The Voice Issue #1, March 2018

THE WELCOME EDITION ISSUE #01 FEBRUARY 2018

@lgates_

ORIAL

WELCOME TO COLLEGE! It’s that time of year again and I’m finding it harder and harder to accept the fact that I’ll have to get up at 8am for my class soon. Mornings are meant to be slept through.

But enough about me. This year we are all about you! Whether you are new to college or have permanently moved in we are so excited to have you here!

The theme for this year is community. As you settle into your routines of classes and studying it will become so easy to hibernate in that world and forget about everyone else around you. But here at Avondale, and at the Voice, we want to encourage you to look up and remember to connect with others while you go about your daily schedules.

Connection creates community and a strong community of friends and believers can become family. Plus, we’re all brothers and sisters in Christ already am I right!

And connection is what we are all about. So, we want to hear from you this year! We want to share your opinions, your passions and fears, your laughter and devotion right here on the pages of the Voice so that your voice can connect with others and their lives.

Can’t wait to connect with you,

Kayla

contents 6

SAM ministries

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wo/man

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competition

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#avondalexp

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interview

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t h e c h e at s h e e t

10 things i wish i knew before going to avondale

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don’t look away

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b l o o dy m o n e y

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be yourself

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EDITOR Kayla Carter ASSISTANT emmerson grey GRAPHIC DESIGNER Minah Bocchino Images sourced from pexels.com COVER ART/ PHOTO Lindsay Gates THANKS Rainy days ice-cream my awesome team NO THANKS 40 degree weather 6am starts cold pizza

K AY L A C A R T E R Kayla loves chocolate and dark chocolate and is hoping that this semester doesn’t make her stress eat to the point of having to actually use her gym membership.

EMMERSON GREY Sometimes I think my life could be a really hilarious sitcom, then I realise that eating, watching hours of Netflix and running into every inanimate object isn’t classed as entertainment. Thank goodness I’m going to succeed with my stable Arts degree.

K I M PA R M E N T E R I enjoy putting together flat pack furniture, hummus that comes in a bucket, and I find watching 4wdriving and fishing shows oddly relaxing.

C A LU M E N T E R M A N N Calum is a keen freegan who loves to save the dollars in his pocket and the environment around him.

A quick way to get him angry is to chuck a plastic bottle in the non-recycle bin. Alternatively, you can make his day by not buying the bottle in the first place.

B ET H M O R R OW Beth studies a BA with a major in Comms and IPDS. She enjoys travelling, reading and has an as yet unfulfilled dream of going to Kazakhstan.

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COLLEGE CHURCH CONTACT Phone: 02) 4980 2272 Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au AVONDALE COUNSELLING SERVICE CONTACT DETAILS Phone: 0403478994 Email: counselling@avondale.edu.au Open Mon-Thurs, 9am to 4pm Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns.

PAGES TO LIKE...

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MISSION STATEMENT “MOST IMPORTANTLY, WE WANT TO BE THE SHARED VOICES BEHIND OUR SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY BY ENCOURAGING DISCUSSIONS ON A WIDE RANGE OF CHALLENGING AND PERTINENT TOPICS.”

The theme for this year is to promote and encourage community. And at the Voice, we are proud of the #Avondalexp and are keen to see it thrive.

Here at college, we are all striving to become something; teachers, ministers, instructors, writers, artists, and these careers all require the same things: a purpose to drive us and the vision to help us get there. Community provides us with the support system to make these things a reality.

This year, we want to discuss purpose, encourage growth and inspire vision. Through these goals, we aim to engage the individual and community growth of this campus with our content, competitions, creativity and more.

Most importantly, we want to be the shared Voices behind our spiritual community by encouraging discussions on a wide range of challenging and pertinent topics. In doing so, we hope to be able to ignite a whole new season of God-lovers ready to share His Voice into the world.

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LETTER

Kia ora koutou katoa.

Greetings to all of you, members of the Avondale Community. My name is Dan, and it is my privilege to represent you as the president of the Avondale Student Association (ASA) for 2018.

The ASA is comprised of student leaders that look after various areas of campus life, and represent you on the ASA Council. You can find the ASA Officers for 2018 on our website: avondalestudentassociation.com.

The Avondale Community is a strong part of the Avondale Experience, and the friends you make here will become friends for life. 7:28 programs, and hangout cafĂŠ, provide the opportunity to meet and greet that cute new person, while StormCo trips and SAM ministries help to bring people closer together while serving God, and others. Sport and music are also as much a part of the Avondale Experience as finding your life partner, while our yearbook, The Jac, provides a place to reflect on a fun filled year.

This year, the first of our theme verses is Romans 12:4-5, reminds us that while we are all different, we are each called to serve God in our own unique way. The community at Avondale is diverse, and this gives us a unique opportunity to learn about each other, and grow together into young adults in service of God. Together, we are stronger and with God, we are stronger still. 2018 is a new year, it is a chance to do something better, to make new friends, and to grow spiritually and intellectually as you journey alongside us here at Avondale.

Welcome to Avondale College.

May God bless you and keep you, now and always.

Dan Wilson

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Sam

ministries

LET’S ACTUA L LY M E E T P EO P L E

FLIPPED - Melanie Reyes & Johnny Fiefia We are a team motivated by our outreach aim - Let’s Actually Meet People! We began “FLIPPED”, our breakfast for kids program, about two years ago. Since then we’ve had a blast visiting different schools, hanging out with young kids and flipping delicious pancakes. Through Flipped we have been able to foster an authentic sense of community - We love it!!!

SCRIPTURE IN SCHOOLS – Laurel Krause-Poyser This year I am running scripture in schools. I have taken on this role as I believe that sharing the good news of Jesus with everyone is our job. I love being involved in scripture as we are sharing the love of God with children. It is awesome to see the kids asking questions and wanting to know more about God.

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RETIREE VISITS – Liz & Gi Bocchino Hi we’re Liz and Gi and we are running the elderly visitation outreach for LAMP! Our main focus is to bring joy, smiles and laughs to the elderly community in and around Cooranbong by singing and praising God with them. We are so excited for this coming year and hope you will join us in our up and coming visitations. God bless!

SUNDAY FUNDAY – Jerny Rodriguez Barmontino Sunday Funday is a day designed to get attendees and volunteers alike to gather and fellowship in fun outdoor activities, while connecting with our community. As Adventists we know that times are only going to get harder so I just want to do my part in bringing a little bit of happiness and fun into this world.

REKINDLE – Ania Mitchell & Estelle Knight We are a group that road trip to any church around us in need of a little revamp. We take their song service and hang out with the youth in their congregation just to bring some good vibes to those smaller church communities. Who better to motivate the youth of our church to outreach than the youth themselves?

PICK-A-STREET – Lindsay Gates Pick-A-Street is service in action. Our dedication to the broader community through service. We, find a house that looks like their lawns and gardens could do with a trim and simply get to work. The smiles and thankfulness from the people we serve is wholesome and genuinely appreciated by all. We meet on Friday afternoons so come along and join in the fun as we live out what we believe.

STORM CO - Service To Others Really Matters.

Join a group of passionate guys and girls and head out into a rural town to run kids club programs, service clean ups and random acts of kindness, leaving a lasting impact on an entire community!

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wo/ Josey 1. What would be one piece of advice you would give to your first year self?

Take in every second, College is such an amazing place and your time will go so quick!

2. If you had to be in any Alternate Universe, where would it be and why?

I would live in the Doctor Who universe so that I could travel as a companion of the Doctor.

3. What is a personal talent you are most proud of?

My ability to successfully pack for college the morning I have to leave every time.

don’t at least try to do something remarkable? –John Green, An Abundance of Katherine’s. (Emphasis on the try.)

7. Do you have a particular place in dorms you treasure?

I have a thing for the level 1 hallway. It will always hold a place in my heart.

8. The playlist of your life is on the radio, what’s playing?

Perfectly Good Heart- Taylor Swift (From Taylor’s acclaimed self-titled first album).

Wait for It- Hamilton Soundtrack Fix You- Coldplay

4. If you were the biggest rapper in Hollywood, what would your name be?

Bugs Bars- it’s my nickname since childhood, and I reckon it’s gangster enough.

9. What is the most attractive quality you look for in a partner?

Money. In all seriousness though, a relationship with God would be number one followed closely by a good sense of humour.

5. You have 1 chance to impress your potential partner, what do you do?

Probably mess it up by falling over spectacularly or spilling food on them or myself. I’m pretty clumsy!

10. What is the most important legacy you want to leave behind at Avondale?

I want to be part of creating a culture where everyone is a little kinder to one another.

6. What is a movie/book quote that describes you to a tee?

What is the point of being alive if you

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man Stadnik 1. What is one piece of advice you would give to your first year self?

Enjoy every moment and make the most of your time here! Before you know it, you’ll be done! It goes by very quick.

2. If you had to be in any Alternate Universe, where would it be and why?

The one where I don’t have to answer these questions? Nah jokes aside, the Rick and Morty universe for sure!

3. What is a personal talent you are most proud of?

My ability to public speak. From being a shy kid who couldn’t even answer the front door, to now being able to speak to a room packed with 100+ people goes to show God can use anybody.

4. If you were the biggest rapper in Hollywood, what would your name be?

Medium Josh. We have too many “Big’s” and “Lil’s”. It’s time to throw something new into the mix.

5. You have 1 chance to impress your potential partner, what do you do?

Pull out this pick-up line: “Hey I’m Stad, I could be Stud all I’m missing is u.” *Finish with a sly look as the glasses slid from my forehead onto my nose* 6. What is a movie/book quote that

describes you to a tee?

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing everyday.” – Winnie the Pooh.

7. Who is your bias Watson boy in the dormitories and why?

Johnny Latu…have you seen that guy?

He lifts…the Lord’s name on high. Legit though, he loves God, loves people and we have some of the best conversations about life every week and great spiritual chats too. Mad love for you bro.

8. The playlist of your life is on the radio, what’s playing?

Don’t really have my own playlists, so I’ll give a shout out to my favourite road travelling playlist. Nostalgia by Jake Harrington.

9. What is the most attractive quality you look for in a partner?

Their ability to care...and I mean really care about other people and how others feel. I can’t be around people that only really care about themselves.

10. What is the most important legacy you want to leave behind at Avondale?

To be known as someone who was genuine and intentional with people and who truly invested in the lives of others and because of that, they in turn wanted to invest in the lives of others.

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E L L A B O Y D & WAT S O N H A L L V E R S E @hi ndl e s_ c al e b

He over Me John 3:30

10 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going To Avondale Emmerson Grey “University will be the best years of your life” is what I was told before I made the big move from the safe comfort of my quiet room in QLD to the bustling life of Avonjail-I mean Avondale. As I slowly integrated into the fast-paced blur of social activities, soul-crushing lectures and mind-blasting assignments, I found that there was a lot of things that didn’t quite fit into this 8-word comfort phrase.

Listen closely, my dear first year, here are 10 things you won’t find in Avondale brochures.

1. Homesickness isn’t just a first-year thing. It can come at any point in your college experience, just know that it’s not shameful or childish to feel emotional about it. We all feel it too.

2. Avondale students speak two languages: English and Memes. It’s a personal recommendation of mine to become fluent in the latter.

3. Unhappily single? We’ll have to do something about that. Happily single? …We’ll definitely have to do something about that.

4. There are 3 main sports at Avondale: 1.

Basketball, 2. Running up the staircases when you’re late for class and 3. Finishing your assignment as close to the due date as humanly possible.

5. College hardens you to the point that

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the only punishments that scare you are the ones that include money loss.

6. Almost every alumni interaction becomes a competition of who has had the least amount of sleep.

7. Two P words that are life-destroyers: procrastination and plagiarism.

8. Make nurse friends. 12 ccs of caffeine is best administered by a semi-professional.

9. Nobody is going to keep you in line, your life is now your own, step up and accept the responsibility.

10. This is your Avondale experience, make it worth it.

All jokes aside, University is a life-changing place. It is where you: grow spiritually, emotionally and physically, make friends (and lose some) and most importantly, begin to create the version of yourself that you and all those around you that have been with you in this journey will be proud of. Every choice you make will affect how you make the most of this opportunity, so my advice is to choose wisely. You have chosen your path, you have been given tools to get you through, now it’s time to take your first step.

Welcome to Avondale.

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DON’T Beth Morrow There might be a lot of things you know. Every single minute of every day you have constant access to a wealth of information at your fingertips. That doesn’t mean you understand it, or do anything about it.

There’s hundreds of people who post content you see every day. That doesn’t mean you really know them.

When I first started at college I did a subject called Responding to Global Issues. I remember sitting in class one day, reading through stories of family violence in PNG. I felt like I could almost vomit. I didn’t expect an emotional response like that.

Charities do a pretty good job of promoting a positive image of what they do. They show stories of lives changed and hope restored—and I’m all for that! But, there is a harsh reality of human suffering that it’s easy to look away from.

HOW MANY OF YOU KNOW A LARGE AMOUNT OF YOUR CLOTHES ARE MADE BY UNDERPAID WORKERS? For example, how many of you know a large amount of your clothes are made by underpaid workers? You may have some idea. Does that make you do you research before buying? Do you stop to think, even if those pants are on sale? I didn’t either, until I started to take the time to read stories of labour exploitation all across developing countries.

What if I told you Lee jeans have been accused of child labour? Or that Kmart, Target, Rivers and more have all been linked to Bangladesh worker exploitation? Would that make you do your research?

I hope so.

Author of the book Empathy Exams, Leslie Jamison says this: “Empathy isn’t just listening, it’s asking the questions whose answers need to be listened to. Empathy requires inquiry as much as imagination. Empathy requires knowing you know nothing. Empathy means acknowledging a horizon of context that extends perpetually beyond what you can see.”

It’s easy to know things. But to care? That takes time, effort, and often, heartache. But it’s so worth it. Don’t let information lie dormant in your brain. Truly empathise, pray and change your behaviour.

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win

a $ 4 0 pa u ly s p i z z a voucher. post YOUR BEST photo from O-week with the hashtag

competition ENDs 5 march

#avondalexp

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bloody

money Calum Entermann The one thing I like better than finding a bargain in a shop is finding a bargain with a green and gold “made in Australia” sticker on it, and I think most Aussies would agree with me. Sadly, these days, the green-and-gold-stickered products are becoming increasingly harder to snag as Australia outsources for cheaper overseas imports.

So now when I hear of new plans to manufacture goods in Australia - I immediately want to give support. I’m tired of watching our money drain overseas for imports we could make right here ourselves. I would be happy to see the green and gold sticker on anything!

Good news – the wait is over; the government has a plan.

We’re going to make weapons.

And not just a few – 4billion dollars of government money, along with annual support of $20million+, will go into the industry to get the strategy up and running. It’s all in a bid to establish Australia within the Top 10 Arms Exporters in the World.

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Talk about making Australia great!

Can you imagine all those green-and-gold stickers rolling out across the globe by the thousands? Can you see all those guns with “Made in Australia” stuck on them, spewing forth streams of bullets; many of which will disappear into human bodies and out the other side again.

There’s nothing like an Aussie bullet through the back to brighten your day.

“Oh, come on” some might say, “We’re not the ones killing here; plus, arms can be used for self-defence. Our country needs the money - think of all the jobs to be created from this!” Yes, our nation could use the money, but this is blood money, and is a new low for Australia.

It’s like the famous Winchester case that’s just hit Australian cinemas. For those who are not up to date with the Box Office, the film is about the wealthy widow of weapon manufacturer, William Winchester. As the story goes, she was driven insane by the awareness of the countless deaths caused by her family’s’ guns over the years. In her madness, she pours her finances into the construction of the absurd Winchester mansion in

attempts to contain and appease the ghosts of the murdered victims that torment her. The mansion stands today, regarded as “the most haunted house.”

While the story is fascinating, the film has garnered sucky reviews - so I suggest you save your money on this one.

Nevertheless, the story could not be more relevant as we navigate this issue of profiting from war. Like the Winchesters, we Australians will make a lot of profit from this arms export strategy.

Our economy will also rise, and jobs will be created. The government even says it will try and export these weapons to “the right countries” (whatever that means!)

But like the Winchesters, we won’t come out the other side of this deal with a clear conscience, or with clean money.

The guns we make will take lives - this is a certainty. We may not be pulling the triggers, but we will be making the triggers to pull in the first place, and I argue that is worse. We must remember the collective character of our nation is predominantly peaceful and defensive not offensive. We don’t pick fights and neither should we facilitate or profit from the conflict of others. Let’s aim higher, let’s work to maintain our national narrative of peace and integrity. Let us put our “Made in Australia” stickers on products we’re proud to sell.

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with

Pr. Alex Green

“DON’T TAKE YOUR TIME AT COLLEGE FOR GRANTED, LOVE EVERY MOMENT OF IT”

1. What is your role at College church this year?

I’m working as one of the pastors here and loving it!

2. What made you want to pursue a career in ministry?

When I discovered how much God loved me, my whole life was changed. I wanted everyone to know how much God loves them so that their lives can be changed also. And I still do! That’s why I’m in ministry.

3. How did you meet your wife?

Laura and I met when we were 16 at a camp for school prefects although

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we didn’t start dating until a couple of years later.

4. If you could change one thing from your College years what would it be and why?

I was such a nerd! I studied so hard and I don’t regret that but I do wish I got involved more on campus.

5. What is one piece of advice that you would give to our current students?

Don’t take your time at College for granted! Love every moment of it.

6. How do you like to spend your

time? Do you have any hobbies?

There’s not much I love doing more than watching AFL with my wife!

Luckilyfor me, she loves it too.

7. What is your favourite thing about the Bible?

I love the depth of the Bible. There’s always something more going on. It doesn’t matter how many times we read something, there’s always something new that we can take away from it.

9. What is the best way for someone to start a relationship with God? Read the Gospel of Mark and try to get your head around the crazy love that God has for you.

10. What is the best lesson you learned at college?

Don’t be cocky. The very fact that we are able to breathe is all thanks to God so let Him lead and give Him the credit.

8. What would you do if it was your last day on earth?

I’d spend the day with my family and friends and celebrate life!

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yourself Kim Parmenter We’ve all heard the phrase before, “don’t worry, just be yourself”, for those of you starting college this year I’m sure you’ve probably heard it pretty recently. That’s what I was told when I left for college a few years ago, I was nervous, excited and full of expectations, but the truth is, it took me a while to be myself once I got to college, because I wasn’t really sure who that was. Growing up I went to 6 different schools, I remember thinking before I’d start at a new school, “no one here knows anything about me, I can be anyone I want!”. In every new environment I’d try to adapt and fit in and college wasn’t any different. For months I spent every day with my new friends and dorm mates, and I chose not to tell them the reality of my struggles. I was worried what people might think, I didn’t want to be pitied or treated differently, so I kept it all to myself. It wasn’t until I finally shared my story with some of my close friends that I realised that who I am didn’t have to be about what I’ve been through. College is a funny place, it’s full of young people, most of which have only just left home and for the first time are free to make their own decisions and figure out who they are. Some take it in their stride, some struggle and some like me, just stumble along continually picking themselves back up and learning from each fall. Who I am now is very different to the person I was when I started college 2 years ago, I no longer try to be who I think I should be, I’ve learnt that I won’t always fit in everywhere. Instead I’ve realised that being myself, is about being who God made me to be.

“I’VE REALISED THAT BEING MYSELF, IS ABOUT BEING WHO GOD MADE ME TO BE.” I’m still figuring that out, but God has taught me so much about what I’m capable of and how to use my own insecurities to help others with theirs. I love Romans 12:2 because it makes more and more sense to me every day. “Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect”. My advice to you, no matter what year you’re in, is to give God control of your life, completely, even down to the person you are. Let him change the way you think, because only then will you understand the reason for everything you’ve been through, and how God can use it for good. Maybe being yourself is really about having the courage to let God show you who that is.

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09

The

Sheet

In order to succeed in the pursuit of higher education, it’s paramount that you are giving yourself the best opportunity to achieve your goals. In this issue our focus is on sharing some useful resources that will give you victory over this unavoidable task.

APPS QUIZLET Quizlet is an incredible website/app to have if you are studying or revising content and want to save the trees by not using paper flashcards. This unique study buddy offers customisable formats of revision including flash cards, multiple choice questions and personalised mock-up test exams. { 9.5/10 }

Pocket Schedule Planner This app keeps track of not only your assignments, due dates and class schedules but also your semesters and your breaks. { 7.5/10 }

FocusKeeper It is a well-known fact that memory retention is most successful when studying is done during timed intervals. This app allows you to have a scheduled selection of intervals which include both breaks and working time so that you can keep focused on a certain subject as well as allow yourself to have well-deserved breaks. { 8/10 }

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Youtube studywithinspo : As students, it is always important to have inspiration to push yourself to make the most out of your educational (and overall life) experience. This channel is dedicated to helping students to be more productive, to improve note-taking and handwriting as well as having really good study tips. { 8/10 }

p l ay l i s t s Set yourself a study playlist rather than using Youtube to search for songs. Scrolling through Youtube can cause you to become easily distracted by clickbait leading to hours of wasted time that could be used on studying.

CHILLHOP on Spotify: Smooth instrumentals that are more upbeat than simple classical music.

STUDY & CHILL on Spotify: At times, instrumentals can become monotonous or simply disinteresting. This playlist is an easy-listening compromise to create a calm study aura without a single Beethoven symphany.

For those people who prefer having ambience over music, Atmosphere is a great app with a wide selection of sounds that will keep the deafening studying silence at bay.

Noisli is a website that does the exact same thing for those students who would rather use their laptop.

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