Vol. 79 Issue 2

Southern Accent

Freshman enrollment reaches all-time high

Vespers relocates to Iles gym

Erin Rouse Staff Writer

Southern Adventist University’s Friday night vespers have outgrown the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists due to the arrival of hundreds of new students. Over the past three weekends, the vespers service has been held in Iles Physical Education Center to accommodate the number of people in attendance.

According to Southern’s Office of Ministry and Missions, there were over 1,800 students in attendance at last Friday’s vespers service, one of the largest Southern has ever held.

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

This fall’s freshman class at Southern Adventist University is the largest the institution has ever seen.

Although the university has not yet released the Fall 2023 semester’s census numbers, University President Ken Shaw wrote in an email to the Accent that the university is pleased to welcome the largest freshman class in its history.

Freshman class enrollment stood at 766 on Monday, Aug. 28, when the Accent spoke to Chris Hansen, director of Institutional Research and Planning. Based on how enrollment numbers have historically decreased during the first few

weeks of fall semesters, Hansen said he could confidently state that freshman enrollment would not drop by more than 10 before the university’s census date: Sept. 4.

Before this fall, Southern saw its largest freshman class, consisting of 652 students, in 2011, based on Hansen’s freshman enrollment numbers, which went back to 1993. Hansen was doubtful that years before 1993 held any record numbers, meaning this fall is the first time a freshman class has not only reached but also surpassed 700 students.

Both Cheryl Craven, director of Christian service, and Julie Devlin, service learning and community service coordinator, said energy was high among students during this year’s Southern Serves Day, previously known as Freshman Service Day. Southern Serves Day

is an annual event during which Southern freshmen and other new students perform community service.

Craven said 632 students were marked present this year compared to 566 last year.

“In the church, when [the participants] took the picture, it was just like, ‘Wow, there’s so many people,” Devlin said while describing the event’s morning meeting, during which all the participants gathered in the church.

Incremental Growth Hansen’s numbers also demonstrate that Southern’s freshman and undergraduate enrollments have been increasing incrementally since the fall of 2020. To find out why Southern has seen such steady growth since the outbreak of COVID-19, the Accent interviewed First Year Experience Coordinator Renita Moore,

who believes several factors have contributed.

Joseph Khabbaz, vice president for spiritual life, said the Office of Ministry and Missions is collaborating with the church to explore opportunities for creating additional space.

In the meanwhile, “vespers services will continue in Iles gym as long as there is a need for additional space for students,” he said.

The first factor Moore mentioned was the increasing number of students from the west coast choosing Southern instead of other Seventh-day Adventist universities and colleges.

“We are seeing a lot of new west coasters coming; we have 65 Loma Linda Academy seniors [this fall],” Moore said. “Sixty-five are here. That’s huge.”

Loma Linda Academy had 101 seniors in its 2023 graduating

With the worship services now being held outside of what many consider a sacred building, some students have posed questions about levels of reverence possibly decreasing during vespers services. But some like the sanctuary for other reasons.

Kaitlyn Kim, a senior psychology major, favors vespers in the church because she prefers the church’s cozier environment, and it’s what she’s used to. However, she doesn’t think the level of reverence should be impacted by a location change.

“If [the level of reverence] somehow does seem to change, See ENROLLMENT on page 3

Injured student discusses skateboarding incident, administrators explain university safety policies

Editor-in-chief

Southern Adventist University student Ivan Piedra, a freshman social work major, suffered a laceration on his head and a fractured collarbone after crashing his cruiser skateboard on campus on Aug. 24, as reported in a previous Accent article. A week later, a driver hit a Southern student on a scooter in the Apison Pike and University Drive intersection. Collegedale police and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded to both scenes, drawing the attention of multiple students who contacted the Accent.

A recent poll on the Accent’s Instagram suggests that the use of skateboards, longboards and scooters on campus is becoming more prominent, as 68% of respondents indicated that they have noticed an increase in the number of students using them. The Accent contacted Southern administrators and Piedra about recommended safety precautions for skateboarders and scooterists on campus.

Skateboarding Crash

In an interview with the Accent, Piedra said he had crashed three times on Southern’s campus before his injury-inducing crash

on Aug. 24. Each time he fell during his first three crashes, he caught himself.

“I don’t know what happened in my mind where I got really comfortable,” Piedra said. “I became less cautious.”

him back to campus that night.

it happened so quickly that I couldn’t catch myself.”

While skating on Aug. 24, Piedra was wearing knee pads and wrist braces but no helmet. As he was cruising down the hill beside Thatcher South, he began building more speed than he usually did on the route.

When he approached the entrance to Thatcher Hall’s side parking lot, he spotted a car about to turn into the lot. Beginning to panic, he signaled to the driver to wait for him to pass. He was launched off his board when the board’s wheels hit the asphalt of the lot entrance.

“I was just, like, lunging forward and kind of flopping on the ground,” Piedra said. “ … I didn’t go unconscious, but

Piedra said people in the area came to his aid. His fractured collarbone prevented him from getting up, and he was terrified by the pool of blood beginning to form from the cut on his head. He began to think of stories he’d heard about students suffering head injuries, leaving them unable to attend college. Other than a laceration, however, his head was fine.

EMS transported Piedra to Parkridge East Hospital, and his friends picked him up and drove

Piedra said he loves skateboarding, as it’s a convenient way to get around for college students, but his recent experience has convinced him to begin wearing a helmet.

“[Skating] can be pretty safe as long as you know what you’re doing,” Piedra said. “I’m going to keep skating, but not without a helmet. I’ve come to realize that skating, at least in this environment, can be very unpredictable, even in places where

Amanda Blake Editor-in-chief

Amanda Blake

Freshmen gather at the Freshman Welcome Party. The event concluded the first day of orientation.

Monday, August 14, 2023. (Photo courtesy of MUR)

Students and police congregate at the scene after Ivan Piedra was trasported into the ambulance. Thursday, August 24, 2023. (Photo by Andrew Boggess)

Piedra near the scene of the incident. Friday, Septemeber 8, 2023. (Photo by Amanda Blake)

"It happened so quickly that I couldn't catch myself.”

"We are seeing a lot of new west coasters coming; we have 65 Loma Linda seniors [this fall].”

VESPERS continued from page 1

I feel like the reason and cause of it would be a lot deeper than the location of vespers changing,” Kim said.

In fact, many students agree with the decision to move vespers services into Iles, as it caters to a more modern approach to worship, according to Zach Kirstein, vespers coordinator and senior finance major. He said using Iles as the venue could allow worship teams more creativity in how they set up seating, lighting and the stage.

“I’ve had comments from students saying that this better

fits our generation,” Kirstein said. “That wasn’t the reason for the move, but it’s cool that we can now tap into those other aspects of worship that maybe the church couldn’t provide.”

Noah Siebel, freshman business major, said he didn’t feel any difference in the atmosphere when vespers was moved from the church, and he prefers the new atmosphere.

“Worship is worship; it doesn’t matter where,” Siebel said.

At the first gym vespers, the worship team projected a slide which read: “Vespers is …,” and people could fill in the blank of what vespers meant to them.

“I had hundreds and hundreds of responses from students saying that vespers means some-

thing to them: Vespers is a place of worship. Vespers is a glimpse of Heaven. Vespers is a time that I can express myself,” Kirstein said. “When I saw that, it didn’t matter where we were. It didn’t matter if we were in a tent or if we were in the church or the gym but that the environment would have been fostered for worship. That’s what we want to create.”

Kirstein said he sees Southern slowly but surely morphing into a campus known for its spirituality.

The Office of Ministry and Missions believes that vespers attendance numbers demonstrate “the spiritual hunger of our students to experience belonging, a more profound sense of God's presence, and a shared purpose

Food Services managers address food shortage concerns, seek student workers

Lauren Arant Staff Writer

Some students have expressed concern about a possible food shortage on campus, but Southern Adventist University’s Food Services managers explained that the university is not short of food but of workers.

Celeste Lee, junior public relations major and freshman mentor, said some of her mentees were concerned about a scarcity of food due to the increased number of students on campus.

“I was working in the cafeteria one morning and overheard a conversation saying that, with the amount of students here this year, there was a possibility of a food shortage at different food locations on campus,” said Alissa Flores, a sophomore at Southern.

According to Laurie Worth, the Dining Hall manager, the cafe is not at risk of a food shortage; it just needs more student workers.

“We are fully staffed with adult, full-time employees,” Worth said. "Our student labor is still lacking.”

Worth explained that on the first day of the semester, hundreds of students showed up at once during meal times at the Dining Hall, and staff were taken by surprise with the sudden rush of customers. The amount of food the staff needed to have prepared to feed the higher-than-average number of customers in a short period of time was unexpected, Worth said. However,

SKATEBOARDING

continued from page 1

it seems like the terrain is completely fine. The smallest thing can knock you off.”

When asked what he would say to other skaters on campus about safety, Piedra said he’d recently spoken to a friend about the high number of skaters, scooterists and cyclists they’d seen on campus. Based on his observations, only some cyclists regularly wear helmets.

“I think that’s a bit concerning. … I think having at least a helmet is really important because … you never know what can happen,” Piedra said. “You never know, and you never have 100% control. So, it’s always a good idea to have a helmet.

any delays in the process were not due to a lack of food.

“Everybody came through [line] within the first half hour,” Worth said. “The first Monday of school, we had 457 transactions in one hour, whereas last year we were running probably 600 transactions in three hours.”

Since the first day, cafeteria traffic has returned to normal, and there is plenty of food for everyone, Worth said.

Kim Armstrong, the CK2 manager, said the eatery is not in danger of a food shortage, and the reason food runs out is because the staff doesn’t want any food to go to waste.

“[Students] want fresh [food] every day, so [employees] choose to prep 20 hummus delights or 18 avocado hippies because we don’t want them to sit,” Armstrong said.

CK2 workers prepare a limited supply of certain food options, and when those options run out, the workers give customers the closest available option to what they originally ordered.

“Right now, we’re doing really well,” Armstrong said. “I think I need two more workers just in case something happens.”

The Village Market (VM) is still struggling with a shortage of student and full-time workers, said manager Jackie Rose, causing current employees to work overtime and not receive enough vacation time.

“We’re struggling with labor in the deli, especially,” Rose said. “We haven’t had supper in two years since COVID.”

“I’m really thankful nothing happened to me when I hit my head — no concussion, no anything,” he continued. “I fully believe that was just the sheer grace of God. I know to wear a helmet next time.”

Scooter Incident

The scooterist hit by a car on Aug. 31 had a scraped knee, but no additional injuries were mentioned in the police report or by Jaime Heath, assistant chief of police for the Collegedale Police Department. The scooterist told officers at the scene he was a Southern student, Heath said, and, using the police report, the Accent matched the student’s name and description to his eJoker profile. The Accent emailed the student, asking for his perspective, but he did not respond.

According to the police report, the student was hit at 9:20 p.m.

of fulfilling God's purpose in our lives and community.”

“I don’t know if it’s the increase in enrollment; I don’t know if it’s the increase in hunger for spirituality, or whatever it is. All

I know is that it’s happening,” Kirstein said. “And so for whatever reason it’s happening, I think it's cool that we can be there to provide these spaces.”

Campus under pressure to add more classroom space

To be fully functional, the VM would need a full-time supper cook and floater, one part-time salad server and 10-15 other student employees just for the deli.

According to Rose, certain needs beyond supper are unsatisfied, even with current staff making 500 sandwiches a day.

“In the deli, we need more,” Rose said. “We can’t even keep up with sandwiches. I mean, you can only do so much, especially with limited help.”

The VM is offering $8.75 an hour to work the floor and $9.75 an hour to workers specifically in the deli section.

Financially, the VM as a whole is doing well and staying stocked, Rose explained. The influx of students has brought in more customers, he said, making about 25-30% of customers Southern students.

With an anticipated increase in enrollment over the next few years, Southern Adventist University’s campus landscape is changing to accommodate more students and staff, according to Marty Hamilton, associate vice president for Financial Administration.

“We’re building a new [School of Business] building, and there will be a lot of classrooms, and then that frees up space in Brock Hall,” Hamilton said. “So, whether it’s History, English or the School of Journalism, when this new School of Business opens, we’ll have more square footage in that building which can take some pressure.”

Additionally, within two years, the Spalding Elementary School building will be part of Southern's academic properties when

the elementary school builds its new building.

“We may have a challenge this year when things are a little tight, but the new School of Business building opens up more classrooms, and Spalding Elementary will also give us lots of classrooms, lots of office space,” said Hamilton.

The university has already made changes to classroom spaces this year in response to the increased number of incoming students. For example, the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC) is now teaching Communication and Public Speaking class on the second floor of the WSMC radio station.

The department normally teaches 14 sections of the gen-ed speech class. However, this fall semester, one online section was added, and roughly five more students were added to each section, adding 65 more students to the class.

According to Rachel Williams-Smith, dean of the SJC, the increased number of students in each class section required professors to adjust the class’ requirements in order to cover class material. This placed a heavier load on professors. Williams-Smith hopes this change will not be permanent since “this is not ideal for WSMC staff or students.”

However, Hamilton believes this change will last longer.

“I would say the SJC, in that situation [at] WSMC, easily is going to be in there for the next two to three years,” he said. “ … And it is not an ideal situation, but it is until we get more space.”

and told officers that the vehicle that hit him in the intersection did not adhere to the stop sign before turning, but the driver told officers he did stop. The driver also said the student did not have a reflector vest or lights on his person or scooter.

The police report confirmed that the scooter had a few reflectors, “but there was no active light illuminating.” The report added that the student said he turned off his lights to see the street better. An officer explained to the student that he must have an operating light and wear a reflector vest when scootering in the dark to help drivers see him.

University Policies Southern’s policy on “skateboard, longboards, in-line skates, and scooters,” found in the Student Handbook, states that students perform any type of skating,

scootering or “board-type activities” at their own risk. The policy continues by stating that students who assume the risk should abide by certain guidelines, such as wearing protective gear and avoiding riding where vehicles are normally driven and inside buildings.

“Because motorized bicycles, longboards, skateboards, and scooters are ridden at greater speeds than their non-motorized counterparts, they are banned from campus,” the policy concludes.

The university would not typically sanction a scooterist or skateboarder for not abiding by the policy’s guidelines unless the student continued to endanger others after being warned to change their riding behavior, wrote Janell Hullquist, director of Marketing and University Relations, and Dennis Negrón, who oversees the Student Handbook as director of Student Development, in emails to the Accent.

Negrón added that Piedra’s incident has led the Student Development Committee to consider “if the policy language is still relevant for today.”

Generally, Southern does not see more than one skateboard injury per year, added Hullquist. “Some years have no injury reports,” she wrote. “The most tragic event occurred during the 1984-1985 school year when the institution mourned student Scott Yankelevitz and his fatal skateboard accident.”

She added that Yankelevitz’s parents created an endowed scholarship in their son’s name, which financially assists Southern students to this day.

According to Hullquist, Campus Safety advises new students during orientation to be “situationally aware of their surroundings” and use safety gear.

Mila

Preston

Students crowd outside Iles P.E. Center as they prepare to enter the building for vespers. Friday, September 8, 2023. (Photo by Andre Ottati)

Clarissa Alberto Staff Writer

Student worker Nathan Turner works as a cashier at the Village Market.

Monday, September 11, 2023 (Photo by: Ronnell Cabacungan)

ENROLLMENT

continued from page 1

class, according to Spring Benfield, vice principal for academics at the academy. This means over 60% of the class chose Southern.

According to Hansen, the number of freshmen coming to Southern from California and Washington has been growing over the past few years. The number of freshmen from Florida has also risen.

Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, wrote in an email to the Accent that demographics are playing a role in Southern’s growth, with the southeast region of the United States growing more rapidly than any other region.

According to an article on pewtrusts.org, southern states’ population growth outpaced all other United States regions’

growth in the second full year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Florida was the fastest-growing state for the first time since the 1950s, expanding by 1.91% between July 2021 and July 2022,” the article stated.

Negrón added that Adventists are included in that growth, with more and more moving to the southeast.

Moore said another contributor to Southern’s growth, specifically this year, was a recent change in recruiting trip techniques. Over the past few years, Southern has not sent as many faculty members representing their respective schools and departments on recruiting trips. For the first time last year, Moore visited each Adventist academy in the Southern Union in their stead. She and her team spent the majority of their time and energy building high school seniors’ class

schedules, which hadn’t been a priority during previous recruiting trips.

“I deliberately went with the sole purpose not to recruit for a department but to advise,” she said. “ … The biggest difference is that we went to [the seniors], and we put them in classes. If it was before registration opened, all they had to do was push the button. We got them through the enrollment checklist and all the yuck of that.”

Southern’s Enrollment Management office has attributed this year’s record freshman enrollment to this new recruiting technique, Moore said. A prime indicator of the new technique’s effect was that the number of academy seniors who had registered for Southern by May was significantly higher this year than in previous years, she added. “I am not naive to think it’s just me,” Moore said. “It’s not me. It’s the process.”

Shaw shared a few reasons as to why this year’s freshman class is so large.

“One important factor is that our enrollment team has done a remarkable job sharing the good news about Southern this last year,” Shaw wrote. “As students visited our campus last year, I believe they sensed the genuine friendliness of our campus and experienced our mission being lived out in the interactions they had with our staff, faculty, and students.”

The Accent contacted Jason Merryman, vice president for Enrollment Management, for comment, but he is waiting for census numbers to be officially released.

Effects of Growth

When asked how this large freshman class has impacted the university and student body, Moore mentioned grumblings of parking struggles among stu-

dents and increased creativity among administrators when it came to hiring additional adjunct professors, scheduling class times and mapping out classroom spaces. For example, the nursing Southern Connections groups Moore supervises typically meet in Lynn Wood Chapel, but, this semester, with over 160 new nursing students, they are meeting in Thatcher Chapel.

To accommodate the large freshman class, the First Year Experience office has increased its staff this year. It now has 61 student mentors on staff, at least 14 more than last year.

Southern expected an increase in freshman enrollment, Moore said, but not to this extent.

“Very, very early projections suggest next year’s class to be large as well,” Negrón wrote. “Again, demographics suggest this.”

COLLEGEDALE NEWS

What Collegedale thinks of its tallest resident: Mr. Bones

Drivers cruising eastward along Apison Pike into Collegedale will most likely notice a greeting from “Mr. Bones,” a 12-foot fake skeleton whose appearance changes on a seasonal basis.

Mr. Bones, erected in a yard adjacent to the roadway, first made his appearance last September, according to the owners, who wish to remain anonymous in consideration of their family’s safety and their home’s vicinity to the road. The owners first got the idea to dress the skeleton up from a social media post by other 12-foot skeleton owners who did something

similar. The owners decided to leave Mr. Bones up for holidays to decorate him accordingly. So far, Mr. Bones has worn seven different outfits. After a while, one of the owners said it felt wrong to take him down. Many in the community agree.

The owners said they have received a lot of positive feedback from notes people have left them or others stopping by to tell the owners how much they love the skeleton.

Collegedale resident Nika Frey told the Accent that her family members “love seeing the skeleton and can’t wait to see the next outfit or theme.”

“My kids were bothered when it was missing an arm for a [little] while,” Fray messaged.

“ … and we love the skeleton dog too.”

Ooltewah resident Crismary Gadd also agreed.

“[We] look forward to what new outfit they plan for it each season,” she messaged.

The Accent received some negative comments regarding the skeleton from local residents who did not wish to be quoted.

County Commissioner Tonya Sadler wrote in an email to the Accent: “Supporting our citizens’ rights to free speech and free expression is important to me. I view ‘Skelly’ as an art installation on private property. I keep waiting to see the owners outside for a chance meeting while they are outfitting Skelly with the next theme.”

Assistant Chief of Police Jamie Health also shared the Collegedale Police Department’s perspective in an email with the Accent: “The skeleton hasn’t yet violated any laws or public safety ordinances, so the police department hasn’t had any involvement with it or its owners. However, Halloween is right around the corner. Who knows what it’ll do then?”

Collegedale residents and passers-by can plan on seeing Mr. Bones up for the foreseeable future, according to the owners. They said they will continue to keep the skeleton up “as long as nothing breaks and the majority of the comments that [we] receive are positive.”

Amy Mejias Reporter

Mr. Bones is currently dressed for summer fishing. Friday, September 8, 2023. (Photo by Amy Mejias)

by Andre Ottati)

Pastor Horton recognizes three recipients of the Alma Scholarship Award at Merge.

Saturday, September 9, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

Candacee MeLody and Lexi Bernardo lead worship at Hamilton Community

Church. Saturday, September 9, 2023. (Photo by Victor O'Dala)

(Left to Right) Caleb Hoffman, Malachi Cushion and Ethan Braun enjoy pancakes at Student Association's first

Sabbath Chats. Saturday, September 9, 2023. (Photo by Amanda Blake)

Professor Barry Tryon preaches a sermon at the Collegedale Church of Sev

enth-Day Adventists. Saturday, September 9, 2023. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

MENTAL HEALTH

The science of stress: Practical strategies for improved well-being

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

Today, we will delve into the world of stress, exploring its definition, different types and practical strategies for managing it. Stress is a common experience that affects us physically and psychologically, influencing our thoughts, emotions and behaviors.

The American Psychological Association defines stress as: “the physiological or psychological response to internal or external stressors.” It can manifest in various ways, including anxiety, sleep disturbances, digestive issues and appetite changes. Ignoring or neglecting stress can have long-term consequences on our overall well-being.

Let’s begin by understanding the two forms of stress: eustress and distress. Eustress, defined by the American Psychological Association, refers to “the positive stress response.” It often occurs when we engage in challenging tasks with confidence and excitement. Examples of these situations include:

• Competing in a sports event

• Giving a speech

• Playing a challenging video game

Eustress can have beneficial effects, such as boosting our sense of accomplishment and personal growth.

On the other hand, distress is the negative stress response. It arises when we feel overwhelmed, unable to cope or panicked. People often refer to distress when they mention “stress,” as it can leave us doubtful about our circumstances. However, distress can also motivate individuals to address and resolve underlying stressors. If you’ve ever been in a moment of distress, think about how you handled it. If you managed it poorly, try to reassure yourself of your ability to conquer it next time.

Now, let’s explore the duration of stress. There are two types of stress concerning time: acute and chronic. Acute stress is short-term and typically arises in response to specific situations, such as trying to meet a project deadline or arguing with a loved one. Although acute stress can negatively impact our health if prolonged, it usually subsides

within a brief period. Acute stress symptoms include irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, aggression and moodiness.

In contrast, long-term chronic stress often results from prolonged exposure to a stressful environment. Examples of chronic stressors include a failing marriage, a hostile workplace or ongoing challenging life events. Even when the stressor is not physically present, remembrances of it can feed chronic stress, as the American Psychological Association explains. Chronic stress can severely affect our mental and physical well-being, so do what you can to remove yourself from those environments when possible.

It’s important to note that there is a mental health condition called Acute Stress Disorder (ASD), which can develop within a month of experiencing a traumatic event. Traumatic events, such as surviving a mass

shooting, sexual assault or a severe car accident, can trigger ASD. This disorder differs from acute stress, as it stems from a specific cause and requires professional attention.

To effectively manage stress, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the following practical resources and strategies:

1. Create time for selfcare activities: Prioritize relaxation and self-care in your daily routine. Consider activities like a spa day, spending time in nature or getting enough sleep to recharge your mind and body.

2. Take care of your health: Nourish your body with nutritious food, exercise regularly and avoid substances like alcohol and drugs. A healthy lifestyle provides the energy and nutrients needed to cope with stress.

3. Connect with a community: Engage in activities or join a community that shares your interests or beliefs. Connecting with others provides social support, which can help alleviate stress and foster a sense of belonging.

4. Seek professional help: If stress overwhelms your daily life, don’t hesitate to contact a healthcare provider. They can guide you towards appropriate resources and recommend professionals like psychologists, social workers or therapists specializing in stress management.

Everyone experiences stress differently, so it’s crucial to find strategies that work best for you. By understanding the different types of stress and implementing these practical resources, you can take proactive steps toward managing stress effectively and improving your overall well-being.

College football returns: Top-ranked teams and conference changes

Jacob Nevis Sports Editor

With the arrival of professional football and the NFL, another form of football is making its triumphant return. College football, consisting of NCAA Division 1 schools, made its return earlier this month.

Many schools around the country compete to either make a bowl game at the end of the season or to qualify for the college football playoffs. The playoffs will be determined at the end of the season when the top four ranked teams are selected to play.

This year, many of the colleges that performed well last year make their return to the top of the rankings. Georgia, the defending back-to-back national champion, has been ranked number one since the preseason AP rankings. Time will tell if they continue to crush everyone this season in their quest to win three consecutive national championships.

Michigan had seen some controversy before the start of the season when the school announced that they would be suspending head coach Jim Harbaugh due to school recruiting violations. Michigan has stayed the number two ranked school even without Harbaugh. Harbaugh will finish his three-game suspension this week and will make his return before week four’s game against Rutgers.

Florida State, a school that was the eighth-ranked school during the preseason, has jumped its way to the thirdranked school. This was done after they defeated the fifthranked LSU in their opening game. The Seminoles will look to continue their push for the college football playoffs.

The fourth-ranked Texas Longhorns secured a massive victory against third-ranked Alabama. Alabama, a school that has long been a college football powerhouse with head coach Nick Saban at the helm, might be seeing its dynasty come to a close.

Another school that has captivated the nation is the 18thranked Colorado Buffaloes. Colorado brought in NFL Hall of Fame cornerback and former Jackson State head coach Deion Sanders with the hope of finally bringing back success to the Colorado football program.

So far, this has been a major success with Sanders’ son, Shedeur Sanders, playing quarterback like he wants to win the Heisman trophy.

This season will also be the end of the power five conferences. For a long time, there have been five major college conferences: the SEC, the Big10, the Big-12, the ACC and the Pac-12. After this year, the Pac12 will most likely be closing because most of the schools in the conference will be moving to another major conference.

Two of the major Pac-12 teams, UCLA and USC, will be moving to the Big 10. Another major change is the inclusion of Texas and the University of Oklahoma into the SEC. These changes will be reflected at the start of the 2024 season, meaning college football will look pretty different next year.

Editor’s Note: While this might not be college football-related, GO DOLPHINS! 1-0!

Khloe Mace Contributor

College football made its triumphant return this month. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

If stress overwhelms you, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

Feminism: Has the movement gone too far?

Alexis Dewey Opinion Editor

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, one of the first women in the United States Senate, was appointed in 1992 and still holds the position today. Calls for her resignation due to age and illness have surfaced in recent months, but she remains a trailblazer in American history.

“Two percent might be good for the fat content in milk, but it’s not good enough for women’s representation in the United States Senate,” said Feinstein, (D-Calif.) in a speech in 2006 about the lack of women who were represented in the Senate when she ran.

“Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldn’t be that women are the exception,” said the late Ruth Bader Ginsburg in a 2009 interview with USA Today.

Ginsburg was selected in 1993 to be a U.S. Supreme Court justice. She was the second woman to become one. The feminist movement was in full swing.

The movement for women’s rights has come a long way in the last century. Women can now vote, own land, gain an education and so much more. However, even today, debate over whether this movement has gone too far prevails.

Recently, contenders in this debate found themselves discussing Walt Disney’s first fully-animated feature film: “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Disney recently decided to create a live-action version, as it has with many of is movies. The actress playing Snow White’s character,

Rachel Zegler, has received backlash for comments she made in interviews.

Some fans did not like Zegler’s response when she was asked by an interviewer from Variety at D23 2022 to clarify what she meant when she previously said she was bringing a “modern edge” to the character of Snow White.

“I just mean it’s no longer 1937,” said Zegler. “She’s not going to be saved by the prince, and she’s not going to be dreaming about true love. She’s dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be and the leader that her late father told her that she could be if she was fearless, fair, brave and true.”

Many fans took this quote to heart, as they wanted their beloved Disney princess to remain who she was created to be. Others believe the negative reaction to Zegler’s response is anti-feminist.

Saying that a woman is “not going to be dreaming about true love” but that she is “dreaming about becoming the leader she knows she can be” is not what I consider feminism.

I say this because I, as a feminist, believe that you can dream about true love and about becoming a leader. You don’t have to pick just one.

I don’t think there is anything wrong with a Disney princess saving herself at the end of the day and being the leader in a movie. I think it’s great for young girls to have role models like that. However, I have a problem with the belief that you can’t be a strong woman and still be vulnerable and in love.

RELIGION

People

Too often people get this concept confused. I have seen on social media that you can’t be a stay-at-home mom anymore because that was the “old ways,” and we are “stronger now.”

Well, why can’t you? If it was my dream to be a stay-at-home mom, who should shame me for that? Isn’t shaming a woman for pursuing her dreams what women have fought so hard against in the past?

Feminism was created to bring equality to the sexes, but I have seen the media tear men and women apart and call it “feminism.” When a man opens a door for me even though I am able, it does not make him anti-feminist.

Or, when someone assumes the man is going to pay for dinner while on a date, that does not make them anti-feminist.

At what point did feminism drift so far from what it once was for Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Dianne Feinstein? Women are still being told that they must hold themselves to a certain standard or else they are not feminine enough. We were all upset when women were being told they had to be submissive and quiet, and now we are telling them they have to be loud and a “boss babe.” We are still telling women who to be, and, if they aren’t acting by society’s standards, they aren’t real women.

Feminism has come so far, especially in the legal sense. I fangirl over Ginsburg daily for the amazing work she did and the guts she had. There are still ways, however, that feminism can improve.

Perhaps Zegler was misunderstood and didn’t mean for her words to be perceived in such a way by the media, but what she said opens great opportunities for conversations and growth in us all.

Feminism is about equality. It’s not women taking over the world but instead about men and women working together equally. We need voices heard from both sexes.

Letter to the editor: What if I want to earn my way to Heaven?

Madison Wilcox Religion Editor

Dear Editor:

I’ve been a Christian my whole life, but I still don’t understand how sanctification works. How do I depend on God for salvation without neglecting obedience? How do I obey without feeling like I’m earning my way? I’ve never been able to figure it out.

Dear friend: I resonate deeply with your perplexity. “Figuring it out” seems like the process of a lifetime, something we have to keep learning, again and again. It’s the basic algebra of salvation; you need it for any higher-level math.

But it’s OK to keep returning to the classroom. In my most recent trip to class this summer, I gained a new perspective. The following is the advice I was given and now pass on to you. For me, my root problem is a desperation for success. My insistence on achievement pushes its way into every area of my life, including my faith. Reduce faith to a checklist, and I’ve got it covered. Make religion a competition (a solo sport: me and the law), and I’m energized. I love doing everything right.

The issue with this mindset is that it misses the target altogether while still checking the “right” boxes. Sanctification is not another ladder to climb. It is not a medal around your neck or points on a scoreboard. Sanctification is a Person who transfixes, opposes, comforts, lifts and changes you. Yes, you are involved, choosing a relationship with Him. But, no, you are not the one doing the miracles.

This shift from performance-mode to relationship-mode will change your understanding of that impossible

checklist you like to think you’ve got covered: the law. The law is not just a list of rules; it’s the first act in a three-part revelation of who God is. In the first act, the law put God’s heart into words. Then, in the second act, Christ put those words into a body, living them out as a human (John 1:14). Finally, in the third act, Christ is putting Himself, the embodiment of the law, into our own hearts (Jeremiah 31:33), and

soon the redemption will be complete — God’s character displayed through thousands for the joy of the entire universe. Let this reality be the backdrop of your holiness. Look for Christ in your every act of obedience. Find Him in every command. He is there in each of your experiences as a Christian. In your sin — He is there, covering it. In your victory — He is there, giving it. You must learn to see Christ in the law

and the law in Christ. As someone who loves doing the right thing, you are already accustomed to letting the law reveal your sin (so that you can get to work). Now you must let it reveal Christ. And then let Christ remove the sin it uncovers.

As Jonathan Edwards once said, “You contribute nothing to your salvation except the sin that made it necessary.” So bring your sin to Christ — there is no glory in that exchange ex-

cept that He takes it from you — and then let your boast be in the Lord only. (I Cor. 1:31)

Editor’s Note: Have perplexities about Christian living? I’m eager to join the conversation. Send any questions to madisonw@southern.edu. Your question may be published anonymously in an upcoming issue along with my response.

march for women’s rights. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

You are involved in your salvation by choosing a relationship with God.

(Photo sourced from Pexels)

How social media aesthetics can stifle authentic living

Allison Grundy Lifestyle Editor

In the past few years, aesthetic has been a widely used word on social media. There are many popular “aesthetics” that have been given names, such as cottage-core, granola girl and dark academia. Many of these aesthetics are linked to different types of clothing, lifestyles, activities and other niche attributes.

To those who are unfamiliar with social media terms, these names may sound silly, but the different aesthetics are lifestyle choices that many people have taken seriously. There are various positive and negative implications of each, but, overall, the uniformity and structure of these lifestyles seem to appeal to many people. However, there are certainly instances where people take these aesthetics too far.

One harmful practice linked to these online aesthetics is that many highly specific trends lead to a lot of waste. These lifestyle changes may be alluring, but when people decide to quickly jump from one to another, it is not sustainable.

Online trends are usually fueled by overconsumption as people throw away items that they feel may not match their new lifestyle and purchase new items that do.

Another reason these “aesthetics’’ can be detrimental is because they can cause people to limit themselves. People may feel pressured to live a certain way that may not be in their best interest. Avoiding certain opportunities, experiences and other parts of life because they

do not match with a chosen aesthetic would be a restricting way to live.

So, when I get a lot of comments referring to my social media accounts as “aesthetic,” I always appreciate the kind words. But, given the negative implications, I sometimes worry about how I choose to present myself online. I feel this way because it seems like people are acknowledging that I’m trying to accomplish some type of lifestyle goal. I want my life to be genuine, and

I do not want to organize my every move according to the expectations of others. I believe social media at its best is creative. It can be used as a way to express ourselves and an opportunity to share art, writing and especially photography with others. I love to see the beauty around me and share the things that make me happy with my friends and followers. My social media is a calculated but also creative outlet where I express myself.

Although I enjoy posting, there have been instances where I’ve taken it too seriously. I find myself disrupting sweet moments among my friends by trying to get candid pictures, keeping hungry friends waiting as I adjust the plates and utensils of the food between us and leaving past partners feeling hurt by refusing to post certain pictures of them on my feed. These are moments I’m not proud of. As I go forward, I’ll remember that, above all, I want to prioritize my

real-life experiences above the life I present online.

Social media is far from reality, so it is important to me to keep my social accounts at armslength from my personal life. If I start to take it too seriously, I have to remember that posting is something I do sometimes; it is not a reflection of myself and is nothing more than a public collage of my favorite pictures. And at the end of the day, there are far more important things than aesthetics.

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

Dear Kevin

Dear Kevin, I keep waddling into class late. Any tips on how to be on time?

Dear Tardy Tot, Take it from someone with webbed feet — that waddle across the promenade is no joke. That’s why I always set an alarm to go off 15 minutes before class, and sometimes I add extra time to look at the pond on my way to Brock. Even the early birds should make sure to get their backpacks ready the night before to avoid any mishaps. I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s been in class and suddenly realized, “Oops, I left my assignment on my desk!”

If you find yourself still getting to class 20 minutes late, I suggest putting on your Polar watch and running!

Dear Kevin, I’ve had a crush on my friend since last summer. Since then, we haven’t talked much, but I want to reconnect with him without making it obvious.

What should I do?

Dear Smitten Suzy, Although I’m only a duck, I’ve had my fair share of experiences with love. It’s important to remember that relationships shouldn’t feel forced, but rather natural and smooth, like water flowing down a duck’s back.

Try to strike up a conversation with this person. Ask them how their summer was. Maybe invite them to CK2 or to a study session. Start small. Then, when you’re both more comfortable, go on a vespers date.

If it doesn’t work out, that’s ok! There are plenty of ducks in the pond.

Do you have a question for Kevin?

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

This week’s winner is Ava Niemeyer! To collect your price, contact the editor @ablake@southern.edu.

Monday, September

2023. (Illustration by Adam de Lisser)

Faculty Development. 12:00 p.m. @ Presidential Banquet Room

Student Organization President’s Orientation. 5:30

Weekly Birthdays

Convocation: Bettina Kraus - Constitution Day. 11:00 a.m. @ Collegedale

Seventh-day Adventist Church Senior Portraits. 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.

@ Ulmer Center 4136

• Dean’s Luncheon. 12:00 p.m. @ Presidential Banquet Room

• Graduate Council. 3:30 p.m.

Connect - Goliath Wall. 9:00 a.m.

@ Goliath Wall // Rain: Collegedale

Gym • Sabbath Chats. 10:00-11:15 a.m. @ Bietz Center for Student Life The Grid

Merge Worship. 11:45 a.m. @ Collegedale Academy Elementary. Evensong - Hymn Sing @ Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church

Cardboard Boat Race 9:00 p.m. @ Iles PE Center - Pool

SA

Last day for 80% tuition refund for 16 week classes Undergraduate Council. 3:30 p.m.

BSN DEGREE TO DNP

Options include:

• DNP/MBA

• Lifestyle Medicine

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• Nurse Practitioner (emphases include Acute Care–Adult/Gerontology, Primary Care–Adult/Gerontology, Family, and Psychiatric Mental Health) Call or visit online to find out how to get started.