HOME and away | november 2020 | ISSUE NO. 5
Editor’s Voice Pack your bags, time to head out It is almost the end of the semester. For me, it is my last here. I started at Avondale in 2017, fresh from graduating high school – which, it is worth noting, was the school I had gone to since kindergarten. I definitely remember feeling a sense of, ‘well, this is just what happens’ every time I went from one grade to the next, and just playing along whenever a nosy grownup asked if it felt weird. Why would it? Seven came after six, it was to be expected. Even finishing year 12 elicited a response barely greater than ‘huh, I guess that’s over now’ from me, which was certainly more than before, but hardly much. I think it was the start of this year where I really started to notice the looming threat of reality. I suppose it was having more fingers than I did months before I was out into the workforce that did it, but 2020 being 2020 probably helped. After all, if something as predictable as education could be thrown off by a trillion tiny spanners, then how could anything be stable? It’s a bit like crossing a bridge blindfolded. I have no real, tangible idea what waits for me on the other side, only that I cannot rely on my track record of bumbling into
success for much longer, because now there’s no safety rail to keep me on the road. Even if there never was, I’ll take falling in the creek over an unintended waltz in the woods anyday, because at least you know when your ankles are wet and you probably have a good idea of how to get out. Bit doom and gloom compared to what I normally write, isn’t it? Well it’s not all bad news. I’ve got a pretty good idea of what I want to do once I graduate, and I think I know how I can pull it off. There’s room for error, but each individual step is nothing I haven’t done a dozen times over. At the very least, the one thing I can be confident of is that I am where I need to be take my next step. This issue we’re taking a good, hard look at the way we grapple with this feeling of uncertainty. What it means to have a comfort zone, and what it means to leave it. Our contributors have been willing to share their anxieties so we can see how none of these feelings are something we alone experience, and none of them are insurmountable. I hope that when your your time comes, you know you’re in good company. Don’t forget a spare pair of socks. Chris
02
02
editor’s voice
10-11
change
12-13
Bald & bolder for it
16-17
up, up & away
18-19
step out
02
editor’s voice
16-17
up, up & away
04-05
contributors
18-19
step out
06
CONTACT INFORMATION
20-21
dorm photo
07
get in contact
22-23
Real talk
08-09
The good news
24-25
#avondalexp
10-11
chnage
26-27
Cheat sheet
12-13
bald & balder for it
14-15
wo/man
03
CON TRIB UTORS
ASSISTANT EDITOR SALLY-MAE HERFORD
EDITOR CHRIS MCCLELLAND Secondary Education student, untalented art enthusiast, ineffective procrastination combatant. Ask me about my mild addiction to video essays.
04
Sally-Mae is a Secondary Education student who really just wants to be sleeping in and complaining about how she didn’t get enough sleep. As well as having seen every movie ever made, Sally-Mae loves looking out car windows pretending she’s in a music video.
GRAPHIC DESIGNER JACINDA RALPH Jacinda is a Bachelor of Arts student studying Communication, Graphic Design & Human Resources. Half of her diet consists of Banana Bread or Peanutbutter, and loves a good hammock sleep with lots of blankets/ pillows.
Emma Garrick Emma is a ‘thirst’ year nurse looking forward to sticking band-aids on people, and she watches the Twilight saga unironically at least once a year.
Francheska Sandoval
Proud Latina representing the countries of Chile and Panama - mis corazones. I love a good conspiracy theory so do not hesitate to tell me the wackiest theory. Part of Graduating class of 2020 by God’s grace!
Casey Herman Casey Herman is yet another Secondary Education student studying Religion, Geography and PDHPE because she is incredibly indecisive and wants the best of both (well 3) worlds. If not playing some kind of sport to procrastinate her assessments for the 5 courses she’s taking right now, she’ll be watching a TedTalk about how going vegan can reverse climate change. 5 05
06
get in c ontact Security: Phone: (02) 4980 2333 Email: scott.hill@avondale.edu.au College Church Phone: (02) 4980 2272 Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au Or message the College Church Facebook Page. College Counsellors: Phone: 0403478994 Email: counsellingclinic@avondale.edu.au Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns.
pages to like The Voice College Church ASL Student Association Avondale University College SALT Avondale Cafe Rejuve 7 07
The Good News! I know how it is, you’re bracing yourself for exams and everything seems dismal. Well, let’s fill your good news prescription. Things aren’t all bad, sometimes you’ve just got to extend your gaze a little. Let me give you a hand. - Chris Mcclelland -
8
08
Spanish Biotech Company Powers Lights with Soil You ever look at the lawn you (are supposed to) spend so much time looking after and think ‘why can’t this power my house?’ No? Quite reasonable, to be honest, but the first step of science is to ask frankly ludicrous questions like that. And so, the good folks at Bioo have figured out how to use the organisms in your lawn to create and store electricity with panels that are cheap, 100% renewable, and work 24/7. It’s still very much early days, but who knows where this could lead.
Grey Wolves No Longer Endangered Wolves really do get a bad rap. Sure, they’re technically a wild, apex predators, but they’re not really dangerous to humans. They’re also incredibly important for ecosystems to stay balanced; when grey wolves were reintroduced to Yellowstone National Park after being killed off in the area, it had a knock-on effect that stabilised every other species from elk to songbirds, even the trees. The fact that they are now no longer at risk of being wiped out completely is fantastic news.
Dutch City Redesigns for More Greenery The city of Arnhem, Netherlands, has laid out a 10-year plan to plant trees and grasses throughout the city, doing away with up to 10% of its asphalt in the process. This is intended to help manage climate change, as the shade and soil will make the heat more manageable. Many other plans are being developed to ensure the city is liveable for longer as well.
Organised Community Effort Helping Bushfire Recovery The New South Wales locality of Ewingar was hit hard in this year’s bushfires, with many residents losing their properties and income. Fortunately, by organising a charity music festival and having a divvying up the funds through a committee, they managed to succeed in the difficult task of making sure valuable relief funds are not only raised but distributed where they are needed.
Technology Connecting Faith Leaders in Developing Countries COVID-19 has been especially brutal in developing countries due to limited access to vital resources from medicine to information, and people in these areas are more cut-off than ever. World Vision responded to this by creating a digital network of 8,000 faith leaders and growing. Since faith leaders are often keystone members of their community, this means vital information about coronavirus can reach people who desperately need it. Here’s hoping these networks stay up long after this virus is gone, I think there is a lot of good that can come out of them.
If you happen to hear some good news or have some good news happen to you or someone close to you, we’d love to hear it! Get in touch with Chris McClelland on Facebook and we’ll be happy to share it with our readers in the next issue.
09
CHANGE Francheska Sandoval
I grew up with change. As a missionary child, I knew change was not an option, it was inevitable. I learned not to plan past a few months, as within that timespan I could not only be in a different country, I would most likely be in a whole other continent. I had mixed feelings about change. On the one hand, exciting adventures were guaranteed, but on the other I would be torn away from my home and people I loved. That change was never easy.
cling to His promises like change does. Clinging to Him does not mean that we won’t still have to experience unwanted changes, but it does mean we can face the changes with a peace of mind in the knowledge He is in control. He is our Heavenly Father, and thus He only wants what is best for His children and will not give us challenges beyond what we can bear. So, I am learning to view change not as a negative experience wrought with fear and anxiety, but as an opportunity to develop my faith.
And then, the year 2020 came. Ah, 2020 – it could arguably be crowned “The Year of Change.” No amount of change while growing up could have prepared me for the changes this year has brought.
Going back to my little saying “this too shall pass”, there is one thing that never will pass, that will never EVER change – Yahweh-Shammah, the Lord who is present. “For I, the Lord, do not change…” (Malachi 3:6a). It is a comforting thought to know that no matter what this life can throw at us, how great the changes may be, God remains the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
When I was little, I developed a saying that stayed with me to this day – “this too shall pass.” It reminded me that if I was in a bad moment, it would end. Now, it is also a reminder to live in the moment, for it too will pass. I strive to imprint in my mind’s eye the sights, sounds, smells of happiness. I do this so on my blue days, I can wander in my mind palace, sort through my memories and cling tightly to good days. Never have I needed that little saying as much as I have this year. However, if there is one thing I have learned in 2020 is that nothing makes me seek God and
10
For those who are graduating, major changes are ahead – finding a job and discovering our place in this world. I know how terrifying this seems; but friends, let’s bravely face this coming year and smile in the face of change. Let’s dare life to throw its worst, for God is at our side. If He is for us, who can be against us?
“view change not as a negative experience wrought with fear & anxiety, but as an opportunity to develop my faith�
11
Bald and Bolder For It SOPHIE Gibbons
I am bald. Her mum had noticed it first the facial drooping, the lack of normal baby responses, perhaps even abnormal breathing. Imogen was rushed to hospital at 14 days old, Bleeding in her brain was a tumour hidden in her cerebellum. Baby Imogen was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer - congenital glioblastoma multiforme grade 4 at two weeks of age. Imogen has never known life without cancer. Chemo, brain surgery, and procedures are the normality for her. Little Imogen isn’t even one year old, and yet she has endured more hardship and pain than most of us will endure in a lifetime. Soon little Imogen’s story gained the attention of the surrounding community prompting people to write out their prayers on a piece of paper. People attached their prayers to solar lights and then stuck them in the Rae family’s front lawn – the effect is a dazzling display of at least 100 lights for little Imogen and her family. It was at this point that I made my decision – I was going to do my bit and raise money for baby Imogen and shave off all my hair. At two weeks into the fundraising, I checked the Go Fund Me page, and we had reached my original goal of 1000 dollars! Amazed my family encouraged me to increase the goal to 3000 dollars, and that is what I did. At just 24 hours until shaving day, we reached the adjusted target goal of 3000 dollars – even people I have never met were donating to the cause. On the 25th of October, I sat in front of a Facebook live stream and finally shaved off all my hair with the help of my housemates. During the live stream, the Go Fund Me hit 6000 dollars! Little Imogen and her mum watched the live stream from the safety of the hospital while the rest of her family watched from their home. I have so much love and gratitude for everyone who supported this whole journey, whether it was a share, a donation, or a good wish/prayer. I am overwhelmed with the kindness of people. I am now bald; I get weird looks wherever I go. Shaving my head was a step and a half outside of my comfort zone. But if you asked me “would you do it all again?” The answer would be one big enthusiastic “yes.”
12
13
Wo/ came back or boil the rice ... oh yeah and when she would cook, she would burn the cookies every time. If Annie were a piece of food, what kind would she be? A wholesome slice of pumpkinpie What song perfectly symbolizes Annie? Ooh, that’s a hard one. Maybe the theme song of Peppa Pig If Annie had to go to jail for something, what crime would she commit? Anna would most likely be the person who was wrongly accused but went jail and served time... but she’d make friends and figure it out cos she’s smart but also friendly.
As a kid, what did Annie want to be when she
RENÉE VAOVASA
grew up? Someone our parents could finally be proud of and not embarrassed of.
14
What do you think is the most important life skill or value Annie taught you? Just because you dress ugly, doesn’t mean you should. She’s also taught me how to listen; she’s an incredible listener. Who was Annie’s biggest celebrity crush as a teen? Probably one of the guys from hi-5. If they had a catchphrase, what would it be? Sleepyhead... she’s always sleeping or daydreaming... she was also called Analyse cos she takes the cup for analysing things (high IQ stuff blah blah blah). What’s the worst trouble Annie ever got into? How did she get out of it? If she got in trouble it was probably because she didn’t vacuum the house before mum
Who would Annie haunt if she were a ghost? Not me... I don’t think ... I hope. Maybe my little sisters, but she’d be a friendly ghost who just wants to hang out. Lastly, what’s something hilarious that Annie has done that makes you laugh every time you talk about it? When mum told her to foil half the potatoes to bake, she foiled half of each potato and put them in the oven ... She still defends herself saying the instructions weren’t clear but WHO WRAPS HALF OF A POTATO IN FOIL AND THINKS THAT’S A THING THAT IS OKAY? HAHA!
man As a kid, what did Annie want to be when she grew up? Renee wanted to be an air hostess because she liked the pretty uniforms- she also wanted to be a paramedic because of the uniforms. She likes uniforms. What do you think is the most important life skill or value Annie taught you? Renee taught me how to learn. She listens and goes out and does the work. She’s smarter than people realise- and I can’t wait for her to take over the world. Who was Annie’s biggest celebrity crush as a teen? The bass singer in the Acapella group ‘voiceplay’. She likes dem pretty boys!
minds. Get them to pray more.
Sister’s edition
Lastly, what’s something hilarious that Annie has done that makes you laugh every time you talk about it? She always makes me laugh. But recently, I sent her a parody video of Ivanka Trump doing parkour, and she thought it was real.
ANNALISE VAOVASA
If they had a catchphrase, what would it be? My favourite one is Ali (pronounced as Muhammad Ali). It comes from her Samoan middle name- which in English means ‘the princesses 2 houses’. What’s the worst trouble Annie ever got into? How did she get out of it? Renee is a goody-two-shoes. There’s no trouble there. Her friends, on the other hand... If Annie were a piece of food, what kind would she be? She would be a freshly made Krispy Kreme. Fresh. Sweet. Melts in your mouth. Energising and will make you fat. You’ll hate yourself in an hour. What song perfectly symbolizes Annie? 2 voices 1 song by barbie. Sing it to her. I dare you. If Annie had to go to jail for something, what crime would she commit? Petty theft (I would say murder, but you wouldn’t catch her). Who would Annie haunt if she were a ghost? My mum and grandma. For no reason. Just to mess with their
15
“God never gives us more than what we can handle, he gives us opportunities to get us to amazing places, live our best lives & all we gotta do is say yes!”
Up, Up & Away Casey Herman Howdy there, hope y’all are having a finger-licking good day. Why the horses am I using this kind of language you ask? Well, buckle up because I am going to be sharing about a trip I took to the good ol’ South. At the end of year 11, I ventured away to the U.S to complete my final year of high school in California. I decided to do this for a few reasons. Firstly; to have a taste of independence from living with my family the prior 17 years, second; to experience something different as I had been to the same school my whole life, thirdly; because my father grew up in the area and graduated from the high school I was going to and, last and very much opposite of the least; to get away from the stress of the HSC and actually enjoy my senior year. Throughout my childhood, I was afraid of a lot of things and if you had told my pre-
16
teen self that one day I would be living on the other side of the world for a year without my family, I would have told you you were dreaming. My time away from home in the U.S was such a major growing experience in itself but it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to go to Tennessee for my spring break that I really grew more than I ever thought I could. The daughter of my dad’s old friend from college that lived in Tennessee reached out to me and randomly invited me to visit her, so I did. There is something special about flying alone across the country to a place that you barely know, seeing and experiencing beautiful things and just appreciating it and, not needing to share it with anyone nor “show it off” to. Then was when I learned the importance of being happy with my own company as, my whole life, I had always been surrounded with friends and family (don’t get me wrong, I love sharing experiences with others but this was personal on a whole ’nother level). When I touched down in Nashville at 3 am and was standing outside in the dark waiting for a bus was when I really felt alone. But, unlike any other time, I was so comfortable in my own company and only having myself to rely on. The feeling was so new, incredibly freeing and exciting. What later followed that moment included fun memories and many new friends that I would have never made without saying yes to the opportunity. I took so many things from my experience away from home but to simply sum it up I would say that… God never gives us more than we can handle, He gives us opportunities to get us to amazing places, live our best lives and all we gotta do is say yes! My advice is that when you do say yes, hold ya hat tight, yell yeehaw, let go and enjoy the ride.
Ingredients 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 2 large eggs 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1 cup plain flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup icing sugar (for coating)
15
18
STEP OUT Emma Garrick
Do it. Now is the time to step out of your comfort zone. When I was younger, I had an opportunity to go on a kayaking expedition, but I didn’t go. It would have been awesome; my friends were going, this boy I liked was going to be there, it just would have been a super fun week. I didn’t go because I was too scared. I thought that there was no way I would be able to keep up with everyone else. I made up all these excuses why I should not go, but it was just that I felt unsure. This trip was out of my comfort zone. I decided that I would instead feel safe and a bit sad to have missed out than have to worry or feel any of that knotted stomach, a lump in your throat feeling that comes before stepping out of your comfort zone. That was a dumb decision. Most of the time when we don’t do the things we want to, it’s because we are afraid—scared of not being good enough, fearful of what people might
think of you, and scared that it won’t meet your expectations. Its time to throw away these thoughts. Its time to go to do that thing that’s out of your comfort zone. Go, talk to those people you want to be friends with, tell that girl you like her, change your degree, accept the job that’s far away, step out into the unknown. The thing is, when you do not step out, when you play it safe, you miss out no matter what. Whether the experience is good or bad, it’s an experience you don’t get to have. I ended up going on the same kayaking trip three years later and had a fantastic time. And yeah, it wasn’t perfect, I found out you can get seasick in a kayak, and I definitely cried when I couldn’t get the kayak into shore against the tide and a storm. But I am so glad I went because it widened my comfort zone. So, step out of your comfort zone, it’ll be more fun.
19
20
21
real talk What is it that makes you feel the safest, where life feels stable and unthreatened?
Jasmine: My comfort zone is essentially anywhere that I feel safe, stable and comfortable. It can be out and about with friends and family, going on adventures or even being by myself watching a movie, listening to music or playing the guitar. I feel like my comfort zone is ever-changing and growing as I weave through life. For example, I have recently fallen in love with ceramics, which has now become a part of it too. sam: My comfort zone is anywhere I’m alone. I don’t particularly like being in public places for longer than I need to be; however, cafés and parks can sometimes resemble a comfort zone for me. My main comfort zone is my bedroom or anywhere I can be quiet and not disturbed, as I’m an introvert. I tend to gravitate towards places with aesthetic surroundings. As for a mental comfort zone, I don’t go to any ‘happy place’, you’ll just see me stare into space and completely tune out, and I won’t even notice I’m doing it. Do you try to push yourself out of that space often? Do you intend to? Why?
Jasmine: I would like to say yes. I try to push myself out of my bubble, but not as much as I could. I think an easy transition to going outside what I am comfortable with is by doing something that I am comfortable with, but pushing the boundaries in regards to the setting I’m in. For example, I’m not one to be super comfortable in front of a big crowd, but yet I don’t mind playing the guitar for either Salt or Church. Playing the guitar is something in my comfort zone, yet being in front of people isn’t. With all that has happened with the 22
coronavirus this year, it has made it a bit difficult to keep pushing out of that space, but now we are back at college I intend to keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
sam: Yes, all the time. I’m aware that personal growth comes from stepping out of one’s comfort zone, but I hate doing it. I want to be a gym person that wakes up at 5am but I can’t get myself to want to wake up that early. I also wish I was more social and had a way with people, but I don’t like the idea of introducing myself or having people take over my personal space. I think stepping out of comfort zones but also knowing your personal boundaries is important. What have you lost by pushing yourself too far? What have you gained?
Jasmine: In each point where I have pushed my self I have always gained the opportunity to met new, amazing people. Majority of the time the experiences that I had has always been positive, and memorable. In terms of the things that I may lost, I don’t think that there would be anything. If anything, if I do something out of my comfort zone that I didn’t like then I know for the future that wasn’t for me. It would be a learning curve in discovering myself. sam: When I have stood up to people,
I’ve either lost that person or developed a better relationship. I have trouble with talking about my feelings when it matters. I wouldn’t say standing up for yourself is pushing too far, but I’ve been in friendships/relationships that were beyond repair but I haven’t taken the hint and kept trying to make things better. In those situations I’ve gained more experience and probably learnt a valuable lesson, but I’ve lost a little dignity and jeopardised my self-respect along the way. Yikes.
jasmine & sam
23
#avondalexp
keep tagging #avondalexp pics- even if it’s a fav avondale memory or throwback! feel free to direclty send avondale photos you’d like featured to chris mcclelland on fb.
24
25 25
Cheat Sheet We’re almost there guys! The end of 2020 is creeping up on us a lot faster than anticipated. However, I think we can all agree this year wasn’t a handful of flowers and rainbows, but hopefully these new additions to the cheat sheet will distract you for the remainder of this nightmare. All of these recommendations are things I genuinely haven’t been able to stop viewing or using over the past month, and I hope they bring you as much joy as they did me, as well as wasting your precious study time.
website
IDRlabs.com/tests
If you’re anything like me and love a good quiz that tells you something about yourself that you never knew or technically don’t need to know, then this site
is for you. I’ve done almost every personality test under the sun; however, this site takes it to the next level. You could spend ages on this site figuring out
what Simpsons, GoT, Pooh Bear, Rick and Morty, Hogwarts character you are. IDRlabs.com/tests will also give you some uncomfortable realisations into
you psyche such as a Dark Core, Dark Triad, Psychopath or Villain test. So if you have an inkling that you may have a psycho for a friend, I would highly recommend getting them to take this test, for your own safety, of course.
wyoutube Vice
It’s no secret, looking at all my other YouTube recommendations throughout this year, that all I watch on YouTube is news and journalism content. But I
can’t get enough of the random, history, pop culture, religious, political and downright strange journalism that comes out of the Vice YouTube channel.
They have such awesome content that can keep you hooked for hours. They have a range of fascinating series from serious conversations focusing on
drugs to satirical one-star reviews. This channel broadens your knowledge on stuff you never thought existed or necessarily don’t really need to know. Scandinavian countryside.
APPS
Trivia Crack
At Avondale’s last Trivia Night, my team came in second, and I genuinely
believe playing this game religiously for the two weeks leading up definitely gave my team an upper hand. This game is addictive yet super educational,
so you don’t feel as bad playing it for hours on end. Also, you get the added bonus of playing with friends and proving to them that you know way more about pointless trivia than they do. 26 26
MOVIES
Captain FantasticWhat We Do in The Shadows Have you, like thousands of other people, fallen in love with the Have you, like thousands of other people, fallen in love with the work of Taika Waititi? Yes? Well, you’ll love this mockumentary about vampire housemates living in Wellington, NZ. Actors, Jemaine Clement, Taika Waititi and Jonathan Brugh, are a bunch of vampires who are trying to cope with the complexities of vampirical life whilst showing a newly turned hipster vampire, Cori GonzalezMacuer, some of the perks of being undead. This movie will keep you in both stitches and horror as the housemates come into a variety of issues that will make you realise that being a modern vampire is much harder than what was portrayed by Edward Cullen.
music
The Japanese House
The fantastic and talented Amber Bain is the face of The Japanese House. Bain is a solo indie-pop act from Buckinghamshire, England, combining
vocals, guitar, synthesiser and keyboard for her music. As a teenager, Bain decided to pursue a career in music, having been taught music from her
father during childhood. Her music echoes sound similar to The 1975, Imogen Heap and Victoria LeGrand. Her use of overlapping harmonies to create a
kind of thick, organic auto-tune has been praised for lending individualised depth to her tracks. because there are so many benefits to it.
TikTok
Gaffrey Art Material
Let’s be honest; as students, we really don’t have time to be watching long movies or tv series; hence why I have shamelessly fallen into the arms of
TikTok, hard. I have spent many nights scrolling through the multitudes of
animal, meme, art, comedy, politics, literature, history, science, music, dance videos. TikTok truly is a platform for anyone and everyone of all ages. As a
future Art teacher, I have started following a lot of artistic pages to broaden my knowledge of the art world, and Gaffrey Art Materials has opened my
eyes to a unique new form of art. They create heavy texture acrylics and art
materials for 3D sculptural paintings. These artworks vary from oceanic forms, animals and nature, and each piece a masterpiece in artistry.
27 27
