On March 26, all 21 Student Association (SA) senators unanimously approved $100,000 to add more automatic doors across Southern Adventist University and renovate a university-owned van to help accommodate students with physical disabilities, according to the March 26 Senate minutes.
The proposal was created by two senators, Amy Van Arsdell, senior history and Spanish major, and Nema Ogal, sophomore biochemistry major.
Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, said $84,000 has been allocated for doors to be automatized, and the remaining $16,000 is for retrofitting a Southern van.
Negrón stated in an email that student accessibility is one of the many plans Student Development is working on to make Southern fit for all students.
“The goal is to have this campus fully accessible to the physically disabled in five years,” he stated. “In the year 2024-25, one of the goals is to install door openers on, at minimum, 10% of the build-
ings on campus, with completion of this project scheduled for year five, 2028-29. The money that Senate approved to retrofit a currently-owned van so that it is wheelchair accessible meets a different need, one that was added to the strategic plans this year because we now have two wheel-chair bound students at Southern.”
Crystelle Toledo, freshman liberal arts education major, uses a wheelchair. In an email to the Accent, she expressed how ecstatic she is about the work the Senate has done for her and Heidi Burke, sophomore history teaching licen-
sure major, who also uses a wheelchair.
“Meeting Senate was lovely; they listened to what Heidi and I had to say and were very enthused on our behalf,” Toledo stated. “I am excited to experience some of the off-campus activities other students get and be able to do so more easily and with much less stress.
“I applaud Senate's gusto in the matter and great support,” she continued. “This is something I greatly appreciate, and I see a bright and hopeful future in the next generation of church and academic leadership.”
Burke stated that she is happy Southern has started with more projects like the van and doors but believes there is more work to be done.
“Southern purchasing a wheelchair accessible vehicle would literally open up my world,” Burke stated. “It would allow me to participate in events that I desperately want to join. It would give me back the dignity of having a choice in what experiences I get to have. Southern investing in a wheelchair accessible vehicle would prove that this is a place where everyone belongs, on or off campus.”
Over Spring Break, Southern Adventist University students led a group of 34 people to the Dominican Republic to help construct a church and provide medical clinics for the community.
The trip organizers, twin brothers, Corbin Weiss, senior mathematics major, and Ashton Weiss, senior interdisciplinary studies major, embarked on the trip in hopes of sharing their love of service.
“Ashton and I grew up doing Maranatha mission trips instead of family vacations,” Corbin Weiss said. “We knew that we wanted to share the joy of service that had been so transformational to us while growing up, and we wanted to share that experience with our friends here at Southern.”
Of the 34 individuals on the mission trip, 25 of them were students at Southern.
The team left on March 13, and the trip lasted a total of 11 days.
According to Weiss, the
first several days consisted of building the Fuente de Salvacion Church in Santiago, while the end of the trip involved a health clinic that served community members and kids at nearby schools.
Over the course of the trip, the team was able to nearly finish all the walls of the Fuente de Salvacion Church, according to Corbin Weiss. They also served a total of 70 community members at their health clinic, as well as 200 kids at the nearby school.
John Hargy, senior biophysics major, said it was satisfying to see the walls of Fuente de Salvacion Church continue rising during the trip.
"And the last Sabbath, we were able to worship again ... in a completed church."
“What was so cool about this experience, was that the first Sabbath we arrived, the church was just a still frame,” Hargy said. “ … And that last Sabbath, we were able to worship again in the church, but more than just a frame, a completed church.”
According to Hargy and
Shelby Brautigan, junior character animation major, they both heard from a member of Fuente de Salvacion who had been praying for the church for fifteen years.
Priscille Mikala, junior music performance major, said the heat was one obstacle to the team laying down brick for the church walls.
“Some places and some times of day, the sun would just be on us, and I would say that was probably the hardest thing,” Mikala said.
The group also had an excursion day where they ziplined, hiked at a canyon and visited a port city, according to Brautigan, who said the day was a highlight of her trip
Mikala said one of the highlights of the trip for her was when the group would come together for worship in the evenings.
“Every evening, someone different would share a devotional thought, and it was really interesting to hear the stories of older people that were on the trip with us that were missionaries for like 30 or 40 years,” Mikala said.
For Hargy, another highlight was bonding with the
other students in the mission field.
“I had known a number of them, but just getting to spend a whole week really working alongside your peers, alongside students, you get to know people in a really good way,” Hargy said.
Emily White, senior music theory and literature major, was another student who joined in serving the Santiago community.
"Every student should take the opportunity to go on a mission trip at least once."
“Our group had the chance to show the community that there are still young people like us who are passionate about serving others and the Lord,” White said, “and I think we did a great job of doing that.”
According to Corbin Weiss, he was able to organize the trip through Maranatha, an organization that coordinates the construction of needed buildings with volunteers who wish to serve. He served as the project coor -
Anaya Parker wrote her first draft of Breaking Tides in eighth grade. It was a quiet, handwritten, hopeful playscript born in the margins of notebooks between school classes. Nearly seven years later, that story is being brought to life by a full student cast at Southern Adventist University. Breaking Tides will be shown April 11, 5 p.m. in Southern’s Lynn Wood Chapel. Admission is free, but the cast recommends attendees get tickets to be guaranteed a seat. All those who can’t attend in person are invited to stream the play on the Breaking Tides Facebook page. The cast invites all students, faculty, and friends to attend the show.
" ... The play is set in 1940s Oahu, following Halia, and her family in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack."
According to Parker, the play is set in 1940s Oahu, following Halia, and her family in the aftermath of the Pearl Harbor attack. It also features Halia’s best friend, Aiko, as she suffers the loss of her brother and struggles in a Japanese internment camp. Halia then decides to write a story about a wounded soldier for a newspaper competition, meeting a young Will, which opens her eyes to the racism present during the 1940s. It’s about memory, identity and how people find their way back to each other, imperfectly and painfully, but with grace.
Ashton and Corbin Weiss led an 11-day mission trip in the city of Santiago. The group constructed walls of a church and offered a free health clinic.
(Photo courtesy of source)
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter
continued from page 1
In the play, Halia's family struggles to cope with the changing times as her sister Diana begins working to help with the war effort.
“I always hoped to produce it,” said Parker. “And now it’s finally happening. It’s honestly the coolest thing I’ve ever done.”
Currently a junior religious studies major, Parker will be directing the play and playing the sister of the story’s main character.
The journey to production hasn’t been smooth. The play was initially scheduled to open last December in honor of the Pearl Harbor anniversary. But Parker had to postpone and rebuild when multiple cast members dropped out.
“It was discouraging at first,” she admitted. “But it ended up being a blessing. The people who stepped into the roles this semester have brought so much depth and heart. I’m honestly grateful we waited.”
Rehearsals began in late January with two months of learning lines, late-night reblocking, and costume descisions...
The new cast includes students from various majors and backgrounds, some with acting experience and others stepping onstage for the first time. Rehearsals began in late January, with two months of learning lines, late-night reblocking and costume decisions ensuing.
Emma Boughman, a senior character animation major, plays the lead role of Halia. She has wanted to act since childhood but never thought
she’d get the chance, especially in Adventist schools where theater hasn’t always been prioritized.
“When I was a kid, I wanted to be an actress,” Boughman said. “But with Sabbath and school policies, it always felt out of reach. So this means the world.”
Practices have reminded her of the behind-the-scenes camaraderie you see in movie montages, inside jokes, costume malfunctions and the quiet solidarity of castmates learning to breathe in sync.
“The script has evolved so much since our first readthrough,” Boughman said.
“Back then, the romance felt too rushed. Now it’s rooted, honest. We’ve made it our own.”
Boughman reflected on her favorite moments.
“Honestly, the ridiculous kiss scenes,” she said. “They’ve been hilarious to rehearse. But also that first table read... the rawness of it. We were just start-
ing, but you could already feel the bones of something real.”
Skyler Perla, a sophomore theology major and first-time actor, will be playing Jack, the main character's brother. He described the experience as unexpectedly transformative.
“I didn’t think much of it at first,” Perla said. “But after weeks of practicing, joking backstage, and just being together... I realized I’m going to miss these people.”
Perla described the process as “a beautiful ball of chaos” –flying costumes, forgotten lines and new friendships.
Freshman graphic design major Jeanyvah Desarmes will be playing the role of Nell White Larson, a woman working for the Women’s Air Raid Defense (WARD) and has called the cast her “first acting family.”
“This is the first time I’m going to be seen,” Desarmes said. “I’ve directed shows with my sisters before but never performed like this. The community I’ve found here is something
I’ll never forget.”
Ava Caroline Schmidt, a freshman communications major, will play the role of Mrs. Robinson, the main character’s mother, and co-direct alongside Parker.
“We’re both in theater, so Anaya and I just get each other,” Schmidt said. “Sometimes we don’t even have to say anything; we already know what the other is thinking. There’s this rhythm between us that’s made the whole process really meaningful.”
She added that one of her favorite moments is a scene where her on-stage husband breaks into laughter.
“His laugh is so ridiculous and dad-like,” she said, chuckling. “I crack up every single time.”
Balancing rehearsals with classes, responsibilities and spiritual life has been a challenge for many in the cast, including Schmidt.
“I wanted to be on top of things,” Schmidt said. “Not
just because I’m acting, but because I’m co-directing. I wanted to lead by example. It’s been hard, but the good kind of hard.”
Maddy Brower, a freshman communications major, plays two more minor roles: a waitress in Act 1 and Fluff Ford, a historical figure among the real-life WARD Women of Oahu. Brower is also in charge of the costumes and hair department, which she described as some of her passions.
“I love watching a story come together,” she said, “and seeing how something historically grounded can also be fun, emotional and creative."
“I love watching a story come together,” she said, “and seeing how something historically grounded can also be fun, emotional and creative. Anaya has done such a great job leading all of us. She makes space for everyone’s voice. That’s rare.”
Still, the challenge of coordinating such a large team hasn’t been lost on Parker.
“Getting everyone in the same place, at the same time, with lines ready and energy up... it’s a lot,” she said. “But it’s worth it for the community we’ve built.”
Parker said the process has shown her just how collaborative theater really is.
“You write something in a room alone, and then suddenly it’s not yours anymore,” she explained. “ It belongs to the people who perform it, who feel it, who make it real.”
For more information, follow the actors on their Instagram page, @breakingtidesplay.
From left to right, Hope Griffin, Ivana Kern, Emma Boughman, Stephanie Maeda and Sienna Escobar.
(Photo courtesy of source)
Southern Soccer Intramurals
Student goalie prepares to kick the ball across the field. Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Players await the outcome of a kick. Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Kate Brosseuk high fives a friend on the opposing team. Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Players rally around the soccer ball, waiting for a chance to steal the ball. Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Two players scuffle for the ball. Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Photo by Elias Zabala)
A player kicks it away from the opposing team. Thursday, April 3, 2025 (Photo by Elias Zabala)
MENTAL HEALTH
How to stop living through the motions
Johanne Mendoza Contributor
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.
After reading a Psyche article by Kiki Fehling, an experienced psychologist, I realized I related to the idea of living life by just going through the motions. After spring break, my heart and mind needed to be right regarding school.
Sometimes, I was not motivated to get through my days, and even though I had everything I needed to feel better, I didn’t do anything about it. I also felt disconnected from people due to the fast-paced environment that I was surrounded by. I felt that my mental health was suffering due to my not being mindful or being present at the moment.
Reading this article encouraged me to apply tactics from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) therapy. Although DBT is more focused on those who suffer from borderline personality disorder, the ultimate aim is crafting a “life worth living” mindset, a vision determined by the individual, free from external influences such as therapists, family or friends.
Two recent studies, one from the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, and the other from a journal titled Personality Disorders: Theory, Research, and Treatment, suggest that using DBT therapy and working on daily measures to help with emotional regulation was a critical factor that helped their focus groups’ psychological health.
This involves creating goals aligned with personal fulfillment, focusing on actionable steps to achieve them and devising strategies for therapy’s role in the journey. The significance of this behavioral emphasis cannot be overlooked due to how it serves as a beacon of motivation during moments of despair or fatigue. A clear vision of one’s desired life essentially becomes a driving force, especially with the added factor of being able to see one’s progress. However, navigating behavioral change creates challenges, often due to ineffective goal-setting methods and a tendency to underestimate the effort required. This causes individuals to struggle with vague aspirations or unrealistic expectations, which leads to an abrupt end to their progress and ends with self-blame.
The Psyche article suggests
that this is similar to someone getting lost because they chose not to use a map. Without guidance or achievable goals, a life satisfaction goal can result in aimless wandering and frustration. Life-worth-living goals can serve as a map, helping to make aspirations into manageable steps and offering a sense of direction.
While DBT is not meant for everyone, its goal of enhancing life satisfaction and addressing various mental health issues has been proven through clinical research. This article is intended to share strategies derived from DBT steps to assist individuals in creating their own life worth living, offering a resource for those seeking fulfillment when feeling stuck or directionless.
The whole purpose of DBT therapy is to allow individuals to feel encouraged to have the authority to define what
a fulfilling life means to them and have the right tools to identify their version of a life worth living through proper goal-setting. These goals serve as pillars or beacons of hope, guiding individuals toward greater satisfaction and personal empowerment by creating a space for individuals to break down their goals into manageable steps.
Reflecting on personal preferences, passions and values aids in clarifying those goals.
Envisioning the big picture of one’s ideal life and outlining the corresponding objectives provides a roadmap for action. Prioritizing one to four goals based on urgency, excitement or accessibility ensures focused attention, with each goal being specific, realistic and meaningful.
Taking actionable steps toward these goals, no matter how insignificant, allows prog-
ress to grow and reinforces commitment to self-fulfillment. Through research and reflection, I have learned to prepare for challenges and plan, which is a DBT skill aiding in anticipating and overcoming obstacles to accomplish your goals.
Visualizing potential hurdles and developing specific coping strategies tailored to each situation makes one more efficient. One should reflect on setbacks as opportunities for growth and seek support from a therapist or trusted counselor if needed.
I realized the importance of embracing the present moment. Recognizing happiness in gratitude and mindfulness is key. I hope this encourages you to integrate present-moment awareness into your daily activities for emotional resilience so that you can stop living through the motion.
SPORTS
The beauty of the niche sport of ultimate
Matthew Orquia Editor-in-chief
When I first tell someone that I play “ultimate” (better known as ultimate frisbee, although that particular nomenclature is not technically correct), they usually politely nod their head and say, “Oh yeah, that’s like golf with a frisbee, right?”
They are thinking of disc golf, another sport that involves people who are much too obsessed with round objects flying through the air, but contrary to popular belief, they are not the same thing.
“Ultimate” is a game somewhat akin to soccer, with a little football mixed in; it involves two teams, traditionally seven players each, who try to score points against each other by catching
the disc in the opposing team’s end zone.
One of ultimate’s key characteristics is that a player who is holding the disc is not allowed to move and must throw the disc before a player on the opposing team counts to 10 (usually called a “stall count”). If the player fails to throw the disc within the allotted time, it results in a turnover, keeping the game fast-paced.
Whenever ultimate comes up in conversation, I don’t typically break down the whole sport (unless people ask), and I will often let them think that I do play disc golf rather than ultimate. To me, those misunderstandings are par for the course when it comes to a sport as niche as ultimate.
I used to be annoyed at hav-
ing to constantly explain one of my favorite sports, but I’ve realized that the uniqueness and specificity of ultimate are two of my favorite things about the game.
Because ultimate is still a small sport, the community is extremely tight-knit and yet remains welcoming, especially in Chattanooga. Since starting to play ultimate during some of the first weeks of my freshman year, I don’t think I’ve ever gone to a pick-up game and not been warmly greeted by both familiar and unfamiliar faces.
Even when I was a brandnew player, veterans of the game showed me the ropes and encouraged me to keep practicing my skills, and I was able to get tips from my older
brother, who is more experienced with the sport.
The culture of ultimate, at least in its ideal form, is inviting, competitive and focused on the joy of playing. Most sports strive for a similar goal, but ultimate is unique because this attitude—called “Spirit of the Game”—is written into its rule book and rooted in the origins of the sport.
Most ultimate players could give you their own definition of Spirit of the Game, but according to the USAUltimate website, “Spirit of the Game is a set of principles which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of mutual respect among competitors, adherence to the agreed upon rules, or the basic
joy of play.”
As with any ideal, Spirit of the Game is not followed by every ultimate player at all times, and I’m certain that I’m guilty of many rule violations over my career, but it’s evident that the essence of the rule is influencing the way people behave.
One of the great joys of playing a sport as niche as ultimate is stumbling upon someone else who shares the same passion. Every conversation I’ve had with ultimate players in the wild has resulted in an instant connection over our love of throwing discs and scoring goals.
I encourage any sports-loving individual to give ultimate a shot and join me in clarifying to others—one conversation at a time—that ultimate is not the same as disc golf.
Intramural Schedule: April 9
6 p.m.
- messi but cute vs Goalden Girls (Ladies B)
- Nuestro Equipo vs cleat freaks (Ladies B)
- Monarcas FC vs Cristiano Ronaldo FC (Mens B)
7 p.m.
- sam and friends vs Beanz and rice (Mens A)
- bola bola vs Sweet Kicks (Ladies B)
- Perfectly Aged vs 2008 Antony (Mens B)
8 p.m.
- wiz khafifa vs Las Comadres (Ladies A)
- Yellow Lock vs My Pants Are Messi FC (Mens B)
- Always Offside vs Christian Pulisic FC (Mens B)
9 p.m.
- Crudinhos FC vs Zo-Khaw Thunder FC (Mens A)
- Queens FC vs Barely Atlético FC (Mens B)
- Vannis2Fast vs SALTshakers FC (Mens B)
Team Silver (my team!) poses for a photo at the end of the Chattanooga
of source)
Sometimes you can find yourself just going through the motions of life. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
Student entrepreneurs weigh in on how to balance startups with school
Glenn Grakov Contributor
To most Southern students, the idea of launching a business while juggling a full course load is nothing short of madness. However, a number of students on campus are not only keeping up with classes but are also running or starting their own businesses at the same time. I sat down with seven of these super-achievers to find out how they pull it off.
Sharon Duque, a senior finance and accounting major and co-founder of MyCareExperts, a startup in the assisted living industry, believes the key is effective time management.
“I’m constantly prioritizing tasks,” she said. “You have to learn how to work smarter, not harder. It’s not about putting in more hours; it’s about using your time more efficiently.”
Dana Grakov, who manages her startup while juggling coursework as a sophomore premed student, relies on detailed to-do lists and a strict schedule.
“It’s all about breaking down tasks into manageable chunks,” she explained. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed, but when you focus on one thing at a time, it all starts to come together.”
Sacrifices are inevitable.
Colette Williams, a marketing student, runs a growing vegan dessert catering business called Colette’s Creations. She told me she has had to give up social events to dedicate entire Fridays and Sundays to baking for large orders. For her, passion plays a huge role in staying motivated.
“Balancing life as both an entrepreneur and a student isn’t easy,” she admitted. “However, because I love what I do, I don’t need to force myself to keep going.”
Allen Gustrowsky, a senior computer science major, provides another angle.
“I might be busier, but I’ve also gained other opportunities, like connecting with my co-founders in ways I wouldn’t have otherwise,” Gustrowsky said.
For Heaven Robles, a biology major, her entrepreneurial journey with God’s GlowPacks has deepened her faith.
“It’s amazing to see everything unfold according to God’s will,” Robles said. “My faith has been put into action. At first, I was hesitant to start [my business],
but God has opened doors, which encouraged me to keep going.”
For Walter Hernandez, a business administration major and the founder of QRM, a consulting firm specializing in intellectual property, his business has given him purpose.
“It has really improved my self-esteem and gives me focus in terms of not wasting my time,” Hernandez said. “It really made me start paying attention in class and use what I’m learning.”
For those who dream of starting their own business, these student entrepreneurs have a simple message: Start now.
“There’s no perfect plan. Just set small goals, go for it and celebrate each milestone along the way,” Williams advises.
For Lance Erickson, a senior computer science major, starting a business during college simply made sense.
“For me, college seemed like the perfect time to start a business,” Erickson said. “Even though I’m busy, I have more flexibility than I will once I graduate and start a full-time job.”
You do not need to be pursuing a business degree to make it happen, either.
“Getting something off the ground isn’t about being a business major; it is more of a mindset shift,” said Erickson.
“Learn about and use the opportunities that organizations on campus like BringIT provide for student entrepreneurs,” recommended Duque.
“The support you can receive
is crazy in terms of helping you reach your goals.”
“Growing up, I would read books about successful business founders, and they were portrayed as superhuman,” Grakov recalled. “Now I see it’s not about talent; it’s about doing lots of small tasks that no one else pays attention to. Success is just solving problems, one step at a time.”
Duque, Williams, Gustrowsky, Grakov, Robles and Hernandez will be squaring off in the Student Association/ BringIT Shark Tank to win up to $5,000 in prize money for their businesses. Vote for your choice April 10 at 7 p.m. in Thatcher Chapel. Cultural credit available.
2025 Shark Tank Competitors (from left to right): Hernandez, Grakov, Williams, Robles, Duque, and Gustrowsky. (Photo courtesy of Glenn Grakov)
madeline.ledesma 5 star weekend
Photo Credit: Her Mom
ebenedict_22 The Last Frontier Photo Credit: Melenie Hanson
Madeline Ledesma Ethan Benedict M E
_laurenogle_ my fav flower!!
Photo Credit: Tyler Simpson
Lauren Ogle L
corral_jenny Moonlit Photo Credit: Shania Amador
Jennifer Corral J
jullangg you can never watch too many sunsets … Photo Credit: Hannah Dieppa
Last Day to Order Regalia for May Graduation Student Association: Smile Initiative
• 6:30 pm Vespers: Anna Bennett @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 8:10 pm Sunset
• 8:30 pm Vespers: Anna Bennett @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists Income Tax Returns Due Payday: Salary 6:00 pm Tornado Siren Test
School of Education, Psychology, and Counseling: Psychology Major Field Test @ Summerour Hall Room 2820 9:00 am - 5:00 pm SOAP: Ocoee Whitewater Rafting (Free) @ Wright Hall
• 2:30 pm Gym-Masters Matinee Showl ($10 per person, buy at Hulsey Wellness Center) @ Iles P.E. Center
• 11:00 am Convocation: Manual Gomez @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 1:00 pm ACT On-Campus Test @ Bietz Center Testing Offices
• 6:00 pm Art Exhibition Opening: Lorena Feliciano-Ramos (Art exhibition for Lorena Feliciano-Ramos, senior fine art major. The free show will remain available to the public through April 24) @ Brock Hall - John C. Williams Art Gallery
Weekly Birthdays
10:00 am - 11:30 am French Sabbath School 11:45 am Merge Worship @ Collegedale Academy Elementary Gym 11:45 am Renewal @ Collegedale
Church of Seventh-day Adventists
4:00 pm Concert: Wind Symphony @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 7:30 pm Evensong: Southern Ringtones @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 9:00 pm - 11:00 pm Gym-Masters Home Show ($10 per person, buy at Hulsey Wellness Center) @ Iles P.E. Center
F25 Registration Open for New/Transfer
Students Last Day to Order Regalia for May Graduation
7:00 pm EA Anderson Lecture Series: Jennifer Pharr Davis (For more information, contact the School of Business at 423.236.2527 or visit southern.edu/ businesslectures) @ Brock Hall Room 3205
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.
It’s convenient
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!
It’s affordable
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.
