Columbia Journal Of Washington Adventist University
March 2020 Vol. 41 No. 7
FROM THE GUEST EDITOR Anna Karla CarreĂąo March 2020 This month has been fraught with twists and turns that nobody saw coming. Our school has moved to online learning due to the spreading coronavirus pandemic, and everyone is feeling uncertain. The month of March is Women's History Month, and this issue was supposed to entirely dedicated to women and their strength. However, in light of current global events, this issue has been edited to accommodate what's happening in our world today. This month, let us remember that all of us are strong, and this, too, shall pass.
Content Editorial What's Up @ WAU? Art of the Month Featured Story WAUStyle The Seed Editor's Devotional March Calendar
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Columbia Journal Chief Editor Jenevieve Lettsome General Manager Anna Karla CarreĂąo Culture Editor Ana Aguilar Journalist Orion Hunter Journalist Max Pierre
"I dissent." -The Honorable Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg
Outpost Journalist MacKenzie Cush Layout Consultant Emilie Flores Faculty Sponsor Jarilyn Conner jconner@wau.edu
WHAT'S UP @ WAU? AK's Declassified Coronavirus Guide: Tips and Tricks to Surviving Quarantine
1.Stay connected. Stay in touch with your friends and family via text or video chat, like Facetime or Google Duo. You can use extensions like Netflix Party or the conferencing app Zoom to virtually watch movies, or just catch up on life. There are even websites where you can play games together, such as Pretend You’re Xyzzy, which is a clone of Cards Against Humanity. Just because we're in self-isolation doesn't mean we have to be isolated from everyone! 2. Stay calm. In these hard times, it’s important now more than ever to maintain one’s sanity. Meditation and mindful thinking are a couple of the best ways to do that. If you’re skeptical or you have no idea where to start, there are several apps like Headspace, Calm or Stop, Breathe & Think that can help you get started. There are many YouTube videos on the subject as well, and if you’re not the type of person that can sit still, try combining meditation with yoga! 3. Start a journal. Tired of being alone with your thoughts? Start writing them down! Use an old notebook, scraps of paper, or just type on your phone or computer. If writing isn’t your forte, you can record a voice memo, or even upload vlogs on YouTube (private, of course!) You can write about your day, how you’re slowly going insane, or about what you’re going to do once the coronavirus dies down. Either way, it’ll keep your mind occupied for a little while, and you can read it over once you’re done to make sure you’re not actually going crazy. 4. Keep moving! Now may seem like the perfect time to become one with your couch or bed, but remember to stay active! Find exercises that you can do within the comforts of your own home, like squats or pushups or even just running around the room. YouTuber Blogilates has an entire playlist of videos containing exercises that are home-friendly, and don’t require any extra equipment. 5. Learn something new. If you’ve done all of the above and you’re not even halfway done with your day yet, try taking up a new hobby! You can download Duolingo and start learning a new language, dig out some old pictures and make a scrapbook, or listen to some new music. Is there something you’ve always wanted to learn how to do, but never had the time? You’ve got time now!
WHAT'S UP @ WAU? AK's Declassified Coronavirus Guide: Tips and Tricks to Surviving Quarantine 6. See the world (virtually, at least!) Did you have to cancel any trips you were really looking forward to? You may not be able to go in person anymore, but you can still go virtually! Companies like Google Arts & Culture have created virtual tours of museums, national parks and popular tourist hotspots. You can walk through the Sistine Chapel, see all of the exhibits in the Museum of Natural History, or take a drive down to Yosemite National Park, all from the comfort of your own home! 7. Stay focused. Right now, it’s especially difficult to stay on top of the things you need to do, whether that’s homework, keeping your living space clean or remembering to eat. Make sure that you don’t spend all day on your phone or doing nothing. Changing out of your pajamas and designating a certain area in your home to get work done will help you stay focused within that area. 8. Create a daily routine. Now that everyone’s lives have been turned upside down, our daily routines are gone. If you spend all day not knowing what to do with yourself, try writing out a new daily routine. Include time for personal hygiene, making yourself food, doing work, staying in touch with family and friends, and time to unwind and be lazy. 9. Keep yourself occupied, but know when to relax. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you find yourself not being as productive as you thought you were going to be. As you adjust to your new reality, keep in mind that there are some days when you don’t want to follow a daily routine. On those days, don’t force yourself to go through the motions. Know when to work hard, but also know when to relax! 10. Take care of yourself! Last but certainly not least, take care of not only your physical health, but your mental health as well. Engage in self-care, whether that means having a spa day or letting all your emotions out. If you truly feel like you cannot do this on your own, reach out to your loved ones, or seek counseling. There is no shame in getting help during these tough times. TalkCampus is a global community for college students, and a great resource to have if you feel like nobody understands what you’re going through.
WHAT'S UP @ WAU?
Combating COVID19 In light of the recent stressor that has caused all of our lives to be turned upside down, we at the journal would like to share additional information from WHO and the CDC.
The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person. Between people who are in close contact with one another (within about 6 feet).Through respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes.These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby or possibly be inhaled into the lungs. Clean your hands often Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing. If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
For more info, go to https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html
Art of the Month
"The Pen is Mightier Than the Sword" Estephanie Sequeira BY ANNA KARLA CARREĂ‘O AND JENEVIEVE LETTSOME
This edition of Art of the Month, we decided to focus inwardly- at our campus for another student artist who uses her voice and creativity to spread messages of hope, love, and truth. her name is Estephanie Sequeira, and she's a Senior and English major here, at WAU. When we asked her, "Why do you write?" this is how she responded: "The reason why I write is simply for one sole purpose: that is to share a story to the world . I desire for my pen to paint a beautiful picture where others may be impacted. I do not want to write to simply please anyone , but to bring back the one key element that the world has somehow shoved deep into the unknown—love. I want to share love, and just make the world a better place."
Love her work? Find more on Instagram at @life.ofawriter
Feature Story Foreword By Anna Karla CarreĂąo
One of my favorite quotes about women is the one used against Senator Elizabeth Warren- "Nevertheless, she persisted." The phrase was coined after she read a letter written by Coretta Scott King on the Senate floor. She did this in protest of Jeff Sessions being nominated for Attorney General. Senator Mitch McConnell objected, but Warren kept going. After more protesting, the Senate ruled to silence Warren. Following said ruling, Senator McConnell said, "She was warned. She was given an explanation. Nevertheless, she persisted." Soon after, feminists adopted the short phrase as a war cry. Signs carrying the phrase on them were waved at women's protests and marches; the hashtag #ShePersisted went viral on social media. Women all over the world rallied to the call, and the phrase exploded. Why did those three short words resonate so deeply with women? This month's issue celebrates Women's History Month. This month not only celebrates the power of a woman, but the magnitude of her resilience. This phrase encapsulates the struggle women face with being silenced. For thousands of years, women have been left out of the global narrative, pushed to the sidelines and ignored. The role of women in history has been diminished to the point of insignificance. Women are written out of battlefields, politics and the arts, despite their contributions to each. But in spite of all of this, women have continued to fight for their right to be included. Today, women enjoy rights and privileges that our predecessors could only dream of- but there is still much to be done. We reflect on the women who paved the way for students and teachers at Washington Adventist University, and we also look forward to the future of womankind in current students at WAU. As we continue to face adversity in these uncertain times, let us all remember to persist.
"You Who Walked... So we Could Run"
You Who Walked... Interview with Professor Deborah Brown Student Association President 1974-75 by Max Pierre
What were the deciding factors which pushed you to run for Student Association President? There were many factors, but the dominant one was my experience as a student missionary. I served in Roorkee, India as the first SDA student missionary the year before I ran, and that experience was humbling and educational. After that experience, I had a desire to work for change. What did the position require from you? What were the responsibilities? My sense is that the duties and responsibilities were similar to those required of the SA President today—represent the SA to the Board; listen to the student concerns and explore solutions; work with the rest of the officers to plan and implement events designed to improve the quality of student life; represent the SA to the Adventist Intercollegiate Association (AIA). In your opinion why were you the first woman elected SA President? I don’t know if I am able to answer that. I do know, however, that the arguments against a woman running were insulting and revealing. For example, a woman would not be able to handle the stress because of her recurring hormonal issues!
Do you miss being SA President? How is it different from what you do today? As a faculty member, I have the opportunity to be involved with students daily, so I am still privileged with that perk of the job. However, I have often felt conflicted between administrative and instructional roles. When I took my doctoral coursework, I ran for and was elected to a similar position, except it was representing graduate, medical, and law students. The work was so rewarding and affirming that I ran for it (unopposed) for a second year. I am grateful that based on my leadership, an annual award in my name was established and is still given to an outstanding leader each year. Based on my work, I was offered a position as an administrative assistant to the Chancellor of the University, but teaching has always been my primary passion, so I declined. What are some of your favorite memories from the position? Definitely working with peers toward a common goal and establishing life long friendships. Dean Bouland, legal counsel for the University, was the SA Executive Vice President. Every time I see him, he reminds me of one of the slogans students promoted to get me elected: “Get Down, Vote Brown.” Remember—this was during the time of the Vietnam War, Watergate, Apartheid in South Africa. There was a palpable sense of the need and possibility for change. What are some of your favorite things about your current position? I am blessed in that even after almost 40 years, I am still learning from students! I also am inspired by the dedication and leadership of my faculty colleagues who—despite demanding workloads in an age of government and institutional compliance—work every day to support WAU students as they make progress toward graduation.
You Who Walked... Interview with Dr. Deborah Thurlow by MacKenzie Cush
CUC Alumna and WAU Faculty What is your position here at WAU? Briefly describe your role. I am an associate professor of music. I oversee the voice majors and minors and especially assist Dr Lau in any matters related to the solo vocal courses. Currently i teach Musicianship I & 2, the music history sequence and direct Performance Workshop. I also have been responsible for the voice performance coursework, such as Diction for Singers, Vocal Literature, and Vocal Pedagogy and Practicum. How long have you been employed at WAU? This is my 30th school year. Does being a woman impact the work you do at WAU? If so, how? I suppose I have a "motherly" way of mentoring and aim to always be empathetic and likely too lenient in many cases. I aim to always bring clarity and directness to any situation where a student needs assistance and advice and direction. Not that other male colleagues are not that way. Since our full-time faculty has always been male, hopefully my voice adds a different spin and outlook in any faculty decisions made. I credit Dr Lau for this change, especially putting 2 women (including Melanie Kwan) on the ranked part-time/full-time faculty.
From your feminine perspective, how do you think the campus/department has evolved since you first began teaching here? As I ended in the last question, I am very grateful and happy that Dr Lau added me to ranked part-time faculty (meaning I have an associate professor status after 30 years!) Along with our newest female Director of music therapy, Melanie Kwan. For 28 years I have been simply an adjunct and all the ranked faculty part-time or full-time were white males. Now we have a more diverse ranked faculty: Asian, African-American, Latino, and Caucasian. This is a much better balance for our diverse student body. Of course I must play tribute to our long-time former chair Dr. James Bingham who really transformed a dying music dept (esp when I was a student at CUC!). He assisted the then President to start the fundraising that built our current music building and was able with current Pres Spence to finish it. He brought Virginia-Gene Rittenhouse with him which gave CUC an orchestra in residence. After the new music building was built, Drs. Bingham, Lau, and Di Pinto worked extremely hard to achieve our accreditation with the National Assn of Schools of Music (NASM). This has brought more majors/minors to WAU and had allowed us to ultimately begin the music therapy major and SGPS equivalency. Dr Lau has finished the mountains of work it took and numerous hurdles to achieve the national accreditation to offer the music therapy. We are the only collegiate institution in MD to have this degree and the only SDA collegiate institution to offer it.
You Who Walked... Interview with Dr. Hemmings by Max Pierre
Why did you choose to be in the field of Religion? What drives you? I hardly want to say I “chose” the field even though I could have accepted the scholarship to study at University of the West Indies. I believe I was “chosen” due to a set of circumstances which the scope of this interview does not allow me to explain. How does it feel to blaze a trail for Women Pastors? I have never been aware of “blazing a trail for women pastors”. When I enrolled at the SDA university in Jamaica to study Theology, I was taken aback by the response of some male students, and the student body as a whole (they called me “pastor”). I did not know that it was an extraordinary thing. (I grew up in the Baptist church, and my mother was the one who preached in the pastor’s absence.) And yet the department chair then and future chairs were always encouraging, affirming and helpful as they realized that more women were needed in ministry. It was the attempt of some male students to discourage me that strengthened my resolve. I realized then, that there is something terribly wrong here that must change. I saw myself then as an agent of that needed change. Through much disillusionment, prayers and tears, I still stand in the strength of the Spirit and encouraged by the Hope of the Ages. What are some of your favorite aspects of Religion? And of your current position? For the first part of my journey in Religious studies, my focus has been on knowledge. I give thanks for it. My deep study of the Bible, World Religions in General, culture, and philosophy is a privilege for which I give thanks. To understand the Bible in its profundity is to understand the human struggle against its own self and its own life, and most importantly to hear the voice of the Hebrew prophets, Jesus and the Early Church inviting us into the liberating thing that is life. This has propelled me onto the second leg of my journey in my own quest for Spiritual liberation. If I were not conscious of the teachings of the Gospel and its witness to the Christ Event (not the distorted Christian version), it is not likely that I would have any religious affiliation today. It is that undistorted version that I seek to present in my teaching and preaching. In your opinion, should there be more women in this field? As long as the female pastor remains a novelty, there will be pockets of resistance allover the world church. Women pastors bring to ministry what male pastors cannot (and vice versa). A male dominated ministry is distorted and contrary to Creation. It perpetuates an alienated humanity as it subliminally suggests that only men bear divine image, and thus only men can represent God. A male dominated ministry is an apt demonstration of the condition of SIN in which humanity unconsciously (or consciously) persists. Knowing what you know now, would you stay in this field if you had to do it all over again? My call is from that which infinitely exceeds me or the church. I have no reason to consider whether or not I would do it again. I am so grateful for this privilege to serve in all the capacities that I have served. I am so grateful for the “mountains and the valleys and the storms that God has brought me through.” God called me to save me and to use me. To that I surrender in “total dependence”. I go wherever God leads. It is not about me. This is not my life; it is God’s life.
WAUStyle
With Jenevieve Lettsome
In case you didn't hear, there are certain fashion trends every girl MUST follow, because they're in style! Below, here are some of the styles of our students on campus. I chose WAU to be the place where I study becasue it is a small campus and it’s location. I want to be a nurse because I love helping people. I believe that helping others is the greatest thing that one can do and I want to be able to help in small and big ways alike. Being a nurse is just one of the many choices that I had. My goal in life so far is to go to med-school. I want to get a nursing degree first in order to have a profession to support myself while I’m going to med-school to become a doctor. In such a small campus, I believe that everyone is important here. So my role in this school would be the same as anyone else’s. Due to the fact that it’s a small campus I believe that change can be made faster than in bigger institutions and anyone can make those changes, I can, or you can, or anyone else can as long as they have the passion for it.
Scarlen R.
I’ve chosen WAU as a starting point of my education... It was also recommended to me by the people who were already studying here as an institution that cares about the students. I was told that the departments I’m a part of right now (English and music) had a great staff— nurturing, mentoring, and supporting. I’m not disappointed about my choice. I want to be a teacher because I see this profession as one of the most important. Passing the knowledge by and inspiring others — it doesn’t have to be kids; I’m thinking about being an ESL teacher — is something that would allow me to feel that I make a difference. And, actually, make it! I can’t say I have some grand goals I want to achieve in life, like saving the planet from the global warming or helping cure cancer. What I really want is to live a calm, but meaningful Christian life and impact others’ life in a most positive way. To my younger self I would have told that it is going to be all right — no matter what. Even though it’s not always going as we plan, there is always some alternative. And, please, don’t be lazy! Learn! Travel! Create! Be brave and open-minded! :)
Marina L. I see myself as a student leader on campus. WAU has a lot to offer its students and I am passionate about utilizing the available resources and encouraging others to do the same. I transferred to WAU from a much larger university, and it was one of the best decisions I've ever made. Christian education is underrated because it adds a dimension of support and safety that does not exist in other academic settings. I wanted to be in a university that was uplifting, and aware of a higher purpose than just getting a job. Our campus is also in a great location for those seeking internships in whatever field they choose. My career aspirations are still in flux, but I dream about being an extremely active citizen in my community. I would like to be involved with local government and education. If I could say anything to my younger self, I would tell her to never quit. When things get hard, overwhelming, and you feel powerless, you must remember your strength and persevere. It is through perseverance that you gain success, confidence, and wisdom.
Gabriela
#Li
W.
l r i G A e k
Got ya in the first half, right? All jokes aside, we live in a world FULL of inequality, but we are blessed that here at WAU, we all get a chance to succeed and aim for a better future in the hope of tomorrow. And that, ladies, is OUR style.
SEED
Honors College at Washington Adventist University by Michelle Neyra March 10th saw WAU’s campus welcoming over 100 high school students for the annual CAPITAL Model United Nations conference hosted by the Honors College. This year, the theme focused on the central idea of Human Rights, whether the topic was on the issue of cyber security, or protecting and preventing trafficked individuals, and many more invigorating subjects. This year, the council was led by a nearly all women team (save for Jonathan Beebe) and the Secretary-General was the Journal’s own Jenevieve Lettsome. Together with the visiting high school students who acted as country delegates and ambassadors in this setting, the CAPITALMUN found globally reaching solutions to some of the biggest global issues. In her welcome speech, Lettsome said this: “How do you compromise with your worst enemy when it is the ethical thing to do? How do you fight for what is right, though you know it will benefit someone you don’t like? My one answer is that you must love your neighbor as yourself. We come here to not only learn about the pressing issues that plague our world today, but we are also here to learn how to become better leaders and fighters in the battle to protect our futures, our world, our home. So as you go through your debates today, though the decisions may not affect the community outside these walls, know that you, as both a student and your individual self, are being given the tools to change the world, all you have to do is raise your voice and be heard.”
"Protecting Human Rights. Everywhere."
As the real world’s political climate evolves everyday, it is important for everyone to know that your voice matters, an important lesson that is taught at CAPITALMUN. For more information, visit our site at www.capitalmun.org or, use our QR code!
Scan Me!
Editor's Devotional
E·mu·nah אמונה Faith.
1. allegiance to duty or a person : LOYALTY 2. the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. The news is full of horrible things happening all around the world. Everywhere you turn, there's tragedy. People are dying of the coronavirus, economies are collapsing, wars are being waged, and innocent civilians are paying the price. It seems as though the world is falling into ruin, and we're falling with it. It's easy to get caught up in the panic of it all and lose sight of the bigger picture. But we must remember that God is right there beside us, telling us to hold on until He comes back to take us home. One of my favorite chapters of the Bible to read when I'm feeling scared and hopeless is Hebrews 11. In it, each main character of the Bible overcomes their struggles by faith in God. It was by faith that Noah built an ark for a flood when he had never seen rain; it was by faith that Moses took the Israelites to the Promised Land. Even when the world around them was falling apart, even when their faith faltered, God still carried them through. God provided something better for them, better than they could have ever imagined- and God will do the same for us. Faith in the Bible is defined as "the belief in things not seen." Even though we don't see God working in our lives, even though it seems like nothing is going right, God has prepared a city for us to live in, where there is no more heartache and pain. All we have to do is continue looking to him. The Hebrew word for faith is "emunah", which shares the same root as the word "Amen". Each time we end our prayers, we are sealing them with the faith that God will answer them in the way that is best for us. Have faith.
"Don’t be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer, asking earnestly and with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God. Then the peace of God, which is way beyond all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." -Philippians 4:6-7
March-April Calendar of Events
All Washington Adventist University sponsored events have been cancelled. Please stay inside, stay safe, and stay healthy!
Editor's Top Pick Joke
Helpful Phone Numbers: WAU Front Desk: 301-891-4000 WAU Security: 301-891-4019
The Columbia Journal of Washington Adventist University is the official print media news source for the University’s on-campus student body.
Q: Why didn’t the sick guy get the joke? A: It flu over his head.
The Washington Adventist University Official Sports Fan Club
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The Mission of the Student Association is to establish a culture of engagement and unity on the campus of Washington Adventist University.
