WAU Columbia Journal for January 2022 - Student Publication

Washington Adventist University

COLUMBIA JOURNAL

JANUARY 2022

Forgetting the Former Things,

Embracing the New

VOLUME 43 NO. 1

CONTENTS Washington Adventist University's Columbia Journal is the official print news media source from the on-campus student body.

Sabria Richardson shares her experience in transitioning back to normalcy after performing for pixels on a screen Story on p. 4

3 Editor's Note 4 A Season of Transition An article detailing life in WAU's music department 6 Mental Health Awareness Check out these pages for more resources and advice to guide you through this journey of life!

7 In The Here & Now: WAU Honors College From a student's perspective, this article gives a quick look into the Honors College at Washington Adventist University!

13 COVID's Impact on College Sports written by Haze Green 15 The Struggle is Real

by Junior Aguilar 16 Helpful Hotlines & Important Dates

COLUMBIA JOURNAL

|

2

To my beautiful readers,

FROM THE EDITOR

What a semester it has been! On top of all of the struggles in our individual lives, collectively, our university family courageously fought an external challenge--COVID-19. Despite the hardships we encountered, I believe we came out stronger as a people; if you have not already, celebrate! This journey of a school year is halfway done, and a new calendar year has started. Cheers to new beginnings!

It is my greatest pleasure to present you the January edition of the Washington Adventist University Columbia Journal!

Throughout this publication, you will see various communities at WAU represented, such as the music department, the athletics department, and the Honors College. Although different, these communities unite to create an atmosphere at WAU that cannot be experienced anywhere else. WAU is not the same without the passionate and touching Christmas Concert, the lively basketball games, or our dedicated MUN team. This semester, my prayer is that through unity, we can once again spark a spirit of community, despite the trouble life presents us. "...Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us." Philippians 3: 13-14 Wishing you Godspeed on your journey of this next year, Tiara Best COLUMBIA JOURNAL |

3

NEW ADDITIONS Jazz Ensemble The WAU Jazz Ensemble is a group that seeks to give students a chance to learn skills of improvising and serve the WAU community with performances of jazz and blues. The group makes room for each individual's special skills and talents, such as steel pan drums or Brazilian Guitar--to work together to create a sound that is well received by them and the audience. All are welcome to join in on the jam session that never ends!

Becoming A musical production, written by Jenevieve Lettsome and musical arrangement by Anna- Karla Carreno, Becoming is a show that reflects on their freshman experience at WAU, which was quite interesting to say the least.

The whole show will be performed this semester. Stay in tune--no pun intended--for more details to come.

This is a musical you will not want to miss!

A SEASON OF TRANSITION: FLOURISHING DESPITE THE CHALLENGES

by Tiara Best

In-person learning is a privilege many have taken for granted over the years; through the tragic spread of COVID19, people have learned to truly count their blessings and make the best of their circumstances. Digital platforms have become the new normal, masks and social distancing are a must, and many were left isolated. Applications like Zoom were the glue that held many institutions together, especially educational ones. Students across U.S. campuses have been challenged academically, physically, mentally, and spiritually, and at times, it felt as if not much could be done. After all, pixels on a screen could only comfort a student for a moment. As the world slowly transitions back to normalcy, schools have returned to classroom instruction.

They are still following COVID-19 protocols and are left trying to pick up the pieces of lost time to piece together a future that looks bright.

At WAU, music students are in a season of transition. From having virtual concerts and rehearsals on zoom, it is an exciting time to be at the WAU Music Department where spirits are full of hope, harmonies are reverberating once again, and hearts are forever touched.

COLUMBIA JOURNAL |

4

Sabria Richardson, a junior studying music therapy, speaks of her experience regarding the big "transition" back to in-person learning and performing: Q: How does it feel performing in-person again?

A: "This semester was my first in-person semester at WAU; so not only was performing in-person a new experience, but the entire WAU environment. I had to transition from recording videos for performance classes and juries to singing in front of an audience!

With virtual learning, you make mistakes only you can see; while recording a video, you can have as many takes as you'd like." Performing in-person gives you "one shot" Richardson claims. But she says the staff is very supportive and "encourages [students] to be better musicians".

Q: What is different about the music department?

A: "Meeting a professor virtually for an hour or two every week is so much different than meeting them and having access to them in-person. The faculty here at WAU is amazingly supportive and available for whatever students need individually and holistically."

The difference to Sabria is "being able to develop closer relationships with faculty and students--and having practice rooms to practice in!"

Q: What do you hope for this upcoming year? What are your goals?

A: Overall, Sabria wants to "improve and grow in areas" she feels need a "bit more attention". Sabria wants to refine her sight singing skills and train her ears so she can reach a point where she can "recall the sound of pitches confidently". She also would like to work on her breathing technique which will help her project more while singing as well as become more "fluent" with piano and guitar, per music therapy requirements. Music is truly a language--one that takes much practice, dedication, and passion.

Personally, Sabria wants to continue to develop her relationship with God and take more time for selfcare, which will fuel her to continue to do what she loves.

COLUMBIA JOURNAL

|

5

APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY IN THE HILLS AND THE VALLEYS OF LIFE If you are struggling and seem to be stuck in a "valley", do not hesitate to check out the last page of this publication and this website for more resources: www.wautelehealth.com You are never alone.

Unashamed to Heal WRITTEN BY CHARIS MCROY

In an instant, I was in excruciating pain. Only a few moments before, I had been laughing as I I have a knack for gaining injuries to my

jumped to my heart’s content, but now my face

extremities in the most unusual ways. Once, I

wore only a grimace of agony as I sat on the

fractured my finger on the carpet, believe it or not.

ground clutching my ankle holding back tears.

Another time, I burned my hand on a waffle iron

There was no way I could walk, so my dad

when I absentmindedly reached for the handle but

carried me out of the gym to the car. I could not

instead planted the entirety of my palm on the hot

help but feel slightly embarrassed at what it

grid. Even stranger yet, as I was opening a kitchen

must have looked like to see an eleven-year-old

drawer one day, without warning, the front of the

girl in the arms of her father like a baby.

drawer freed itself and came crashing down on my toes.

After sitting in the hospital room for several hours into the wee hours of the morning, the

While I have healed from all those strange injuries

physician’s assistant brought in a white splint

without much difficulty, I have not fully recovered

that I was to wear around the outside of my foot

from one, a sprained ankle some years ago. It was

for support and a pair of gray crutches. “You’ll

my first time at a trampoline park, and I was

need these for about two weeks,” he said as he

practically in heaven. I jumped from one

adjusted the crutches. My heart sank as he said

trampoline square to another like a pawn on a

those words. Two weeks? Impossible! I thought.

checkerboard and even shot some hoops. On my

I had school on Monday, and I could not let

last jump, I came down, not on the springy rubber

anyone see me like this! The feeling of

mat, but on the sturdy frame that separated the

embarrassment that I felt as my dad carried me

many miniature trampolines.

out of the trampoline park started to crowd my mind as I hobbled out of the hospital on crutches.

COLUMBIA JOURNAL

|

7

When I got home, I resolved I would walk through the door on my own the following Monday morning. After hopping to my bedroom, I tossed the crutches aside and forced myself to stand. It was painful, but I was determined to look “normal” when I returned to school. I took several baby steps with the pain radiating through my ankle. But I was doing it! I was walking all on my own! Sure enough, the next week, I limped into the school without my crutches to lean on.

While I could not disguise my injury, it was less conspicuous than swinging with crutches under my arms. However, little did I know that my decision to save face would reap consequences that would last longer than two weeks. Since then, I have experienced intermittent pain in that ankle, which correlates with that injury. From time to time, when my foot throbs, it is a painful reminder of my decision those years ago.

Had I realized that I would be causing long-term effects to my health, I would have stuck with the crutches, despite knowing I would be the recipient of countless questions about my injury and offers for assistance. Yet my pride took hold of me, and rather than appear weak, I was willing to compromise my physical wellbeing, not only then but for the future.

From that experience, I have learned a valuable lesson about healing, not just physically but emotionally. Our emotional health is just the same; we must be willing to be healed even if we appear vulnerable.

Sometimes when we experience dark mental struggles, we refuse to acknowledge our feelings because we do not want people to see our brokenness. We do not want to look weak. More than anything, we want to look brave and formidable —that we have got everything under our control. Nothing is worse than being in need, so we refuse to lean on God and others for support. We prefer to push through the pain and limp through life’s journey alone. While the pain may lessen over time as we force ourselves to adapt, little do we realize that our silent struggle is not over. As we go through life’s walk, thinking we have left the worse behind us, our untreated emotions flare up, catching us off-guard.

However, when we permit ourselves to express our emotions instead of fighting them, we will find lasting restoration and healing. Allowing ourselves to be vulnerable with God and others who care about us may cause initial embarrassment but is necessary for our recovery. As we lean on their arms, we will find ourselves becoming stronger. It may take us more than a few weeks or months even to experience recovery, but it will be enduring and long-lasting.

COLUMBIA JOURNAL

|

8

1

Open up to others about your struggles; isolation is not your friend!

Key Takeaways

3

2

Do not feel bad for seeking help and extra resources; there are people who want to help you!

Allow yourself to feel your emotions (they are valid!), express your emotions, and take the steps to heal from your emotions.

There are more people rooting for you than you think!

COLUMBIA JOURNAL

|

9

WITHOUT GOOD DIRECTION, PEOPLE LOSE THEIR WAY; THE MORE WISE COUNSEL YOU FOLLOW, THE BETTER YOUR CHANCES. PROVERBS 11:14, MSG

In The Here & Now: WAU Honors College

BY SHEA STANDISH

"Every great story starts with an opportunity.

That is why, here at Washington Adventist

None of this experience would have been

University, we are the first and only Adventist

possible without the expert guidance and leadership

college that provides students with the

of Dr. Scriven, who not only organized the team and

chance to both participate in and run Model United Nations conferences."

orchestrated WAU's involvement in the event but gave students the opportunity to meet with Belgium's (the nation that the team represented) official ambassadors at the Belgian embassy in

This year, a group of exuberant students

Washington D.C. Students were given the

from WAU represented the university in the

opportunity to ask questions about Belgium's official

annual D.C. Model United Nations Conference.

opinions on the real world issues being discussed at

This was a groundbreaking event, never before

the conference, as well as learning from the seasoned

been done at any Adventist University. We were the first, and what a wonderful first it was. With collaboration and opposition, discussion and debate, and plentiful opportunities to make friends, the event was every intellectual’s dream. Not only did it give students the chance to orate and negotiate, it gave perspective and insight into real world issues. Participating in a conference like this is a chance to become a world leader for one week only, and it’s truly incredible.

ambassadors who were kind enough to meet with the team. This event not only made history but opened up the doors for future events like it.

The Model United Nations conference was only one of many opportunities given to WAU students by the Honors College. “The Honors College at Washington Adventist University strives to provide high achieving students with the opportunity to engage in and explore subject material in greater depth and breadth, inspiring them to excel as independent learners within a collaborative learning community.”

COLUMBIA JOURNAL | 11

Located in Washington D.C., the Honors College has easy access to the nation's leaders, the ability to attend events at the Kennedy Center, visit monuments and museums, and attend many events that promote intellectual growth as well as fun opportunities. This provides students with insights into the way our country is run, as well as cultural experiences that they will never forget. As we students grow and learn, the amazing faculty and staff at WAU are always there and ready to help and nurture us as we travel through life. The experiences that are made possible by the Honors College are truly unforgettable and help us on our journey to become the best we can be. In the end, there is truly nothing better than learning and exploring through the incredible and memorable experiences we’re being offered in the here and now.

"In the end, there is truly nothing better than learning and exploring through the incredible and memorable experiences we're being offered in the here and now" SHEA STANDISH

COLUMBIA JOURNAL |

12

NEERG EZAH THE TOGETHERNESS THAT SPORTS BRING

COLUMBIA JOURNAL |

13

COLLEGE BASKETBALL

THE "PENALTIES"

THE GAME CHANGER I

he effects of the pandemic lingered throughout

T

the next college basketball season. The earliest game date for the 2020–21 season was pushed back from

n the spring of 2020, the

October 10 to November 25, when most colleges

coronavirus pandemic sent

would have finished their autumn semester or

shockwaves around the world,

relocated their remaining classes online. In addition,

resulting in a public health

the maximum number of games was cut by four (to

emergency that has killed thousands

27), while the minimum number of games required to

of people and thrown the global

qualify for the national championship event was half

economy into what the International

from 26 to 13. Many games played at the non-

Monetary Fund predicts will be the

professional level were with masks, and speaking from

worst slump since the Great

personal experience, it sucks. Trying to breathe

Depression.

through a sweat soaked mask while running up and down a court is the last thing athletes wanted to do.

COVID-19 has, predictably, thrown the athletic calendar into

Despite precautions, some teams still ended up with

disarray as well, with professional

the virus leading to extensive contract tracing and

and collegiate leagues throughout

quarantining due to the lack of vaccines going around.

the world postponing their operations in order to contain the virus's spread. Even the Summer Olympics, traditionally one of the world’s most-watched sporting shows, has been pushed back a year.

At the time, I was finishing my junior year as a high school

PLAYING AGAINST A NEW REALITY A lmost 2 years after the original outbreak, the

As we move forward, continuing to

pandemic is still very much present, we see sports as

battle the pandemic, flexibility has

we never have before, whether from a live stream from

become a necessity. In these trying times,

basketball player, vying for a

our homes, or a socially distanced stadium or arena

sports' capacity to bring people together

scholarship in a situation unlike

with masks. The adjustments that Americans and

is more important than ever. Although we

anyone had seen before. It was a

other nations have had to undergo in order to

are treading on unfamiliar ground, with

confusing and challenging time to

continue to compete and enjoy these great sports

the correct strategy, we can emerge

have been major!

stronger and more popular than ever.

be a student-athlete, especially for those like me with dreams of

Being one of the blessed few who received a

"Ours is a worldwide game," NBA star

scholarship, I’ve been able to get first hand experience

Jason Tatum says, "a quarter of NBA

with COVID-19 at the collegiate level also. Protocols

players were born outside of the United

and mandates continue to be strict as the country

postponements of official recruiting

States, and we have offices in various

continues to go through outbreaks of COVID-19 cases.

nations and cities throughout the world."

visits, tournaments and college

Because most athletes have been able to receive at

This epidemic may modify the protocols

camps, recruits were finding

least a dose of the vaccine, masking in games is not

we must follow, but it will not diminish

themselves in uncharted territory

required (which is a blessing in and of itself) and fans

our commitment to growing basketball

are able to return to games now with vaccinations or

around the world.”

competing at the college level. After a long list of cancellations and

without direction.

masks being required.

COLUMBIA JOURNAL | 14

The Struggle is Real, but so is God's Power!

"The worst part about picking up habits is trying to drop them" Junior Aguilar

I have always been a procrastinator and lazy person, like many of my peers; however, due to the pandemic, I believe that laziness and procrastination levels have skyrocketed (I know that mine did).

During the virtual learning year, instructors taught black screens because many of the students turned their webcams off and were not paying attention—some didn’t even show up. At the start of the year, I was engaged in my courses but slowly lost traction. When I joined a class, I muted myself, turned down the volume, and wandered off. It was hard to stay engaged with so many distractions around me. The accessibility of the internet tempted me to laziness and procrastination; the lack of consequences allowed me to be carefree. The habits have stayed, and the worst part about picking up habits is trying to drop them.

During the fall semester I, as well as many others, worked and turned in assignments hours before the due date all because of extreme procrastination. When I think back to the pre-pandemic days, I worked on assignments far more and procrastinated far less. This is something I am eager to change because it is not fun getting an unsatisfactory grade due to a lack of effort on your part. I know it is not a unique problem that I face, thus, I urge myself and many others to seek God for guidance—for our own good.

Overcoming laziness and procrastination benefits us and directs us onto the path of success by getting work done in a timely manner (which enhances the quality of work). I know the difficulties we face when trying to overcome procrastination; we must seek divine guidance and strength. If we seek the Lord with our whole heart, we, students at Washington Adventist University, can graduate with a career with diligence. We can be individuals that represent God and WAU with work that is not rushed at the last minute but is done in discipline and passion.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”

Psalm 32:8

COLUMBIA JOURNAL | 15

helpful hotlines THIS IS WAU

&

important dates Important Crisis Numbers - Rape Crisis Center of the District of Columbia- 202-232-0789 - Montgomery County Crisis Hotline: 240-7282255 - Montgomery County Crisis (Mobile) Hotline: 240-777-40000 - Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse: 1-800799-7233 (SAFE) - Suicide Hotline: 1-800-784-2433 (SUICIDE) - Alcohol and Drug Abuse Helpline and Treatment: 888-675-7030 - Police/Emergency: 911

The Team: Chief Editor: Tiara Best Contributors: Charis McRoy, Shea Standish, Haze Green, Junior Aguilar

01

Friday Night Vespers!

Join Chaplain Jason Dietz, the amazing worship band (and singers), as well as some of your peers, in a night full of positivity and praise. Meetings are at Fridays at 7:30 PM. Reach out to campus ministries for more information; ministry@wau.edu.

02

Weekly Convocation Join in our campus-wide worship session featuring speakers from various backgrounds and walks of life.

They offer advice on purpose and navigation on this journey through the highs and lows! Occurs every Wednesday at 11AM!

03

WAU Service Day Get ready to volunteer and help the greater community through various opportunities WAU offers on Wednesday, April 6th!

COLUMBIA JOURNAL | 16