The Voice Issue #3 August 2021 by Voice

VOICE

AUGUST 2021 | ISSUE NO. 3

Editor’s voice I think we need words now more than ever. Novels, novellas, newspapers [haven’t seen one of those in years though], blogs, short stories, poetry, magazines; they are therapy, they are processing, they are informative, they are the hard work of those around you and a piece of someone’s soul. We need literature in all its forms. It is communication and hope, and we depend on it more than we know. Now more than ever we need the tangibility of print; of holding a book, a newspaper, a magazine. Something we can physically hold onto. Thanks to the pandemic, you are more than likely reading this issue online, so I contradict myself. While I don’t like to label and put themes on things, if I were to do so with this issue, I would label it as ‘therapy’. Every article within last semester’s two issues were unintentionally cohesive, and this issue is no different. Every contributor happened to be on the same wavelength; they were processing the times, the emotions, and the experiences we are collectively living through. This issue is for you. Yeah, YOU! While

you’re at home bored, procrastinating. There’s something in here for you. There are short snippets of people’s experiences, of their hopes and their dreams, a scoop of their imagination, their frustrations, their intellect. There are the long form experiences also; insightful interviews, and your two editors trying to make sense of this utterly mind-boggling thing called the human experience. This issue was written by you. For you. This is your voice. Bailee McLeod

CONTENTS .

02.

EDITOR’S VOICE

04.

CONTACT INFORMATION

06.

CONTRIBUTORS

08.

THINGS WE ARE LOVING RN

10.

LETTERS OF THE FUTURE

12.

MESSY MEDIA

14.

WELLNESS WITH SAM

18.

BAI’S CORNER

20.

WO//MAN

22.

THE AVONDALE OGS

24.

THE UNPRESIDENTIALDEBATE

26.

POETRYBYYOU

28.

THE GREYAREA

30.

#AVONDALE XP

32.

POETRYBYYOU

GET IN CONTACT. 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. CHAPLAINCY CENTRE: Pr Brock Goodall Phone: 4980 2283 Email: chaplain@avondale.edu.au Located: The rear of College Church near Café Rejuve. 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

Avondale sport We are ella boyd we are watson Cafe Rejuve

SALTAvondale 05

CON TRIB UTORS

Assistant Editor EDITOR & cheese

SALLY-MAE HERFORD Sally-Mae is a fourth year secondary Visual Arts and English education student who really just wants to be sleeping in and complaining about how she didn’t get enough sleep. As well as dark chocolate covered pretzels, Sally-Mae loves breaking the fourth wall in the A24 feature film that is her life.

BAILEE MCLEOD Bailee is an English and Visual Arts Major, who is ‘no, not doing teaching!’(and yes, she’s considered it). If she is not doing yoga or drinking coffee, she will be at the beach with a good book or listening to The Lumineers on her way to the shops.

Graphic designer

JACINDA RALPH Jacinda is a Bachelor of Arts student studying Communications, Graphic Design and Human Resources. Half of her diet consists of banana bread or peanut butter, and she loves a good hammock sleep.

Interviewer & Photographer

JASMIN RINGROSE Jasmin is in her final year of studying International Poverty and Development studies. She is frequently asked to say; “fish & chips”, “deck”, and “pig/peg” #KiwiThings. She loves all things artsy and would be quite content living out her days doing pottery.... in a little studio...by the beach.

Photographer EMILIE JACKSON Emilie is a second year Art, English and Business Secondary teacher. She likes eating blueberries, can be convinced of most conspiracy theories, thinks 45 minute naps are the most effective, tends to avoid butterflies and if given the choice would have her life narrated by David Attenborough.

Wellness writer SAM WHITE

Guest Writer

Sam is a student studying Counselling with a minor in Communications. She has a passion for reading and psychology. Spends the majority of her time working at Rejuve or with her nose in a book.

Jesse is studying Ministry and Theology and has been at Avondale since your parents studied there. Stylish. Edgy. Model. Rich. Muscly. All words that could be used to describe Jesse, but aren’t. He is a man who has truly changed the meaning of quarter life crisis, and effortlessly makes 27 look 40.

JESSE DOOPS

Things that we are loving rn Voice Team

NEED INSPO IN LOCKDOWN, SOMETHING NEW TO DO, READ OR WATCH? FROM NOVELS, PODCASTS, MUSICIANS, MOVIES, TV SHOWS, YOUTUBERS… THE TEAM SHARES THEIR FAVOURITE THINGS THEY ARE LOVING TO HELP GET THEM THROUGH THESE CRAZY TIMES.

BAILEE MCLEOD Well I think it would be wrong of me to not mention a book as an English Major,

SO, Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout has been my holiday read. Set in a small coastal town in Maine, the story follows the retired school who as she ages, struggles with the ever changing world around her. Not quite finished but a beautiful read so far, and the small town aspect and everyone having history with everyone, for some reason, reminds me of Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens [a PHENOMENAL read. Put it on your list]. In terms of Netflix, well Schitt’s Creek is a classic to binge over and over again - Dan Levy is a genius. And if you are not listening to the new Gang of Youths, then what are you even doing, get on that!

SALLY-MAE HERFORD For some people, it is so easy to pinpoint a specific ‘thing’ that they’re

currently loving. For me, however, it’s more like a dozen little things. So I’ll try and make this as stripped back and to the point as possible and you aren’t allowed to ask any questions unless you see me in person and give me time to explain…candle making, Nerd Gummy Clusters, organising my parent’s fridge, Asos and very regrettably, Sex and the City (sometimes garbage tv is necessary for the soul and not the brain).

JASMIN RINGROSE These holidays I would have to say that I am definitely channelling my inner

detective. I am frequently listening to the podcast - Crimejunkie. After a while, though, it can get a bit heavy, so to balance that out, I will also listen to a more light-hearted podcast called “No such thing as a fish”. There is a tv show on Netflix that I am trying my hardest not to binge (because there is only one season, BIG RIP) called Safe - it’s under the British crime drama banner. And a youtube channel that I have discovered, called Coffeehouse Crime, which yes, you have probably guessed is about… Crime. Lockdown 6.0 in Melbourne has consisted of some good puzzles, one in particular was a ‘Where’s Wally’ 1000 piece, $15 from Big W. Always treat yourself with a bit of online shopping, it’s essential. Everyone loves a bit of garbage tv, so for me I’ve indulged in ‘Kim’s Convenience’ on netflix. It’s an easy, feel good viewing, sitting between empathy, caricature and second hand awkwardness. I’ve also rediscovered my love for Vulfpeck, for those that love a bit of funk r&b, or some soul influence in their music.

JACINDA RALPH

A review of John Green’s ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’. Ok I know what you may be thinking - I don’t want to read The Fault in our Stars again, I left that behind with photobooth, acne cream and puberty. But ‘The Anthropocene Reviewed’ is different, it is a whole bunch of short essays that aren’t boring I promise. Green looks at everything from teddy bears to velociraptors and somehow pulls out a beautiful, inspiring, nostalgic, feel good message all wrapped and ready for you to take away. Give it a read because as Green says “You can’t see the future coming, not the terrors for sure but you also can’t see the wonders that are coming the moments of light-soaked joy that await each of us.”

EMILIE JACKSON

Over the semester break I was unfortunately studying through UNE for trimester 2. What I love to listen to while studying is Lo-fi YouTube compilations, especially the channel StudyMD. Their videos help me stay motivated with a timer in the corner that has 50-minute study and 10-minute breaks. I find it also helps me remember to take breaks which I think we all struggle to remember to do. I have also stayed on the bandwagon with Olivia Rodrigo’s album Sour. Her song Favourite Crime is truly astonishing. I have also been rereading the Harry Potter books and am currently up to the 5th book. About to start The Order of the Phoenix which is 800 pages!

SAM WHITE

Letters Of The Future

Various Authors

We get students, past and present, along with those who teach us, to write a letter to or from their future self. We are the game changers in this world; read on to see how they aspire to make change and reflect on the life they have or hope to live - you might also shed a tear or two. Lachie Harders - Graduate of Bachelor of Ministry and Theology Dear (soon to graduate) Lachie, Enjoy the final months of your time at college. Make the most of the opportunities you’ve got and leave a positive legacy at college. You don’t know what the future will hold but you do know who holds it. Keep Jesus at the centre of your life and make sure that’s the main thing. Trust God’s leading no matter how scary it seems. He’s got you. You don’t know where you’ll be next year, but trust His timing. It’s perfect. Make sure to hold onto the passion you’ve grown during your time at college. Set up some good rhythms in your life to help you in the next season. Add value to others and take care of yourself. Lachie Lynnette Lounsbury - Lecturer, Writer, Mother, Martial Artist Well, it is hard to know exactly how to address my future self – but hey girl, I hope you’re well.

I’ve been doing all this cardio, yoga and moisturising for you, so I hope it has paid off. I’m writing to remind you of the dreams we had in 2021 and to see how they worked out. Did we ever get rid of that virus? The patriarchy? Racism? I’m hoping so. What I also hope is that you created a lot of things and shared them – poems, screenplays, novels, works of art. And that you stopped worrying about whether they made any money or impressed anyone. That you spoke up when things needed to be said and found a bit more courage every passing year. That you took all those steps to become more sustainable, less consumptive and generally simpler & kinder. That you went and saw the pyramids and walked the Camino de Santiago and maybe even finished reading Infinite Jest. I hope you still get up every morning to drink coffee and read books. Maybe you’ve evolved and drink green tea now. I hope you’ve been political and just angry enough to change things that need to be changed. Now, go hydrate and write a poem – our future self will thank you. Brooklyn Chan - Undergraduate, Bachelor and Arts - Counselling brooks. Well here we are. young and old brookie. We don’t have a lot of time so here are some things I want to tell you. Yes. You are old and wrinkly and your bones may groan from weariness, but my one hope is that your heart would cling to that childlike spirit you’ve always had.

That you would never lose the twinkle in your eyes. I hope that you still laugh and that your love for sushi hub never died. I hope that you were able to get a little farm that was littered with goats and bunnies. I hope that you’ve experienced pain and hurt. That you made mistakes. I also hope that you’ve been able to feel the closest form of love that a human could feel and that you never stopped surprising yourself. Please never stop asking questions. Keep learning who you are even though you are one foot in the grave. And may you still give people the finger who deserve it. I hope that when you look back on your life, you can say that I lived a life and that’s that. So now I’ve hoped this on you. I’m gonna go and make sure it happens. Sydney Wolverton Undergraduate, Bachelor of Arts, Dear future me, I think about you often. Sometimes too much, people might say. I don’t mind. It’s how I get excited about my life, where I am and the journey ahead. Every day I’m different. Every day is more added to my life, who I am, what I’ve seen. I’m growing; it can be fun, exciting! But it hurts a lot too. Some days… oh to be you

already and see that it was so worth it. I hope you’re well- I know you are…for no matter the mistakes, the challenges, the painful experiences, you are stronger, more blessed and alive than ever for He never changes. He is good. He was good, always, and He is still good where you are. What’s it like? You know… in a career? Is it all I dream of? How’s the family?... Surely I’m an Aunt. ;) My friends too? We all live in a cul-de-sac as overly intimate neighbours don’t we? Called it. I look up to you, you know. You inspire me; motivate me. So I will keep giving my best, more, as I step closer to you. And I hear you speaking to me already… “One day at a time, Syd. Breathe. Be happy because the journey is what makes life so beautiful.” I hear you. Love, present me. Dr Warrick Long, PhD - Senior Lecturer Dear Younger Warrick, I know that your ambition, enthusiasm and excitement drive you to make your mark in this world. You are going to try and fix all the things you see wrong with the way our Church does business. Be encouraged that you will indeed initiate and oversee some notable changes, but don’t get caught up in the hype

around that. Your lasting legacy and most significant contribution will be your investment in the people around you. Those that you mentor and coach, encourage and empower, and train and trust will and are making their own contributions that have much more impact that you ever could on your own. Remember that your lasting and most important legacy is through the people you have and are investing in. And one final thing, keep writing to that girl in Sydney, she actually likes you and together you will have a great life.

one way or another, so should you to others.

Brandon Ward - Undergraduate, BA/BTch (Primary)

In all seriousness, the next couple of years will be rocky, painful and full of refinement. But through that, be thankful. You will learn very very quickly that the four boundaries of the Avondale campus, although the best, may not have prepared you for the unpredictability that is the world. Loneliness will creep up on you, the confidence in your future and health will dwindle and the possibility of loss and “not making it” will all of a sudden become a little more real. Although that all sounds very serious and grown up (how boring!), the experiences and people you meet will give you advice and nuggets of wisdom beyond your years. Lean into the uncomfortable. And make the most of every opportunity! Smile to everyone on the street and don’t worry about what other people think toooo much!

Year 2045 Brandon to future offspring: Here’s a few things I want you to know from what I have learned in my life. No matter what happens in your life and what path you take with your career, the people you meet along the way and lessons learned, even from mistakes, are the most important aspects and experiences of your life. Avondale was many of those for me. If you choose to go, enjoy your years at uni. Whilst you will have some pretty fun lecturers and interesting classes, it’ll be the friendships and experiences that you will take with you into the world, not necessarily all of the classes and content. Experience outweighs everything, take everything on board and everyone. Avondale invests in you

Orrani Fatnowna - Graduate of Bachelor of Arts - IPDS and Chaplaincy Dear 19 year old Orrani, Hello!! First and foremost I just wanna say, the braces are worth it, your skin isn’t going to tone and moisturise itself AND yes! You did find that tanned guy with blue eyes you always wanted one day (lucky you!!).

Messy Media Jesse Doops TikTok! No, we are not talking about the ICONIC bop of the noughties that “blew our speakers up” - thanks to the bleached blonde haired pop icon that was Ke$ha [what ever happened to her btw?]. With his mature perspective and three decades [or close to it] worth of knowledge, Jesse Duperouzel is here to explain the obsession of the ‘20s; TikTok, the app. TikTok is famous for its mass variety of content, all being delivered within 2 minutes; the shorter the better. But is it worth the 8 hour increase to your average screen time and the serotonin plunge you experience upon that realisation? Or, should we be erasing the app and spending that time on YouVersion? Let’s find out. This time last year, we were coming out of quite a tumultuous time in our world. The long-term potential of the Coronavirus pandemic was beginning to be felt. Victorians were struggling with extended lockdowns, after Dan Andrews had announced a state of disaster. America was beginning its runup to their historically divisive election, which we still see news about today. George Floyd’s death and the release of the video of Ahmaud Aubrey’s, occurred within a few short weeks of each other, sparking some of the most intense Black Lives Matter protests seen in the US. This was almost matched in intensity by similar protests in Australia over the killing of Indigenous Australian peoples in the prison systems. As all of this happened, it was reported through TV screens, printed on paper, and broadcast through radio. The traditional sources of news were assisted by their younger, internet-based

comrades; energetic frat bros on YouTube. They reported the sobering death statistics incurred by the pandemic, before enthusiastically encouraging us to hit the like and subscribe button. Multi-level marketing boss babes moonlighting as political analysts posted unsourced assertions on Facebook, and every white girl at College crafted a caption discussing the intricacies of race relations in the US, under an unrelated photo of Catherine Hill Bay. But, this time, the new age fraternity of social media news reporting was joined by a newcomer; TikTok. TikTok gave a whole generation a new, unique look into the goings on of each of these world events, as well as providing a poignant look into the day to day lives of those living in the midst of these historic, dare I say, unprecedented times. [Also, toilet humour has been taken to new highs thanks to this app.] TikTok is a hilarious cesspool, let’s be honest. Whether I’m watching a chaos-driven 15-second short of an inebriated youth riding a skateboard into traffic, or a two-minute speech that seems serious until it ends on a stupid pun within the last 5 seconds, I don’t think I’ve had as much fun laughing at stupid stuff since high school. What is better than one blindfolded individual

getting smacked in the head by a swinging bottle over and over again, while their friends manage to avoid it? Who could’ve known a short skit about the difference one observes in themselves between their first and 365th day in Soviet Russia would be comedy? Nothing beats a toddler lancing profanity at its mother (except the toddler’s father). Like anywhere funniness pools, it is accompanied by a raft of extremely boring content. Why some people feel like they are creatively contributing to the craft of comedy by duetting a video and staring at their camera as if they’d been smacked in the face by a pan of Botox escapes me. People doing dances while refusing to move their feet and looking extremely unenthusiastic will always confuse me, especially when it turns out they have hundreds of videos with less than 100 views on each. And of course, the universal law of TikTok; a man suggesting that all females are unfunny is equally as cringey as the women who take the bait and inadvertently prove the point. But I like to think that even though there is an abundance of terrible content, the app, which has singlehandedly caused my grades to plummet, deserves a 5 star rating.

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The the Voice voice

Wellness with sam The Importance of Connections Adversity is inevitably going to be thrown at us as we travel through life. Many of us are being affected by the current pandemic that has significantly altered the way we live, and a feeling of hopelessness has made things much harder to cope with. Covid has been an ongoing problem for a year and a half now, creating many obstacles for us to overcome as we attempt to have normal lives despite the circumstances. I have personally been struggling tremendously with the constant threat of unemployment and mustering the energy to begin a new semester. I hoped to be a beacon of support by writing about healthy coping mechanisms and being positive amongst the heightened worry and anxiety many people have been faced with lately. I wanted to share some optimism with what felt like a toxic amount of positivity. Right now, trying to peach about gratitude seems really insensitive considering the realities people are living currently. Alongside all of the noise and chaos I thought I would try to be encouraging instead, and hopefully inspire some meaningful connection between us all. Through these stressful times, community and relationships are most important, but are hard to

maintain while our interactions with others are forced online. While the ongoing stressors continue to arise, the need for close relationships and support are biologically essential for survival. When the body experiences stress the brain will release the hormone oxytocin and trigger social instincts. Human beings are designed to seek help and support while dealing with stress. This natural bodily reaction is an indication of how interconnected humans must be for survival, as stress related illnesses are very prevalent. Overall, it has been proven that stress is the body’s way to prepare for a task and seek support when it needs. This is vital in reducing the likelihood of stress induced heart attacks and other diseases and illnesses. This indicates that connection and support between each other is a predisposed reaction hardwired into our biology, and evidently necessary for our well-being. Being interconnected is also said to be an essential need for an abundant life.

will have a lot of empathy towards your struggles with lockdown as we are sharing this experience. Being open and having conversations about a shared struggle can create bonds and foster closer friendships and relationships. Strengthen these connections where you can, through safe means or with people in your household, despite socialising being restricted to over the phone (and zoom). One way my friends and I stayed in contact through lockdown last year was writing each other letters. It was really heart-warming and special to hear from each other in such an old-fashioned way. Your unique experiences are valid and worth talking about. If you are really struggling beyond what someone is capable of helping you with, do not hesitate to reach out to the plethora of helplines available and the free student counselling service. We can get through this together, and only together.

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs shows belongingness and love as the bottom third tier which includes the need for intimate relationships and friends. With all of this in mind, I find it provides a reminder to reach out for help when all I feel like doing is withdrawing. You may find people

15 19

The Voice

the voice

Bai’s Corner ‘I forget where we were’ It was mid-afternoon, a weekday, and I was at my sister’s house with our mum. My niece and nephew were running about the house while Sis, mum and I were chatting. Mum was telling a story and was – like every person in our family – being quite animated in the process. Just as she was getting to the high point in the story, my nephew, Sasha, stopped and raised his hand to his ‘Gram’ and said, “WHOA WHOA WHOA, you has to be calm!” His innocent, yet authoritative and assured tone, and misuse of ‘has’, had us all crying from laughter. Bless your soul my little Sasha! I wish I had a recording of that scene to show all of Australia, considering the current times we are in. Sash is right. We need to be calm. But being calm does not mean we sit idly in meditation posture while injustices occur in our country and in our world. 18+ months into this new reality of ‘checking in’, ‘social distancing’, ‘staying home’ during snap lockdowns, economic and political turmoil, we all need a bit of calm. But it is hard to find. I have no big answers for you. All I have are my most human of thoughts. They may be naïve. They may be privileged. They may be trite. They will be flawed but it’s all I can offer. If you have been through multiple lockdowns, quarantine periods, and witnessed and experienced any form of loss throughout this pandemic, I am sorry. The change that this event has caused in us all is indelible. I forget where we were before this. Before the fear, the obsessive compliance and outrageous judgement. These seasons we are ebbing and flowing throughout call for reevaluation and introspection; in society and in ourselves. I think they have magnified the wrestle within. They have also normalised rhetoric around it, so thank God for that! So much beauty and growth come from the wrestle – albeit we come out on the right side! We are all wrestling with something; feelings, reality, belief [spiritual and self], truth.

repeating through my head, “be at rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you”. The Psalmist writes that in chapter 116. I heard the Lord say, “prophesy this over yourself daily”. So I did, because in these times, we must be obedient to the word of the Lord. Yes, it is all relative. People are going through worse things. And what is a giant and a wrestle for me, may be a walk in the park for others. This perspective is needed however, because it wakes you up so you can acknowledge where you are and how far you have come. Keep your ears active to the word of the Lord in these seasons. Let him be your strength in the wrestle. Hunger and thirst for him in these seasons, because coming out of them you will see his fulfilment, Jesus tells us so. Those feelings still exists but when you rest in the reality of the goodness of God, they seem insignificant. If I may prophesy and manifest something over your life right now, it would be the words of my three-year-old nephew, be calm. Rest in that manifestation. Keep a posture of kindness in these seasons too. Everyone is trying their best. Keep self-aware. Not self-conscious. Self-consciousness brings obsession, fear and doubt. Self-awareness brings recognition and growth. You never truly know what people are wrestling with, no matter how close you are. All we can do is try to keep enough awareness and kindness to understand. I forget where we were before the borders closed for the first time in March 2020. I forget where we were before we became compliant to social distancing and mask wearing. I forget where we were before we were told to not talk to our neighbours even while wearing a mask.

I just stepped out of a season of wrestling with feelings of anxiety, hurt, anger, jealousy and inadequacy. I leant into ideas and sentiments people had for my life. I let what other people thought would be good for me, guide me, and it led me off path. It is hard to navigate those feelings when you are surrounded by the thoughts of others. The human mind is so impressionable, no matter how strong in your beliefs you are, your mind can change without you even realising. We need to step back from this culture of offering every person our opinion. Stop and just listen to the struggles and experiences of those around you; you could learn something about them and yourself.

I don’t think we can get back to where we were before everything happened. And I don’t think we should want to. This event has been a catalyst for change and the optimist in me [she’s slightly temperamental] believes it must be for the better. These spouts of isolation we have all endured, like I said, bring introspection, and a LOT – like seriously SO much – time in our homes. I’ve never encountered Jesus as much as I have over the past 18 months worshipping in my bedroom, with Egypt cranked up loud [best worship song of 2020 IMO]. He’s here with us right now. In our bedrooms; in our cars; in nature. That is what I have grasped over the past 18 months. In our lockdowns, in the mass chaos that is our world. He’s here ‘til eternity. Now that brings me calm.

Amidst all these feelings, I had my own moment of ‘WHOA, be calm’ like my mum got from Sasha. I had these words

Eyes on Him. Kingdom mindset. Eyes on eternity. If there is one thing I hope I never forget, it’s that.

WO /

Sela Uilou

WHAT ARE THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR IN THE OPPOSITE SEX? Respectful, sense of humour, emotional intelligence.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNATTRACTIVE QUALITY A GUY COULD HAVE? Arrogance

WHO IS THE MOST ELIGIBLE GUY/ GAL AT COLLEGE RIGHT NOW? WHY? Mia Windus. She’s just funny and have you ever looked into her eyes???

THE LOCKDOWNS END, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO? Fly back to Western Australia

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TV SHOW AS A KID? WHY? Hi-5, because all their songs always slapped

YOU GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESCAPE LOCKDOWNS TO A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU TAKE WITH YOU? Journal, guitar and Mia Windus WHAT IS A HOBBY/HABIT YOU HAVE TAKEN UP TO DEAL WITH THE STRESS IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES? Drawing and painting, which are two things I can’t actually do. I’ve also taken it upon myself to try and learn electric guitar lol

NICKNAME Sel, selary, selzie, selbel or just anything creative my friends make out of my name

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING HERE AT AVONDALE? Chaplaincy with a counselling minor.

WHAT SONGS ARE INCLUDED ON THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE? I’d say, laugh now, cry later by Drake and Time of our lives by Neyo ft Pitbull.

WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I did dance classes when I was 7. WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PICK UP LINE? A personal favourite that I’ve

heard. This is kind of awkward, but can I get your phone number?

CHOOSE AN ICE-CREAM FLAVOUR THAT BEST DESCRIBES YOU? Mint choc-chip, just because I like it

/ MAN

Joel Bennetts NICKNAME Joel WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING HERE AT AVONDALE? Secondary teaching specialising in TAS (technology and applied studies).

WHAT SONGS ARE INCLUDED ON THE SOUNDTRACK TO YOUR LIFE? The soundtrack from Cars. WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT PEOPLE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU? I lived in Canada for 6 months after finishing school and I used to work at a bolt shop. Pretty crazy stuff.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE PICK UP LINE? Is your name lightning, cause I want you to be McQueen

WHAT ARE THREE IMPORTANT QUALITIES YOU LOOK FOR IN THE OPPOSITE SEX? 1. They need to

be of the opposite sex. 2. If you can cook, you’re sealed in my book. 3. Jesus.

WHAT IS THE MOST UNATTRACTIVE QUALITY A GUY COULD HAVE? Can’t say.

WHO IS THE MOST ELIGIBLE GUY/ GAL AT COLLEGE RIGHT NOW? WHY? Isaak because he’s always complaining about not having a gf.

THE LOCKDOWNS END, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU DO? Ski. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE TV SHOW AS A KID? WHY? Madagascar 2, 12min 18sec.

YOU GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO ESCAPE LOCKDOWNS TO A DESERTED ISLAND, WHAT ARE THREE THINGS YOU TAKE WITH YOU? A George Forman grill. A nice chair. A Maxibon.

WHAT IS A HOBBY/HABIT YOU HAVE TAKEN UP TO DEAL WITH THE STRESS IN THESE UNCERTAIN TIMES? ? Avoiding

lockdowns, I’ve been pretty good at timing the jump between states and have managed to miss all the major lockdowns.

The OG’s Doug Cloete upbringing in the sense that as we were three boys, we were active and certainly outdoors, often getting into scrapes and dings etc. I grew up as an Adventist Christian. I always had a strong sense that Jesus was my personal Savior, that he died for me and that he cared for me. That kept me stable throughout my life – it’s not to say that I was a good child, but I always had that security and that strong identity that I was a child of God.

An Interview by Jasmin Ringrose For those of you who don’t already know, right next door to the cafeteria is a small, quiet study space and bookstore. When walking through the doors to this space, one is often greeted with the warmest of smiles and good old chat by our next ‘OG’ recipient - Doug. Tell me a little bit about yourself. Family? Where are you from? Hobbies, passions, interests etc. My full name is Douglas Hilton Cloete, I don’t really know where the middle name came from, but it was long before Paris Hilton and that lot no doubt. I was born in South Africa, I had a very happy childhood growing up, I had loving parents and two older brothers. We had quite a robust

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I have a wife – Linda, this year will be our 30th wedding anniversary, so it’s getting up there. Linda is a lecturer here at Avondale in the school of nursing. She has always been a teacher at heart. She studied nursing in South Africa, and then transitioned into lecturing there and it has been something that she has always enjoyed. I have two children, a son, and a daughter, both are good people – So I am very blessed as a parent. I do like music; I don’t play any instruments, but I do like listening to a wide variety. I love to read a variety of books. As I have gotten older, I must say that I enjoy biographies, and things like that. I enjoy snorkeling and all things to do with the ocean. I love rock pools – they can keep me occupied for ages, just enjoying the micro ecosystems. I play a bit of squash, and I like to look at my exercise bike and contemplate it, and it speaks to me from time to time, but I seldom answer it. I also have a rowing machine which is sadly gathering cobwebs. I would not say that I’m very active, but I

do like getting out there. What is your role here, and how long have you been working here? II have been working here for 14 years, and my role is Bookshop Manager and Health and Safety Coordinator. I started off as a Bookshop Manager, which is a story in itself really. When we moved here from South Africa, I had just finished running my own business and I wanted a complete change. I really felt that I wanted to work for God doing something that would further the mission of spreading the gospel in some way. So, I came to work at Avondale, and at the time the bookshop job was open so I took it. Things were a little bit different as we had quite a few more students then. We also had a lot less electronic books and more hardcover books. So, it was quite a busy occupation. However, over the years it has gotten less active in the bookshop space. At the same time the College needed someone to take on the work health and safety role, as that area had been left on it’s own for a while. So, I was asked to fill that role, and it has become a full-on job. It certainly takes up more time than running the bookshop. What do you enjoy most about Avondale? Has there been a standout memory? I guess it’s cliché to say the students, but it really is the students. I find the vibrancy of having a regular association with young people is inspiring and invigorating in a way. I like variety, I love to engage with different folk, from different walks of life, and so I have been very happy at the bookshop, being able to meet students and staff members, I have

found it quite fulfilling. I like to see people start off their studies, to see them grow, to mature, and develop and the next thing you know they are fully responsible adults who are professionals and it’s just great to see. It’s also good to see people come to have a deeper, fulfilling relationship with God. I see this quite often and I find it encouraging to see. A standout memory for me, which is not necessarily a pleasant one, was during the Global Financial Crisis (GFC). We had to lose a lot of staff members over that period. Avondale lost a fair amount of investment which was helping to fund some of the operational and capital expenditure on the College, and we lost a lot of that support, because of that we had to cut down on some staff, and it was quite severe at the time. I remember it being a very sad time having to farewell some members that had been here for many years, they had dedicated their lives to the mission of Avondale and had to leave. Sadly, this has happened a couple of times since then and it’s always hard to see. The sweet side has been, some of the Festivals of Faith. To see again, people are rededicating themselves to God and just getting behind Team Avondale. We have celebrated many successes here, and one of the many things I really love about Avondale, especially in the past, is the team spirit within the staff. I think it came down to the history of the place, and everyone bought into the mission of Avondale. Sadly, that mission, for practical reasons, has shifted to a certain extent as we focused on university status, but hopefully we will regain the sense of the original mission.

What is one piece of life advice that you would give to students/ young people that you have found useful in your own experiences? Small steps. So, you might set long range goals, but the important thing is to take small steps and then reward yourself for the small steps you have taken. Everyone’s personalities are different, some people are more focused than others, some people can sit down and concentrate, to study and work hard – not everyone is gifted in that way, my advice is taking those small steps and before you know it you will have travelled far enough along your journey to realise that you have gone that far, and you can’t stop now. Being someone who is heavily involved with health and safety on campus, have you seen a lack of common sense in the younger generation? No, I would not say that it’s a lack of common sense, but more so a lack of having life experiences to equip the younger generation to face the changes, and hazards in their environments or workplace. I think it is also a question of what the younger generation is being exposed to. What are some things that you think have contributed to this? I think there are a few things that contribute to it, one would be there has been a shift away from creativity and inventiveness on a practical level. So, if you want to find something out, or you want to do something, what is the first point of call? Google now-days, people would have been forced to think about it, to be creative about it in their own way, to come up with

solutions, and through that process they would have learnt how to navigate obstacles. What happens now-days is we have solutions at our fingertips, we don’t have to think about it, we don’t have to trial, and we don’t have to work on, so you don’t have to think anymore in that sense. To me, it’s not a question that young people are lacking common sense, they are lacking the life experience to develop those skills to actually solve problems and therefore predict hazards and be a little more mindful and careful when they do things. With the recent change from college to university status, do you think the community aspect Avondale is so famously known for will change? I think there is a danger that it could change. But if we are mindful of the potential that it may change in a way that we don’t want it to, we can put steps in place to prevent it from going down that road. If we are intentional about what our mission and vision is for Avondale, and we focus on developing and educating our staff in that mission, we can retain a continuity of culture, no matter what the future brings, in terms of students and whether we have university or college status. For me, I think there is always a danger that we could change. But I don’t think we have to change necessarily, we can put steps in place very easily to come out even stronger in terms of the Avondale experience. The Avondale experience is not a myth, it is a reality and we have a history to prove that it is a reality and that is why we get so many great students here.

The Unpresidential Debate States of mind | The past 18 months have been crazy. Corona

changed everything. Here are some perspectives and experiences from those interstate and across the ditch.

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Caitlin Carey - BaBtch - Secondary education | Major: History, Minor: Religion What a wild ride the past 18 months have been. As a West Australian living in New South Whales for the majority of 2020, I have had my fair share of COVID tests, negative results, exemptions, and rejections. When the residents of Avondale were asked to vacate in week 4 of semester 1, 2020, I honestly had no idea what to do as by that point WA had a hard border to the rest of Australia. This meant that I was unable to fly home until the end of the year. During this time when I was in a hard lock down in Sydney, I watched on as my friends and family enjoyed their freedom back home. West Australia has acquired barely any COVID cases and as a result, there have been minimal lockdowns, these lockdowns have lasted only a few days, a week, or at the most two weeks. In the times that I have been back in WA I have been able to live life just like normal, no masks, no limits, no distancing. The current premier; Mark McGowan, has been one of the best politicians I’ve seen on this side of the country. He is so widely loved by the state and has 24

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done an amazing job at reducing the risk of COVID and keeping his residents safe.

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Tyler Peterson - BaBtch Secondary Education | TAS After being home for 3 weeks and having my placement changed from covid infested Sydney to covid free Adelaide, I was finally ready to begin my placement. Although this was my third placement, I still had slight pre-placement nerves and anxiousness as I was about to enter a new school and work environment. Day one and two of my placement was spent getting to know the staff members, the workshop I would be teaching in and quickly learning the names of the misbehaving students. On my second day, I hear the news that SA has only 6 new covid cases and I thought to myself, at least we are doing better than Sydney. Before the end of the day, I hear that we are going into a 7-day lockdown by 6 pm. I could not believe that just as I was settling into the groove of placement, I would be stuck in another lockdown right after I completed an unnecessary 2-week quarantine at home. At the time, locking down because of 6 cases seemed outrageously

cautious but although the lockdown was hasty, I believe our premier handled it better than poor old Gladys. Annoying as going into another lockdown felt, the introverted side of me was low-key excited to go back to playing guitar and watching movies. For someone who has already completed 28 days of isolation, going into a 7-day lockdown would be just fine.

NEW SOUTH WALES Renee Vaovasa - Bachelor in Ministry & Theology | Major: Chaplaincy It’s week 5 of lockdowns here in Sydney... or is it week 6? At this point I don’t even know. The weeks kind of mesh and clump together like a blurry blob. Though it’s not as bad as last time because we’ve done this before, we know the drill. Stay at home and only go out when: *say it with me* it’s essential. You know what’s not essential though. That stupid helicopter that keep buzzing around my area around 8pm every night. I suspect they’re checking people’s backyards for any illegal gatherings. Or maybe they’re looking for some criminal. You never know here in Doonside. I love my area but I’m not daft.

Someone stole 12-year-oldRenee’s blue bike with a broken bell and one working brake. So you’ll have to forgive me if I don’t prance and sing praises of Doonside’s shining qualities. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, so there’s this helicopter. Like a blood-thirsty mosquito, relentless & persistent. Disrupting my peace. And every night I dream dreams of raining my fury and rage at the metal beast. And every night the helicopter returns. So what can you do... You organise your bookshelf, throw out a bunch of old stuff you don’t need, refresh your wardrobe, try new recipes, treat yourself to some online shopping, play xbox with your brother, sit through the zoom meetings, binge watch ‘the Office’, send a bunch of TikTok’s to your friends then video-call said friends... all the while listening to the chopping noises of that helicopter that flies above. Moral of the story: I hope that wherever that helicopter is going every night, it is doing so, with essential intentions. Essentially yours, Renée V.

NEW ZEALAND Ellie Van - BaBtch - Secondary Education | Specialisation: PDHPE, Major: Biology To start off with, I definitely didn’t expect to spend most of my

second year at home. When I first arrived back in NZ, I had to spend four weeks in a pretty strict lockdown. Only one person from each household was allowed to leave and some of the only places open were supermarkets, doctors and banks... It was definitely a long four weeks, but we had some quality laughs, played a bunch of board games and just hung out. It was actually a pretty good time. After the lockdown ended, everything started to chill out and return to a new normal as we had no cases, however, I was still at home and learning online. I wouldn’t say I loved it, but there is something about being at home and being with your family that is pretty fun and pretty special. It’s definitely something I’ve taken for granted, especially now that I can’t get home due to the cases in Aus. This pandemic has changed so much for everyone, especially us at College. The ‘Avondale xp’ looks a little different and honestly, it’s a little disappointing. But I’ve tried to remember that everything that is happening is a part of my journey God is leading me on and despite the disappointment it’s important to remember His plan and the leading he has in my life. And even though NZ currently has no cases and is definitely the better place to be, I am blessed

to be in this country with a community and friends that have become family.

QUEENSLAND Danika Fatnowna - BaBtch Secondary Education | Major: Visual Arts, Minors: English & Geography As we edge closer to our twoyear anniversary with COVID-19, I can’t help but look back on the absolute burning trash heap this pandemic has been. My relationship with Corona’s Lockdowns began in my first year of uni (can I officially say uni now? Thanks Kev), and like any good first year relationship it’s been on and off. Here in Queensland lockdowns are no joke, a single sniffle, cough, or mere achoo will land the entire state a good serving of stay-at-home orders. One moment you’re soaking up those pure golden QLD rays and the next you’re under house arrest. Our Lockdowns are swift and stringent, yet momentary. They usually end within the week, and we’re back to tanning like nothing happened. But once we are done tending to our lockdown induced whiplash, we remain mostly unaffected by the woes of the Sydney-sneeze.

Poetry. by you We’ve forgotten how to live How to play, love, and forgive Oh, what a waste Making our way through this world with such haste I wonder if the earthworms will enjoy the taste.

‘ENJOY THE TASTE’ - NIKOLAI BAUMANIS

With good things, We savour the end, Turning them from moments Into memories the best we can.

‘GOOD THINGS’ - NIKOLAI BAUMANIS

The Grey Area

Sally-Mae Herford

Acceptance of change has never been one of my strongest characteristics. I have a habit of clinging onto things for far too long, like the last scoop of that really good yoghurt at the bottom of the container that you know you’re not going to eat or the hair tie that has been through everything with you but has 2% elasticity left. Change presents itself, and I turn my headlights in the opposite direction, even if that direction is turning off an up ramp. I will always attempt to choose comfort and familiarity over discomfort and the unknown. I believe most of you reading this would probably agree with me as well. Yes, you! I’m not just exposing myself here; if I’m sinking this ship of comfortable oblivion, you’re all sinking with me; Titanic style and that giant door that could definitely fit two people won’t be saving anyone. And don’t get me wrong, staying in one place physically, mentally, or socially can be a great thing. It can help you maintain a healthy routine, develop necessary boundaries, or grow life-long friendships. However, once you reach a certain number of years and you go into your local Service Australia and turn in your youth card for your considerably less appealing adult card, you begin to realise that all your excellent routines, boundaries and friendships actually start to hinder your newfound senior citizen’s lifestyle. And it’s then that

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you learn the world is no longer this straightforward place of black and white, right and wrong, and yes or no, but it’s now that you’ve reached the ever-fluctuating… ‘grey area’! Gone are the days when you are told by the adults in your life what, where, how, and when to do things. And I know this may be no surprise to many of you; you’re probably thinking, “well, dah! Of course, that’s the point of growing up.” However, it surprised me how long that notion genuinely took to sink in for me. Because, yes, we are presented with a variety of things that seem to have the appearance of ‘adulting’; like doing your taxes, applying for loans, paying rent, or making hard decisions regarding friendships, but in reality, these things barely scratch the surface. We as young Christian adults have the habit of seeking comfortability and conformity within the walls that can be built up around us during our childhood. We close ourselves off to the world because we are told it is dangerous, evil, and full of sin and destruction. They tell us to be in the world and not of the world, a sentiment genuinely founded in the hopes of protecting us, but which inevitably implements in us a blissful ignorance. Now I’m not saying to throw away everything you’ve ever been taught about sin, evil and the eternal dangers of worldly pleasures. However, I

am suggesting that perhaps, and this is a big perhaps, your parents weren’t 100% accurate with everything they taught or instilled in you as a child. And now, considering this, does it make you question their parental judgment? Does it also make you question the way you live and do things? And finally, are asking these questions inherently a bad thing? A famous vine once said three of the hardest things to say are: I was wrong, I need help and Worcestershire sauce (seriously, you say that last one out loud). But, in all seriousness, I can’t remember the last time I heard someone genuinely say that they were wrong and really mean it. Because, in truth, it can be one of the hardest things to admit to, especially if you have been a mature guiding figure in a young person’s life. And don’t get me wrong, I don’t blame the older generation for their unintentional misguidance, as much as I’d love to, because they are merely a product of the generation before them. However, I do hope that when it comes to me and my generation, that we can pause and truly reflect on the decisions we make and where those ingrained decisions are rooted. Will they stem from traditional comfort and familiarity, or will they be based on forward-thinking change and discernment? But please, don’t take my word as gospel; in the end, it’s all a grey area anyway. end, it’s all a grey area anyway.

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keep tagging #avondalexp pics to be featuredeven if it’s a fav avondale memory or throwback!

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Poetry. by you Hands extend through anxious pixels Blue touch faces glowing with late night news insisting On being read Ringing heavy silence hanging Between us radio static meandering through the lost Forgotten mental tunnels Of an unchained melody Slowly slipping grains of sanity Young love sputters In the twilight shroud Of one point five meters of cyber glas

#SOCIALDISTANCING CAITLIN JANKIEWITZ

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