The student voice since 1926
Southern impacted by turbulent election season
[the election goes]."
Editor’s Note: Although the Accent’s print publication is distributed on Wednesdays, the paper is printed on Tuesday afternoons. Because of this, we were unable to publish the election results in this issue. For our most up-to-date election coverage, please visit our website at southern-accent.org.
Americans flocked to the polls yesterday to elect a new president and other government leaders. Now, the day after Election Day, a haunting question remains: What will happen next?
According to a 2024 Stress in America study conducted
by the American Psychological Association (APA), 77% of American adults surveyed said the country's future is a major source of stress in their lives.
“Research shows the distress we feel around politics can harm our physical and mental health—and it’s only getting worse,” according to the study.
“In 2016, the presidential election caused significant stress for 52% of adults—this year, that number jumped to 69%.
Additionally, many U.S. adults said they were worried that the election results could lead to violence (74% of respondents) or that the 2024 election could be the end of democracy in the U.S. (56% of respondents).”
The survey was conducted
Mountain Cottages nearing completion
Anaya Parker Reporter
Starting in December, Southern Adventist University students residing at Reflection Pointe will move into the new Mountain Cottages, according to Marty Hamilton, associate vice president of Financial Administration.
This is a delay from the original move-in date of Nov.15 given by Hamilton, as reported in a previous Accent article. Hamilton is working with Lisa Hall, dean of students and director of residence life, to plan the move. He hopes to move students to the Mountain Cottages as they
become available, but no date has been set.
“I am planning for the first week of December to start them moving,” Hamilton wrote in an email to the Accent. “ … We are trying to give students the most convenient time to relocate.”
Because the end of the semester can be a busy time for students, administration is planning how they will help students relocate, according to Hamilton.
“It is getting close to finals, and I am worried I will have to move during finals,” Houston Beckworth, a junior archeology major currently residing in Reflection Pointe, said.
online between August 1–23, 2024, among 3,305 U.S. adults ages 18 and older, according to information published on the APA website. Oversampling was conducted for subgroup analysis by racial/ethnic groups.
Several Southern Adventist University students shared their post-election fears with the Accent prior to Election Day. Emma Schmidt, a freshman marketing major, said she was concerned that a war could break out no matter who won.
“I don't necessarily think that is an outrageous idea,” Schmidt said. “I think [it] is very plausible that it could happen. At the very least, there [could] be riots, no matter which way
Schmidt said she believes that there are more pressing issues in the world, “but this [election] is something that could possibly just like all at once, trigger and start something.”
Maryjoy Guirnalda, sophomore religious studies and medical science double major, said, “Well, for me, personally, if the party that I want doesn't win, I fear a lot of things, not just in a political manner, but also in the spiritual realm of things as well.”
However, Guirnalda said that she knows that God is in control and whoever becomes President should be respected.
“Even though we have all these fears, we still have to put
our trust in God and know that at the end of the day, they're going to lead us somewhere," she said. "And whether that be to a better light or a darker light, we just have to be prepared as citizens."
“Those who are most engaged online are the most discouraged.”
Lisa Clark Diller, a professor in the History and Political Studies Department at Southern, shared ways to have assurance amid political uncertainty.
“Christians have a perspective on the brokenness of this world that shouldn't make us
See ELECTION on page 3
Oakwood University announces president's departure to NAD
Alissa Flores Reporter
On Oct. 21, the Board of Trustees at Oakwood University announced the upcoming departure of the institution’s president Leslie Pollard via a statement released to the public.
Pollard, who has served as Oakwood president for 15 years, is scheduled to leave at the end of the 2024-2025 academic year for a position with the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists (NAD). In his new role, he will serve as assistant to the NAD president for pastoral continuing education and mission.
“He will supervise and coordinate the Division’s engagement with continuing education for clergy and second-career ministerial professionals,” according to the statement signed by NAD President G. Alexander Bryant, chair of Oakwood’s Board of Trustees. “He will assume this new role on July 1, 2025.”
The announcement came as Pollard faced increasing pressure from a group of alumni, faculty, staff and students, known as Concerned Oakwoodites, to resign.The group organized in the fall of 2023 to address some concerns about Pollard’s leadership raised by supporters of the university.
A statement released by the Concerned Oakwoodites in an Oct. 22 article published by Spec-
trum magazine stated, “One year ago, we stood together, united by a shared vision: to save and restore our beloved Oakwood University. We believe the announced resignation of Dr. Leslie Pollard as Oakwood’s president marks a significant moment in this quest.” David Person, co-founder of Concerned Oakwoodites, as well as an alumnus and former general manager of the Oakwood University radio station, said under the current leadership, Oakwood has faced issues such as decline in enrollment,
low retention of employees and students and poor infrastructure maintenance.
“The main theme of it is lack of transparency.”
Once aware of problems, Concerned Oakwoodites analyzed public records and submitted its findings to the Oakwood Board of Trustees for review.
“We had a press conference in which we called for transparency and accountability from the Board of Trustees and the adminSee OAKWOOD on page 2
Hayden Kobza Managing Editor
Collegedale residents line up for early voting on Thursday. Thursday October 31, 2024. (Photo by Stephen Ruf)
Southern's Mountain Cottages are set to be complete by December.
(Photo by Hannah Johnson)
Leslie Pollard in October 2012. (Photo sourced from Flickr)
Southern debuts at national ‘Battle of the Brains’ competition for Hispanic-serving institutions
Carlos Torres Staff Writer
Southern Adventist University recently participated in and made it to the finals of HSI Battle of the Brains, a national intercollegiate competition for Hispanic-serving institutions (HSI) throughout the country.
The event was held Oct. 2-5 at the Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) location in Orlando, Florida. KPMG, a major accounting firm, organized and hosted the event as an opportunity for students attending Hispanic-serving institutions to network with large corporations, such as Amazon and eBay.
The event was a pitch competition, during which teams had to formulate and present strategies to solve a business challenge that was presented at the start of the event. According to the HSI Battle of the Brains website, a minimum of 75% of the team had to be of Hispanic descent, at least half had to be women and 30% or more had to be accounting majors. Southern assembled a team of eight students representing various majors to compete in the 24-hour competition.
“We had a cross-functional team,” Sergio Bellino, associate professor in the School of Business and faculty adviser, said. “We pulled people from other
OAKWOOD
continued from page 1
istration regarding finances and so forth,” Person stated in an interview with the Accent. “Fast forward to a few months after that, we began to call for the president to either resign or be terminated. We based that on our examination of the financials that have been filed, the public records, and the 990s that the school has to file with the federal government, indicating that there was some very serious debt that Oakwood was carrying, along with its continuing inability to be able to pay vendors.”
According to Brenda Johnson, a senior elementary education
“What we’re talking about is having some of our support team from the Service Department or volunteers [assist students],” said Hamilton. “We’ll use transportation equipment, whatever we have to help them in their transition.”
Parking has been another concern for the Mountain Cottages; there is not enough space for the occupants’ registered vehicles, so the university has created additional parking in a gravel lot beside the WSMC building. According to Hamilton, plans to pave it have been delayed because of the expense and landscaping required.
“We have a plan to finish and make that a beautiful parking lot,” he said.
Because the cottages are near campus, students will be encouraged to walk instead of drive.
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departments, like film production and computer science, so it was beautiful to see how these guys were able to bond and come up with [a plan] with no arguments.”
This year, the challenge was to put together a complete business plan for a sustainable outdoor apparel product from scratch. The plan had to include a new product, complete with a full marketing campaign, website, financial statement, and other foundational elements for a business. The teams were
major at Oakwood, many students have felt a disconnect from the leadership at the university.
“The board is not necessarily constructed in a way that would ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the school.”
“The main theme of it is lack of transparency with [Pollard],” she said. “The main issue last year was low enrollment. Instead of saying we’re trying to do better with low enrollment, [the leadership] said that all of our sister schools are dealing with lower enrollment.”
She mentioned Southern Adventist University as an example. “When that came out to not
“We actually have a lighted trail that goes up to the cottage. We’re also putting a staircase by Campus Safety, where you could park near campus safety,” said Hamilton. “We expect you to drive your car, unload your groceries or whatever, but on a regular basis, you should be walking.”
Completing the construction has been a challenge; the electricians who connect power to the cottages have been assisting in areas hit by Hurricane Helene. They plan to return this week, according to Hamilton.
“I’ve been on pins and needles because it’s like, 'When are you going to show up here?’” said Hamilton regarding the electricians.
Construction continues for a new apartment building in Southern Village, as well. The university plans to complete the newest Village apartment by June 2025. The newest apartment was completed this year;
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there, he learned about the Battle of the Brains and wanted to provide Southern students with more opportunities for real-world experience through the competition.
“Southern Adventist University is the only Hispanic-serving institution in Tennessee, and yet we had never participated,” Bellino said.
The event catered primarily to Hispanic students, offering “an experiential diversity recruiting showcase of top Hispanic talent from colleges and universities across the country,” according to the HSI Battle of the Brains website. As the fourth annual competition organized by KPMG, this year’s event allowed Hispanic students to meet successful Hispanic business owners and network with peers.
then placed in separate rooms for 17 hours with no contact with advisers.
In an interview with the Accent, Bellino recalled the stress he felt in those moments, saying, “I was outside like a father when the baby is about to be born.”
Southern became aware of the opportunity after Bellino, Southern’s Enactus sponsor, attended last year’s Enactus competition, where the university’s team placed third. While
be true, and [other schools’] enrollment actually went up that year, it gave everybody a new head space,” Johnson explained.
The Accent reached out to multiple sources at Oakwood University via phone and email for comment, but the university did not respond in time for publication.
In the official statement released by the Board of Trustees, Bryant commended Pollard for his years of service and “significant achievements that Oakwood families will appreciate for years.” It focused on his dedication to the school through tough times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, launching graduate programs, strengthening students’ relationships with Christ and build-
students are residing in it. Additional parking to meet the increase in students living in the Village is also being planned, and Hamilton plans to add another road from University Drive into the Village.
Hamilton acknowledges that more parking space is needed on campus but desires to preserve the university’s green landscape.
“I don’t want a lot of hard surfaces. I want it to be as natural as we can,” he said. According to Hamilton, Southern students should have “ … a mountain experience,” without “all the sidewalks and the heavy material.”
As Southern’s enrollment continues to rise, so will the need for housing and parking spaces. Hamilton said the university has enough space and utilities to build two additional Southern Village buildings and 45 additional Mountain Cottages, if necessary.
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Ruben Cantu, a professor at the University of Texas, said in a promotional video for HSI Battle of the Brains, “We want to inspire the community to say, ‘You belong here, too, and we’re here to create a pathway for you to actually achieve your greatest dreams.’”
Henry Valderrama, a sophomore marketing major at Southern, shared his perspective as a participant and how the team had to work together to complete their task.
“I think it was a team effort to really hone in on our strengths
ing better community ties.
“Dr. Pollard has dedicated his life to the Seventh-day Adventist Church, first as a pastor and then in higher education; his experience will benefit countless others as he takes on this new challenge,” the statement reads, referring to his new NAD position.
"We would like for an interim president to be appointed.”
Despite Pollard’s plans to leave at the end of the academic year, Person stated that Concerned Oakwoodites is pushing for his resignation to take effect no later than the end of the current semester.
“We would like for an interim president to be appointed,” he
and our weaknesses,” Valderrama said. “But we quickly conquered that after a few hours.”
He continued, “During that experience, I learned how difficult marketing actually is. It’s not just creative and about PowerPoints. It’s also analytical, and you study market gaps and such.”
Despite their lack of experience in the competition, the students made a strong debut. Bellino recalled the experience saying, “This group had only slept for, like, an average of two hours, and they had to put [on all of this] — they had to present, memorize the script, everything.”
Despite all of the challenges, the Southern team made it to the finals along with six other teams chosen by the judges, according to Bellino. As a former business owner of Argentine descent, Bellino said he knows the importance of such experiences and hopes to continue exposing students to authentic business environments.
“These kids delivered an amazing plan and product,” Bellino said. “It was extremely innovative. So, we’re very proud of the work that they were able to do in such a [short time]. Because when you’re put under that kind of pressure, it really shows what you’re made of.”
said. “And, while they continue their search for a permanent president, we also want there to be a process as transparent as possible to search for a permanent president.”
According to Person, the group also appealed for a recomposition of Oakwood’s Board of Trustees, voicing concerns about its high percentage of denominational employees.
“The board is not necessarily constructed in a way that would ensure that decisions are made in the best interest of the school,” Person said, “as opposed to maybe denominational priorities or based on denominational politics.”
The story “All-Day Softball changes the game for students,” published in issue six of the Southern Accent, contained an error. The For the Love of the Game Softball Tournament was originally scheduled
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for Sept. 28, not Oct. 5 as written in the article. The fields were too wet to play on following rainfall from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 26 and 27. The Accent is committed to accuracy and apologizes for the error.
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The kitchen is completed in one of Southern's Mountain Cottages.
(Photo by Hannah Johnson)
A social media post announces Southern's participation in the event.
(Photo sourced from @hsibotbrains on Instagram)
COLLEGEDALE NEWS
Collegedale begins Imagination Station renovations
Emma Rodriguez Collegedale News Editor
The Imagination Station in Collegedale has temporarily closed for renovations, as of Nov. 4, according to Local 3 News.
The City of Collegedale anticipates the playground improvements to be completed by mid-December, with a temporary route to help pedestrians avoid the work area, News 12 reported.
The upgrades to Imagination Station include new equipment designed to enhance the play experience for children of all abilities. The planned installations include a modern play structure with inclusive features, sensory wave climbers,
ELECTION
continued from page 1
surprised when things don't look good in the kingdoms of this world,” she wrote in an email to the Accent. “We know that the Body of Christ, those who try to follow Jesus, have worked to build the Beloved Community in really hard times, and that love, joy and forgiveness can flourish even during depressions, wars and tyranny.”
According to Diller, the biggest problem with discouragement and the reason the nation is so divided is the endless stream of information online. She referenced David French, a best-selling author and New York Times columnist, who recently spoke for the Lynn Sauls Lecture Series at Southern.
"There are people who need you and people who love you. This is real."
“I really appreciated David French's most recent visit to our campus where he said, ‘There are two Americas—those online and those offline,’” Diller said. “Those who are most engaged online are the most discouraged.”
Diller advises those stressed about the election to unplug and focus on what is happening locally.
“Root yourself in the reality around you,” she stated in the email. “… You have local com-
an animal trackers panel and a dedicated music area. To ensure a comfortable and accessible family environment, the project will add mushroom seating areas, more benches, shaded picnic tables and safety resurfacing across the playground.
“I am very excited that we are able to renovate Imagination Station and thankful to the Commission for approving the expenditure,” said Collegedale City Manager Wayon Hines in an interview with Local 3 News. “I was a child when Imagination Station was initially constructed, and I remember the excitement at that time. I am elated to see the renovation for the next generation of children to enjoy.”
The project is made possible through GameTime’s National Demonstration Site Grant, a funding source that will cover half the cost of the new playground equipment. This financial support allows Collegedale to enhance the playground’s inclusivity and appeal to a larger community while still managing costs.
Although the Imagination Station will be closed during construction, the city confirmed that the adjacent Wolftever Creek Greenway will remain open. A temporary pedestrian route will keep the greenway open to the public, providing a safe route around the construction area and minimizing disruption for park-goers.
munities, friends, [and the] needs of the town/neighbors near you. There are people who need you and people who love you. This is real. Don't let the theoretical take up all your space."
When asked how people should engage in constructive conversations about the election, Diller recommended being genuinely curious and asking questions, such as: “When did you first get interested in politics?” or “How were politics dis-
cussed in your home?”
She explained that when you ask such questions, it can help people find a common ground.
“If you're just enjoying the debate—make sure that everyone around you is, too. And remember not to say things you might later regret. Maybe learn how good rules of debate work so you can get better at that,” she said. “But if you are worried about correcting misinformation, this requires more skill—finding out where and
how people are getting their information and what they think it means.”
According to Diller, it is rare for people to change their minds because of a debate, and sometimes it is better to wait until the election is over to have conversations during times when tensions are not as high.
"I walk outside without my devices and look at the trees and the sky and my fellow humans.”
She shared some personal practices she uses that are helpful in navigating times of societal tension. One strategy is to look back into history, learning about people who have worked to spread love in times of extreme terror, such as the Black Church during slav-
ery and segregation. She said
Rebecca Solnit's Hope in the Dark is an amazing read and has helped her see hope even when it doesn’t seem close.
“I walk outside without my devices and look at the trees and the sky and my fellow humans,” she said. “I feel the air on my skin and say, ‘Thank you, God,’ and I invite my friends over to watch funny sitcoms like ‘Parks and Rec’ that focus on local politics and are silly and yet heartwarming."
"Being with people who are different from me but want to work for a more loving community and who want to pray for and with each other allows me to avoid the discouragement and loneliness that our current ways of being in the world encourage," Diller said.
Nail services: A booming business on campus
Due to busy schedules and tight budgets, many college students utilize services provided on campus. One business that has seen growth at Southern in recent years is nail services. Students can not only find more affordable options but also enjoy the ease of getting their nails done on campus.
Camille Martinez Ortiz, a recent Southern graduate and owner of CAMO Nails, shares her experience of running a nail business in the dorm for two years.
“I operated from the dorm
room in Thatcher, and it really helped because a lot of clients are from around campus,” Ortiz said. “So it made it accessible for them and for me, as well.”
With an average of 20 clients a month, Ortiz said that doing nails was a great way to earn extra income while she attended Southern; it was also a hobby she enjoyed.
“Nail art is very therapeutic to me,” she said, “plus [I] made good money with it.”
When asked if interest in the nail business has grown at Southern, Ortiz said, “Definitely! I feel like after I started, a lot of other talented nail artists got
inspired to start their own businesses.”
Joni Perry, sophomore psychology major, has been operating as a nail artist in her dorm for over a year. As a student herself, Perry looks to make her services more affordable compared to off-campus locations.
“I know that as a college student there are a lot of expenses to worry about,” Perry said, “so I want to provide that option of being cute on a budget with my cheaper pricing.”
When asked how her business, Jonixnails, started, Perry said that a friend offered to pay her to do her nails. This first customer was so pleased that word spread. It wasn’t until she operated a booth at 423 Night Market, however, that her business really began to grow.
“After I did 423 Night two semesters ago, I gained a lot more publicity…” Perry said.
Ortiz shared a similar experience.
“I definitely felt [support] at 423 nights when I had a CAMO Nails booth,” said Ortiz.
While continuing to grow in her work, Perry said she takes inspiration from other nail artists, including Ortiz. “CAMO Nails was a very talented nail artist on campus who has now graduated. … I look up to her and strive to become as talented as her.”
Daisy Morgan, a sophomore
photography major and customer of Perry’s, finds that getting her nails done on campus is much more convenient.
“I choose to go on campus because I don’t have a car, and as a college student, I try to save as much money as possible,” she said. “Having the opportunity to have someone on campus do them for much cheaper than a nail salon is both convenient and affordable.”
Like other student entrepreneurs, Perry finds operating a nail business while in school can be challenging. “Juggling not only school and my business, but also my work
and social life, has been pretty difficult,” Perry said. “But my friends are always sharing my content on social media and encouraging me … making me feel better and giving me the confidence to keep pushing at it.”
Ortiz also saw a great amount of support at Southern for her work.
“I have seen so much support from so many girls who come up to me to acknowledge my work," Ortiz said. "I feel very grateful for all the support on my nail business up until I graduated.”
The Imagination Station is located along the Collegedale Greenway. (Photo by Gail Perry)
Chloe Smith Social Media Manager
Collegedale residents line up to participate in early voting. Thursday October 31, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
Parking lot banners indicate Collegedale's early voting location. Thursday October 31, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
A client shows her new nails for a photo.
(Photo courtesy of Joni Perry)
Nails are featured in a social media post. (Photo courtesy of Joni Perry)
Pickleball Tournament
Macy McIntosh prepares to hit the ball during the tournament.
Saturday November 03, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
Mikko Villarin and Carson Chang compete in the pickleball tournament.
Saturday November 03, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
Lindsey Kim and Avana Im engage in a match.
Saturday November 03, 2024. (Photo by Malachi Cushion)
Magie Freitas and teammate return the ball.
Saturday November 03, 2024. (Photo by Hannah Johnson)
Students and community members gather to watch the pickleball tournament.
Saturday November 03, 2024. (Photo by Hannah Johnson)
MENTAL HEALTH
Nurturing a culture of appreciation: How to approach life with a glass-half-full mentality
Johanne Mendoza Contributor
Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals and students from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern
Appreciation extends beyond surface-level gratitude. It isn’t just about saying “thank you” for the good things. According to an article by Avram Alpert, it’s about adopting a glass-half-full mentality that encourages us to explore the intricacies of our existence and the little things that bring us joy.
This mentality urges us to recognize and confront the highs and lows that shape our lives. In a world constantly fixated on material gain and societal norms, genuine appreciation demands a paradigm shift, urging us to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings and our environment.
Despite the pressure to constantly chase after more, genuine fulfillment often grows from finding contentment with what we already possess and fostering empathy for our current situations.
Embracing appreciation does not mean that you turn a blind eye to the problems that you are experiencing or changes you want to take action on. Instead, it equips us with the resilience and optimism needed to navigate the complexities of this modern life. This allows one to foster a sense of unity and shared responsibility.
By nurturing a culture of appreciation, we sow the seeds for a more just and compassionate
world for ourselves and future generations.
A study by D. B. Newman, A. M. Gordon and W. B. Mendes looked into gratitude and optimism to see if they are linked to favorable outcomes. To investigate the impact on daily psychological experiences, the researchers utilized 4,825 participants. Results showed that individuals with higher levels of gratitude and optimism exhibited a lower heart rate and blood pressure, better sleep quality, increased exercise, reduced stress and more positive expectations and reflections.
While both traits share some similarities in their effects, they also have distinct influences: Gratitude was mainly associated with feelings of appreciation toward others and pleasant reflections on the best part of the day. On the other hand, optimism was more strongly linked to improved sleep quality, reduced stress and less unpleasantness when reflecting on the worst part of the day. These findings shed light on the nuanced relationship between positive dispositions and provide valuable insights into the potential health benefits of utilizing optimism.
To foster a deeper appreciation for the present moment, it’s imperative to confront the pervasive societal tendency known as “elsewhereism,” as mentioned by the philosopher Daniel Milo. This perpetual quest for an elusive “better elsewhere” in one’s career, relationships or location drives progress but often leads to constant discontentment.
Understanding that challeng-
es occur even in new circumstances is fundamental to cultivating gratitude for what you have here and now. Appreciating the present does not negate the desire for improvement; instead, it acknowledges that every moment of existence, even those envisioned elsewhere, comes with difficulties.
Beginning this journey of appreciation requires an appreciation for every season we
are in, the highs and lows, the heat and the cold.
Recognizing what one possesses and appreciating it amidst knowing what one lacks fosters resilience and a sense of inner peace. Creating lists of personal, cultural and other personal assets aids this process, emphasizing gratitude for tangible and intangible blessings. Reflecting on these items deepens appreciation, encouraging intro-
spection and understanding of one’s values. Additionally, appreciating imperfection allows one to notice the richness of life’s complexities and develop humility. This multifaceted approach to appreciation enhances individual well-being and fosters empathy and self-forgiveness. This mentality will help propel individuals toward a more fulfilled and purpose-driven existence.
SPORTS
Goodbye, Oakland: An A’s fan reminisces and bids farewell to his childhood team —PT. 2
Jacob Nevis Sports Editor
I’m now 21, and I’m visiting my grandparents in California for the summer. My family has already moved to northern Georgia, and my dad is now an Atlanta Braves fan, even though I never thought I would see the day when he would give up the Oakland A’s. My grandfather, on the other hand, is still a diehard fan and suggests we go to a game to see them take on the Braves.
So we did. My youngest brother and I decided to tag along with them. When we arrived, the parking lot looked like a ghost town. I had seen more cars parked at a high school football game compared to that parking lot.
Since the Braves didn’t visit Oakland very often, more than half of the fans around seemed to be Braves fans. Once we arrived inside the stadium, it felt like there wasn’t even a baseball game happening that day. A lot of the concession stands were
closed, and there weren’t a lot of workers like you would normally see at a ballgame.
Reminiscent to when I went to the game when I was 10 years old, we decided to sit near the same spot on the third base line. Once we got down to our seats, I noticed something in the once-rowdy right field. Signs were being set up for everyone in the stadium to see.
Some of the signs read “Sell the team,” along with “Boycott Gap.” During the game, I noticed that the stadium was
nearly empty, and it looked like there were only about 1,500 people in attendance.
As the game rolled on, “Sell the team” chants could be heard making their way from the fans.
The A’s lost the game, and it was probably the worst game I’d attended up to that point. The magic of the Oakland A’s and their fans had disappeared.
The future of the team is quite dark and dim. The team will be leaving Oakland to head north to the capital of California, where they will be playing in
Sacramento until 2028. In 2028, however, the team will relocate to their new permanent home in Nevada and become the Las Vegas Athletics.
While some fans in Oakland may abandon their support for the team, many fans, including me, will continue to support the team that made us fall in love with the sport of baseball. I have a hope that the team I fell in love with will break the cycle and lead its fans back to the promised land and win another World Series.
Intramural Schedule:
Wednesday
6:00 pm
- Old School v. Shooting Stars (Men’s)
- Elbow Room v. Salt Shakers (Men’s)
7:00 pm
- I’m Batman v. Go Choo (Men’s)
- Grandmas Boys v. Big Dawgs (Men’s)
8:00 pm
- Frozen Biscuits v. Team Asscherick (Men’s)
- Rink Rats v. Goal Diggers (Ladies’)
9:00 pm
- The Blades Of Glory v. Dekes Of Hazard (Men’s)
- Von Richtofen’s Flying Circus v. Love Muffins (Men’s)
Thursday
6:00 pm
- Team Morgan v. Team Han (Ladies’)
7:00 pm
- Team Scott v. Pookies Slapshot (Ladies’)
- Biscuit Blasters v. Team Badger (Men’s)
8:00 pm
- Rink Rascals v. Blues (Men’s)
- Broadbacked Hockey Honeys v. She Ball (Ladies’)
The Oakland A’s will
Embracing appreciation can help us to be more optimistic and resilient. (Photo sourced from Pexels).
OPINION
Overton Window: There’s nothing left about being right
Samuel Guerra Arriaza Contributor
It’s the day after elections, and the past few weeks have been filled with controversy, scandalous quotes, YouTube ads petitioning to chip in for candidates’ campaigns and hard conversations among friends, family members and significant others showing their true colors.
By the time you read this, you may already know who the president will be for the next four years. As I write this (Sunday, November 3rd), I obviously can’t know who the winner is yet, and I wouldn’t bet my money on either candidate because anything can happen.
In this article, I don’t want to reflect on either candidate, their tweets, or their policies—we’ve all had more than enough of that already. Instead, I want to reflect on something we tend to overlook but holds vast importance: the Overton Window.
Also known as the window of discourse, the Overton Window is defined as the spectrum of ideas on public policy and social issues considered acceptable by the general public at a given time.
Named after American policy analyst Joseph Overton, this concept suggests that an idea’s political viability depends primarily on whether it fits within this acceptable range rather than individual politicians’ preferences. Its importance lies in how it shapes what politicians and leaders can successfully support or oppose without seeming too extreme to retain public office based on the current public opinion climate.
The word “spectrum” is particularly apt because this window can widen, narrow, and shift
throughout the years. There are six degrees of acceptance of ideas within it: Policy, Popular, Sensible, Acceptable, Radical, Unthinkable.
While politicians have used the terms “left” and “right” since the French Revolution in the late 1700s, their meanings have evolved significantly. Both terms can be vague, and their linguistic ambiguity has been harmful to the political climate.
Policies now firmly associated with one party were often embraced by the opposite party in previous decades. What we might call “left” today might have been a widely accepted Republican policy in the past, or vice versa.
For example, Republican President Ronald Reagan, in his last speech the night before he left the White House in January 1989, stated: “Thanks to each wave of new arrivals to this land of opportunity, we’re a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy.” He added, “If we ever closed the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.”
These statements contrast sharply with current Republican rhetoric, and even differ from the Democratic candidate’s most recent approach when questioned about her plans on the border.
Looking further back, even more unfathomable shifts can be found. Democratic President Woodrow Wilson, who held office until 1921, famously opposed women’s suffrage and presided over what is considered the last century’s lowest point in racial equality after authorizing widespread segregation in federal buildings.
Wilson’s policies represented a dramatic regression from those
RELIGION
of his Republican predecessor, Theodore Roosevelt. Roosevelt was a prominent leader of the “Progressive Era.”
In fact, he once appointed an African American man as customs officer for the port of Charleston, South Carolina, and Wilson bitterly opposed this appointment based purely on racial grounds.
This historical context challenges our modern preconceptions.
Much of what we associate with today’s politics has formed relatively recently. Even the redblue state terminology only emerged during the 2000 election; in previous elections, the color assignments or the actual colors used often differed.
Beyond linguistic ambiguity, these terms promote tribalism,
leading many people to support “their team” unconditionally while opposing anything associated with the “other side.”
Instead of assessing issues on their merits, people often get drawn into an artificial us-versus-them battle. This mindset fuels harmful stereotypes, with the worst traits being attributed indiscriminately to everyone in the opposing group.
How much conflict could be avoided if people moved beyond this tribalistic mentality? What if voters realized they don’t need to pledge blind loyalty to a ‘tribe’ but could instead follow their own moral compass? What if they discovered that many current policies don’t align with the principles they
believe they’re defending?
For these reasons and more, I believe the terms “left” and “right” have become more than just inaccurate labels—they’re detrimental to political discourse. They deepen societal divisions and fuel a cultural war that doesn’t need to have such protagonism. Most importantly, they blind people to potential common ground and distract from more fundamental issues, such as class inequality, that deserve our attention.
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.
to
“The
The signs of the times: Preparing for Jesus
Lucas Bueno Religion Editor
“Jesus is coming soon.” Especially among Seventh-day Adventists, this phrase is special. However, the word “soon” is quite open to interpretation. Jesus told His apostles that He would come again soon, and they, including the apostle Paul, believed that they might live to see His second coming. Yet, here we are thousands of years later, and Jesus has not returned. But still, we say, “Jesus is coming soon.”
Besides simply stating that He would come again soon, Jesus also gave a list of signs regarding the times before His second coming. Signs and prophecies are also given in Daniel and Revelation, and in other prophetic parts of Scripture, so that we might know the nearness of the coming of Christ.
In Matthew 24, most of the signs are listed. Among these are wars, rumors of wars, famines and earthquakes. False prophets and Christs are also mentioned. Other parts of the Bible mention the last days being like the days of Noah.
Many of these signs are clearly found today. Each day as we read the news, we find more updates on war, natural disasters and diseases. Christ warned that such things would increase, like childbirth pains, as the end grows near.
However, there is yet another sign listed in Matthew 24. This is the last sign given in a list of signs found in Matthew 23:3-14, and I would argue that it is the most important. As Seventh-day Adventists, we can sometimes have a tendency to focus on all of the other signs with the intent of trying to find out an approximate time for when Jesus might come again. While we do not set dates, since no one
knows the day or hour, we still try to determine how the events of prophecy will play out, when the Sunday law will arrive and who the antichrist will be.
However, let us read Matthew 24:14 ESV, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”
This is the last sign men -
tioned in a list of signs found in Matthew 24:3-14. While all of the signs are important and we should be aware of them, the spreading of the gospel is most crucial. Though we must warn others of other coming deceptions and show them that the increasing evil of the world is heralding the soon coming of Christ, we must also spread the gospel. Jesus came and died for each
person’s sins, and He desires to have a relationship with each individual. When we share this gospel, this good news, we provide everyone with that blessed opportunity. Jesus does not want anyone to be excluded from this incredible chance.
That is why He says in Matthew 24:14 that the end will not come until all have had this chance.
Christians were given the Great
Commission to help spread this knowledge to others. This is the greatest sign of Christ’s coming, and we have the amazing opportunity to take part in it. Yes, the other signs must also come to pass, and many are coming to pass even now. But may we turn our eyes away from this wicked world and focus on helping all to have the opportunity to meet Jesus.
terms ‘left’ and ‘right’ have become more than just inaccurate labels—they’re detrimental
political discourse.” (Graphic by Samuel Guerra)
“They will see the Son of Man coming in the clouds
How collecting books became my hobby
Michaela Dimick Contributor
For years my hobby has been collecting. Growing up, I collected paper dolls and stuffed animals, which transitioned into yarn (my friends might tell you I collect it more than I use it) and notebooks (which were also doomed to be collected more than used).
Many times these collections overlapped, leading my room to become a cataclysm of disparate and varied interests. My mother eventually begged me to commit to one collection, so, naturally, I picked the most expensive one: books.
As a child, I was a voracious reader. The second that I didn’t have any pressing responsibilities (and when I wanted to procrastinate), I could be found with my nose in a book. I was enraptured by vivid details of places that I longed to visit; chief among them were Europe’s impressively old castles and manor houses.
Before long, I fell in love with one book in particular. California’s oppressively hot summers always made me long for moody, rainy days, and the Gothic novel Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë had just the atmosphere that I was aching for.
Set in Northern England, the book follows Jane Eyre as she searches for a home and family. She finds a position as a governess at the striking but slightly worn down Thornfield Hall, where she meets the brooding and mysterious Mr. Rochester. They are drawn to each other romantically, but Rochester’s mysterious past always gets in the way.
Despite a raving madwoman living (both metaphorically and physically) in Rochester’s attic, the bond between Jane and Mr. Rochester is strengthened to a degree that you have to read about to get the full story.
It quickly became my favorite story; I have read it more times than I can count. I could visit Thornfield anytime I wanted, and I did regularly.
The little abridged children’s copy I owned started to wear thin with rereads. Eventually, the time came to purchase another edition, but acquiring a new copy would be a challenge because I did not
have a driver’s license, nor did my family routinely purchase items online.
The solution came in the form of a trip to Washington when, visiting Walla Walla University, I was shopping for colleges. One evening, we had the opportunity to go into town, and I found myself standing in front of a charming little bookstore. I, of course, entered with the goal of finding my new copy of Jane Eyre, an unabridged “big girl” edition.
And, Reader, did I find it. With a beautiful violet leatherette cover and a copper-embossed title, the book took my breath away. It came home with me
and was a beautiful addition to my growing bookshelf.
The book became more than just a copy of my favorite novel; it also functioned as a souvenir. I don’t need to add to my ever-growing list of books to read; instead, I collect various editions of Jane Eyre in whatever location I am visiting. I like to look in used bookstores whenever I can, because I like that the book had a life before me (and, usually, is more affordable). I also find that used bookstores can pull me away from perfectly manicured tourist traps into the real heart of a city. The great thing about collecting a classic
is that new editions are always coming out, and fabulous older editions are available, too, so I can always find a new-to-me edition. All in all, I have 20 copies of Jane Eyre. Each is unique; all are special to me. Collecting books is not for everybody, but I recommend finding something that you’re passionate about and starting a collection. There’s something valuable about collecting physical items — it’s a tangible representation of a part of yourself. Introduce a splash of color into your life with a collection!
Mini-Crossword Puzzle
by Ana K. Zelidon
“All in all, I have 20 copies of Jane Eyre. Each one is unique and all are special to me.” (Photo by Caitlyn Dimick)
aeriqueee cool weather, warm company.
Photo Credit: Haley Dugaduga
elsie.kroll I brake for birds. I rock a lot of polka dots. I have touched glitter in the last 24 hours…And that doesn’t mean I’m not smart and tough and strong
Photo Credit: Elsie Kroll
Eric Barnuevo
Elsie Kroll E E
talia.b_242 fall break shenanigans
Photo Credit: Shannelle Bennet Talia Burrows T
jenny.lunnn broadway dump Photo Credit: stranger
raq.uel_laz
Photo Credit: Keila Lazcano Jenny Lun Raquel Lazcano J R
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