AU is a special place for many reasons. Fall in the Valley offers breathtaking views each day. Chapel affords students the chance to worship corporately twice a week. Strong programs like the Falls School of Business provide students with real-world experience to prepare them for life after school. In addition to all of those wonderful things, what really sets AU apart is the community. The bond between students here is irrefutable. One of the greatest examples of community afforded at … [Read more...]
Small mistakes evoke large repercussions
An emergency alert notification was sent out to all of Hawaii on Saturday, Jan. 15., evoking panic and affecting everyone involved. The emergency alert read, “BALLISTIC MISSILE THREAT INBOUND TO HAWAII. SEEK IMMEDIATE SHELTER. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.” The warning was immediately deemed a mistake, and the governor of Hawaii claimed that an employee pushed the wrong button. The man intended to press “Test missile alert” instead of “Missile alert,” as the drop-down menu contained only these two … [Read more...]
The ‘incident’ of sexual abuse: A response to Andy Savage
It was spring 1998 when young high school senior Jules Woodson was sexually assaulted by her youth pastor, Andy Savage, inside his truck on a lonely dirt road. Prior to the assault, Woodson had confided in Savage, trusting him as her pastor, with some of her burdens. What Savage now describes as a ‘sexual incident’ was coerced oral sex from a minor while he was in a position of leadership at Woodlands Parkway Baptist Church; this was a serious abuse of his power. “I remember feeling that … [Read more...]
Holiday wishes from the editorial staff
In the last several weeks, the only things that have gotten me through are cheesy Christmas movies, staring at pictures of my dog and hot cocoa. Without these things, this semester would have done me in. Truly, I have never been so thankful to see a semester come to a close. The grown-up world is tiresome, and college is no exception. I am grateful for this place and for the people who make AU everything that it is. I am thankful that Christmas vacation is upon us, and I wish everyone a safe and … [Read more...]
Learning that you can’t conquer your world in a day
Recently, I have been trying to conquer everything in my life within the day. On top of school and work, each day I think through multiple topics in my head: my future job and career, future marriage, future loans that I'll be indebted to and more. I would like to think I can solve these serious topics to answer all of my unanswered questions by the time I get home at the end of the day. However, I find myself coming home exhausted from my own clouded mindset and honestly feel … [Read more...]
Heal your hurting heart this winter season
Guest Writer: Ellyana Blue “You cannot heal in the same environment where you got sick.” I’ve seen this quote before on social media. Each time I see it, its truth rings through my core. I have this incredibly bad habit of attaching my self-worth to others. Whether it’s in a romantic relationship or a social circle, I allow my worth to be tied to these individuals. Since second semester of freshman year, I was part of a friend group that a lot of people “fangirled” over. We were … [Read more...]
Nobody’s art is worth somebody’s soul
Since the New York Times published its investigation into Harvey Weinstein on Oct. 5, more than 20 other entertainment industry leaders have been accused of sexual misconduct. Louis C.K., Kevin Spacey and former MSNBC and NBC News contributor Mark Halperin are just a few. The problem isn't just male-on-female harrassment or assault, though. Spacey has been accused by several men of assault. Former child star, Corey Haim, was known to be a victim of Hollywood pedophilia, though no one was … [Read more...]
Increases in tech subverts teaching quality
A fourth grade student named Elie Melki was struggling academically. Particularly, he was timid when the teacher, Mrs. April Catron, would call on him to read. Not only was he timid; he was also very reluctant to read with enthusiasm or animation. Elie’s struggle to read with animation called on the talent and determination of Mrs. Catron to spend quality time with him in developing his sense of animation in order for him to bring reading to life. Elie’s fourth grade teacher deserves all … [Read more...]
It’s time to stop: Catcalling culture called out
Guest Writer: Chandler Clark Men, I write this letter with the intention of describing a problem with which I hope you will resonate. Ladies, although my intended audience is men, I encourage you to proceed reading in order that you may verify my words and spread this message. I want to preface this by acknowledging that what I am about to say will not apply to every man. Please join me in calling out and discouraging the toxic problem I am about to describe. Let me narrow my … [Read more...]
Sports are more than frivolous games
Sports may seem inconsequential and frivolous to some, but the hometown pride that many people feel for their town’s sports teams is genuine. When the Cubs won the World Series last year, there was an eruption of joy coming from Chicago, Illinois and all other places that Cubs fans settled. Whether the link to the team was through family, through college years spent in the area or through a general affection for the Cubs, the joy expressed by the Cubs community was immense and was felt all … [Read more...]