THE
VOICE U SI N G M I N E; S H A R I NG YOURS
welcome The
Edition
ISSUE #01 FEBRUARY 2017
@kirahjones
Editorial Hi there, and welcome to the new college year! Whether you’re a first year with ‘big school’ nerves, in your final year just itching to get a real job, or even a 5th+ year with chronic indecisiveness, I welcome you. As you’ll soon see, we’re all here at Avondale for different reasons. Some may be driven more by enticing relationship prospects than any real career aspirations, but hey, that’s how a lot of us came into being. All jokes aside though, somewhere inside all of us is an intrinsic driving force that got us here, or got our mums to get us here. Either way, this force is more commonly known as ‘passion.’ Passion is a word that scared me for a long time. It conjures images of obsessive people with a burning fire in their eyes and an annoying tendency to dwell on one topic. Ew. I’m not overly obsessive but I’ve come to believe writing is a passion of mine. It’s something I get lost in and lost without. If I’m sad, I’ll write. Angry? Boy, I’ll write. Want to express my genuine thanks to someone? I’ll write them a note, and keep any I receive. I’m grossly sentimental. But anyway, beginning this academic year I encourage you to find what does the same to you. Your passion may infuriate and inspire you in equal measure, but that’s okay. As your editor for The Voice, I’d love you to build on those passions so I can steal them from you to put in the magazine, please? But seriously, I want to hear from you, in whatever form you choose! The following pages are to be filled by YOU. I’ll say a bit too, and if you like it, I’m glad. If you don’t, let me know, because together we stand, divided we have sick bants, I mean, good discussion. Thanking you in advance for the exciting year ahead, Sharna
Contents Editor Sharna Kosmeier Assistant Kayla Carter Graphic Designer Minah Bocchino Cover Art/Photo Kirah jones & Madeleine Rashleigh Thanks - Minah’s patience - Hot, hot summer - Spotify family No Thanks - Topsy-turvy politics - Hot, hot summer - Textbook prices
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Author Bios
SAM Spiritual
Attack of the First Years
Embrace the Original
Mission Statement
WO/MAN
Pages to Like
Interview: Pr. Nimrod Maua
Jericho Road
#avondalexp
Competition
Fake it til You Make it Great Again
Watson Verse
Behind the Barcode
Ella Verse
While You Were Sleeping...
Author bios Sharna Kosmeier Between going to the beach and reading Oliver Twist, Sharna spent the latter part of her holidays preparing for The Voice to the soundtrack of La La Land.
Kayla Carter Newlywed who has a thing for Ben and Jerry’s ice cream, chatting with God, and annoying her husband.
Lindsey Birch A 4th year student who is really into dinosaurs, neo-Jungian psychology and making friends with strangers on public transport.
Ashley Steele Ashley has been known to eat a block of chocolate in one day and is an unlikely indoor rock-climbing enthusiast.
Jake Harrington Has the ability to produce an opinion on any topic if given 5 minutes and Internet access.
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Mission Statement Purpose
Mission statement Purpose. That’s what it all really comes down to. If we don’t know why we’re here then we don’t know where we’re going, and just like you, this magazine is here for a reason. The key word for this year is community. Basically, we’re proud of the #avondalexp and we’re keen to see it thrive. That’s why it’s called “The Voice.” Maybe it should be called “The Voices,” because it’s not just one, but many. Not just ours, but yours. And we want this to be an involved and engaging platform to share them, to shout them even, across a range of topics. First and foremost we want to help build our spiritual community and explore themes that are relevant and challenging. We want to share God and ‘God-moments’ and be confident in what we believe. On top of that we want to use content, competitions, conversations, cameras, canvases, comedy and all variations of creativity to make you laugh, think, share and engage with your Avondale community. Please, join us for the ride as we welcome you to:
THE
VOICE U SI N G M I N E ; S H A R I N G YOUR S
The Team Sharna, Kayla & Minah.
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“Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your
WATSON verse I Theme: Zeal
spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11 NIV
sam
INTRODUCING YOUR LEADERS... Bek Modernel Hi, I’m Bek. You’ll probably get to know me as a diehard plant-based/cat enthusiast that posts way too many vegan/sunset pics on Instagram. Sorry, not sorry. I’m a third year studying secondary teaching with a major in Food Technology. I’m going to be honest; I’m an imperfect Christian with countless flaws and some might call me hypocritical. Yes, I don’t always get it right but that’s okay because God does not call those who are equipped, God equips those whom He has called. I’m a Christian under construction and God is definitely not done with me yet and He’s not done with you either. Sounds corny and cliché but it’s true. God’s plan for your life supersedes anything you can imagine, just trust Him and hold on for the ride.
SAM is the student-run spiritual body here on campus at Avondale and stands for Student Associated Ministries. Basically, it’s your chance to get involved both on campus and in our local community to shine the light of Jesus. In fact, the theme for SAM 2017 is centred on LAMP (Let’s Actually Meet People). Matthew 5:12-16 says, “…You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Bianca Maggs
So what now? If God has made you a LAMP (hint: He has), SHINE! Ministry can be tiring though, so if your LAMP is feeling a little burnt out, we’ve got some special things for you too! Check out our flyer for more details or like our Facebook page (see page 19).
Hey everyone, Bianca here! As the great Shakespeare once said, “What’s in a name?” and well, in my name you basically get a full description. Bianca, meaning ‘white’ (thanks mum and dad), describes both my physical features and my personality. If you’re a night owl, brunch enthusiast or own anything from Kmart, then we have a lot in common. I’m a third year studying Phys Ed and health teaching and am super excited to be involved with SAM alongside Bek and Wayne! God always has exciting adventures and challenges waiting for me, and often I say “yes” to them even though I want to say “no” (classic ENFP). However, even though they may not be part of my plan, they are part of His, and I’m learning more and more each day that trusting Him is the best “yes” I have ever made!
SAVE THE DATES: Fri, March 3rd: 7.28 + late night bonfire at Catherine Hill Beach Sat, March 4th: Regen + College Church April 3-8: Festival of Faith with Tim Gillespie
Photo from Pexel.com
Wayne French
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Wayne is the Senior Chaplain at Avondale College and is incredibly passionate about empowering young people to utilise their passions and talents for Christ. Wayne facilitates spiritual growth and leadership enabling students to become active members of the body of Christ and also pro-active Christians in the community.
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WO / M A N Adelaide Parkin
Trent Charleson
What is your favourite thing to do around campus? Go to my 8am lectures
What is one of your favourite things to do around campus? Chin ups.
What is something about you not many people know? I’m not really a vegan
What is something about you that not many people know? I like chin ups.
What do you believe is your most attractive quality? Unfortunately, my personality
What do you believe is your most attractive feature? My chin ups.
What is the best meal you can make in the microwave? Bacon-wrapped pork belly stuffed with shredded Ham
What is the best meal you can make in a microwave? A protein shake after doing chin ups.
What is your ideal guy? Somebody who knows all the lyrics to All Star by Smash Mouth Who is #couplegoals to you and why? Shrek and Fiona. Enough said How would you describe your first year at college? Awkward, lonely and traumatic Do you have a quirk that describes your personality best? I add curry powder to my baked beans for an extra kick What is one thing you have always wanted to do? Learn an actual talent to perform at Avondale’s Got Talent Your secret crush? Alan Rickman. RIP. Xoxo
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What is your ideal day? When I can do chin ups (It would also include some form of climbing, swimming or skiing). Who is #couplegoals to you and why? Scott and Amber Hansen as they can both do chin ups together How would you describe your first year at college? Pretty good, kept my chin up! Do you have a quirk that describes your personality best? I like chin ups. What is one thing you have always wanted to do? 30 chin-ups. Your secret crush? I like climbing and doing chin-ups sometimes.
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#avondalexp
Behind the
Barcode
Ashley Steele
Dresses, shoes, tops, jeans… ask anyone who was with me during the festive season; I cleaned up in the pre-Christmas and Boxing Day sales. Sleepwear? I’ve got it! Activewear? Got that covered too! Being the stingy student that I am, I was frothing on these unbelievably cheap deals, my favourite being the “50% off already reduced items.” This season, I have shopped everywhere from Forever New and Dotti, to Cotton On and Jay Jays, Factorie and (shamefully) Supré (they have good basics okay?) and, of course, good old Kmart, all in search of a good buy. I didn’t bat an eyelid at paying $65 for 7 items from Cotton On or $5 for a t-shirt from Jay Jays. Why am I telling you about my (somewhat embarrassing) spending habits? Because we rarely think twice about the process that a piece of cloth goes through to become that “super cute top” or that “original pair of tan chinos.” Fortunately, Baptist World Aid has been. The products that we buy are too frequently made by people who are underpaid, overworked, under age and enslaved. This includes everything from the cotton used to create our clothes to the raw materials in our electronic devices. “The International Labour Organisation
estimates that there are 168 million child labourers and 21 million victims of forced labour.”* I don’t know anyone who can read that statistic and feel okay. Thankfully, there is a solution. And no, I’m not asking you for a donation. I’m asking you to shop ethically. Behind the Barcode is a Baptist World Aid initiative that investigates the Fashion and Electronic industries to see how ethically their products are truly sourced. Each year, Baptist World Aid grades over 400 brands within these two industries operating in Australia. This grade is determined by the strength of the system each brand has in place to protect workers from exploitation, forced labour and child labour. So how did my festive shopping measure up? Cotton On, Factorie, and Supré took out the top spot with a B+. Given only 17 labels were crowned with an A, and most of which I’d never heard of (shout out to Adidas, Reebok, and Zara as the only A-grade names I recognised) I’d say these three did quite well. Next was Forever New and Kmart with a B grading (ladies, your JAC dresses are safe, as are everyone’s homewares). Heartbreakingly, Dotti, one of my favourites, only scored a C+, along with Jay Jays.
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Photos from triplepundit.com & http://ecowarriorprincess.net/
However, knowing how your favourite brands scored doesn’t make a difference if nothing changes. We need consumers to care. Worker exploitation can be ended. And we all have a role to play.
guides for yourself. *All quotes and statistics are found at: https://baptistworldaid.org.au/faith-in-action/ behind-the-barcode/
Advocate with your wallet and use the Ethical Fashion Guide and the Ethical Electronics Guide to shop ethically. Boycott the stores that don’t care for others’ human rights and support those labels that do. A quick Google search of Behind the Barcode will point you in the direction to get these 16 | The Voice Issue 01 February 2017
Attack of the First Years
Kayla Carter
Photo from Pexel.com
Greetings, my young Padawans, and welcome to your first year at Avondale College. For those of you who are wondering what a Padawan is, firstly you have not lived until you have seen Star Wars and secondly, a Padawan is an apprentice to a Jedi and must first learn how to understand the Force to then be able to go through the ‘trials.’ During your first year at Avondale you will also go through ‘trials’ as you learn to adjust to college life and struggle through the tempting vortex that is procrastination. So, here are a couple of tips to help you become an Avondale Jedi and to keep up communication with our almighty ‘Force’ and amazing God up above: 1. Get involved! A big part of the Avondale experience is all about making friends for life and the best way to do that is by joining in with an activity around campus. Whether you are into sports, music, community service projects, study groups, themed socials, or worship and Bible study groups, there is something for everyone.
2. Prioritise your time! While there is always something happening that will be way more fun than writing an essay, it is important to make that time and get your study done. One thing I found really helpful last year was using a small whiteboard I bought from The Reject Shop to plan out my week and set aside time to get some serious study done. 3. Go to 7:28 and floor worships! Life is going to get stressful with classes and socials and jobs this year so making that one on one time for God can be the difference between a mental breakdown during exams and keeping your cool. By going to 7:28 and/or the worships put on by your RA’s you can create a fellowship with your fellow students and friends that really helps in connecting with God. Using these tips will give you a good start into college life and you’ll be an Avondale Jedi before you know it. May the Force be with you in this new school year.
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https://www.facebook.com/AvondaleStudentAssociation/
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https://www. facebook.com/ avondaleaustralia/?hc_ref=SEARCH&fref=nf
https://www. facebook.com/ AvondaleSAM
to keep you updated on the happenings at College!
https://www. facebook.com/ One-Mission3528405814 46799/
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Tell us in 50 words or less how YOU or your FRIEND should contribute to the magazine.
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WIN
"And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward
love and good deeds, not giving up meeting Ella Verse I Theme: Gathered in his name
together,
as some are in the habit of doing, but
encouraging
one another—and all the more as you see the day approaching."
Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV
Embrace the original Lindsey Birch
“I believe that God Himself placed this college here, and even handpicked each one of us to fill it.”
Photo from Pexel.com
When I was mission kid at the age of 14, I briefly returned to Australia and visited a new church with a relative. The sermon preached that day appalled me as it went along the lines of ‘the keys to a good church is just be nice to everyone. Love, love, love. Happy, happy, happy.’ Being fresh from the front lines of the mission field as I was, I thought to myself, “No. Those qualities have their place, but should result from a good church – they cannot lead. No, instead a church – or movement, of which all Christians belong – must be led by a mission focus. Because when we are actively sharing the gospel of Christ we are: 1. unified as a church by our calling, and 2. as individuals we are growing in our faith in Him. A happy, loving church then follows. This brings me to what I see happening in the background at Avondale. During the summer, I spent a great deal of time down in the archives of the college library looking through material from 100 years ago. I noticed with interest that in those times, college was always referred to as the ‘Australasian Missionary College.’ Often, students would graduate and be immediately called to the mission field as pastors, teachers and nurses, and were often even pioneers in their fields. I would love to see that become the culture of this place again, to see students who are called to a unique mission field and fully utilise the talents God has given them. Whether that be as a ‘teacher, pastor, nurse, in the foreign field’ or however God is specifically asking you to minister in your home country. 23 | The Voice Issue 01 February 2017
For example, my mum loves to talk and for a long time she was paid to do it as a receptionist. She was great at witnessing to clients by making friends with them and having sneaky D&M’s in the foyer at her company. Whatever it is for you, be creative. Use your gifts. If we are serious about embracing the original purpose for this college and if we desire to see it grow – because to be honest, this is a very special place, and it has some great potential which, I believe, we’re just not doing it justice to right now – then we need think hard about the value of our individual contributions to the community and culture of Avondale College. I believe that God Himself placed this college here, and even handpicked each one of us to fill it. If God originally designed this place to be a missionary training ground, then who are we to go against that? Should we not say instead, ‘Challenge accepted, mate. Lets do this!” and then ask Him to lead our lives where He wills? It’s worked for me, and I bet everything it’ll work for you.
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interview
Pr. Nimrod Maua
1. What is your role at College this year and what are you looking forward to most? My role is lead pastor of Avondale College Church. I look forward to seeing Avondale College and College Church having strong connections, doing life together and making a Kingdom difference in our world.
5. Which Bible story do you best relate to and why? Psalm 51 is my Bible jam. King David realises his sin and in verse 10 ask God to “Create in him a new heart and renew a loyal spirit within him.” This represents me 100%. I fall every day, but I get back up every time and chase after God.
2. What role were you previously in? I was the lead pastor at Haven Campus Church in Erina. The Haven sits in the heart of Central Coast Adventist School. So my experience there will greatly benefit us here. Hey, maybe God knows what He is doing.
6. Briefly, what do you think is the best way for young people to find their identity in Christ? Find their identity in Christ within a God-fearing, Christ-centred and faith-filled community. You cannot find an identity in Christ solo. God Himself in His very nature is community; Father, Son and Holy Spirit. It can only be found in community where all generations are interconnected doing life together.
3. Tell us a little bit about your family. My Queen Renae and I have been together for over twenty years and have five blessings: Jordan, Jaylen, Damon, Antwon and Faith. Our blessings are hot chocolate because I’m Samoan and Renae is Australian. They are blessed because they don’t sunburn easily. 4. How do you like to spend your spare time? Spend quality time with my Queen Renae and our five blessings. Outside of my family, I genuinely love to study the Bible and read a lot.
7. What’s one piece of study advice you would give that you never took? I had a guy in my class who, once we received our unit outline, would complete his readings, assessments and essays for all his subjects by the fourth or fifth week of the semester. He never experienced Mad May. I tried it… yeah I tried it haha. But give it a go; it would save you a lot of stress.
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8. Would you rather: Go back to age 5 with everything you know now OR know now everything your future self will learn? Why? Great question! I literally had to write out a response to both sides. My answer would be neither. I would do life as is. Grow from 5 learning from my mistakes. Make intentional decisions in the present to achieve the future self I desire. But if I had to choose, I would choose the future option so I wouldn’t lose who I am today.
each day for the rest of your life, what would it be? Easiest answer for me, KFC: Kingdom Fried Chicken.
9. If you had to eat one specific meal once 26 | The Voice Issue 01 February 2017
FAke it Jake Harrington
til you make it great again
For those of you following politics or even those who are not, Donald Trump’s presidency has been one of intrigue. The last month has felt like years as Trump has taken hold of the White House and begun to implement his grand plan to “Make America Great Again.” For many people, Trump’s inauguration is the culmination of their worst nightmares. He has called Mexicans “rapists and murderers,” he has threatened to kill terrorists’ entire families (which is a war crime), criticised a fashion label for dropping his daughter’s clothing line, and continues to tweet about foreign and domestic policy including accusing the NSA and FBI of being untrustworthy. On a foreign policy note, he appointed the Austrian Ambassador primarily due to having watched the Sound of Music about 70 times, despite having no practical diplomatic experience (The Australian, 2017). However, despite the long list of gaffs, of which I have included only a few, the scariest thing Trump has done so far is start the White House’s use of the term “fake news.” When Trump accused CNN of being fake news, what did he mean? Contrary to popular belief, fake news has been around for centuries. One of the most well-known examples was of British war stories claiming WWI German soldiers were killing Belgium babies with bayonets; completely fabricated to garner public and international support for their side. Today, fake news is often used by companies to fabricate extreme stories that affirm people’s own worldview, causing their ideologies to spread like wildfire on social media. This in turn increases ad revenue and makes the fabricator rich. Trump, however, has brandished this term as a weapon to destroy the mainstream media. By claiming that CNN and other mainstream media outlets are “fake news,” he attempts to delegitimise them to a point that everything that comes from the media is untrue. If Trump is able to achieve this goal then the only reliable news outlet will be Trump himself. For some of us, the destruction of the media could be painted as a good thing. To an extent I agree; the media companies here and overseas are too powerful, but Trump’s tactics are straight out of the authoritarian playbook. Steve Bannon, Trump’s chief advisor claimed that the media is now the opposition party, and Trump has called the media the enemy of the American people (The Guardian, 2017). 27 | The Voice Issue 01 February 2017
Photo from Business Insider
Why then are Trump and his advisors so at odds with the media? Because Trump has a problem with reality. Trump is unable to accept that Obama’s inauguration was bigger than his. Trump is unable to accept that his wall would be wasteful, futile and ineffective. Trump is unable to accept that he did not win the popular vote, calling into question the validity of his own victory. Trump is unable to accept that he did not win the Republican primary by the largest margin ever. Today, with all of human knowledge only a swipe or two away, finding the truth is becoming impossible. And that is truly terrifying.
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while you were
sleeping...
Mcmarry me?
If your loneliness on Valentine’s Day was only heightened by pretty roses and engagement posts, you may have come across one very unique proposal. The USA man popped the question to his girlfriend with a ring stuck in a box of Mcdonald’s nuggets. She said yes, with an alleged Mcfood baby soon to follow. (Today.com)
Photo from kfor.com
Pineapple On Pizza? Yeh or Neh? According to the President of Iceland, pineapple should not be on pizza. And you thought Trump was the wrong choice for President! President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson later confessed that he is glad he doesn’t actually hold the power to stop people from putting pineapple on their pizza even though he is “fundamentally opposed” to the very thought of it! (GoodFood)
snake ring
Piercings are in, and apparently so are snakes. A US teen recently posted on social media about her shock trip to the emergency room after her pet python snake got stuck in her pierced stretcher earhole and wouldn’t budge. Talk about a sssssssstatement pieccccce! (SBS)
Photo from memegenerator.com Photo from dailymail.co.uk
Sibling Rivalry
As the oldest child in your family, you now have another thing to lord over your younger siblings as recent studies have shown that the eldest child is typically smarter than their respective siblings. Due to increased parental involvement and participation in the child’s life that is seen to decrease as more children are born, “As early as age one, latter-born children score lower on cognitive assessments than their siblings...” This does not mean that you middle/younger children out there should take this to heart at all… (SBS)
Lady’s gaga stomach
Photo from thinkstock.com
29 | The Voice Issue 01 February 2017
This year’s Super Bowl show was hosted by the ‘woman of weird’ Lady Gaga and she rocked the stage with some of her biggest hits and, according to several online onlookers, a rather big belly. What!? Her fans had her back though as many more encouraging messages filtered through to support her body image which in all honesty is nothing short of normal. “Shoutout to Lady Gaga’s stomach roll for showing girls that you don’t need to have a perfect body to absolutely kill it!” (News.com.au)
Photo from mamamia.com.au
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There are far better things ahead than any we leave behind. - C.S. Lewis
Photo credit: www.freepik.com