed with delight and threw my arms around my dad, thanking him profusely. He didn’t love attending games in his home country. To him, it was stressful to make the trip, find parking and ensure our safety. The next morning, my dad, my four cousins and I piled into our small Mazda and headed to the capital, Tegucigalpa. Along the way, my cousins and I chatted in Spanglish, predicting who would win. Out of everyone, I was the most excited. Soccer has always been my passion. Since I could walk, I had been kicking a ball with my brother and learning everything I could about the game. Even as I got older, my life revolved around it. The sport was, and is, the love of my life.
I had been to a game in Honduras once before. At 13, I clung to my dad’s side, heeding his warning of aggressive fans, fights and thieves. Now, at 20, I felt more confident
walking through the congested streets, yet caution lingered in my mind. Vendors sold jerseys, food, and noisemakers. The atmosphere was electric, but I kept my eyes peeled for anything unusual. We arrived two hours early to avoid traffic and swarms of fans. After a thorough patdown by security, we found our hard, uncomfortable seats. My cousins and I entertained ourselves until a loud commotion caught my attention.
To my right, Olimpia fans tried to open a gate into our section. Simultaneously, Motagua fans rushed in from the bottom aisle. Fans yelled curses and threw things. Finally, the gate swung open, and a flood of white Olimpia shirts streamed in, forcing the Motagua fans into another
section. Police officers stood between them, a chain-link fence their only barrier.
This was before the game even began.
Once kickoff started, the stadium buzzed with energy. The sunset cast an orange hue onto the pitch as 22 players sprinted up and down, dribbling and taking shots. At halftime, the score remained 0-0. Then came the “own goal.”
To the dismay of Olimpia fans, their team had accidentally scored on their own keeper. My cousins groaned in frustration. I, too, was disappointed, though not as heartbroken as them. Now, if this had been an FC Barcelona game, I would have been losing my mind.
With minutes left, Olimpia fans watched in silence while Motagua fans cheered. I was fo-
cused on the game when I saw a flash of movement near the corner. The Olimpia assistant coach walked past warming-up Motagua players and jeered at them. One of the players lunged, shoving him hard. All hell broke loose. Players sprinted toward the fight. The teams collided in a flurry of shoves and fists. Fans hurled anything they could onto the field. My cousins and I, safe in our seats, whipped out our phones to record the uproar.
Security finally pulled the assistant coach and Motagua’s head coach away. Shockingly, the game continued.
When the final whistle blew, Motagua fans erupted in celebration. Smoke bombs filled the air, noisemakers blared, and fans climbed the fence. Olimpia fans, embarrassed, rushed out.
My dad knew things got more dangerous after games, so we hurried to leave.
At our car, we waited an hour before we could leave—traffic was awful. As I sat there, I reflected on the game.
While some moments may have made me nervous, I actually relished the electric atmosphere. I loved being around passionate football fans; it made me feel at home and accepted.
Going to games abroad, especially in Latin American countries, is such a cool experience because it shows just how much of the world loves football and how much it means to the fans. Wherever you are, I recommend going to a football game at least once (bonus points if it’s out of the country).
Intramural Schedule:
Wednesday
6 p.m.
- sarang stealers vs soccer team (Ladies B)
- cleat freaks vs bola bola (Ladies B)
- Goalden Girls vs Nuestro Equipo (Ladies B)
7 p.m.
- Zo-Khaw Thunder FC vs sam and friends(Mens B)
- Monarcas FC vs Christian Pulisic FC (Mens B)
- 2008 Antony vs Barely Atlético FC (Mens B)
8 p.m.
- My Pants Are Messi FC vs Mong’s Disciples (Mens B)
- Yellow Lock vs KFC (Mens B)
- Vannis2Fast vs Love Muffins (Mens B)
9 p.m.
- messi but cute vs Sweet Kicks (Ladies B)
- Cristiano Ronaldo FC vs Queens FC (Mens B)
- Perfectly Aged vs Always Offside (Mens B)
Change is inevitable, but we can control how we respond to it. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
OPINION
The Donation Disconnect: What students really think about Southern’s Giving Day
Sandra Araújo-Delgado Contributor
Editor’s Note: Sandra Araújo-Delgado is the associate director of Annual Giving at Southern Adventist Univeristy.
The rumor spread quickly across campus—a petition was urging administration to stop promoting Giving Day to students. I was puzzled, and, if I’m honest, defensive.
“Students just don’t understand,” I thought. “This is the same generation spending $6.25 on grande lattes and $60 on dip manicures—why don’t they see the value of participating in something that actually benefits them?”
As I stewed in frustration, an email came through from the student who started the petition. She explained her concerns with care and professionalism, and despite my wounded feelings, I asked if we could meet. I wanted to show her numbers, facts, all the reasons why she was so wrong. But as the day of our meeting approached, God pressed on my heart: just listen. Here’s what I learned:
• Students feel pressured. They resent being asked to give when tuition is already high. Those who can’t give feel excluded. They believe they contribute in other meaningful ways, especially through service.
• They feel like the university only cares about their money.
It became clear: There was a disconnect between our intentions and students’ perceptions.
Realizing there was a much bigger problem here, I decided to do some research. According to data, Gen Z is a philanthropic powerhouse. GoFundMe’s 2024 Year in Help report found that Gen Z made more than 42 million donations to individuals and 23 million to nonprofits.
So why does Giving Day feel different?
I posed this question to students in the Public Relations Campaigns class. Their response? They see Southern as an institution, not a cause. It’s not a friend needing help to get home, a nonprofit rescuing animals or a community project cleaning up a neighborhood. And that made me pause, because while Southern may be an institution, its mission is centered on a worthy cause: serving students.
Let me explain. Each year, academic departments dream of projects that could elevate learning, meet critical student needs and provide greater opportunities—things that tuition alone can’t cover. Giving Day helps bring those dreams to life.
So many wonderful parts of campus started as Giving Day projects. Things like funds for a student entrepreneurship program, new computers for the Center for Innovation and Research in Computing, scholarships for students in various departments, LAC and BCU, new cold tubs for hydrotherapy, new equipment for simulation labs, general scholarships, a
RELIGION
new TV studio for the School of Journalism and Communication, funds for the food pantry, gifts to subsidize mission trips, a forklift and brake lathe for Applied Technology students, a high resolution digital 3D dissecting microscope. . . You get the picture.
But the invitation to students is about more than money. It’s about empowering students to act on their connection to their school, their professors and their friends with joy and generosity, regardless of the size or form of the gift.
And while students are encouraged to take part through giving their time (volunteering), advocacy (posting on social media) or money, most of the Giving Day support comes from alumni, parents, employees and friends who believe in investing in Southern
students. The total impact at Southern? $3.2 million in the last 10 years. How Can Students Get Involved?
• Join an event. Last year, LAC raised over $700 by participating in Giving Day games and activities. Getting involved is a fun way to support what matters to you.
• Volunteer. Help your club or department reach its goal by sharing ideas, creating content or assisting with planning. Every effort makes a difference.
• Give what you can. A $5 coffee won’t go far, but when students come together, small gifts create a big impact. Last year, gifts under $100
added up to $239,625— enough to fund 95 scholarships of $2,500 each. Invite others to give. GoFundMe’s Social State of Giving report calls social sharing Gen Z’s “superpower.” Use your influence to rally support for a cause you care about.
Not everyone can give financially, and that’s okay. But whether you give time, a voice or a gift, your involvement helps make a lasting impact as you join a powerhouse of alumni and family members investing in you.
Editor’s Note: The Opinion Section encourages multiple perspectives, so please feel free to send a response or other opinions for future articles to allisongrundy@southern.edu.
Remember our unshakable worth in God
Haeley Meinhardt Contributor
Have you ever felt as though your value depended on your success? I know that I have.
For the longest time, I felt my worth was based on the things I achieved. If I got an A in a class, I would feel good. If I was well-liked and accepted, I would feel that I had a purpose. But in the absence of these things—well, I felt I was worthless.
One day, as I was mindlessly scrolling on my phone, I came across the following quote: “And she built her life on God’s love—not on people’s praise, not on the world’s applause. And she found peace in her heart.” At first, I just skimmed past it, deeming it one of those quotes that would pop up if you searched “Christian girl aesthetic” on Pinterest (with a sparkly floral background clashing with bright pink lettering). But for some reason, I couldn’t get it out of my mind. So, finally, I went back and read it.
The words slowly sunk in, and it hit me: I had been building my life upon the wrong things. I had based the worth of my entire existence on things that were vague and fleeting. They could change in a moment’s notice. My foundation was not strong at all. After that, something shifted in my mind. I realized that lasting peace was found not from chasing the fleeting things of this world, but from an identity as a child of God.
While grades, social standing and things of this nature may come and go, nothing can change the fact that I am His. I am a princess of the King, no matter what the world around
me may think. It is a firmer foundation, because my worth in Christ is something that cannot change.
The more time I have spent with God, the more I have realized what a solid foundation He is. He keeps me firm and steady, unlike the sinking sand of my own success and the world’s applause. When I truly connect with God—not just reading a few verses or saying a quick prayer, but actually being with Him, talking to Him, listening to Him—it changes everything.
God has given me so many promises in the Bible that tell me what He thinks of me. He says that He loves me with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3). He says that I am strong (Isaiah 40:31). He says that I am chosen by Him (Colossians 3:12). He says I am cared for (1 Peter 5:7). He says I am precious (Isaiah 43:4). And He says that I am His (Isaiah 43:1).
Suddenly, the things I used to hold onto so tightly don’t seem so important. My grades? My achievements? The approval of others? They don’t define me.
They never did. And neither do yours. Maybe you’ve felt the same way. Maybe you’ve attached your worth to your success, your reputation or how well you meet other people’s expectations. Maybe you’ve lived under the pressure of trying to be enough. But in the light of eternity, in the presence of a love that is deeper and stronger than anything this world can offer, you are already enough. You are already loved. That doesn’t mean you need to stop trying to do well at
school or quit being a good friend. You should still do your best—but not for validation. You can do your best because you’re working with God, not for the approval of the world. Your worth isn’t up for debate. It isn’t something to be earned. When you start to really live in that truth—when you stop building your life on the shaky foundation of people’s praise, then the freedom, the peace, the joy of God will come into your life. And it changes everything.
What is your life built on?
Giving Day is about empowering students to act on their connection to their school, their professors and their friends with joy and generosity, regardless of the size or form of the gift. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
Five female authors for your reading list
Meg Ermer Web Manager for safety. While there, she wrote her debut work, “The House of the Spirits,” which follows several generations of a family living under Pinochet’s dictatorship. Her novels reflect Latin American history, and she draws on her own experiences to tell beautiful stories of resilience and survival.
As an avid reader, one of the ways I like to learn about different perspectives is through literature. Women’s History Month is always a perfect time to celebrate the contributions, achievements and histories of individuals who are often overlooked. Though March has already come and gone, I’ve compiled a list of contemporary female writers whose works you can read to keep women’s voices and stories in mind all year long.
Isabel Allende – Latin American legacy with a touch of magical realism
A Chilean-American writer, Isabel Allende was closely related to Salvador Allende, who served as the president of Chile before being overthrown by a CIA-sanctioned coup. She was exiled to Venezuela
Keep an eye out for her new novel coming out in May. (Bonus points if you can read the original untranslated Spanish edition!)
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie – Immersive observations on politics and identity
You may have listened to her TED Talk “The Danger of a Single Story” in your high school English class, but have you read her novels? Adichie’s writings reflect her own background as a Nigerian living in America and grappling with ideas of identity and belonging. Widely regarded as a central figure
in postcolonial feminist literature, her stories frequently feature intelligent, independent women who challenge the limitations of tradition.
Her most recent novel, “Dream Count,” was released last month and explores the nature of love through the lives of four women in Nigeria and America.
R. F. Kuang – Examining imperialism through high fantasy.
If you love books by Brandon Sanderson or V. E. Schwab, you’ll enjoy R. F. Kuang’s “Poppy War” trilogy. Kuang retells East Asian history by setting major events in fictional worlds with unique magic systems.
While “Poppy War” is very much a war saga, her standalone novel, “Babel,” explores the effects of British imperialism on China by likening the act of translation to magic. Despite her success as a fantasy writer, Kuang isn’t afraid to venture
into other genres, and her satirical psychological thriller, “Yellowface,” kept me on the edge of my seat to the very last page. Her next novel, “Katabasis,” will be released later this year and is my most anticipated read of 2025.
Celeste Ng – Emotionally and culturally complicated family dramas
Ng’s “Little Fires Everywhere” is one of those stories you think about long after you finish. Her uniquely nuanced perspectives on motherhood, family and relationships force you to consider the nature of the bonds that hold us together.
Just as there are no “right answers” in many of our life decisions, Ng’s novels reflect the difficult choices that we all must make and the consequences that impact those around us. Her works are well on their way to becoming modern classics, and I highly
recommend HBO’s miniseries adaptation of “Little Fires Everywhere” (after you’ve read the book, of course)!
Daphne Palasi Andreades – Poetic reflections on race and immigration
“We live in the dregs of Queens . . . where airplanes fly so low that we are certain they will crush us . . .” So begins Andreades’s debut novel “Brown Girls,” which moved me to tears the first time I read it.
Her style blends multiple genres to paint beautiful portraits of diaspora, family and identity. I first encountered Andreades’ writing in a short story collection edited by none other than Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie!
While “Brown Girls” is currently her only published novel, many of her anthologies and short fiction stories can be found on her website.
SOCIAL
by Ana K. Zelidon
Celeste Ng, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, R.F. Kuang, Daphne Palasi Andreades and Isabel Allende, are five women authors worth reading this year. (Graphic by Meg Ermer)
jennakalenapeters All winters melt into spring Photo Credit: Kaitlyn Whalley
danielaygi so blessed to have my friends and family to make so many memories with!
Photo Credit: Sam Duenas
Jenna Peters
Daniela Gonzalez J D
bionkers_bonkers Photo Credit: Claudia Tuinonetoa
Bianca Amaya B christianb._png
Banquet Photo Credit: Houston Beckworth
_laurenleonor quick vacay! Photo Credit: Lora Baker
CHATTER
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Meeting
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• 6:30 pm Vespers: Joseph Khabbaz @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 8:05 pm Sunset
• 8:30 pm Vespers: Joseph Khabbaz @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 8:30 pm Star Watch @ Hickman Science Center Parking Lot
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4:00 pm - 6:00 pm Student Association: International Food Festival @ Iles P.E. Center
• 6:00 pm Badminton Intramurals
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Symphony Orchestra Concert Tour (April 3 – 5, 2025)
Junior Pre-Registration (55 Earned Hours)
• 11:00 am Convocation: Giving Day, Ashley Sikora @ Iles P.E. Center
• 3:30 pm Academic Administration Council @ Wright Hall Robert Merchant Room
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MASTER’S DEGREE IN BUSINESS
Southern’s Master of Business Administration degree helps you acquire the skills you need to be successful in today’s workforce—based on the biblical principles of honesty, integrity, and high ethical standards.
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All classes are online. Full- and part-time tracks are available, and the MBA can be completed in as little as one year. With careful planning, you can complete a bachelor’s degree AND a master’s degree in five years!
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Southern’s competitively priced program is a valuable investment in your future
Prep for CPA Review. Students with an MBA Accounting emphasis may take the Wiley CPAexcel review courses for six of their 12 elective hours.