Back to the beat: Dancing returns
After a year of restricted movement, Southern Adventist University students can lace up their dancing shoes and hit the stage. The university has lifted its restrictions on dancing at cultural nights and will allow it again at certain annual events, albeit with moderation. This move sparks enthusiasm and cautious celebration among students who enjoy the university’s cultural events.
The first chance to experience the newly reinstated dancing will be on Oct. 12, during the Latin American Club’s cultural night in Iles P.E. Center, starting at 9 p.m.
In an email to the Accent, Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development, explained the reason for the temporary pause on dancing during cultural nights in 2023.
“A one-year hiatus, not a ban, was placed on the cultural dancing occurring during these evenings to encourage clubs to expand their creativity,” Negrón stated. “Though choreographing a dance routine and then practicing it is a lot of work, the focus of the evenings had too often been on the dances. When these evenings were created, the intent was that they were to showcase more than just dance.”
Negrón also stated that dancing was an activity that had
always been strictly limited on campus, according to the student handbook. The only exceptions were for cultural nights hosted by the Latin American Club (LAC), Black Christian Union (BCU) and Asian Club.
“Cultural dancing will be featured during these evenings this year,” Negrón said.
According to a previous Accent article, this was not the first time cultural club leaders have had to hit pause on dancing. But many students, including Rebecca Vega, last year’s LAC night director, felt upset about the notion of taking away an aspect of their culture, just to showcase other parts.
Megan Sewell, senior health science major and current
Southern establishes new five-year accessibily plan
Eva Resz Reporter
Southern Adventist University has created a five-year accessibility plan that began this school year. The plan aims to address equal accessibility for all students on campus. There will be several installations throughout campus, such as handicap push buttons, tactile signs for those who are visually impaired and an elevator in Thatcher Hall.
There will be several installations throughout campus, such as handicap push buttons, tactile signs for those who are visually impaired and an elevator in Thatcher Hall.
Southern’s Student Development committee, Disability Support Services office and Student Development department began discussing the five-year accessibility plan in 2023, according to Dennis Negrón, vice president for Student Development.
The American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal law that was established to ensure that those with disabilities are allowed equal
opportunities as everyone else. Negrón said that Southern's decision to improve its campus “is an expectation of the federal government and our goal is to make things easier for those students with disabilities.”
Over the next five years, 15 changes will occur in order to reach the benchmark of making campus more accessible, according to the five-year plan provided by Negrón. The plan will be updated annually as time goes on and aims to make the campus fully ADA compliant by 2028-2029, according to Negrón.
Southern’s campus can expect several changes, which include an accessibility map that will be updated each school year, elevators with auditory capabilities to announce floors and handicap buttons throughout Southern's campus. Outstanding impediments to accessibility such as heavy doors, steep inclines of ramps and walkways will be addressed.
“We recognize that our campus is growing, and as it grows, it also grows among students who are in some way disabled. Because of that, we recognize there is a need to make our campus fully accessible to all students,” said Negrón.
The Student Development Committee reached out to Heidi Burke, sophomore history major, and Kyla Robbins, Southern alumni, before the five-year plan was established to assess where Southern's campus could improve. The committee asked both participants questions on their challenges as students with disabilities navigating campus and what accessibility project they would prioritize.
The two suggested the addition of ramps throughout campus, smoother walkways and easier access within buildings. The information Burke and Robbins shared was an important part of developing the five-year plan, according to Negrón.
Burke shared with the Student Development Committee that although the campus is “accessible,” she must leave much earlier for class, and the lack of a strong program for students with disabilities was discouraging.
Robbins explained to the Student Development Committee that signs on campus do not have braille and are not labeled tactically in buildings.
president of Asian Club, stated in an interview how difficult it was when plans had to change last year.
“Dancing is a large part of these cultures, so it became a challenge to have that shift and having to replace that significant piece in the program,” Sewell said.
When asked if any stipulations were given to club leaders regarding dancing this year, Nathalie Jacome, junior psychology major and LAC president, shared what she was told.
“I think that rules were a little bit vague. I think they said that we could only do three dances. That was the only command we had,” Jacome said. “We always have to pass the songs by the
film screening committee — that hasn’t changed — and then have basic modesty whenever you’re dancing, and don’t move the hips as much.”
Jacome continued to share the significance of what dancing will bring back to cultural nights. She explained that, in her opinion, dancing makes people more involved, because it can create community.
“We had so many auditions, so I think that shows that people really like to dance and they wanted to be part of it,” Jacome said. “I also think, for most seniors, it brings a sense of ‘Oh, it’s my last year. I want to dance and be part of it.’ I think it does
See DANCE on page 2
Symphony plays Southern student’s composition
Anaya Parker Reporter
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Chattanooga Symphony & Opera (CSO) played a composition written by a Southern Adventist University student.
The piece, “Atlantic Overture,” was written by Matthew Kimbley, senior piano performance and music theory and literature major.
Kimbley began learning to play the piano when he was age 5. He said it was only a few months later that he began composing music. His parents were in a meeting at church, and in boredom, he began to write.
“I just [started] writing notes on the page,” Kimbley said. “None of them really sounded very good, but I mean, hey, I at least knew what they were sounding like while writing them down.”
“It was just something that I enjoyed doing after that. Five years later, in that same church, we performed my first hymn arrangement,” he said.
Kimbley said he kept writing music throughout middle school and high school, a practice he continued at Southern. His love of music led him to choose it as his major and further develop his composing skills. He wrote “The Pursuit of Happiness” for Southern’s Wind
Alissa Flores Reporter
Magie Freitas dances with the other Hawaiian dancers for Asian Night. Saturday, April 1, 2023
(Photo by Judah Brass)
Matthew Kimbley and Steven Beck take audience questions after the concert. Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
Southern continues to experience enrollment surge
Alexis Dewey News Editor Marian Polanco Reporter
This school year, the student body headcount was the highest the university has seen in the last several years, with 2,929 undergraduate students, up 102 from last year, according to an email from Jason Merryman, vice president of Enrollment Management.
According to the stats Merryman sent the Accent, high enrollment numbers continue.
“Since 2020 we’ve seen over 20% increase in undergraduate headcount, which now marks four consecutive years of growth," Ryan Harrell, Web and Analytics manager, stated in an email to the Accent. "This year over last year was about 3.5% growth in that population. We did see a slight decrease in our new student enrollment this year, but that was offset by a higher number of returning students.”
The number of freshmen has decreased from 758 to 703, according to Merryman.
“Specifically we’ve seen steady growth in our total undergraduate enrollment since 2020,” Harrell stated. “Before 2020 we saw a steady decline since 2012 with a
SYMPHONY continued from page 1
Symphony and initially, “Atlantic Overture” was composed for Southern’s Symphony Orchestra. "Atlantic Overture" was premiered at the Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists.
In November of 2023, Kimbley attended a CSO concert featuring a composition by a young composer. He was
slight bump in 2017.”
Ricardo A. Navas Ruano, junior business administration major, explained what led him to choose Southern Adventist University. Coming from Oregon, Navas sought a different environment for his college experience.
“I really liked the state of Tennessee and felt like that cultural and social shift would be good for me,” he said.
Campus culture and student life also played a major role in his decision.
“I heard that Southern had a really good campus life compared to other schools, he said.
"I wanted a place where I could make friends with a vast variety of people.”
“At first, I was a little worried about the size of Southern,” he added, “but eventually I was drawn to the smaller environment that Southern provided, which ultimately led to close bonds.”
Navas, who did not know anyone currently attending Southern before making his decision to enroll, said his choice was influenced by a high school friend who was Adventist.
“He told me about Southern and their scholarship opportunities, so that heavily influenced
impressed and considered his own aspirations for his compositions.
“Wow, you know, what would it take to get a work performed by a professional orchestra like this in 10 years’ time?”
He set a goal to have a composition performed by a professional orchestra in 10 years, and he reached that goal in just 10 months.
Josh Holritz, associate concertmaster for the CSO and adjunct professor in South -
DANCE
continued from page 1
represent something at Southern. It’s something on your bucket list, to be participating in the cultural night — even if you don’t want acting, you can also do dancing or other stuff.”
Despite her excitement for the allowance of dancing, Jacome said that as a club leader she is more careful about what and what not to do regarding choreography and plans. They aim to use their creativity to highlight Latin culture in many different ways, instead of solely focusing on the dancing aspect.
“Dancing is not the only avenue to highlight a culture, but it is a significant way to show off the diversity of the various
cultures,” Sewell said. She shared how excited she is to not only lead out in, but also watch the unique beauty of the individual cultures showcased this year.
Although the cultural events showcase a variety of customs and traditions, Jacome said that dancing brings more attendees and elicits high enthusiasm for the familiar faces on stage.
“Dancing is just part of our culture,” she said, “so I think it should never be banned.”
“Dancing is just part of our culture, so I think it should
never be banned.”
my decision to attend this school,” he said.
Alyssa Pastora, a freshman nursing major, said, “What initially attracted me to Southern was the student life and spiritual life the school has to offer.”
She explained how important it was for her to find a school with a strong campus life, stating, “It was something I really wanted, knowing I was going to have hard classes, and I really wanted a student life so I’m not so caught up in my classes all the time.”
Pastora said the size of the school also played a significant role in her decision.
“Knowing that the classes were going to be smaller than at a normal [public] university showed me that I can ask more questions and be able to have more access to my teachers,” she said.
That sense of connection to professors was something she felt would be harder to find at larger universities.
Additionally, she emphasized how unique Southern’s student life is compared to other Adventist universities.
“The student life at this school is unmatched, like no other Adventist school,” she said. “It’s something really important and hard to find in other schools.”
ern’s School of Music, heard Kimbley’s composition when his wife, Kristen Holritz, was a soloist for the Southern Symphony Orchestra’s second performance of “Atlantic Overture” at the Jewish Community Center in Chattanooga, according to Kimbley.
Initially, a different soloist was supposed to perform with the university’s symphony, but because of some complications, Kristen Holritz performed with them. Without this change, Holritz may not have heard Kimbley’s piece.
“If I didn't have God in my life, I would have put it down to complete chance,” Kimbley said. “And a very, very, very slim chance at that.”
A few weeks after Josh Holritz heard Kimbley's composition, he told Kimbley he was interested in seeing if the CSO could perform it. Kimbley assumed this was only a kind gesture and was surprised when he received an email from the CSO saying the orchestra wanted to do his piece.
“Again, if I didn't believe in God, I would have said that was winning the lottery right there,” Kimbley said. “But, you know, I feel like there’s no other place to
Haley Dugaduga, junior nursing major and vice president of Asian Club, said that although only three dances will be featured in the culture night, every country will be able to shine in its own unique way.
“I’m so excited that we’re gonna be able to bring an impactful performance from each country, so stay tuned!” Dugaduga said.
When asked how students reacted to the news of dancing this year, both Jacome and Sewell shared that although many were surprised and even unaware that dancing was back on for these events, the responses were positive, anticipating future participation numbers and turnout at events.
direct that [gratitude] than to God.”
Kimbley was able to attend two rehearsals before the performance to give feedback to the ensemble. He also had a few private discussions with the conductor about ideas for the piece.
“He had a very different approach to the piece from my own,” said Kimbley, “so we were able to work out ideas and come up with solutions that were satisfactory for both of us.”
After all the time and work that was put in, Kimbley was very pleased with Thursday night's CSO performance of “Atlantic Overture.”
In a text to the Accent, Amy Van Arsdell, senior history and Spanish major, who played “Atlantic Overture” with Southern’s symphony orchestra last year, said she could feel the support for Kimbley in the audience.
“The overture’s lush melodies have been stuck in my head ever since the concert,” Van Arsdell said.
She estimated that around 35 Southern students attended the concert on Thursday evening. Several members of Southern’s staff also attended, including Laurie Cadwallader,
director of Southern’s symphony orchestra, and Southern President Ken Shaw.
“We were proud to cheer for our talented friend in his big moment,” Van Arsdell said. “Some of us even got him to sign our programs! Several of our music teachers play in the CSO, so it’s always fun to support them, but getting to hear our friend’s piece made this concert extra special.”
“The conductor had an incredible vision for the piece, and the orchestra sounded fantastic,” Kimbley said. “I am extremely honored and blessed to have this experience, and I am grateful for the opportunities that this has opened for the future.”
Above all else, Kimbley said his most important goal is for his music to guide people to Jesus. He believes his pieces touch lives.
“What I always find impactful is when people are, you know, able to share stories with me about how much my music blessed them,” Kimbley said. “The biggest satisfaction that I get in it is when people are directed to God.”
Sports
Andres Menezes, Emmanuel Izquierdo, Nico Goncalves have a conversation in the main floor of the library. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
LAC members fine-tune their performance during rehearsals, gearing up for the highly anticipated showcase this weekend. Thursday September 27, 2024.
(Photo by Ronnell Cabacungan)
Ilya Ram directs the Chattanooga Symphony Orchestra. Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
COLLEGEDALE
Community in mourning and calls for change after Ooltewah student dies in car crash
Emma Rodriguez Collegedale News Editor
A 16-year-old Ooltewah High School student lost his life Sept. 19 in a car accident on Snow Hill Road.
The teenager, whom police identified as Maxwell Quarles, lost control of his vehicle while overcorrecting left, according to the Hamilton County Sheriff's Office. Friends, family and local residents are mourning the loss while also calling for urgent safety improvements to the roadway where the crash occurred.
Friends of the Quarles family have come together to honor Quarles’ memory and to advocate for change. A petition initiated by local residents urges the Hamilton County Commission to install guardrails along Snow Hill Road, 20 minutes north from Southern’s Campus.
Proponents of the petition argue that the lack of safety measures poses a significant
risk to drivers, especially on the curvy and steep stretches of the road.
According to an article published by Fox Chattanooga, the community’s concerns are echoed by residents who have expressed frustration over ongoing safety issues on Snow Hill Road.
“Lighting would definitely help,” said Keenan Daniels, a local resident. “I don’t know if it’s possible, but maybe some railing [should be installed] or something like that.”
Gabe Lowe, a friend of Quarles' from Ooltewah High School, said, “Right outside my school, there’s an exit I don’t even want to go out of, because it goes uphill and then to the right on Snow Hill Road.
New drivers like me and my friends, we aren’t experienced enough to be able to handle that kind of anxiety driving on these roads.”
Tennessee’s Department of
Safety and Homeland Security reported more than 60 accidents on Snow Hill Road in the last two years, with 28 of those occurring in 2024.
According to Quarles' obituary at Dignity Memorial, he was actively involved in sports and community activities, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew him.
Jill O’Daniel, a family friend, left her condolences on his online obituary, stating, “We were honored and blessed to have had Max in our youth group. Week after week he came with a smile on his face. We were privileged to have baptized him last summer. We will continue to lift your family in prayers.”
Those who would like to send condolences to Quarles’ family and friends can visit www.chattanoogavalleyviewchapel.com or sign the petition to implement guardrails.
Summer bomb threat at Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church sparks new safety concerns
Julia Juler Staff Writer
On Saturday, June 22, during the 9 a.m. service, a phone threat was made anonymously to the Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church. Law enforce-
ment was quickly contacted and the church building was safely evacuated and searched, according to the Collegedale Police Department (CPD).
“There were multiple calls made that were initially ignored,”
Assistant Police Chief James
Heath said in an interview with the Accent. “The voice sounded [strange] over the phone.” Eventually, the receptionist realized that there was an active bomb threat and the church leadership responded swiftly.
"Once we learned about a phone threat, we had all the relevant people acting immediately," said Jay Cole, church administrator, in an interview with the Accent. He noted that deacons and greeters were alerted and equipped with radios.
"Now that we’re educated on this particular method, we can act accordingly."
The police advised clearing the building as a precaution, according to Cole. Pastor Ron Halvorsen made an announcement for everyone to "calmly proceed to their cars," and the congregation responded with-
out panic.
Once the building was evacuated, law enforcement worked in collaboration with the Chattanooga bomb squad and searched the premises.
“They went room to room and verified that there weren't any actual bombs [and] that it was a hoax,” Heath said, describing the incident. “And, at that point, it was handed over for investigation.”
Currently, the case is not closed.
"Our investigators are working with federal authorities, the FBI, and other federal agencies to investigate and track down whoever is responsible for the bomb threat,” Heath said.
Cole said, in the aftermath, the church saw little impact on attendance, though some members chose to stay home for a few weeks.
"The Adventist grapevine is immediate," he said. “There were people [from all over the country] messaging church members
… [asking] what’s going on and [saying] we’re praying for you. … It’s just amazing how lightning fast, you know, news like this travels.”
The church released a statement on Facebook that there would be an increased security presence at church services and the Vacation Bible School.
"The church has been having an ongoing conversation with us about active shooter incidents and what we might recommend for their standard operating procedures," Heath said. "It’s something we’ve discussed with them in the past."
Going forward, the church is enhancing safety measures, including the possibility of recording phone threats to assist with future investigations.
"Now that we’re educated on this particular method, we can act accordingly," Cole said, emphasizing the church's ongoing efforts to improve security.
McKee Library's showcase provides an opportunity for artists to exhibit their own work
McKee Library now displays art from several different students, giving them the chance to showcase their work.
Everyone is invited to submit their original artwork to be displayed in a McKee Library art exhibit, according to Bethany Howard, public services librarian, in an interview.
Howard said the library is proud to provide a place for campus artists to display their art.
“We always love to see the new, creative ideas that our students do have here on campus, as well as our faculty and staff,” Howard said. “We have a lot of talented people here at Southern, and we really want to showcase the creativity and the diversity of talents that we have here on campus.”
Art by Katie Brobst, adjunct professor in the School of Journalism and Communication, is on display until December 2024, according to the library website. Her exhibit, titled “The Art and Sounds of the South,” can be seen on the main
floor of the library.
According to Brobst, she has owned her art studio for 12 years and has displayed her work in various places, including art galleries, shows, and small businesses in Nashville and Chattanooga.
“[Displaying artwork] is not unfamiliar territory for me,” she said.
Brobst said she understands the importance of gaining exposure as a young artist.
“My advice would be that any exposure is good exposure,” she said. “Anytime you can get
your art in front of other people … to be able to say, ‘I had an art show at a certain place,’ or ‘I did this,’ is really awesome.
“There’s no artist that’s exactly like any other artist,” Brobst explained. “What you’re doing can impact others. Have that confidence to say, ‘My work is good enough to be out there, just like anybody else’s.’”
Howard said all types of art are welcome, as long as they can be displayed with a wire hanging system or in a display case. She said artists must abide by the moral guidelines of the university, which according to the library website include:
no nudity, no depictions of questionable behavior and no profanity.
Students, staff, community members, and others can submit their artwork by first contacting Howard by email at howard@southern.edu and then writing a summary of their artwork, along with a short autobiographical note.
Applicants must sign a waiver saying that if their artwork is stolen or damaged, the library is not responsible. Applicants can also sign an optional form to allow the library to share their artwork online.
Maxwell “Max” Quarles passed away in a car accident on Sept. 19, 2024.
(Photo sourced from dignitymemorial.com)
Southern Adventist University Church. September 27, 2024
(Photo by Ronnell Cabacungan)
Lillian Lelko Staff Writer Art pieces done by Leila Ashton. (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Art pieces done by Katie Brobst titled, Sounds of the Tropics (Photo by Elias Zabala)
Life With God
Students lead song service for Week of Prayer.
Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Hannah Johnson)
Melody Mambo signs during a Week of Prayer song service.
Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Shengzhe Zhao)
Vice president for Spirital Life Joseph Khabbaz makes
Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Shengzhe Zhao)
The audience praises during song service. Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Hannah Johnson)
Students write notes thanking God for the week's blessings. Thursday September 26, 2024. (Photo by Shengzhe Zhao)
MENTAL HEALTH
The profound power of self-compassion
Johanne Mendoza Contributor
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals and psychology student from Counseling Services in partnership with the
Being from an Asian household, I did not feel encouraged to partake in self-compassion or to be easy on myself. I was constantly told that I had to do better and bring honor to my family’s name. This got worse when I started negatively perceiving my body image and felt that I was never enough in my major.
I was feeling imposter syndrome in many of my accomplishments and believed I did not deserve the good things that came my way. I felt as if I did not push myself enough to get there.
These emotions became even worse whenever I fell into rabbit holes on the social media doom scroll, where I felt that my body image was not as beautiful as others I saw online.
According to researcher Christina Chwyl, many misunderstand and dismiss self-compassion. However, it is a crucial aspect of psychological well-being. Although we’re taught from a young age to be kind and supportive to others, we often lack guidance on extending the same compassion to ourselves. Many people, including myself, engage in self-criticism and harsh self-judgment, treating ourselves in ways we would never treat others.
As defined by researcher Kirsten Neff, self-compas -
sion involves three key components: self-kindness, recognizing our common humanity and practicing mindfulness.
Despite any initial skepticism or fear surrounding the concept, research has consistently shown that self-compassion is associated with better coping strategies during difficult times. Those who embrace self-compassion are more likely to seek support from others and engage in constructive problem-solving, leading to resilience and personal growth.
Additionally, self-compassion does not equate to self-indulgence or laziness, as some might fear. Instead, it encourages individual responsibility and perseverance in the face of trials. Self-compassion helps individuals become more caring and empathetic to others.
Despite seeming like a simple premise or an easy solution, compassion plays a significant role in fostering a healthy mental mindset and resilience. It allows individuals to feel encouraged when they reflect on their strong qualities.
In 2024, a study led by Hope Rutter investigated how viewing Instagram posts featuring body-positive, appearance-ideal, or appearance-neutral content affected young women’s self-compassion. As predicted, exposure to appearance-ideal content, such as fitness content and faces with makeup on, adversely affected self-compassion and self-perceptions.
However, those who viewed body-positive content increased self-compassion and did not result in detrimental effects. The adverse impact of appear-
ance ideals on self-compassion was mediated by self-critical thoughts and unfavorable self-comparisons, while the benefits of the body-positive content were linked to more self-affirming thoughts. This research underscored the importance of considering self-comparison in analyzing the psychological effects of body-focused media.
A similar study led by Shuyi Liu found that a brief self-compassion intervention significantly reduced the imposter phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism in their research on university students. Addi-
tionally, they found that it helps with psychological distress over time. This study highlights how vital self-compassion interventions can be for college students struggling with the imposter phenomenon and maladaptive perfectionism. Self-compassion is not only about feeling good; it’s a powerful tool that allows us to confront life’s challenges with resilience and growth. When we’re self-compassionate, we create a safe space for ourselves to acknowledge mistakes and failures without overtly criticizing ourselves.
When we practice self-compassion, we fill our internal dialogue with kindness and encouragement, allowing us to confront challenges without falling into feelings of inadequacy. It is a trait that can be learned and cultivated through constant practice.
While it may be difficult at first, self-compassion can lead to a transformative and empowering way to view ourselves. Just as we would support a friend through challenging times, self-compassion allows us to be our ally, strengthening our resilience and view on life.
SPORTS
A look at college football’s new playoff setup
Jacob Nevis Sports Editor
College football is finally back and this season the whole landscape of college football will be changed. Before the start of this season, college football saw the implementation of a 12 team extended playoff bracket. The bracket is different from past years when only four teams could qualify for the playoffs. This new bracket may help eliminate the controversy surrounding the selection of playoff teams.
The format this season will have 12 teams selected to try and win the national championship. Six of the teams will be the conference champions, one from each other power five conferences, SEC, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and one from a non power five conference.
The other six teams will be the other highest ranked teams. The top four conference champions will receive automatic byes, and the first round will be played at the home stadiums of the higher seed. These games will create a sports atmosphere like no other.
The semi finals games will be played at bowl sites, and the national championship will be played in Atlanta, Georgia in Mercedes Benz Stadium.
With the college football season already underway, some teams have already shown they are more than capable of making the college football playoff. This past weekend, fans were able to watch one of the greatest college football games ever. The highly anticipated matchup of Georgia and Alabama was nothing short of exciting, with Alabama barely defeatring Georgia in
the final seconds. Both teams will now look forward to the college football playoff where they face each other again.
Other teams who have begun their season off to a blazing start include the Texas Longhorns. After Heisman trophy candidate Quinn Ewers has been sidelined with an injury, Arch Manning, nephew of NFL greats Peyton and Eli Manning, has helped steady the ship for the Longhorns.
Another team who has been off to a great start is the Miami Hurricanes. Led by Heisman candidate Cam Ward, the team is off to a very impressive start. The Tennessee Volunteers are also off to an impressive start, and they will continue their push to the college football playoff as well.
The Heisman race, college football’s award for best college football player, is off to a thrilling start as well. Some candidates
include Travis Hunter, the two way superstar from Colorado. Hunter, who plays both cornerback and wide receiver, has been lights out on both sides of the ball. Another player to watch out for is Ashton Jeanty. Jeanty, a running back from Boise State, is one of the most fun players to watch currently. (I would advise everyone to watch highlights of Jeanty because he might be one of the best college football running backs ever.)
There is still plenty of season left in college football, and teams will continue their way to implement themselves into the college football playoff race.
Intramural Schedule:
Wednesday 6:00 pm
- Team Crash Out v. Catching Footballs Not Feels (Men’s A)
- Me and Mahomies v. Shannon Sharpe (Men’s B)
- Huddle Honeys v. Team Riley Raiden (Ladies B)
7:00 pm
- Lego Batman v. Channy Dimes (Men’s B)
- Dreams of OJ v. What A Play By Mahomes (Men’s B)
- Red Flags v. She Gone (Ladies B)
8:00 pm
- Abusement Park v. Show Us Your (Ladies A)
- Punt Intended v. Blitz And Giggles (Ladies B)
- Flagmingos v. Team Moon (Ladies B)
9:00 pm
- Ceedeez v. Blitzcraig (Men’s A)
- Sack Attack v. No Punt Intended (Men’s A)
- Bomb Squad v. Old School (Men’s B)
Thursday
6:00 pm
- BigBackers v. Los Angeles Lakers (Men’s B)
- Team King v. Kim’s Convenience (Men’s B)
- Me and Mahomies v. Jay Gochu (Men’s B)
7:00 pm
- Butkers Bros v. The Mighty Chondrias (Men’s B)
- Wranglers v. Nextdoor Nabers (Men’s B)
- Rack Em Up v. Chiefs (Men’s B)
8:00 pm
- Shannon Sharpe v. Illegal Interceptors (Men’s B)
- The Longest Yard v. Team Johnson (Men’s B)
- Thatcher Catchers v. Bills Mafia (Men’s B)
9:00 pm
- Dreams Of OJ v. Coach Saban’s Seeds (Men’s B)
- What A Play By Mahomes v. Channy Dimes (Men’s B)
- Bomb Squad v. Butkers Bros (Men’s B)
(Photo sourced from Pexels)
OPINION
Preston Waters Photo Editor
Better ingredients, better tacos, Del Taco. Wait, that’s not their slogan, but it should be. When comparing Taco Bell, a staple in the modern Seventh-day Adventist diet, and Del Taco, opinions arise fast. I am an admirer of Taco Bell’s spicy potato soft taco, but when given the option of Del Taco or Taco Bell, I will choose Del Taco every time. The environment of their restaurant, vast menu options and low prices are what bring me back each time.
In my experience, the environment in Taco Bell is grimy and sticky. When you walk over to fill up your “water” cup with their Baja Blast Mountain Dew, your feet stick to the ground because of the spilled sugary beverages. You then proceed to sit down in the brown leather booths, needing to dust off the leftover cheese left politely from the previous customer.
On the other hand, Del Taco greets you with a smile and pastel green booths. The restaurant is typically cleaner and more put together. In Taco Bell, you are met with several shades of brown and stone, but Del Taco’s color scheme adds subtle hints of fun with splashes of pastel greens and reds. You feel invited to live like you are a child and eat tacos until you can’t finish.
Del Taco’s menu caters to all different cravings. Imagine you are in the car with your girlfriend or boyfriend struggling with the age-old question “Where should we eat?” On one hand, you have Taco Bell, where you can get either tacos or bur-
ritos, but on the other hand, you have Del Taco, where you can get tacos, burritos, fries, milkshakes and even burgers. They have secret menu options like ordering anything “bold,” meaning the employees will add their iconic crinkle fries to your taco or burrito. On the other hand, Taco Bell lacks diversity on its menu.
Del Taco also makes most of their food from scratch, “slow-cooking more than 17,000 pounds of lard-free beans made from scratch every single day, ” according to a Delish article
by Rheanna O’Niel Bellomo.
“The environment of their restaurant, vast menu options and low prices are what bring me back each time.”
Although Del Taco no longer serves Beyond Meat, they consistently strive for the best ingredients. Del Taco’s prices are lower than Taco Bell’s when comparing similar products. Taco Bell’s combos average $10 while Del Taco’s 16 ounce burrito is only $6,
according to an article from Eatpallet by Sheri Mason. Taco Bell’s dollar menu contains the spicy potato soft taco and cheesy bean and rice burrito, both solid options for the average college student.
In contrast, Del Taco’s “Del’s Real Deal” has options such as chips and guac, as well as a Chicken Taco Del Carbon, which is a “freshly grilled, marinated chicken, topped with diced onions, chopped cilantro and tangy green sauce, wrapped in a warm corn tortilla” according
to Del Taco.
In conclusion, as someone in a Del Taco-less town, I miss it. Taco Bell is a subpar second option, but when given the choice in driving through a town with both, Del Taco is the superior restaurant.
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
RELIGION
The Christian uncertainty: Assurance of salvation
Lucas Bueno Religion Editor
Of the many questions that Christians struggle with, one is very crucial: Am I truly saved? Many Seventh-day Adventists wonder if they will meet Jesus in the air at the Second Coming. They wonder if it is possible to know with complete certainty that they are saved, or if it is presumptuous to assume so. It is safe to say that many Christians, even those who
love and follow Jesus deeply, can struggle with assurance of salvation. Many are unsure of what future awaits them, a struggle I also share. At one point, if you had asked me whether I believed I would be in Heaven, my honest answer would have been that I was uncertain. However, it is possible to know and believe that you are saved. It is not presumptuous.
Though it may be difficult, the steps to finding salvation and assurance in it are simple. First, if there are sins to be
confessed to God or others, then you should confess those sins. God promises that He will forgive them.
Next, you must accept and trust in Christ’s salvation. We must simply believe God’s forgiveness, accept Christ’s sacrifice and bear forth the fruits of our life with Christ.
John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” In this verse, one can find assurance of their salvation. It does not
say that “whoever believes in him … might have eternal life.” Jesus clearly says that whoever believes will have everlasting life. They will be saved. While it is important to remember that even those who have accepted Christ can still fall from Him, this should not discourage us. As long as we keep coming to Jesus every day, we can rest assured that we will spend eternity with Him despite our shortcomings. We must not trust in ourselves, or our feelings. Satan
will try to shame us, claiming that our sins are great or that we are lost. He will remind us of past sins that God has already forgiven. However, we must place our trust in the Word of God. He has promised that He will forgive our sins and wash us clean with the blood of Christ. We can rest in His promises, even when all appears to be lost. Come to Jesus and accept His sacrifice. Believe and you will have everlasting life.
“When given the option of Del Taco or Taco Bell, I will choose Del Taco every time.” (Photo sourced from Wikimedia Commons)
Five tips for surviving life from a veteran camp counselor
Samantha Fullmer Contributor
I’ve worked as a girl’s camp counselor for four years, which means four summers of six hours of sleep each night, too much coffee and dealing with kids who lack common sense.
Each day at camp starts at 6 a.m. (one week started at 5:30) by getting the campers ready. Then I have to participate in their daily activities, manage evening showers and deal with homesickness, nightmares and sleepwalkers, only to finally crawl into bed around midnight to do it all over again the next day. So why do I keep going back? Simple: there’s nothing like knowing you’re improving lives. However, there is no way on earth I could keep going back if I didn’t have these five tips in my back pocket. Not only can these suggestions help out a camp counselor, but they are also some of the only reasons I have survived life in general.
1) Pray for others, especially those you may not like.
We’ve all heard the verse about praying for our enemies, but I didn’t fully understand it until I had a camper who refused to listen. It was easy to pray for her to be moved to another cabin or sent home (a terrible prayer for any counselor), but the real challenge was asking God to help me love her as He does. In doing so, my attitude changed toward her and she ended up becoming one of my favorite campers.
Praying for others not only intercedes for them but also changes our hearts, giving us the perspective to love everyone — even when they make
those annoying “you’re not my mom” comebacks.
2) Expect the unexpected. Worrying is never fun, and neither is having your plans fall apart. At camp, things can change in minutes, and I’ve learned to go with the flow, even when I’m unprepared. Flexibility allows me to do anything God asks on the spot, without stressing over plans unraveling. In a world where people act with free will, things will happen beyond our control. Being adaptable helps me focus on what truly matters without sweating the small stuff.
3) Complain to the person who can make the change.
It’s easy to vent to a friend about a person, policy or program we don’t like. It helps release negative emotions; however, ranting to the wrong person can cause harm and spread negativity, leading to teams falling apart and undermining what really matters. By contrast, when we “complain” to the right person, we can make things change. Not only will that get rid of unsavory feelings, but it will change the circumstances where those emotions came from in the first place.
4) Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Being comfortable with discomfort means stepping outside your comfort zone and sitting with tough emotions. Every summer, some campers shared stories of abuse or trauma, and my instinct was to quickly comfort them and move on. But when I allowed myself to sit with my discomfort and fully listen, I saw God use me to help change a life. When we sit with those emotions
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of sadness, fear, anxiety or even
boredom without looking for solutions, we will learn about ourselves and see God move in ways we could never have imagined.
5) Have fun! I learned early on that my campers struggled to enjoy themselves when I was feeling down, so my motto for the past three years has been, “When I’m having fun, the kids are having fun.” This principle also applies to life: start with your-
self to positively impact those around you. Struggling with a research paper? Turn it into a game. Need encouragement? Offer support to others. Choosing happiness can be challenging, especially during stressful times, but that choice can make a significant difference for you and those around you.
In the end, surviving as a camp counselor — or in life — comes down to a few key principles. Praying for others, even when it’s tough, keeps our hearts
open. Expecting the unexpected and being flexible allows us to navigate whatever life throws. Complaining to the right person makes for real change while learning to sit with discomfort helps us grow. And most importantly, having fun helps us stay positive and brings joy to those around us. These tips don’t just help me survive camp; they’ve also become my blueprint for facing life with grace, patience and purpose. I hope they can do the same for you.
SOCIAL
George Sandy John
Maria Betty Harry Helene Jack Charlie
• Within the nine words presented are three groups of three that share a theme. (Ex. Characteristics of a Bear: PAW, CLAW, FUR)
• Identify the 3 groups. There is only one solution!
Samantha Fullmer smiles for the camera at Sunset Lake Camp in her typical counselor garb. (Photo by Kasi Kalebu)
collin.md Summer but 3 weeks late
Photo Credit: Savannah Bivens
lenisa.garcia Palau
Photo Credit: Lenisa Garcia
Collin Emde Lenisa Garcia C L
solange__regalado Golden hour glow
Photo Credit: Idalaih Lopez
Solange Regalado S
Elliana Bouz
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Answers to Links: Famous Hurricanes: Helene, Maria, Sandy First Names of Presidents: George, Harry, John Names that end with colors: Charlie (Brown), Betty (White), Jack (Black)
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