The Clarion | Issue 5 | Fall 2019 by The Clarion

30 faculty and 30 staff positions to be cut by May 2020 pg. 10

Caring for the least of these New music director inspires excellence | Light in the midst of darkness | Striving to instill hope in ministry Leaving a legacy

Clarion IS. O5

In this issue EDITOR'S LETTER

05 Letter from the Editor NEWS

06 Bethel Briefs 08 CWIXT didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t pass; CWILT remains for now 10

Caring for the least of these

New music director inspires excellence

LIFESTYLE

Light in the midst of darkness

Understanding Transgender Identites Q&A | Jim Beilby and Paul Eddy

22 Striving to instill hope in ministry 26 A guide to your Christmas movie endeavors SPORTS

30 Leaving a legacy

34 Power Rankings: MIAC Mascots 36 Over the mountain and to the field 38 Around the horn with Bethel Athletics OPINION

40 I have no idea what I'm doing 44 Unpopular opinions: Star Wars and otherwise 47 Student Senate and Students for Life

COVER PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

Quick Hits Bethel Briefs MOLLY KORZENOWSKI

A guide to your Christmas movie endeavors LOGAN BRUNNER

pg. 06

pg. 38

Around the horn with Bethel Athletics RYAN NOLBY Briefings on Bethel University sports.

pg. 38

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THE CLARION STAFF

15 14

JOSH TOWNER

JASMINE JOHNSON

ZACH WALKER

Editor-in-Chief

Lifestyle Editor

EMMA HARVILLE

MOLLY KORZENOWSKI

EMMA EIDSVOOG

KATIE VIESSELMAN

JHENNA BECKER

Lifestyle Reporter 5

Senior Photographer

Section Photographer

WHITNEY MCQUADE

Copy Editor

TAYLOR FONDIE

THANH NGUYEN

Social Media Manager Design Editor

5 3

News Editor

News Reporter

EMMA GOTTSCHALK

Section Photographer

Managing Editor

TOAN VO

Section Designer 4

WILL JACOTT

Section Designer 8

ABBY PAUTZ

Sports Reporter

Photo by CJ Washington

not pictured:

freelancers:

JOSHUA TUREK

JOSH ELLER

SIERRA BEILBY

VADA STODDARD

Columnist Columnist

PEYTON GALLAGHER

Business Manager AMY NELSON

Accounts Manager

Designer Designer

MADELINE HARMS

Designer

MAKENNA COOK

Lifestyle Writer MICAH LOPEZ

SCOTT WINTER

Adviser

Lifestyle Photographer LOGAN MURPHY

Sports Reporter

Jasmine Johnson Managing Editor jasmine-johnson@bethel.edu

e print “TRUTH MATTERS” on our shirts year after year for a reason. It’s not always fun or easy, but it’s important. We think the truth deserves to be covered, and that’s why we chose to write about the former student facing three charges of sexual assault. We know it isn’t a happy story, but we aren’t here just to cover the happy stories. Being a journalist has taught me many things, but this is one thing that continually pops up. There’s no such thing as too many questions. People have an endless number of layers, but it’s easy to get caught on the first few: name, year, major, next. Sure, people brag about their overloaded Google calendars, but why do they choose to be involved in the activities and positions that occupy all that time? What are they passionate about? An RA in Bodien is also a cross country runner and nonprofit leader. The student walking past in the Brushaber Commons recently won the Miss Minnesota USA pageant. Yes, visits to the various offices on campus are usually a quick hit and run, but what else is going on in the life of that face behind the desk? How can you look beyond the title? A Christian Formation and Church

Relations staff member is waiting to hear whether she’ll be able to continue living in the U.S. The assistant director of the study abroad office announced her final days at the university would be two weeks before the end of the semester. A freshman football player served in the military for four years prior to starting his degree. Of course, plenty of people follow a traditional college experience, but what about those who don’t? What’s their experience? We invite you to dive into these stories. Lean in and learn a little more about the students, faculty and staff. Absorb each page and every unpacked layer. Then, tell us who we’re missing. Pitch us a story about your crazy roommate. Or an interesting professor. Or a student manager in the dining center. Share the stories that make you stop and take a closer look at life. Send us an email. Write a letter to the editor. Stop us in the hallway. Come to a meeting in the Loft on Tuesday or Thursday at 11:15 a.m. New faces and ideas are always welcome.

WANT TO WRITE FOR THE CLARION? Email our Managing Editor Jasmine Johnson at jasmine-johnson@bethel. edu and she'll get you connected. See all stories online at bethelclarion.com, or follow us on social media: THE BETHEL UNIVERSITY CLARION THEBUCLARION THEBUCLARION BETHELCLARION.COM

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EDITOR'S LETTER

HAVE A RESPONSE TO AN ARTICLE IN THIS ISSUE? E-mail the Editor-in-Chief Josh Towner at josh-towner@bethel.edu with questions, thoughts or concerns or drop by BC458 to have a conversation in person with a Clarion staff member.

Bethel Briefs MOLLY KORZENOWSKI

Students for Life club status rejected again On Nov. 25th, the Student Senate discussed and voted on the revised resolution for the Students for Life group on campus. The revised resolution did not pass as it did not meet the required two-thirds majority vote. According to Senators McKayla Schnek and Isaac Vliem, the resolution included details of Students for Life as a national organization which weren’t present in the first draft. It also included information regarding Bethel's policies on freedom

of expression outlined in the “Covenant for Life Together.” “Some Senators did not vote to pass this resolution because the reputation of Students for Life of America (SLA) was perceived as too negative and were concerned about how that would impact the Bethel community.” Schneck and Vliem said. Without the BSG club status, SLA won’t receive BSG funding, but is still able

to meet on campus and advertise if their posters are approved by Student Life. Students for Life leader Joelle Parfrey responded to the results of the club rejections: “We are disappointed that we did not receive approval for official BSG club status; however, our club will continue with events as planned and do not foresee any immediate limitations because of this result. We still do want to become an

official club for the longterm benefits of funding, stability, and longevity of our club on campus, but we are currently deciding when we are going to apply again. We are very grateful to the Bethel administrations as a whole as well as to the students senators that drafted the resolution to present before student senate.”

Additional reporting by Emma Eidsvoog

Anthony Nelson Scholarship Fund Anthony Nelson’s memory lives on as future accounting and finance majors will be eligible for the Anthony Nelson Scholarship. Business professor Bruce Olsen started a scholarship fund because a partner from an accounting firm wished to honor Nelson’s memory. Nelson’s plan was to graduate May 2020 and begin working at Deloitte, an international accounting firm where he had verbally accepted a position. Following Nelson’s death in

July, a partner of the firm wanted to do something in his memory. After discussions with Olsen and Dan Wiersum from Bethel's Office of Development, the partner donated $5,000 to get the endowment fund started. The firm donated another $5000 to match the partner’s gift. With the initial $10,000 and donations from Faculty and staff from the Department of Business & Economics and others, the fund currently contains gifts and pledges estimating $23,835. Olsen hopes to reach $25,000 so the

scholarship can be considered endowed and a $1,000 scholarship can be awarded each year. The business department will award the scholarship to accounting and finance students who “exemplify the character traits of Anthony Nelson.”. “Anthony was an outstanding young man who made a significant impression on many of us,” Bruce Olsen said. “We wanted to honor his memory in some permanent way and this was one way we thought we could do it effectively.”

able time for a student to use it for the upcoming school year. Donations are still being accepted and to donate visitbethel.edu/giving/donate. Click on "Donate Now" to make a donation online and and designate it to the Anthony Nelson Scholarship Fund.

Olsen hopes to give the award in the spring to make it availILLUSTRATION BY VADA STODDARD

5 | NOVEMBER 2019

Sodexo’s C-store

The online store includes household items such as tissues, laundry detergent, dish soap and stainless steel straws. Students can stock up on studying snacks and buy Cheez-Its, chips and salsa and Popped cheddar popcorn. Grocery items include peanut butter, ramen noodles, Easy Mac and cereal. Sodexo hopes to expand its inventory as it receives more suggestions.

THE BETHEL UNIVERSITY CLARION THEBUCLARION THEBUCLARION BETHELCLARION.COM

EMMA HARVILLE AND JASMINE JOHNSON

Three female students say they were sexually assaulted last fall.

ormer Bethel student and Royals running back Gideon Osamwonyi Erhabor, 21, was charged with three counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct December 3 in Ramsey County District Court. Erhabor was charged with raping three victims within the span of three months in 2018. One allegedly occurred in a campus dorm, and the other two at off-campus house parties in Shoreview and Roseville, according to court documents. Bethel University President Jay Barnes addressed the situation in an email December 6: “These abhorrent incidents have no place in our community. Together, we work to seek truth, promote healing, and defend the worth and dignity of all people.” According to the Star Tribune, the campus-wide email from Bethel’s administration was sent more than seven months after two of the women went to university officials with their allegations. Bethel officials learned of the criminal charges December 3 after an inquiry from a reporter, Chief Enrollment and Marketing Officer Michael Vedders said in an email response to The Clarion. “As a community, we strive to ensure our campus is a safe, welcoming, and respectful place for our students to learn and our employees to work,” Vedders said in an email announcement to students, faculty and staff on December 5. The maximum penalty for each charge is 15 years in prison and a $30,000 fine. Four sexual assaults were reported on campus from 2016 to 2018, according to Bethel’s Annual Security Report, which can be found on the university’s website. “We never really talk about this stuff, and we need to get better at talking with this

NEWS

Sodexo opened a convenience store called “C-Store” Nov. 18. Students can now buy staples, snacks, beverages and groceries using Flex dollars. The store received only five orders in the first week, but is continually getting more traffic. Students can also suggest items for the store by emailing sodexo@ bethel.edu with the subject line ‘C-Store Product Suggestion’

Former Bethel student charged with 3 counts of sexual assault

stuff,” philosophy professor Sara Shady said. In March 2019, Shady signed a letter to Bethel’s Senate Steering Committee proposing the formation of the Sexual Assault Working Group, which would go beyond the minimum legal requirements of Title IX, the federal law that requires a school to promptly investigate sexual harassment and violence reports and actively protect its students. The commitee, also including Faculty Senators Joy Doan and Amanda Hamilton, will aim to provide additional spaces and resources for educating students about sexual harassment and assault. A formal proposal will be presented in February, according to Shady. Erhabor’s charges have made both state and national headlines, including in publications such as the Star Tribune and the New York Times. Some of Erhabor’s friends have also started a GoFundMe to raise money for a lawyer for Erhabor. The GoFundMe is titled, “Help Save My Best Friend.” The fundraiser currently has $255 of its $100,000 goal. The GoFundMe, started by Joel Torres, reads: “Gideons family, close friends, and anyone that was ever near Gideon would not have expected this kind of accusation or behavior to come from him, if we didn’t believe him we wouldn’t be asking for help. We are trying to get justice for a man who is now in a system that sees color before the person.” The $255 of $100,00 was reported at 2:00 PM Dec. 10, before the newspaper was sent to print. For updates on the story visit bethelclarion.com. Additional reporting by Josh Towner

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Associate Provost Deb Sullivan-Trainor addressed the faculty senate Wednesday night. The agenda included the upcoming spring faculty cuts which Sullivan-Trainor answered questions from the senate on how that will affect their departments. | PHOTO BY EMMA EIDSVOOG

CWIXT didn’t pass; CWILT remains for now EMMA EIDSVOOG

The process for a new gen ed requirements ended Tuesday Dec. 4 after 51% of faculty voted against the new proposal.

n Tuesday Dec. 4, faculty received the results from the vote on the proposed general education requirements. 79 were in favor and 83 of voters were opposed. The faculty senate members met in BC 468 for the biweekly faculty senate meeting to discuss the rejected gen ed proposal the next day. The agenda also included the upcoming budget cuts and a new engineering minor. The rejected plan would have eliminated six tags: lab science (D), foreign language (S), world culture (U), cooperative systems (G), Christian issues capstone (P) and math, science and technology (K).

8 | NOVEMBER 2019

CWILT would turn into CWIXT. Contemporary Western Life and Thought (L) would become American Experiences (X). The revised tag would encourage the use of minority voices in the curriculum, according to the gen ed committee. The plan would apply to incoming students in Fall 2021. The General Education Committee first proposed the plan to faculty senate September 18. Several meetings and a vote later led to the final decision: rejecting the proposal for a new gen ed curriculum. “So many school’s gen eds don’t get passed the first time around, but they tend to inform the next one,” Associate Provost Deb Sullivan-Trainor said.

“If we were in different circumstances, we’d be moving into that right away.” Faculty Senate President Andrew Bramson doesn’t foresee a new proposal consolidated until the next academic year because of the upcoming presidential introduction and faculty cuts. Revising the gen ed curriculum is a common occurrence among universities. St. Thomas and Wheaton recently updated theirs. Professor of English Marion Larson proposed a survey be created for faculty to voice which elements of the gen ed should be kept and which should be revised for the next proposal.

“So much good work went into the task force’s proposal that I’d hate to see it wasted,” Larson said. According to Bramson the curriculum hasn’t been updated for 15 years, so change is needed. While the students’ education is the main reason for renewing the gen ed requirements, reducing costs amidst Bethel’s financial difficulty was among the committee’s objectives. “It’s necessary to rethink your curriculum to adjust to the times,” Bramson said. “And to ask the questions ‘Is this really what our students need right now?’ or ‘Do we need to change some of these categories?’”

Living the dream: Bethel student crowned Miss Minnesota USA MOLLY KORZENOWSKI

Taylor Fondie is crowned Miss Minnesota USA 2020 and will compete for the title of Miss USA later this year changed the channel just so she could watch. Fondie loved fashion and pretty dresses, but most of all, she was in awe of the confidence and intelligence of these women. “It’s much more than the beauty aspect,” Fondie said. At 16, Fondie entered her first pageant with a used prom dress and the help of her mom. This year, she prepared months in advance, carefully picking out each outfit and running through practice questions. “I’m a big planner,” Fondie said. The annual three day competition consisted of different segments: evening gown,

together in prayer. swimwear or active wear, and During the next year, Fondie an interview. Although she was will travel from state to state, up against over 30 other womspeak at events and partner en, Fondie saw them as sisters, with charities. During her reign, not competition. Fondie said she hopes to portray her she made sure to connect love for God through with each contestant connections she while she was there. “Well, makes with others. “There were so Denise, I’m “The first person many amazing living the dream.” I said ‘thank you’ women,” Fondie said. - Taylor Fondie to was God,” Fondie “It was so fun to hear said. these women chasing Along with monetary after their dreams.” prizes and the title, Fondie When Fondie’s name will be competing in the nawas announced as the new tional Miss USA competition Miss Minnesota USA Titleholder, all the other girls ran late Spring which will be aired on Fox news. onto the stage to embrace her. Fondie clasped her hands Bethel Senior Taylor Fondie waves as she is crowned Miss Minnesota USA last Sunday. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

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NEWS

hey say it’s more likely to have a son play in the Super Bowl than to have a daughter win Miss Minnesota USA. Last Sunday, Fondie beat those odds at the Ames center in Burnsville where she was crowned Miss Minnesota USA 2020. “Well, Denise, I’m living the dream,” Bethel senior Taylor Fondie said, answering the opening question in the final five. After she was crowned, people told Fondie that was her winning moment. Fondie loved watching the pageants ever since she was a young girl. Her dad always

30 faculty and 30 staff positions to be cut by May 2020 MOLLY KORZENOWSKI AND EMMA EIDSVOOG

Faculty and staff discuss upcoming cuts at faculty senate meeting and community gathering.

ith a projected $11 million budget deficit over three years, the Executive Leadership Team came up with a three-year plan to set Bethel University up to balance the budget, mainly with staff and faculty cuts. During a gathering in the Underground, President Jay Barnes unveiled the plan to the Bethel community Dec. 10 regarding these cuts coming in January and April. In April, about 30 faculty positions will be cut, according to Provost Deb Harless. Eight of the cut positions are vacant or filled by retiring or phasing out faculty. About 30 staff positions will be eliminated, according to Chief Human Resources Officer Cara Wald. Those who are included in the cut will be notified Jan. 13 and 14. Five of the cut positions are already vacant. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We need to make decisions to increase the likelihood of Bethel's success in the future," Barnes said. In the past, Bethel has relied on enrollment increase to balance its budget. But due to the current climate in higher education, Barnes said that focus needs to be shifted. Bethelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget needs to be reduced so that the institution can run even if enrollment drops from about 2,300 to 2,100 students.

10 | NOVEMBER 2019

The plan consists of expense reductions, innovations and restructuring. According to Wald, 23 percent of funds will come from new programs, 15 percent from material reductions, 14 percent from typical annual reductions and 45 percent from personnel reductions. According to Barnes, 11 out of the 13 schools in the Christain College Consortium have made major cuts like Bethel is about to make. Secular universities, such as University of Minnesota-Duluth, have made similar changes as well. Harless said help will be available to any student whose degree or schedule is affected by any of these changes. The previous Wednesday, Faculty Senate discussed budget cuts at the start of its meeting. Assistant Provost Deb Sullivan-Trainor answered questions from faculty about the decision process. The week before the meeting, emails were sent out to department chairs and program directors to gather information about each department. Sullivan-Trainor hopes to glean insight on different aspects of each department as well as which positions would be difficult to fill with adjuncts.

President Jay Barnes addressed the crowd in the Underground during the community gathering Dec. 10. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

uates and current students in each program. Hamilton asked Sullivan-Trainor if there was a dollar amount required from each department, insisting that if they knew that number, her Art and Design Department would be spending its next two weekends finding solutions. Sullivan-Trainor advised her “say what you’re comfortable saying” in her responses to the questions. According to Sullivan-Trainor, personnel makes up most of the budget, but it’s difficult to equate a dollar number to a number of staff positions. And it’s difficult to make these choices. “There are horrible decisions and there are really horrible

decisions and we want to do the least damage possible,” Sullivan-Trainor said in response to Hamilton’s concern. Some faculty voiced concerns about non-academic cabinet members having the final say on which positions will be cut. English professor Marion Larson questioned the decisions of cabinet members, such as facilities management or marketing administrators, calling that strategy “so deeply problematic.” Sullivan-Trainor assured faculty based on her experience on the cabinet during the last round of cuts last year, they listen to one another to make an informed decision. Faculty members voiced support for Deb Sullivan-Trainor, saying

they trusted her with such decisions and thanked her for her work. As assistant provost, she said she isn’t in a position to make those decisions before she retires this year. She insisted that, although Provost Deb Harless is one vote, she has a strong voice among the cabinet. “I appreciate your candor and honesty,” Biblical and Theological Studies Professor Eric Leafblad said. “It feels like the first time someone has spoken to us like adults.” NEWS

All of this will inform the President’s Cabinet on 2020 staff and faculty cuts. However, some faculty voiced concern about having to answer these types of questions. Art professor Amanda Hamilton said she wasn’t comfortable providing information on who was “dispensable” in her department. “I am contracted to be a faculty member. Not to make faculty cut decisions,” Hamilton said. “It feels like it puts the chair in a position to indicate significant parts of the program or people to be eliminated.” Along with insight from the senate and department chairs, Sullivan-Trainor will look at data on the number of grad-

Faculty and staff listened to members of the Executive Leadership Team as they discussed upcoming budget cuts Dec. 10. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

Philosophy professor Sara Shady spoke up at the community gathering in the Underground Dec. 10. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

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Leo Gabriel, a professor of business at Bethel University sits in his office in the Business Department. Gabriel agreed to train volunteers for Prepare and Prosper along with having his students work on tax returns. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

Caring for the least of these CHLOE PETER

Bethel University professor works with non-profit organization for over 20 years

eo Gabriel, a business professor at Bethel University, remembers a student sat at a table in the middle of Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, on the lowest level of a business complex in inner city St. Paul, waiting for the next customer. Tables lined the walls with volunteers eagerly chatting with their customers. Children sat in bright green miniature chairs, coloring and

12 | NOVEMBER 2019

reading. More customers waited to be called, filling out the tax forms and getting screenings that could soon bring new opportunities. An older, talkative man sat at his table this time. While the student prepared the tax return, the man shared stories about his childhood, and the differences between raising children now and how he was raised as a child. Later, he even

told the student he would use the money from the tax return to pay for a bus ticket to Missouri and he’d be able to go visit the childhood friends and family he talked so much about. Gabriel started one of his classes in 1998 by asking his students what they thought to be most important to their education, and many suggested working on the lessons they

had learned in a real-world environment. Twenty-one years later, Gabriel still has students volunteering 40 to 50 hours a week at an organization that is now named Prepare and Prosper. “This work is fulfilling what God calls us to do without any glamour, without saying that we traveled to South America or Haiti,: Gabriel said. “It’s hard work in inner city St. Paul, but

ing able to share his leadership with others well,” Schultz said. Bright blue and green paper piggy banks line the wall next to the front door. They are displayed for incoming customers, filled with hopes and dreams. “I saved some for…” is written at the top of each paper pig, and messages of the miraculous stories Schultz mentioned are written on each. One listed, “for my first car.” And another, “My daughter, Zy’Ahna Marie.” “When we don’t include or care for others, we all lose,” Gabriel said. In 2018 alone, Prepare and Prosper identified and filed for $24 million in refunds for taxpayers in Minnesota and helped more than 12,000 people file tax returns. The nonprofit is funded by money donated, fundraised, and given to them by the government, which makes its services free of charge. Schultz remembered reading a student’s reflection on her time volunteering at Prepare and Prosper. A single mother and her teenage son came in for help. Even though the amount of money from the tax return seemed small to the student, the woman began to tear up at the thought of how much this extra support would help her. Without Prepare and Prosper, her income would not have been enough to support both herself and her son. The return could mean the difference for her in getting to help pay for her son’s college or smaller every day tasks like being able to afford gas that week. Gabriel told her story and opened his Bible to Matthew 24 and read aloud, “Provide food, care and clothing for the least of these.” His Bible, chock-full of colorful sticky tabs, was worn down to the point the front cover was nearly falling off.

GRAPHIC BY VADA STODDARD

A volunteer working at Prepare and Prosper helps a couple with their tax returns. In 2018, Prepare and Prosper assisted more than 12,000 people file tax returns. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

Customers who decided to save money from their tax returns get to fill out a pig. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

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NEWS

you’re tangibly fulfilling God’s plan to feed and clothe the poor.” Prepare and Prosper helps low income families with financial education, tax returns and advice on how to budget with their incomes. Fifteen to 20 Bethel tax class students join more than 600 volunteers each spring to help people in filing their tax returns. Gabriel not only teaches the students the tax class, but also trains volunteers who work at Prepare and Prosper. Luke Chaika, a junior accounting and finance major, has gone through the process of volunteering at Prepare and Prosper, which is required of students who take a tax class from Gabriel. “Working at Prepare and Prosper not only gave me knowledge to prepare my own taxes someday, but also helped create an understanding of how the tax code benefits low income individuals,” Chaika said. A single mother of three came in while Chaika was working and received a tax return of more than $8,000. The work he did for her made the difference in her deciding whether to purchase a car, maintenance on her house or an appliance, and any other necessity. Katy Schultz, the Tax and Financial Service Director for Prepare and Prosper, mentioned how miraculous stories are a “day-to-day” occurrence for her, but she’s also seen difficulties. A Bethel student once worked with a customer whose tax return had not gone how they’d hoped. The customer began yelling, but the student stayed calm and answered questions respectfully. “The student was able to manage the situation well, and I think that comes from Leo be-

New music director inspires excellence JOSH SANCHELLI

Bethel University Director of Choral Activities Merrin Guice-Gill teaches that music is more than words and notes.

errin Guice-Gill stopped her class over and over again until she was happy with how they sounded. “Excellence is a choice,” Guice-Gill said. “We can be excellent in choir.” Guice-Gill, the music director at Bethel University since June, communicates this lesson to her students, whether it’s in choir class or a one-on-one vocal lesson. Junior Hannah Barnes, a vocal performance major, is one of two transfer students from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa where Guice-Gill was previously employed as the music director. She hears this message of excellence during every vocal lesson she has with Guice-Gill. “This is the thing I hate about Guice; she stops you so much from singing,” Barnes said. “You’ll be in the middle and she’ll have you restart over and over until you get to where she wants it. It drives me nuts!”

How she got there

Music wasn’t always Guice’s plan for the future. She worked towards becoming a chemical engineer while attending Renaissance High School in Detroit, Michigan and even had an internship with Ford Motor Company in their physics and chemistry departments. During her time at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA, GuiceGill found her true calling. The first few weeks of her freshman year, Guice-Gill found herself switching her major to music. Whether it was piano or vocals,

14 | NOVEMBER 2019

she could almost always be found somewhere in the music department. “I couldn’t stay out of the practice rooms,” Guice-Gill said. “It was like the music building was calling my name.” She ended up graduating from Spelman with a Bachelors in Music. This wasn’t a decision she made on her own. GuiceGill gives credit to where credit is due. “My grandmother was the one that got me to go to church,” Guice-Gill said. “She also loved classical music.” Grandmother Desmore King Dorsey helped Guice-Gill find her love of music, which came from attending St. Joan of Arc Church in New Orleans, Louisiana from during her childhood. The call to music didn’t simply stop after graduating from Spelman. Guice-Gill went on to receive her masters in music at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, and then her Doctorate of Music Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This gave her the background and experience she needed to become the new Music Director at Bethel.

A way to connect

Guice-Gill isn’t just a music director; she is a wife and mother of three to Sydney, Sebastian and Sinclair. he is also a mother and mentor to her students. “The first time I met her, Guice said, ‘I want to hug you,’” Barnes said. “She’s an absolute

mom, inside and out.” “Music is a way to connect,” For Barnes, who comes from Guice-Gill said. “We share a Omaha, Nebraska, it’s nice to human story.” Being a professor helped have someone around she can foster many connections over go to for comfort when she’s so the years. Guice taught at far from home. Edgewood College in Madison, “She’s one of my best Wisconsin, Miami University in friends,” Barnes said. Oxford, Ohio, and then Buena Junior Jerzy Gillion, the other Vista, before settling at Bethel transfer from Buena Vista and University as the music direca vocal performance major, tor in 2019. It was those condidn’t hesitate when Guice-Gill nections that made it difficult asked her to come to Bethto say goodbye when she left el. Gillion was a Junior when Buena Vista and chose to work Guice-Gill asked her to transfer at Bethel University. schools giving them plenty of “When this news was antime to build a relationship. as nounced to the choir, hearts her music director at Buena were broken, and many tears Vista, Guice-Gill knew Gillion were shed,” said Diane Nuswouldn’t have the mentorship baum, Contributing writer needed for her music. of The Tack, a Buena “I called my mom Vista University and said, ‘we’re leav“Music is a News organization. ing Buena Vista,’” way to connect. “She has touched Gillion said. “My We share a human so many hearts in mom’s first reacstory.” her years here and tion was ‘Guice is influenced so many leaving.’” - Merrin lives.” Gillion’s parents Guice-Gill One performance knew the only reason Guice-Gill remembers their daughter would is being chosen as one of want to leave Buena Vista 10 conductors to participant was Guice-Gill leaving. Accordin the Sarteano, an Italian ing to Gillion, her parents trust choral conducting workshop. Guice-Gill with their daughShe worked with several other ter’s life. And for Gillion, having conductors and a choir of 30 Guice as her music director and professionals to perform for mentor means a lot to her. one night. Guice noticed a “She’s my first female direcclash in how each culture intertor – she’s also my first black preted music, noting that Eastdirector,” Gillion said, “so when ern Europeans have a deeper we met, I said, ‘this is someconnection and emotional pull body that looks exactly like me, in their music, while Americans and that’s what I like.’” have more ideas behind the The connection is there when music. she interacts with her students, “The guy who was Irish was colleagues and even those who simply pass her in the halls.

| PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

CLARION | 15

Dedicated to no end

While some have pop quizzes, Guice-Gill gives “pop magic”, which is basically an ungraded pop quiz. Students discuss some famous composers, like Bach or Beethoven, and compare them to that of today’s famous artists, for example Nicki Minaj. This is what might happen during her choral conducting class. In choir class, Guice-Gill has each student call upon their “friend” to sing into their hand, hoping to help them relax and feel the words being sung. While attending Gesu Catholic School in Detroit, Michigan, a sixth grade Guice-Gill b managed to devise a plan

and convince the nuns to let her and her friends hold a book club during recess. This allowed them to avoid the outdoors during the cold winter months. “The nuns should have probably checked to see which books we were reading,” Guice said, remembering the R.L Stine horror stories. “They weren’t the most Christian books.” Barnes remembers when Guice was pregnant with her eldest daughter, Sydney, and was to perform a passion of St. John by Bach. At some time during the performance, Guice’s water broke, but that didn’t stop her from finishing her performance. When she was done, she walked off the stage and then went to have her daughter. “It was insane,” Guice remembers.

So whether she’s teaching a class, mentoring a student or interacting with strangers, Guice will usually greet anyone with a smile and warm hello, if not already laughing as she walks the halls. “You have to choose to be excellent every day, in whatever you choose to do.” A moto Guice-Gill lives by everyday.

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like, ‘I just want you to feel it,’” Guice said as she laughed at the memory.

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Light in the midst of darkness LEXI REICHLE

An immigrant with temporary protected status, Jackie Batres’s faith in Christ carries her through this season of uncertainty as family faces immediate deportation.

away contently in St. Paul, ime seems to be a tickMN. As she emigrated from a ing time bomb for Jackie country more than 3,000 miles Batres. Coming January 4, away at age 11, Batres was de2021, everything in her world termined to learn English and could change with a court pursue an education. However, decision that will decipher the American Dream was not her future and the futures of all that Batres and her family 300,000 other United States envisioned it to be. immigrants. For now, Batres “Our faith in God has been sits behind her desk at Beththe constant, driving force deel University in the Office spite our unpredictable lives,” of Christian Formation and Batres said. Church Relations, in a dim and Since President Donald cozy back corner. Trump took office in “If we follow what 2017, he has ended God tells us, we can “If we follow temporary protectsee the blessings what God tells after,” Batres reus, we can see the ed status (TPS) for more than 300,000 flected. blessings." immigrants from After graduating - Jackie Batres six countries, infrom Bethel, Batres cluding El Salvador. desired to work with Batres and her husband Campus Pastor Laurel account for two of these Bunker, someone who has immigrants. TPS is a temporary been a spiritual mentor and status for those anticipating friend to her throughout the full U.S. residency, and it allows years. those in foreign countries to “Jackie has a really declararemain in the United States tive faith. She has a faith that while something catastrophic has been tested and yet she has happened in their residing doesn’t waver because she country. For Batres, it was the knows too much about God. earthquake that struck the She knows too much about East Coast of El Salvador in what God has done for her,” 2001. Bunker said. Her status under TPS exAfter many applications and pired Sept. 9, 2019; however, a interviews, Batres secured a grace period has been extendposition at Bethel. In what she ed until Jan. 2021. Once the calls the Lord’s timing, a polawsuit is finalized, that day sition opened for an assistant will ultimately decide whether campus pastor and ministry Batres and her husband stay or coordinator in the fall of 2017, if they’ll have to say goodbye which she accepted. Next January, everything could change. Batres and her husband, Marvin, are both immigrants from El Salvador, but have spent more of their lives tucked 18 | NOVEMBER 2019

to the longest home they have ever known. “How do you pack up 20 years of your life?” Batres asked as she sat back and thought about how everything might change. Batres’s two younger siblings were born in the United States, and her older brother married a U.S. citizen, making her the only sibling still under TPS status. In 2003, more change struck their family — her younger sister Karla, now a sophomore at Bethel, traveled back to El Salvador with her mom to visit. Because of her visa status, her mom was not allowed to come back. Batres’s mom has been

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living in El Salvador ever since, while her dad worked to maintain his business in St. Paul. After five years of her parents living apart from each other, her dad made the trek back to his roots to join his wife. Batres has not seen either of her parents since 2008. Education has always been important for Batres. As she had the opportunity to attend high school and college in the United States, she believed her siblings, Jamie and Karla, should do the same. Batres proposed Jamie and Karla move in with herself and her husband Marvin to provide better opportunities, and after convincing her parents over the

“It just makes us so proud to see where they are now and who they have become,” Batres says. Timing and trust have been the loudest chorus in Batres’s life. She often thinks about the story of Pharaoh in Exodus and how God delivered. Batres says she believes God will also deliver in her situation. “Bottom line, my life is in God’s hands,” she said. Batres is seven weeks into her graduate program for marriage and family therapy at Bethel.

“I’m just trying to take advantage of everything I have,” Batres said. This is a two-year program, but Batres is only certain she will be able to finish the next two semesters as it will wrap up in December 2020. Until then, she perseveres and prays for the decision that will be made come next January.

The day their status expired, Jackie and Marvin Batres flew out to Washington D.C. to educate U.S. Senators and Representatives and to protest for their rights. She and Marvin are members of a nonprofit called Copal, in which they meet with other members in the Twin Cities twice a month to discuss and train on how to better share their stories and educate others on TPS. Copal unites Latinxs in Minnesota in a communal democracy that builds racial, gender, social and economic justice across community lines. This organization seeks to network with various organizations and share their core values. A group of six people, three with Copal and three with TPS, spent three days educat-

ing capital city citizens, such as Amy Klobuchar and other political leaders on TPS, and sharing their own immigration story. They went to Washington D.C. not only to justify these beliefs to themselves, but to inform individuals of all the other U.S. families’ lives affected by Trump’s decision. “There are three things I can do with my situation: complain, pray and fast, or take action on what I can do,” Batres says. Batres continues to take action. And pray. “I don’t want to beg to stay, but I feel like I deserve it,” she said. One of the first offices they walked into in Washington D.C. had signs with “Make America Great” and “Trump 2020” around the room. They all shared their personal stories and what they are at stake of losing in spite of the efforts that the president is making against them. Batres reflected on how she experienced the grace of God upon encountering a seemingly closed-minded woman in this office. Despite clothing her office walls in the voice of a president making an attempt to uproot Batres’s entire life, this woman was open and willing to listen. And despite

their differences, Batres says each member of the discussion was at peace by the end of the meeting. Batres and her group talked with other groups that day who said they did not get the same response, nor did they feel peace like Batres did upon departure. “I could literally feel the prayer that was around me. I told so many people I was going and I know they were praying,” Batres said after her intensive three days. Regardless of her fate that lies in the hands of politicians and will be delivered this next year, Batres remains welcoming as ever to the students of Bethel University as she sits behind her desk within the Office of Christian Formation and Church Relations. Students will frequently peek their heads in her door, flash a smile and give quick wave before scurrying to class. Batres sits back in her chair as the long, tethered brown couch against the wall invites students and staff in. Above her desk hangs a sign with the words, “God of the impossible.”

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LIFESTYLE

phone, they finally agreed to this idea. Her brother and sister wanted a U.S. education all along and were glad to move into a new home and school district. Batres and Marvin played the parent roles for the children they were never able to have. “It’s almost like we’re empty nesters now,” Batres said with a laugh. Her brother Jamie attends the University of Minnesota while Karla studies at Bethel. And although her siblings were very independent and busy from school to work, they always went to church together, found time for family dinners and went out to the movies.

Understanding Transgender Identites Q&A | Jim Beilby and Paul Eddy EMMA HARVILLE

Biblical & Theological Studies professors Jim Beilby and Paul Eddy talk about their new book centering around transgender identities in a Christian context. Where did the idea for Understanding Transgender Identities come from? JB: Deep down, both of us are really interested in apologetics. When you push into the question of homosexuality, eventually you hit the question of transgender. I couldn’t avoid the question of, ‘Okay, samesex interaction is condemned by Scripture, but what does it mean to be same-sex?’ Because there are some people who obviously claim that question is complicated for them. So for me, the question of homosexuality ushered me right into the question of transgender identities. This was four years ago. At that point, we sensed that this was an issue looming on the horizon that nobody else was thinking about, but was going to be huge. And I think we were right about that. PE: My church had asked me 11 years ago to write a statement for the church on homosexuality. After two weeks, I came back and said, ‘I thought this was going to be easy, and I actually just did some reading and realized how much I don’t know about this. Can I have six months to look into sexuality in general so I can know what I’m talking about?’ And six months later I came back and said, ‘Oh my goodness. You guys, we have no idea what’s going 20 | NOVEMBER 2019

on. We need a lot more than a statement on homosexuality.’ Jim and I constantly have this question: What’s our next book? I think with his ethics class and my church experience, we realized sexuality was important, but what topic in sexuality? One book had just come out on two views on homosexuality already, and so we were brainstorming, and it seemed that the transgender one would be what most people would have to deal with. One question you raise in your introduction centers around how Christians should think about, respond to and love transgender indviduals. What do you think that should look like when many Christians don’t understand or engage with the issue? PE: I think part of why most Christians haven’t even thought about it is because, up until recently, those people who identify as transgender have been such a minute portion of the population. The percentages for Minnesota in 2016 in a poll of ninth and 11th graders reporting transgender identity were 2.7 percent. That's a thousand times increase in three years. This is just exploding. So this is new, in terms of the sheer numbers. I think a lot of that is probably socially constructed and influenced stuff about adolescents who have

always wrestled with their body and identity issues. It’s just another thing to have to wonder about and sort of explore. Then there’s 3- to 7-year-olds who are now reporting, ‘Hey, mom and dad. I am not a boy. I am a girl.’ That statistic is also exploding, but for very different reasons than the 14, 15, 16-year-olds. Something really weird is going on on multiple fronts on this.

first and foremost, what we as Christians have to do is not try to smash that number down, but come around and support these people. And if we can’t figure out that, then I don’t think we should do anything else.

JB: So this is a big deal. Meaning, we Christians need to engage this. But the question is, ‘How do we love these people?’ And the simple fact of the matter is; the Great Commandment doesn’t come with conditions. ‘Love the Lord your God with your heart, soul and mind, and your neighbor as yourself’ — your neighbor is everybody, and it’s not only the neighbors that are comfortable or easy or the neighbors who fit into your preconceived conceptions. We Christians need to stop putting conditions on what it means to love these people. We Christians have defined ‘culture’ in America for so long. We say, ‘America is a Christian nation,’ and now we’re feeling this slip away. So we attack. But when we do that, we’re not just attacking an idea; we’re attacking people. There’s all sorts of complicated and difficult statistics out there. But

PE: That ‘love’ thing is a double-edged sword. Because yes, Matthew 22:36-40, the Great Commandment, doesn’t come with conditions. Here’s what it also doesn’t come with: prescriptions. A parent came up to me in church three weeks ago and said, ‘My 12-year-old daughter has never shown any signs of being anything but a feminine, princess-like girl. She went to a summer camp for three weeks, came back, and announced that she thinks she’s both bisexual and transgender. What do I do?’ We had a long talk, and I was able to give some perspective, but I said, ‘I don’t know what to do about your particular daughter. I’ll walk with you through this.’ I just think that if it’s 2.7 percent for 9th and 11th graders, it’s probably roughly 2.7 percent for every church youth group now, or soon to be. So what does love look like there? I don’t know. I know that it will always

What are some key points you hope to convey to readers, both at Bethel and within the Christian community?

lead with a person, not a policy, and it will be about conversation and learning, not pontificating… but we don’t know. JB: And part of the reason we don’t know is because the science on this is changing every single day. It’s so fast. We want people to realize how complex this is. We are very much in the process of trying to figure out this mushroom cloud of data, questions and issues. Part of why our introduction was 50 pages is because there’s so much going on. We do want people to come out of this with the sense that we need to lead with love and not policy. But we also want to make people aware that this issue is really complex.

PE: And then you add onto that the politicized language. The book came out a month ago, and there are already changing terms. People could look at our glossary and go, ‘That isn’t just outdated, that is transphobic use of language!’ And that’s what’s happening — the language is getting run through the mill of transgender activists. And it’s their lives, of what is appropriate and humanizing and not demean-

ing or pathologizing. But the things they said were okay last year are not okay this year. That’s just the way it goes. And so it’s hard to even talk across lines without offending people, because literally every month a new term is being used. You seem hopeful for an opportunity for “fruitful discussion” on this topic within the Christian community. How do you see (or hope to see) that happening here at Bethel? JB: Individual students at Bethel are passionately interested in this — I spent four weeks in my Christian Social Ethics class on questions of sexuality. I let them vote, and that’s what they wanted to talk about. I really want to start the conversation at the class level, at the level of friends, and at the level of dorm rooms. But I’m not that hopeful for this discussion at the academic or institutional church level. As soon as you institutionalize this, you turn it into some sort of culture war.

ers and sisters, even older folks who hadn’t really heard about this sort of stuff, people were interested and asked really good questions. They weren’t upset or putting stakes in the ground. But as soon as they’re called on by Bethel to protect the institution, their job becomes institutional survival. And the same thing goes for the pastor of a church. As soon as survival is the issue and not truth, then in a sense, Christianity is done for, wherever it’s trying to exist. In this radically individualistic culture, us Christians go, ‘Hey, we need community. Community matters.’ Which is true. But community tends to institutionalize, doesn’t it? This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

LIFESTYLE

PE: And I think that will frustrate a lot of Christians in our book who are looking for answers. And I get the frustration. But the only way I could manufacture answers at this point is to put my brain in neutral, pretend I don’t know about all of the real complications and pick an option. And that just seems really dangerous. I think we have to live with the frustration of the answer, ‘I don’t know.’ We’re not saying we don’t know anything; we’re just saying there aren’t any obvious answers for ‘What should I do with my daughter right now?’ So let’s capitalize on what we do know as Christians. But then let’s be okay saying what we just honestly don’t know. And if you think you do know, give me ten minutes and I’ll show you that you don’t.

to feel like you’ve got a handle on what has been said. For this though, the data is changing daily. The science is changing daily. The categories are shifting. One of the amazing things about this is that the old way of liberals over here and conservatives over there doesn’t work. You’ve got liberals absolutely furious at other liberals because they’re not taking the right sort of stance on this. It’s breaking down even the traditional tropes that you want to make about liberal-conservative dialogue. I think the most difficult thing is that the conversation, the questions, the data and the science is shifting almost minute by minute. It’s scary.

PE: I went to a Board of Trustees meeting at Bethel two years ago, because Jay asked me to talk about this. At our levels of just individual broth-

JB: I agree 100 percent. Except you don’t need ten minutes. One minute. One question. What was the most challenging part in tackling a topic this big? JB: Let’s say you do a book on the atonement. You have Scripture; you have a whole bunch of people writing in church history… it’s not that difficult

| PHOTO BY KATIE VIESSELMAN

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Striving to instill hope in ministry ALICIA DAHL

Whether working as an RA in Bodien or leading youth at non-profits, Bethel senior Meg Thorison puts her heart into anything that falls into her hands.

Senior missional ministries and psychology double major Meg Thorison is the student program director for a partnership between Bethel University and Union Gospel Mission: Bethel Buddies. The program started in 2002, funded by Ona Orth. “Bethel Buddies is the most fruitful relationship we’ve found,” Associate Dean and Pastor Matt Runion said. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

student dedicated to ministry and providing hope for youth in Bethel Buddies and for teens at TreeHouse Next. She’s the kind of full-time student, non-profit working athlete who runs a 24:24 on a 6000-meter cross country race, sets specific time aside to meet with the girls on her floor from Bodien, preps for work and other commitments and is still ready to lead a presentation for a meeting on the fly. It is a story about opportunities and fulfilling her dreams and the dreams of youth. It is Wednesday evening, October 9th, and Thorison, a senior missional ministries and psychology double major from Cedarburg, Wisc., has her back leaned up against a white pillar with one leg bent like a flamingo balancing on the support behind her. At the front of the room at Bethel University, a poster with a rainbow of colors displays the fruits of the spirit. The high school students make Thorison laugh as they perform skits from the lesson with their buddies, and use her as an example of what to do and what not to do in different scenarios CLARION | 23

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he thing that strikes most about Meg Thorison is her voice. The smoothly crafted tone shows itself through wide hand motions, a big smile and a booming voice that guides a Bethel Buddies group of K-12th graders in a faithbased activity. This voice that echoes instructions and encouragement through the hallways on Wednesday nights is one that showers hope, encouragement and grace that her teammates, the volunteers she works with and the freshmen she leads on her floor in Bodien Hall can see as she talks about her Bethel Buddies and the youth at TreeHouse Next. Then you notice her personality – a personality that radiates trust when she kneels down with students who reflect on their thoughts when brainstorming a mindmap. It is a personality of strength and confidence, even when she was handed the role to take over Bethel Buddies with nothing but a year of volunteer experience. This is a story of a college

when reflecting on the fruit of kindness. About 35 students between kindergarten and 12th grade paired with 34 Bethel University student volunteers, led by three staff members who come every Wednesday night for fall and spring semesters from 6-8 p.m. As a freshman, Thorison was a volunteer for Bethel Buddies. The third-grader she met freshman year is still in the program, along with his sisters. “[His] energy allowed me to have tons of pure, light-hearted fun amidst college stress,” she said. “His curiosity allowed me to also feel cared about, which I wasn't expecting from a 3rd grade boy, and his eagerness inspired me to be eager about my own learning and growing.” At the end of her freshman year, the senior leaders of Bethel Buddies needed re-

placements to take over the program, but only one volunteer would take the job. “It was basically handed to me in shambles,” Thorison said. “Fake it ‘til you make it.” During her sophomore year, Thorison focused on piecing together a curriculum by working with Union Gospel Mission, finding resources and reflecting on what those who led her freshman year did to run the program. When the students arrive now, they eat with their buddy in Bethel’s dining center, have unstructured connect time, group activities and the opportunity to get homework help. Now, at the beginning of her senior year, Thorison sees growth in the program. She sees the impact that it has on the students and volunteers through the relationships they form, one-on-one attention

Bethel University senior missional ministries and psychology double major Meg Thorison leads the group of Bethel Buddies volunteers Oct. 9. “One of the most fun aspects is seeing the way the pairings between volunteers and students that we plan behind the scenes play out,” Thorison said, “often getting to see them connect even better than we ever could have hoped.” | PHOTO BY ALICIA DAHL

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for academics and growth and community in faith-based activities. Associate Dean of Christian Formation and Church Relations, Matt Runion, has worked with Thorison and seen her leadership move the program forward. “She has a ministry heart that gets mashed with an incredible ability to organize, plan ahead and create administrative systems that work,” Runion said. In the past few years, the Union Gospel Mission has seen major changes after Asian Ministries was closed last fall and the Ober Community Center, which has been in operation for 80 years, is to close December 2019. Even though Thorison felt the pain of this because of the people and families she knew, she took it in stride. After a couple of weeks of

the two organizations working together, things are starting to seem as though they will work out, and a large part of this success is due to Thorison’s ability to use her existing relationships with Bethel, Union Gospel Mission and TreeHouse to respond with different strategies. “Anyone working with a nonprofit will admit that you have to stay flexible,” Runion said. “It takes a unique student leader to thrive in that environment.” As the student program director, Thorison said the goal is to “get kids to dream bigger” by working with the three pillars of Bethel Buddies: discipleship, friendship and academics. Sophomore nursing major Lizzy Carson and sophomore elementary education major Nora Read are coordinators who help direct activities for Bethel Buddies.

“A lot of kids don’t get to see the college experience, so this is a way for them to be themselves and see this space and have college role models,” Carson said. Carson and Runion have seen Thorison do work behind the scenes to create curriculum and activities and also get to know the students personally and empower the mentors by leading them so that they can lead the kids. “She loves people generally, but she also loves people particularly,” Runion said. “The program has flourished under her leadership because of her ability to plan, follow through and because of her deep knowledge of how God works.” Besides working with Bethel Buddies during the school year, Thorison can be found running a race in cross country or track and working as an RA in Bodien. Adam Dvorak, the resident director for Bodien, has worked with Meg for the past two years. In his time working with her, Dvorak said that she has “a genuine heart; always caring for others.” During Thorison’s junior year, the girls on her floor went to her room to talk, cry or simply take a nap. Realizing that she is only one person and couldn’t do it all, she created “Life Groups” on her floor. “Meg formed girls into groups on her floor and they intentionally invested in each other,” Dvorak said. “She was pouring into the leaders of the groups as well as being involved and equipping them, while casting a vision to help them.” This vision was to connect, grow together, get to know each other and care for each other, whether that was through getting meals, doing a Bible study or just going bowling together. During homecoming this fall,

Thorison sat in Bodien’s shack, a community room in Bethel dorms, when she instinctively “glided” over to a girl who was crying on the couch. Thorison moved in, kneeled down and put her hand on the girl’s elbow to establish a connection. In a room full of people, she was able to have an intimate interaction with one person by physically and mentally getting down to her level and figuring out what she needed. “Meg has the ability to connect, diffuse, and is highly trusted,” Dvorak said. “She is easy to confide in, and that is because she is such a caring listener.” Outside of her life at Bethel, Thorison works for a nonprofit called TreeHouse. TreeHouse is a faith-based organization that has support groups, lessons on faith, mentoring and academic and career support for youth. Their mission is to end hopelessness among teens. During her sophomore year, recruiters from TreeHouse came to Bethel and Thorison applied, and was later hired as an intern for the career and college readiness program called TreeHouse Next. One of Thorison’s favorite moments from TreeHouse Next occurred while running a workshop day for recent high school graduates in the program. In this workshop, Thorison led a mind-mapping activity in which the teens thought of dreams for their futures by drawing a mountain and figuring out what they could do to get to the top and meet those goals. Thorison strives to instill hope, empowerment and connections through relationships in her work with nonprofits, and with the freshman on her floor in Bodien. “Everything that I have been a part of has just fallen into my life, and I have taken it, and learned from it,” Thorison said.

Fun facts about Meg She had two pet turtles growing up She has lived in Bodien 3 out of her 4 years at Bethel Her hidden talent is the limbo Her little brother goes to Bethel as well and they are both in the missional ministries program

Bethel Buddies student program director, Meg Thorison, talks with a student about making a mind map to organize and think about her future goals Oct. 9. Thorison has been a part of the program since her freshman year and was handed the leading role her sophomore year. “Seeing the growth of both students and volunteers is the most rewarding aspect of the position,” Thorison said. | PHOTO BY ALICIA DAHL

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A guide to your Christmas movie endeavors LOGAN BRUNNER

The sweet smell of cookies baking to perfection in the oven, Bing Crosby singing out the classic tunes, a cozy blanket of snow covering the last of the fall leaves; that is Christmastime. As I reflect back on a childhood filled with Christmas traditions, I can’t help but recognize my favorite one — watching Christmas movies with friends and family. I’m sure many of you can relate to those family favorite films where

you can practically recite them, yet you watch them year after year. Why do we watch them? For tradition, of course. Whether it is classic reruns playing on the hallmark channel or new blockbuster hits, these movies define modern tradition. Here are just a few, in no particular order, to help you navigate the best of the best.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Looking for some nostalgic fun? This movie is packed full of it. Watch as Rudolph and Hermey go on their “independent” journey together. Along the way, they stop at The Island of Misfit Toys, where the outcast duo helps all the forgotten toys reach a happy Christmas. Close encounters with the Abominable Snowman and Minnesota-style blizzards make for an exciting race back to the North Pole. This classic is sure to bring you some warmhearted laughs and plenty of smiles.

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Elf (2003) Whether he is slinging snowballs, riding an escalator or embarrassing his dad, Buddy the Elf is sure to have you laughing. Buddy grew up in the North Pole where he was constantly surrounded by the toy making elves; it only makes sense that he should think he is one of them, right? Watch and enjoy as Will Ferrell delivers an expert comedic performance, venturing to the far-off land of New York City, in hopes that he will find his true dad. This 2003 movie is quickly becoming a Christmas classic!

A Christmas Story Ralphie is just like any other suburban boy; he wants a red ryder BB gun for Christmas. He writes about it in his class thesis, waits in an extremely long line to ask Santa for it, and spends hours gazing at it in the shop window. Everyone can relate, on some level, to the feeling of pure joy when opening the gift youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve dreamt of for months. This makes it all the more rewarding when Ralphie receives his prized gift on Christmas morning, only to be followed by his tremendously embarrassing mom with the infamous rabbit pajamas in hand. From licking a frozen lamp post to a leg shaped lamp, this movie has all the goof comedy you can take.

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A Charlie Brown Christmas As a dutiful Minnesotan, I feel it is only right to include Charles Schulzâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Charlie Brown Christmas special. This brief film quite literally kick-started most of the Christmas movie tradition, running on national networks year after year. Charlie and Linus give viewers a nice reminder that there is beauty in all things, even if their tree isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the most visually pleasing! Clocking in at just under a half-hour makes this is a perfect watch for any Christmastime tradition!

FROZEN II The long-awaited return of Elsa and Anna is finally here, bringing with it an entirely new music-filled adventure. Seeing Olaf (and a few other fan favorites) back on the big will surely make you happy. The combination of groundbreaking CGI/Animation and tremendous scoring makes for a holistically beautiful movie. It is easy to see how the Frozen films are becoming quick classics.

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National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation As my personal favorite, this list would not be complete without mentioning the hilarious antics of Clark Griswold and his family. Clark stapling 25,000 lights to his house (not an exaggeration, I did a fact check), listening to Cousin Eddie talk about his “Recreational Vehicle” and Aunt Bethany’s many memorable moments… this movie is sure to have you in good spirits, especially as you worry about your own family Christmas.

Sometimes movies can appear to be filler time when the relatives are over, or just “something to have on.” The truth is that they’re much more than that. These movies become associated with the good spirits brought with tradition; they become a part of what makes the holiday season so special. Whether you choose some of the classics, the comedies, the tearjerkers or a new favorite, make sure to find some joy in it. Happy watching and happy holidays!

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Norris encourages his teammates (not featured in photo) before a home football game at Bethel University. Norris’ attitude brought great energy to the team. “I’m all about helping people out,” Norris said. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

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Leaving a legacy LEAH VIGIL

A childhood in the inner city and four years in the military forced Bethel freshman Phil Norris to decide how he wants to be remembered.

Norris remembers when his high school teammates discussed their plans to attend the University of Minnesota, Drake University and North Dakota State University. They turned to Phil and snickered when he told them he wanted to enlist in the military. “Okay seriously now, tell us where you’re going to college next year,” his friend who was

going to the U of M said. “Guys, I’m serious. I’m going to the military,” Norris said. His mom thought he was crazy. His friends thought he was kidding. But Norris knew this is what he was put on Earth to do. Since he was a young boy watching his favorite show, “The Unit,” he admired Betty Blue for saving people from a hijacked airplane. He knew he wanted to be that guy. Norris felt a connection to “The Unit” growing up and he wanted to be a team leader like Blue whom people relied on. Norris, a freshman football player at Bethel University, grew up on Glenridge Avenue in inner-city St. Paul. He and his friends called the street “G Block” because of how many people from the same gang lived there. Growing up on G Block, Norris realized he had to fight for himself in a crime-ridden area. After witnessing the power outages at his friends’ houses and drug abuse on the streets, Norris thought that was just the way things were. I wanna get out of here, Norris thought. People seem stuck here. Then, he thought of the military. “You’re not that type of guy,” his friends would tell him. “The military isn’t going to accept you.” They made light of Phil’s stern decision until it was too real to deny. His friend even CLARION | 31

SPORTS

hil Norris felt the sun shining through the backseat window of his family’s green Toyota caravan on Sept. 15, 2015 while his mom held back tears. The car that was typically filled with light conversation and laughter now overflowed with a silent weight. They pulled into the parking lot of the Military Entrance Processing Stations as his mom clenched onto the hope that Phil would change his mind. Norris found himself fighting his own tears as he watched the man who raised him to think “men don’t cry” well with emotion. Norris embraced each of his family members with the confidence of his return. He turned around and began to head to his hotel room. “Phil,” his dad yelled with tears. Their eyes locked. “I’m proud of you son.” He had never seen his dad cry, but he knew serving his country was what he was meant to do.

called him on FaceTime him the day he was leaving to see for herself. “There’s always going to be someone trying to stop you,” Norris shrugged. “You just have to go out there and get what you want.”

4 a.m. rolled around faster than Norris was ready for. “It didn’t hit me until I was on the bus,” Norris said. “Hurry up!” the drill sergeant screamed. He was so close to Norris’ face that their noses were almost touching and Norris felt spit splatter against his cheek. Despite the yelling, he disregarded the fear and knew that he was just there to do what

he had to do. He went through basic training and Advanced Individual Training before being sent to Texas where he was stationed for four years. Darkness painted the sky at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo. as Norris was up all night pulling guard in basic training. A frigid mixture of rain and snow covered Norris and his fellow soldiers. As he watched over the camp filled with sleeping soldiers, he could barely hold his rifle. After hours of the treacherous stillness of the night, Norris wrestled with himself. “Why am I doing this? I could just get up and give up, head back onto the warm bus and it will drive me back and I could just turn everything in and go home.”

to talk, what to say and what But Norris knew that was not to say. the easy way out. He would “It was as if they took away think about how he wanted to who I thought I was. I was a be remembered. The thought puppet on a string.” Norris drove him through his lowest said. “Who am I when I points. am stripped of pride, Norris wanted dignity, thinking nothing more than “There’s always skills?” to leave a legacy. going to be someone Aside from the “He’s himself trying to stop you,” military, Norno matter what,” Norris shrugged. “You ris has always Bethel football just have to go out had a passion player Andrew there and get what you for the medical Cole said. “He want.” field. doesn’t change After four years faces for people.” - Phil Norris of serving, NorDuring training, ris decided that he Norris felt like a game wanted to pursue a college system. He had no condegree at Bethel University trol over his own life. The only and play football. He dreams decision he made for himself of one day starting his own was going to bed. Other than that, he was told what to do, free clinic for people who can’t afford insurance. where to go, what to wear, how

Norris carrying teammate, Nic Jones, at Bethel University after a win against Carleton College Oct. 5. The football team blew away Carleton 42-13. “This team is like a brotherhood just like the military,” Norris said. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

Norris competes in a Remember The Dead Soldiers Moment from his unit 2-3 FA at Fort Bliss in Texas. Norris was specifically chosen to compete in this important event. “My legacy is what keeps pushes me,” Norris said. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

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“I’m all about helping people,” Norris said. Norris made himself at home right away on the football team as defensive tackle. “Part of that is his spirit,” AJ Parnell, Assistant Coach-Defensive Line and Special Teams, said. “Who he is, how engaging he is, his personality. Guys are just drawn to him.” Norris will often come yelling into the locker room after a game. “You’ll always know when he’s in the room,” teammate and fellow soldier Andrew Cole said. Bethel football coaches AJ Parnell and Mike McElroy noticed something different about Norris when he joined the team. “There’s a maturity about him. He hasn’t taken a normal path like a lot of other freshmen,” McElroy said. “Whether he screwed up, got yelled at or didn’t do what he was supposed to do, the heart posture for him is ‘Alright, let’s have a good time.’” When Coach Parnell thinks of Norris he remembers when his family had Norris over for Easter dinner. Norris didn’t prefer the main dish but happily chose a heaping amount of mashed potatoes instead. “That’s how he is,” Parnell said. “He finds something good in everything, despite circumstances.” Four years after enlisting in the military, Norris stepped off the bus, shoulders held high, gleam in his eyes. His Combat boots clunked every step he took toward his family. His grandma bursted into tears of joy, his mother’s smile stretched from ear to ear and his father embraced him. “I’ve missed you son,” his father said. “I’m so proud of you.”

Jack Jensen Year in school: Senior Major: Business Marketing

Favorites... Pregame meal: Noodles and Company

Pregame music: Sport: Men’s Basketball Kygo TV show: Hometown: All-American Eden Prairie High School: Southwest Christian

Sports movie: Remember the Titans

Taite Anderson Year in school: Senior Major: Biokinetics Sport: Basketball

Favorites... Athlete: Lebron James Team: Vikings

TV show: Greys Anatomy Hometown: White Bear Lake or The Blacklist Arena other High School: than home: White Bear Lake Area High Macalester School

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Power Rankings: MIAC Mascots ZACH WALKER

A definitive ranking of all 13 MIAC mascots based on the thoughts and feelings of one very passionate Clarion reporter.

The Cobbers: Concordia College

Is Macalester a Scottish name? I don’t care, because this absolute beef roast of a man is beautiful enough to make me stop thinking about it. His hair? Stunning. His facial features? Chiseled. His ability to quote “Braveheart”? Off the charts. Any lion or wildcat would be trembling at the sight of this behemoth. He’s only number two because cobs of corn can’t fear.

Concordia College isn’t trying to fool anyone. In a town where the two main attractions are galeforce winds and grain, they had the courage to pick a mascot that truly represents the spirit of Moorhead, Minnesota. Just like the hard-working people who keep the town afloat, this cob knows how to get the job done right.

The Auggies: Augsburg University

Anyone who says the wild turkey would have been a better national bird is just trying to get a laugh. The eagle is the undisputed heavyweight champion of all fowl. Although Augsburg took the easy way out with its name, the selection of the USA’s most beloved winged creature as the mascot makes them soar ahead. God bless America.

The Knights: Carleton College Remember the scene is “Scooby Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed” when Fred beats the ghost knight in a jousting battle while riding a motorcycle to Bon Jovi’s “Wanted Dead or Alive”? Well, I do. And that scene alone is the reason that the Knights of Carleton made it into the top five.

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The Scots: Macalester College

The Pipers: Hamline University Hamline’s website says that the Piper is armed “only with a brave heart and a song.” That slogan alone is enough to make it into the top five. Although the tights-clad man would get pummeled by a Scot, out-worked by a Cobber, and fed to a baby eagle by an Auggie, he gets major points for creativity. Hamline wanted nothing to do with the MIAC trend of lazy naming.

The Cardinals: Saint Mary’s University Whenever my dad sees a male cardinal at our bird feeder at home, he alerts anyone within earshot and takes photos with his iPhone 7 Plus. Sometimes, he’ll open the deck door and whistle to try to call them in. And I don’t blame him. Those feathers are vibrant, that beak is strong, and that chirp is music to many an ear. Great call, St. Mary’s.

The Royals: Bethel University

King of the jungle. Get it? Bethel’s pick isn’t bad, but the lion as a symbol for the Royals is a bit of a stretch. Also, where is Roy hiding? I see him twice a year at most. And those fake Roy mascots on rollerblades during Welcome Week do not count. They just make me wish that our mascot was the Burger King.

The Johnnies: Saint John’s University

Whenever my dad sees a male cardinal at our bird feeder at home, he alerts anyone within earshot and takes photos with his iPhone 7 Plus. Sometimes, he’ll open the deck door and whistle to try to call them in. And I don’t blame him. Those feathers are vibrant, that beak is strong, and that chirp is music to many an ear. Great call, St. Mary’s.

#10

The Gusties: Gustavus Adolphus College Make it a tornado. All they had to do was make it a big tornado with big eyes and a big mouth. Everyone would laugh. And all the fans would spin around like gusts of wind in the stands. Can you guess what they decided instead? That’s right, a lion. I hate lions now.

#13

The Oles: St. Olaf College There's a gift shop in my hometown of Woodville, Wisconsin called Sven and Oles’. It sells little clay statues of old Norwegian people. But St. Olaf decided to go with a lion instead of a kind elderly man from Oslo. What an opportunity squandered.

Five of the 13 MIAC teams didn’t even try. If it wasn’t for heros like the Cobbers and the Scots, these five schools would have made the conference into a mascot laughing stock. However, the Johnnies made it to the top of the garbage pile because their mascot is an emaciated rat that makes me laugh every time I look at it.

#11

The Wildcats: St. Catherine University

#12

The Tommies: University of St. Thomas What’s worse than an uncreative name attributed to a lion? Answer: an uncreative name attributed to a wildcat. It’s the epitome of everything that’s wrong with college mascots. Among midwest legends like Bucky Badger and Goldy Gopher, there’s Tommy Wildcat. Tommy. Wildcat. Good luck in Division 1, St. Thomas.

The Bennies: College of Saint Benedict St. Ben’s does not deserve a spot on this list. Their mascot is nothing. It is non existent. It used to be the Blazers. The mascot was a smiling comet. That would have landed a top six spot. But this year, they decided to rebrand to the Bennies. Are you kidding me? This is what is wrong with society. A team with a respectable mascot destroyed by peer pressure. Did administration not pay attention in D.A.R.E class? Just say no, kids. Just say no.

This is an opinion piece and does not necessarily reflect the views of The Clarion, its staff or the institution. If you would like to submit a response or an opinion piece of your own, please contact Editor in Chief Josh Towner at josh-towner@bethel.edu. ILLUSTRATIONS BY JOSH ELLER AND THANH NGUYEN

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Over the mountain and to the f ield LOGAN MURPHY

Division III recruiting, love of the game and a journey of 1,000 miles brought two Montana football players to Bethel University.

rowing up in the mountains of Montana, Landon Liudahl and David Aamot never imagined making the nearly 1,000 mile trek to play college football for Bethel University. The boys met in seventh grade when they were on the same traveling basketball team, The Bozeman Bombers. They had two successful seasons and decided to attend Manhattan Christian School, a religious high school with fewer than 100 students in Churchill, a suburb of Bozeman. The small farming town consisted of two churches, a car dealership, a bank and a farm equipment shop. It was a place where the main form of en-

tertainment on a Friday night was supporting the town’s high school football team. Landon played on the varsity football team through his sophomore year but dislocated his shoulder 17 times and endured three shoulder surgeries. Before his junior year, his doctor told him that he should never play football again. He didn’t listen. He came back stronger his junior year and started at both cornerback and wide receiver. It wasn’t until his senior year that he started to run the football — the same thing he does for the Royals. David didn’t start playing football until his junior year of

high school, but as soon as he did, his skills were utilized at defensive end, outside linebacker, wide receiver or wherever else the coaches needed him. Much like Landon, David also dealt with his share of injuries as he tore his meniscus twice, including once during his senior year that forced him to miss the first four games of the season. The summer after their junior year, David and Landon boarded a plane to the Twin Cities. They attended the Concordia Combine at Concordia College in St. Paul with hopes of finding a team culture that mirrored what they had at their small

Christian high school. The combine allows Division II and Division III colleges to evaluate players from all over the country. Due to NCAA rules, Division III schools aren't allowed to give out athletic scholarships, which makes it considerably harder to land top recruits. “We would like to get the athletes here that are good enough to be scholarship athletes but turn those [scholarships] down,” Bethel Athletic Director Bob Bjorkland said. “Because the opportunity to be at Bethel is so compelling, and we've had a number of those [students].” After the camp, the boys Lando Liudahl in the huddle at Royals Stadium late in the season Vs. Augsburg on Nov. 9. | SUBMITTED PHOTO

David Aamot on the sideline on Nov. 9 during a game vs. Hamline University. | PHOTO BY JHENNA BECKER

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were approached by many coaches, but none left a first impression like Mike McElroy, better known as Coach Mac, from Bethel. “He really wanted me to make the best decision for me and see what Bethel had to offer,” Aamot said. Bethel showed interest in both players but could not offer athletic scholarships. Liudahl received a scholarship offer to play at South Dakota School of Mines and both received offers to play at Dordt University in Sioux Center, Iowa. After talking with coaches and family members, both Aamot and Liudahl decided to become Royals because of their belief in Bethel’s culture.

David Aamot Year in school: Freshman Major: Economics/Finance Sport: Football Hometown: Bozeman, MT Favorites... Pregame meal: Fruit, hard boiled eggs, bacon Video Game: Fortnite Athlete: Aaron Rodgers Movie: Space Jam

For example, when you first walk into training camp as a freshman on most football teams, Aamot noted, you are typically ignored and overlooked. “The first day of practice, Jake Marsh, a senior, high fived me and said, ‘Good job, David,’” Aamot said. “That made me feel good, that a guy of his status already knew my name during the first drill, the first day of practice.” Bethel Head Football Coach Steve Johnson said that type of experience is planned on purpose, because the focus for a non-scholarship program like Bethel is to not only find good athletes, but good people, too. “We want a bunch of guys

that love the Lord, love football, love each other, and we're going to have a stinking blast,” Johnson said. On the field, Johnson likes what he sees in both Landon and David so far. “[Liudahl] is explosive. He’s kind of got that Montana punch-you-in-the-nose stuff,” Johnson said. Liudahl showed this during his limited work in his first season, exploding through the line and outrunning a few defenders for a 63 yard touchdown during Bethel’s 62-6 win over Augsburg University Nov. 9. After Liudahl reached the end zone, junior running back Sam Gibas, who was out with a hamstring injury, sprinted

to the middle of the field and hugged him. As for David’s skill set, Johnson describes him as “smooth” and someone who “runs great routes.” After growing up in the mountains of Montana, venturing to Minnesota for a combine and deciding to forgo scholarships to come to Bethel, Aamot and Liudahl found their second family nearly 1,000 miles from home. “There's a difference in culture and kind of the feel of the [Bethel] locker room and the people,” Aamot said. “It's definitely a closer and more tight knit group — more of a family feel.”

Landon Liudahl Year in school: Freshman Major: Marketing/Digital Humanities Sport: Football Hometown: Bozeman, MT Favorites... Pregame meal: Pasta Hobbie: Hunting, Skiing Athlete: Von Miller Restaurant: Olive Garden CLARION | 37

Around the horn with Bethel Athletics RYAN NOLBY

Briefings on Bethel University sports. Men’s Basketball The men’s basketball team defeated Carleton College 90-74 Dec. 4, improving its record to 4-2. The team is led by senior forward Granger Kingland and senior guard Jack Jensen. Kingland finished with a team high of 19 points against the Knights.

Women’s Basketball The women’s basketball team is hoping to continue their perfect record after winning six games in a row to start the season. The Royals are led by senior Taite Anderson and will play at Macalester College Dec. 7. Track and Field Back in action is the men’s and women’s track and field team. The Royals started practice and will have their first meet Jan. 17.

Men’s Hockey The men’s hockey team is off to a rough start after playing some of the top teams in the nation. Its record sits at 2-6-1 before two games against Hamline Dec. 6 and 7.

Signif icant Figures TAYLOR FONDIE

Interesting and important numbers from Bethel athletics.

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29.3 - The number of turnovers the women’s basketball team is forcing per game, which puts them first in the MIAC.

3 - Bethel football was ranked 3rd in the MIAC in all twelve statistical categories behind both St. Thomas and St. Johns.

184 - The number of saves recorded by Bethel men’s hockey goalie Ridge Gerads, good for third in the MIAC.

Women’s Hockey The women’s hockey team is currently 3-4 this season and hopes to break its two-game losing streak suffered against St. Thomas Nov. 22 and 23. Losing only three seniors from last season, the Royals are returning many young players.

SPORTS

Ezekiel Lelinga competes on national stage ABBY PAUTZ

After a season of top-10 finishes, Ezekiel Lelinga earned a spot in the Division III NCAA cross country championship.

zekiel Lelinga competed in the NCAA National cross country meet in Louisville, Ky. Nov. 23. Lelinga ran the 8K course at the NCAA cross country championship in 26:29, which placed him 245th in the race against the top Division III collegiate runners. “The whole season, my teammates had been encouraging me and telling me that I could actually make it to nationals,” Lelinga said. CLARION | 39

'I opened a credit card once and I'm not even sure where it is.' Emma Eidsvoog has no idea what she's doing. EMMA EIDSVOOG

typically am not one to say I have no idea what I’m doing, but I felt it was needed. Truthfully, my stoic, silent personality is really me just calculating what people are saying and how I should respond. I never know what to say. I usually just sort of laugh when they say something and hope it wasn’t a question they needed a legitimate answer to. I don’t think I shut down my computer correctly. I click ‘Sleep’ every time before shutting it because I used to just close my last laptop and it had serious issues. I gave that PC to my mom and bought myself a used Mac from my sister. I’m don’t understand taxes. I’m not sure why I get tax returns every year. It seems counterproductive to give the government my money and then have them say ‘Never mind. You can keep it.’ What the heck is margarine if it’s not butter? I’m scared to know what life is like beyond Bethel University. I’m not sure how you go from taking classes while living in a dorm room with four people to having a grown up job while living in an apartment. My check engine light is on.

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It’s been on for a month. The She’s so late on the trend, but oil’s fine, so I’m not sure what’s I’m 98% sure she bought them going on with that. because every other young I work in Royal Grounds adult at my Assemblies of God every Monday 3:30-5:30 and church has the same pair. on more than one occasion I don’t know my credit score. I have made the whipped I think it’s at zero??? I opened topping incorrectly so when a credit card once and I’m not you squeeze the lever it comes even sure where it is. I should out milky instead of fluffy. I cancel it, but that seems like a told one of the more confusing process. seasoned RG workers I don’t know how to What how I always make set up voicemail on it and she said my phone. I’ve never the heck is I’m doing nothing margarine if it's tried it because I wrong, so that’s a don’t want to make it, not butter? conundrum. mess it up and have I really don’t know someone hear me say what it means to ‘write something stupid every a grant proposal’. I think it’s time I miss their call. I don’t just asking people for money know the cardinal directions, in a professional manner, but so never ask me which way is I’m not sure. Is ‘msg’, a fancy North, South, East or West. way of saying ‘salt’? I can’t When I was home in Milaca remember what Thomas last weekend, I told my mom Jefferson did that made him that I could stop in St. Cloud a historical figure, but I’m 95% before driving back to Bethel sure he was our president at and she showed me on Google one point in time. Maps just how ridiculous that Why do women buy the is. St. Cloud is 40 minutes same black NorthFace winter southwest of Milaca and jacket? It’s kind of ugly and Arden Hills is one hour and 20 makes it impossible to tell us minutes southeast. This blew apart. Do people buy things my mind. because everyone else has it? That seems like a stupid reason to me. My sister just bought $100 Birkenstocks a week ago.

OPINION

ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE HARMS

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ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE HARMS

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'I'm pretty sure if I collected everything I had lost, it would equate to more than I have now.' Apparently, I have no idea what I'm doing MATT TIEGLAND

our incompetency. Really we are all just a bunch of idiots bumbling around together. I often wonder if the people that I pass on the BC 2nd floor are like me. So many studious people, heads buried in textbooks and computers focused on their tasks. Personally, the only time I go to the library or study areas like that is when I want to convince myself that I do more work than I actually do. Even now I’m struggling to stay on task, this JID song is sounding pretty good in my headphones on my new phone that I just got upgraded after I cracked mine on the concrete sidewalk running in the rain from the RC to my dorm room. Can’t say I gave myself too much to write this either. But at least I know I’ll get it done eventually. And I know rap music is awesome. And I love chocolate milk even with the woody dresser aftertaste. And I love watching movies with the boys even if we have to get uncomfortably close. And we found my wallet, and I managed to get another date, too. I don’t know what I’m doing, but we’re still going for now.

OPINION

have no idea what I’m doing, the day. They say cooking is a I’m pretty sure I haven’t great skill to learn but often I washed my bed sheets since think that I am a little too low freshman year. In my defense on the ladder to start climbing. however, the Getsch laundry I’m an English education room holds some pretty bad major but every time the memories for me. That’s where blue squiggly line appears the greatest fear of every under a sentence in my word Bethel student became my documents I slowly question reality, arms full of someone my career path. I feel called else’s laundry taking them out to use big words but often me of the dryer, underwear and all use small word instead. That as she walked in, wondering reminds me of when I spilled why I was moving her laundry. some delicacy of chocolate The line gets long! milk on my nightstand and had I have no idea how to keep to slurp it up to not be wasteful. my things together. I’m pretty Six hours later I was in a middle sure if I collected everything I school helping teach 13-yearhad lost it would equate olds. to more than I I don’t know how have now. If your to fix electronics. If your idea of idea of a third The TV in our date involves living room a third date involves walking to hasn’t worked walking to CC313 to find CC313 to find the whole a lost wallet, rummaging a lost wallet, year, so I around your knees between rummaging guess my around on roommates the theater seats one row at your knees also get a time than I am definitely some blame between the the guy for you. theater seats for this. It has one row at a lead to some time than I am great bonding definitely the guy for time though, picture you. four guys elbow to elbow on I don’t know how to cook, a couch watching a laptop and I’m glad I stay on meal screen of the iconic movie plan B because no amount Surf’s Up in a somewhat dirty of Sodexo chicken will sway living room at Arden East. me from having to face the I think that’s why I don’t reality of eating pop tarts and always mind not knowing what sandwiches for every meal of I’m doing. Often we unite with

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Unpopular opinions: Star Wars and otherwise SIERRA BEILBY

ere is my Star Wars opinion: “The Last Jedi” is by far the worst movie that has hit the screens since the new trilogy releases began in 2015. It is even far worse than the pretty much pointless “Solo: A Star Wars Story.” The rules of the force are bent to fill plot holes and to save Leia from certain death in space, despite her lack of Jedi training. Unnecessary side stories and characters make viewers resentful of the time wasted on Casino planets and starship mutiny. The director’s efforts at integrating gender and racial diversity to give The Last Jedi’s plot a subtle progressive agenda only takes legitimacy away from the actual importance of inclusion and representation. And most ridiculous of all, Luke Skywalker somehow follows the plot line of a redeemed villain in this movie. He is evasive, scary, ambiguous and makes several grumbly speeches about how the Jedi are essentially doomed. What began as a niche Sci-Fi movie in the ’70s, that comprised mostly of filming live explosions over a table-sized model of the Death Star, and emptying sand out of one’s shoes after a long day of shooting on “Tatooine,” has now turned into a 38-year-long cultural phenomenon. With the release of the final film of the latest trilogy just on the horizon, I’d like to take a moment to address this question: Why do people’s opinions about Star

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Wars even matter? Now, I consider myself to be a well-educated Star Wars connoisseur. I’ve seen every movie at least twice, I’ve watched the entire Clone Wars animated series, I’ve played Lego Star Wars and I’ve been the Rebel Spy on the Star Tours ride at Hollywood Studios. I’d say I’m basically just one personal lightsaber from Amazon away from “Star Wars expert.” And like any Star Wars nerd, I have accumulated some opinions about it over the course of my life. In fact, if you have engaged this series in any way, it is likely you have formulated some opinions about it. Even the opinion, “I don’t like Star Wars,” is still an opinion (looking at my roommate on that one). I have been in debates about Star Wars that are more deadlocked than the Iowa Caucus. Is Jar Jar Binks a Sith Lord? Was Solo an effective spin-off movie, or merely an origin story about things that nobody ever asked to hear the origin of? Were Rey’s parents garbage collectors on Jakku, or Obi Wan Kenobi somehow or Midichlorians like the weird mirror cave of existentialism in “The Last Jedi” might suggest? Will Emperor Palpatine return in the final movie as one final attempt to win over fans? Somehow whenever I end up discussing Star Wars with my friends the volume of the conversation rises at least two notches. One second we are all

deciding what Star Wars movie to watch on Netflix, and the next minute I am rushing to the defense of Anakin’s character in the prequels with a passionate opinion I didn’t even know I possessed. And here is the thing about opinions — they are powerful. They are a force (pun intended) that can either draw people and information together for dialogue, or push away and dehumanize others to protect our beliefs and worldviews. So here is my opinion about opinions: They are important. They are also powerful worldview shapers and worldview breakers. Opinions can propel someone just as easily toward blindness as it can toward critical thinking. My dad grew up with the original Star Wars trilogy, and hated the prequels with fervor. I laughed at Ewoks and Jar Jar Binks as a child, yet find myself cynical about the Disney’s new spin on the franchise. Perhaps someday my child’s favorite movie will be “The Last Jedi” and they’ll beg me to watch it over and over. As with many things in life — when it comes to opinions, there is harm in extremes. Call it Aristotle’s “Doctrine of the Mean,” or call it Yoda’s “balance to the force,” but opinions need to be nuanced. If our opinions are allowed to be too free-flowing, if our perspectives go unchallenged for too long, I worry that we begin to believe in our own infallibility. Often, our lives become echo

chambers for our opinions, safe spaces that reflect our personal experiences, where we learn to fear the other. This is a bitter space, a hole like the one Luke walks into on Dagobah, where we encounter fear, blindness and ego. However, on the other end of the spectrum, maybe Star Wars opinions matter because there are distinct parallels with the real world. Perhaps the tyranny of the Emperor Palpatine, the corruption of the Republic and the unending battle between good and evil — light and dark — are more relevant than we think. There are always times to stand up for your opinions, even the most insignificant ones about Star Wars. For example, the holidays are coming, and maybe your conservative uncle thinks that Han didn’t shoot first...

ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE HARMS

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ILLUSTRATION BY MADELINE HARMS

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Student Senate and Students for Life JOSHUA TUREK

been the case with the current senate vote. I realize that diversity of opinion and representation should be an integral part of every governing body, and this was an atmosphere I actively promoted in my tenure on Student Senate. However, this diversity of representation should proportionately reflect the opinions of the student body as a whole. For the current vote, I believe that if someone were to poll the students at Bethel the majority of them would support the formation of a pro-life club. That means, regardless of what an individual senator belives on the topic of abortion, it is their responsibility to vote yes to the formation of a pro-life club. It is also important to note that a vote to support a student pro-life club is not necessarily a vote to support the pro-life agenda. Instead, it should be viewed as a vote to allow students who have a common belief to actively engage with one another in community and support each other. This is the goal of all clubs on campus and is the way all potential clubs are evaluated by Student Senate. I was also disappointed with the number of abstentions on this important vote. Of the eligible Senators on the second vote, 24 percent chose not to take a stance. This means they were present at the meeting, but chose not to vote yes or no. To me, this seems indicative

that some of the senators did not do their jobs by talking to their constituents (classes they were elected to represent). The entire voting process, including the second vote, took more than four weeks. This is more than enough time to talk with your class, properly take a stance on the issue and make a decision that will affect many students to come. Abstentions are an important option and can be used effectively in the right situation. Even I have abstained from voting in the past, but only when I didn’t have enough time or information to make an informed decision on behalf of my constituents. However, an abstention should not be used often, and definitely should not have been 24% of the votes. In the end, I just want everyone to be informed. Student Senate has traditionally done a great job representing the student body, and I believe they continue to do so now. However, it is important to keep your representatives accountable to your opinions as students. And I believe that in this case, Student Senate did not vote in accordance with the opinions of the students they are elected to represent.

OPINION

any individuals have already read a previous Clarion article titled “After prayer and protest, student pro-life club rejected by student senate,” on page 10-11 in the November issue. In summation, part of the article details how a student pro-life club was not approved by Student Senate to become an official BSG club. Recently, a second vote was taken where the resolution failed to pass again. The second vote was 9-For, 7-Against, and 5-Abstain. When I read about these results, I was disappointed for a number of reasons. First, I am disappointed that some Student Senators seemed to have voted according to their own opinions instead of authentically representing their class. As a Student Senator my freshman and sophomore years, along with being elected Executive Chair of Student Senate last year, there were many times when I had to put my own personal feelings aside when voting on legislation. The same treatment should have been applied to the vote for Students for Life. It is not Student Senate’s job to determine whether or not they personally agree with a certain club, as this would be a form of censorship. Instead, it is the senate's job to make sure any potential clubs are aligned with Bethel’s mission, values and Covenant for Life Together. This seems to have not

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