CHIMESNEWSPAPER.COM
VOLUME 84, ISSUE 4
OCTOBER 31, 2019
CHIMES
THE BIOLA UNIVERSITY
King of Punk ‘n’ Pie
Junior philosophy major Gavin Susantio won Punk ‘n’ Pie with his spot-on Michael Jackson impression. However, his roots in entertainment go beyond impersonating the King of Pop. Before he came to Biola, he was a pop star in Indonesia. Read more about his journey on Page 6.
Andres Ramirez|THE CHIMES
NEWS
A&E
OPINIONS
SPORTS
WEB
Bardwell Remodel Biola art students find a new home in the old science building. // 4
Shoot for the stars Catch a glimpse of Theatre 21’s fall production of “Silent Sky.” // 7
Trump’s Foreign Policy Debate Are Trump’s policies effectively serving the U.S. and other nations in foreign affairs? // 8, 9
Senior Eagles tackle clincials and DII competition How do senior nursing athletes manage to find time for classes, clinicals and games? // 11
Fires rage in Los Angeles Los Angeles and Ventura counties under an extreme red flag warning. Read more at chimesnewspaper. com/news.
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OCTOBER 31, 2019
UPCOMING EVENTS:
BIOLA.EDU | Courtesy
BIOLA.EDU | Courtesy
BIOLA.EDU | Courtesy
November 2 First Responders and Law Enforcement Career Fair
November 5 Worship Ensembles Concert
November 11 Virtual Reality Job Simulator
Music worship majors will showcase their talents at this fall concert. The concert will be held in Sutherland Auditorium at 7 p.m. Admission is free.
As part of Biola’s career month, local, state and federal first responders and law enforcement agencies will be at the Fluor Fountain from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Come to learn about the vetting and application process for these agencies.
CRIME LOG
OCTOBER 17 – OCTOBER 31
Burglary — Horton Hall Reported on Oct. 29, 5:33 a.m.
Vandalism — Horton Hall Reported Oct. 25, 10:37 a.m, occurred sometime prior to 10:37 a.m. Facilities Management reported writing on the wall of Horton’s public bathroom. This case is still active.
Trespassing — Lot E Reported on Oct. 26, 5:55 a.m.
A Campus Safety officer reported and made contact with a male transient individual at the parking lot behind the library parking lot. The suspect refused to speak with the officers and left campus.
Officers attempted to make contact with a female suspect trying to leave campus. After the suspect left campus, Campus Safety concluded that video footage showed the female suspect entering through a window of Horton Hall and stealing items she was not holding onto when entering. The footage also showed a male suspect passing by Horton and leaving campus through the horse trail next to the creek. After clarifying the situation as a burglary at 6:46 a.m., video evidence showed that the two suspects were the individuals who trespassed through Facilities Management at 5:33 a.m.
Trespassing — Lot D Reported on Oct. 26, 1:51 p.m.
A student reported an individual using a stick to enter the pedestrian gate by the business building. Though the officers tried to make contact with the individual, the individual did not stop and was eventually escorted off campus. This case was cleared by exception.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Pierce Singgih
VISUAL EDITOR Marlena Lang
STAFF VIDEOGRAPHER Quinn Gorham
MANAGING EDITOR Thecla Li
WEB EDITOR Sasha Terry
NEWS EDITORS Brittany Ung Micah Kim
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER Christina Turner
STAFF WRITERS Maria Weyne Lacey Patrick Lauren McBride Marc DeJager Ashley Grams
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR Kayla Santos OPINIONS EDITOR Amanda Frese SPORTS EDITOR Andi Basista
DESIGN EDITORS Faith Lee Joshua Cheng STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS Andres Ramirez Haven Luper-Jasso Bree Mays
Career month will also host a virtual reality job simulator where students can experience a variety of different careers. The event will be held in Studio A of the Production Center from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
COPY EDITORS Victoria Chiang Lacey Patrick BUSINESS MANAGER Kaylyn Schull
Trespassing — Facilities Management Reported on Oct. 29, 5:33 a.m.
A Facilities Management worker reported one female and one male individual trespassing the facilities’ territory and attempting to access the locked facilities building. Officers responded but were not able to make contact with the suspects. This case was referred to the LASD.
Petty Theft — Hope Hall Reported on Oct. 27, 7:50 p.m., occurred between Oct. 21, 12 p.m. and Oct. 24, 10 p.m.
A student reported their stolen personal items left on the first floor restroom of Hope Hall. While the case was active in investigation, the student did not wish to make further reports with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
OFFICE MANAGERS Christian Leonard Joel Ashor FACULTY ADVISER Michael Longinow The Chimes is published every other Thursday except during vacations and examination periods. The Chimes 13800 Biola Ave. La Mirada, CA 90639 Office: 562.903.4879 chimesnewspaper.com Advertising: chimes.business.manager@biola.edu
Editorials, columns and letters to the editor express the opinion of those signing and not necessarily that of the Chimes. The opinions expressed in the Chimes do not necessarily represent Biola University, nor are they endorsed by the university.
NEWS
OCTOBER 31, 2019
3
Student workers given new jobs after grounds crew gets outsourced Grounds crew will be handled by a company named BrightView, moving student workers throughout Facilities Management. By Lacey Patrick chimes.copy.editor@biola.edu
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t 6 a.m., as the sun rose, senior business major Harrison Langer would begin his day as a grounds crew worker. Most mornings he would lug around a heavy leaf blower to clean the campus of debris. Other days, he traded his leaf blower in for some pruning shears to trim trees. The day always ended with him emptying outdoor trash cans. Langer is one of six students who work for the grounds and landscaping crew—at least for now. A few weeks ago, Langer received a text message from his supervisor, notifying him that the grounds and landscaping crew was being cut by the end of the month due to outsourcing. “I was notified by my supervisor via text that there would be changes coming to how grounds was done at Biola,” Langer said in an email. “I was eventually let know that student workers would officially be cut from grounds in a group text.” Effective Nov. 1, Biola will relinquish landscaping responsibilities to BrightView, a company with 80 years of experience in commercial landscaping. Seven full-time staff
members of the grounds crew, along with six student workers, lost their jobs due to this decision. However, BrightView offered all seven staff members jobs at their current pay rates and will continue to work on Biola’s campus, according to Associate Vice President of Facility and Auxiliary Operations Brian Phillips. “This decision was very difficult. It was made with a great amount of prayer and consideration over many months,” Phillips said via email. “Our grounds crew are highly respected members of the Biola community who have worked hard to make our campus a beautiful place. This decision is in no way a reflection of their work or performance.” Student workers were offered a variety of jobs on campus in either custodial, construction or maintenance with accommodations to their current schedules and pay rates. Biblical and theological studies major Timothy Seminoff, who is among the affected student workers, explained that though the cut came quickly, Biola helped him find a new job just as fast. For Seminoff and Langer, the decision to outsource is an honorable one, since Biola not only kept the student dollar in mind,
Our grounds crew are highly respected members of the Biola community who make our campus a beautiful place.” -Brian Phillips, associate vice president of facility and auxiliary operations
Haven Luper-Jasso| THE CHIMES
HARD WORK: Senior liberal arts major Austin Gewecke has been offered a new job by Biola. but also compensated those who lost jobs with new ones. “I personally do not mind Biola’s decision to cut groundskeepers. It is crucial for a small school like Biola to save money and use income wisely,” Langer said. “If outsourcing does that well and efficiently
Haven Luper-Jasso| THE CHIMES
CLOSING SHIFT: Sophomore kinesiology major Evan Peters works a morning shift with a leaf blower‑-a shift he will not have for long.
[then] I agree with the decision.” This is not the first time Biola has outsourced work to outside companies. Bon Appetit, the university’s food service provider, has been working with Biola for decades. Phillips explained that outsourcing is a way to accomodate the university’s declining enrollment rate. “We are always looking for ways to reduce and control costs, knowing that increases in operational expenses have a direct impact on student tuition,” Phillips said. “In recent years, declining enrollment has resulted in budget reductions and most of the reductions in Facilities Management have been met through reductions in staff.” Phillips assured that there are no further plans to outsource within the facilities department, however, the fate of other departments was not mentioned. Vice President of Business and Financial Affairs Michael Pierce, who sent out the original email regarding the decision to outsource, expressed his gratitude to the grounds crew, ensuring that they will continue to be a part of Biola’s future. “I want to personally express appreciation for the work of the grounds team and their contribution to the Biola community,” Pierce said via email. “Their contribution will not cease. They will continue to serve the university and continue to be part of the Biola community.”
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NEWS
OCTOBER 31, 2019
Bardwell Hall remodel will provide a new environment for art students The art department will move into its newly renovated home in Fall 2020.
Biola| Courtesy
ARTISTIC FUTURE: The old science building, Bardwell Hall, is going through the remodeling process as it lands a new purpose as the main building for Biola’s Department of Art. By Lacey Patrick chimes.copy.editor@biola.edu
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ardwell Hall was once full of chemistry labs, microscopes and cadavers, up until the sciences moved to the Alton and Lydia Lim Center for Science, Technology and Health in 2018. As of Oct. 21, renovations on the 60-year-old building will transform it into the art department’s new home. Both the inside and outside appearance will change drastically. The inside will be completed with studios, art galleries, of-
fices and computer labs. The remodel of Bardwell Hall and the Bradley Annex will be finished by Fall 2020. Before the remodel, the art department was scattered throughout campus in buildings that stifled the energy needed to produce quality art. Along with those buildings, Bardwell emulated this same type of energy, according to senior studio art major Addison Llanos. Both Bardwell and previous art buildings were riddled with outdated accents and noticeable aging. “While we have made the best of what we have, I think that the facilities we have are not con-
ducive to creativity,” Llanos said. “This remodel will provide ample space for studio work, as well as consolidating the multiple buildings we currently have into one.” After the renovation, the main entrance will house a student art gallery, giving students the opportunity to showcase their talent to all who enter. The ceilings will be vaulted, and the interior will be tastefully modern. The many studios that will fill the building are: a painting studio, drawing studio, photo lighting studio, interdisciplinary studio and a new media studio. There are also plans for outdoor amenities such as
Bree Mays| The Chimes
BREAKING GROUND: Construction will begin soon on Bardwell Hall, giving art majors a new home to express themselves creatively.
a screened outdoor art yard, rooftop terrace and an outdoor exhibition and teaching space, making Bardwell an oasis for art majors and enthusiasts. According to Brian Phillips, associate vice president of facility and auxiliary operations, the funding for renovations will not come from student tuition, but rather from the quasi-endowment and university’s budget surplus. The quasi-endowment is the university’s savings account. For sophomore studio art major Julia Foxworth, the remodel will not only be extremely beneficial for current students, but will also make the arts program more interesting to prospective students. To her, the remodel reflects how the university feels about the arts and the effort they are making to prioritize art majors. “I think it’s so refreshing to see a university not only take artistic endeavors seriously, but to give it a professional space in the center of campus,” Foxworth said in an email. “It’s comforting to know I attend a school that doesn’t overlook creative majors.” Along with Foxworth, junior design major Piper Manthei also feels this remodel gives the arts more recognition, showing her that Biola cares just as much for their art students as they do for other majors. “I think it’s time schools start noticing and putting money into their art departments equal to their science and sports, as we’re usually lost into the crowd,” she said in an email. “I’m proud of Biola for breaking down that wall.” Students are not the only ones who are excited for the new and improved Bardwell Hall, as Phillips also expressed how eager he is to see the effects the remodel will make at Biola. “We are excited to see how the art department will enrich an area of campus that is already such an active student hub,” he said.
NEWS
OCTOBER 31, 2019
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Marlena Lang|THE CHIMES
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: SGA’s Vice president of finance, human resources and technology Thomas Burgess had to figure out what happened to SGA’s missing scholarship funds. .
SGA’s budget undergoes cuts due to internal miscommunication
Misplaced scholarship funds cost roughly $10,000 from their contingency. By Maria Weyne maria.l.weyne@biola.edu
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s senators prepared to begin voting during last week’s Student Government Association senate meeting, vice president of finance, human resources and technology Thomas Burgess announced a massive cut to their contingency funds. According to Burgess, last year’s SGA approved funding for 12 $1,000 scholarships, but because of a miscommunication, that money never got to Financial Aid. Contingency funds are made up of any leftover money from the previous year’s budget, which is used to fund proposals. According to Burgess, when SGA agreed to fund the scholarships last year, the money was meant to be moved from their contingency over the summer. However, because SGA staff does not work during summer, then-SGA advisor Laura Ig-
ram was responsible for filling out a journal voucher for the scholarships. Before she got the voucher approved, she was told by accounting that the money had already been sent over, so she canceled the transaction. Accounting declined to comment based on privacy concerns related to journal vouchers, while Financial Aid and Igram did not respond to request for comment. During the week of Oct. 14, Burgess received an email detailing what had happened. With the original amount of contingency sitting at $30,000, the $12,000 in scholarships SGA had committed would take out almost half of their budget, leaving senators with only $18,000 to begin the year. This reduced budget was the driving force behind the previous SGA’s recommendation to raise the student fee. Despite that recommendation, SGA’s executive board decided earlier this year not to raise the student fee, believing that student affordability was more important than SGA’s budget. At that time, SGA was unaware of the scholarship funding miscommunication and did not know its budget would be reduced so drastically. Some of the scholarship recipients did not return to Biola this semester, so Financial Aid only requested $10,000 be paid back to them. By the time SGA was notified of the reduction, it had al-
ready spent around $4,000 of its budget on proposals, leaving the contingency at roughly $16,000 as of last week. Burgess said he believes that having less money will make senators think more critically about how they connect with students, as a constrained budget means they cannot rely solely on passing proposals. “Part of senate’s role has been to spend contingency,” Burgess said. “That is not the reality we’re in anymore, there’s not going to be that much for them to spend, so they need to consider how to best spend their time. Contingency should have been an afterthought and it had kind of become the forefront of their position. But they should be
focusing on advocating for students.” SGA president Renee Waller believes that this situation will help senators learn how to be more creative with their money. Standing by her campaign’s slogan, Waller wants senators to help students pursue their passion, even if that means they are not being helped monetarily. “I see this as an open door to new initiatives and a new image for our student government,” she said. “It’s very easy to get stuck in this routine of giving out money, and feeling like that’s how you’re serving students. When in reality, that should just be the bare basic of what we do. We should be doing a lot more tangible service.”
It’s very easy to get stuck in this routine of giving out money...We should be doing a lot more tangible service.” - Renee Waller, SGA president
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A&E
OCTOBER 31, 2019
Former Indonesian pop star moonwalks for missions Gavin Susantio now focuses on philosophy, apologetics and connecting with local Muslims.
By Brittany Ung chimes.news.editor@biola.edu
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unior philosophy major Gavin Susantio won hearts at this year’s Punk ‘n’ Pie, where he moonwalked his way through a smattering of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits, from “Thriller” to “Billie Jean.” Before taking the stage at Punk ‘n’ Pie, Susantio danced for a small talent show by Global Student Programs & Development last Valentine’s Day. Before that, for an audience of thousands on New Year’s Eve in Indonesia. Only a few years ago, Susantio was a pop sensation in Indonesia, touring the country as a singer and dancer. What viewers saw at Punk ‘n’ Pie was 10 years in the making, as Susantio’s music career was sparked by a young Susantio’s admiration for Michael Jackson’s trailblazing dance moves. Jackson’s death in 2009 prompted widespread media coverage of the singer in Indonesia. Susantio was 10-years-old when he watched a video of Jackson’s first moonwalk. “It was just three little steps, one, two, three and then he stopped. But I was like, ‘That’s magic and I want to do that,’” he recalled. Susantio became obsessed with learning to dance like Jackson, copying YouTube videos and television coverage. Eventually, his parents hired him a dance teacher, who taught him to replicate Michael Jackson’s choreography. That’s why his performance at Punk ‘n’ Pie came so naturally—Susantio knows all of Jackson’s iconic moves by heart. “I wasn’t trained to be professional, I was trained to memorize Michael Jackson’s iconic moves,” he said. In December of that year, Susantio asked for a stage for his birthday, where he could showcase his newfound talent. His mother, a fashion designer, brought some of her friends in the entertainment industry to her son’s party. They saw Susantio performing and only a few weeks later he made his first TV appearance. From there, Gavin Susantio became Gavin Jackson and then Gavin MJ, Indonesia’s mini Michael Jackson impersonator. He picked up Twitter followers and Facebook fans as he toured the country, capitalizing on the K-Pop and Justin Bieber craze of the early 2010s. As part of that image, he learned to sing and expanded his dance repertoire beyond a reproduction of Jackson’s choreography, picking up other dance styles like
Marlena Lang|THE CHIMES
GAVIN MJ: Susantio won first place at Punk ‘n’ Pie with his spot-on Jackson impression.
God, you’ve given me all these opportunities to help others, and I’ll do it.” -Gavin Susantio, junior philosophy major
hip-hop, L.A. style and pop-and-lock. Susantio lived the typical pop sensation life. He went to meet and greets, signed autographs and came home from school to find reporters at his house, asking him for an exclusive look at his wardrobe. During that time, an average week for Susantio consisted of school, performances and meet-and-greets. During weekends, he danced on either of Indonesia’s two largest morning shows—all before the age of 15. “It’s fun. It’s exhausting too, very exhausting. It’s exhausting not because it’s pressuring me, it’s more exhausting because it’s a lot of work,” he said. “Literally, I was just a kid. I was a kid in the studio [until] 3 a.m.” And then he quit to focus on his education. He saw friends in the music or acting industry getting caught up in their careers and neglecting their schooling. Upon starting high school, he started questioning the life of hedonism and stardom, seeking answers that his schooling couldn’t supply. This prompted him to read books on philosophy and epistemology—what is the truth and how do we find it? By touring different islands he was exposed to a diversity of religious beliefs: Hinduism, Islam, Catholicism. “I was struggling with my own faith like, ‘Which one is the true religion?’And, of course, people in the music industry don’t have answers to that,” he said. “They just say, ‘Oh I’m a Muslim because my parents are Muslim.’” After about five years of searching, Susantio became a Christian, won over from a Muslim upbringing by the faith that satisfied his desire for biblical Christianity over a hedonistic lifestyle. It’s been about five years since Susantio left the music industry. He says he misses the opportunities that lifestyle brought to inspire others. When he was still in the industry, Susantio went island-hopping to teach and play music for children. “God, you’ve given me all this wealth and all these opportunities to help others, and I’ll do it. I’ll do it for you,” he said. “So that’s what I miss, getting the chance to help others.” Susantio wasn’t only inspired by Michael Jackson’s music or choreography. He recognized the singer’s desire to reach out to the broken and needy parts of the world. “He’s one of the most charitable artists literally in the history of music,” Susantio said. “He would do a world tour and then give it all away.” At Biola, Susantio isn’t known for being a pop sensation. He doesn’t see his name on motorcycles or get swamped by paparazzi—before Friday night, few even knew he could dance. And he likes it that way. It means he can be known as a brother in Christ before all else. “That’s why nobody knows that I even do a little bit of dancing,” he said. “They know me as this Biola student who loves Muslims, who loves apologetics and that’s it.”
A&E 7
OCTOBER 31, 2019
Theatre 21 shoots for the stars with “Silent Sky” Take a sneak peek at Theatre 21’s upcoming fall production.
By Lauren McBride lauren.g.mcbride@biola.edu
T
hemes of female empowerment and astronomical brilliance saturate Theatre 21’s production of “Silent Sky.” From its compelling storyline to its experimental setup, audiences can expect a thoughtful, entertaining production. Similar to “Metamorphoses,” which was Theatre 21’s 2018 production, the play features a stage specifically designed for its storyline. With the stage set in the middle of an alleyway-like configuration, the audience will be able to sit on either side of the stage rather than the traditional stage-to-audience seating, allowing them to see different perspectives of the story. Director and assistant professor of theatre Zachary Bortot explained that the arrangement has been challenging since they need to block strategically, but both he and the cast have been willing to adapt to these challenges. “You could come see the show a couple times and sit in different spaces, sit on different sides, and you’re going to get a little bit of a dif-
ferent story each time,” Bortot said. With visiting assistant professor of communication studies Andrew Cole as technical director, Theatre 21 has the opportunity to experiment with new techniques, including the unconventional setup. The show will also present lights, projections and additional effects that have not been used in the theater before, providing the audience with an entirely new experience. “Silent Sky” features one of Theatre 21’s smallest casts, though not as small as last semester’s three-person production of “Eleemosynary.” The tiny cast of only five students adds a layer of intimacy to the production, as the entire group agrees that the small size leads to good chemistry, close relationships and treasured memories. Freshman theatre major Allyson Hoy, who portrays Williamina Fleming, especially appreciates the depth that comes from the small cast size. “That’s a reason why I love small casts because it’s so much more intimate,” Hoy said. “With a show like this, I really feel like the characters need to have chemistry with each other. They need to know each other inside and out.” From learning dialect changes to portraying different, more mature characters, each cast member faces a distinct challenge. The cast hopes that audiences
I hope the audience walks away knowing they’re a part of something bigger.” -Hannah Hines, junior theatre major will walk away from “Silent Sky” with a lesson from the story and a deeper appreciation for theatre. Their desire is to invoke laughter, tears and a thirst for more stories like these, with an uplifting message of perseverance and high aspirations. Junior theatre major Hannah Hines, who portrays Henrietta Leavitt, hopes the audience walks away encouraged and inspired. “I think one of the biggest things Henrietta learns is that she’s a part of something bigger, and so I hope the audience walks away knowing they’re a part of something bigger,” Hines said. Senior psychology major Madison Britton, who is the production stage manager, is excited to collaborate with Bortot in bringing “Silent Sky” to Biola, promising a well-written story, a relatable message and something for everyone to enjoy. The true story of Henrietta
Leavitt, an astronomer who fought to have her work recognized at Harvard Observatory, is one that demonstrates the power of redemption and hope. Bortot’s takeaways from the show include remembering that God is good in the midst of trials, learning to live in the moment and appreciating the opportunity to work with an incredible cast and crew. He said the main point of the show is summarized in a snippet from Henrietta’s lines. “I used to think that to be truly alive I needed answers. I needed to know, but all this does not, in fact, need to be known, does it? We do. Because the real point is seeing something bigger and knowing we’re a small part of it if we’re lucky. In the end, that is a life well-lived.” Ticket prices for “Silent Sky” start at $8 and can be purchased online. The show will run until Sunday, Nov. 17.
Marlena Lang|THE CHIMES
FEMALE FEROCITY: [Left to right] Freshman theatre major Allyson Hoy, junior theatre major Hannah Hines and senior theatre major Lexi Pasch rehearse for “Silent Sky.”
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OPINIONS
PRO
OCTOBER 31, 2019
President Trump’s foreign policy is effective
The president’s foreign policy has created a safer world.
Wikimedia Commons| Courtesy
AFFAIRS ABROAD: Trump meets with Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan at the G20 summit in Osaka, Japan to discuss economics. By Hannah Dilanchyan hannah.o.dilanchyan@biola.edu
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ollowed by American K-9 units and U.S. Special Forces, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi fled into a tunnel hidden within a compound in Northern Syria during a nighttime raid on Oct. 26. With the Special Forces following closely behind the K-9 Unit, the ISIS leader had nowhere to run. Instead of choosing to turn himself in, al-Baghdadi, who had a $25 million bounty on his head, activated the suicide vest he wore, killing himself as well as three of his young children, according to Fox News. Al-Baghdadi’s remains were buried at sea and his reign of
terror faded. The operation was led by the Special Forces and was named after Kayla Mueller, a young Christian American who was kidnapped, raped and killed by al-Baghdadi and others. Since 2010, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi led ISIS in Syria. With his recent death, ISIS spokesperson Abu al-Hassan al-Muhajir was rumored to replace him. However, al-Muhajir was killed by U.S. Special Forces on Oct. 28, two days subsequent to al-Baghdadi’s suicide. With the bravery of the Special Forces and President Donald Trump’s leadership, this decision revealed how Trump governs America with attention to efforts abroad that not only protect America, but all those impacted by ISIS. This is the latest display of Trump’s leadership, especially in regard to foreign policy and putting safety above all. In his foreign policy address in
2016, prior to his presidency, Trump claimed he would create a policy which “replaces randomness with purpose, ideology with strategy, and chaos with peace.” In three short years, Trump has completed what he has promised. The president’s foreign policy has focused on maintaining a safe and secure nation, as well as fighting terrorism and seeking peace across the globe. His “America First” policy prioritizes the U.S. above other nations in trade, safety and aid. This is his duty as president: to serve and protect the American people. Regarding foreign policy, the White House states that the president is “leading a coalition of strong and independent nations to promote security, prosperity and peace both within America’s borders and beyond.” The White House says the president wants to help nations find their right “to de-
termine their own futures.” During the State of the Union address in February 2019, Trump touched on U.S. relations with various countries and revealed how his administration completed many tasks. Take North Korea, for example. The landmark summit with Kim Jong Un, Supreme Leader of North Korea, marked a pivotal moment in the world’s history. According to Reuters, the second summit did not end as well as it could have. North Korea requested that the U.S. remove sanctions, but Trump refused. Because of this, there was no nuclear arms deal. Regardless of the failure to reach a new deal, it led to a meeting that helped begin “an era of peace” for South Korea. The Associated Press reported that the hostility between South Korea and North Korea ended after the spontaneous third meeting between the U.S. and North Korea at the Korean border. President Moon Jae-in of South Korea said this has the potential to begin “an era of peace” between the two rival nations who have been at war since 1950. While some called Trump’s meeting with North Korea a failure because they could not reach a nuclear arms deal, others see how he contributed to the reconciliation between two neighboring countries. Another example of the president’s effective policy is with China. Throughout his term, the president has been working with China to create new trade deals that could benefit both nations, but particularly American farmers, according to Fox News. This week in the stock market, various markets in Asia grew in hopes of a deal being reached between the two countries. Not only has the beginning of this trade deal given China a better economy, but Wall Street has also been growing as well, according to stock market reports. This is a prime example of how the president’s foreign affairs have given America and beyond more economic prosperity. As early as last week in a controversial action, the president ordered the removal of U.S. soldiers from Syria. This action caused severe, bipartisan backlash from members of Congress. However, the president kept his word in bringing American soldiers home from wars that are nearly over. Soon after, Turkey attacked the Kurds, resulting in the deaths of many Kurds. Turkey and the Kurdish people have been in conflict for decades. Many blame the president’s actions for the attack from Turkey, but the president worked to restore peace in that region, resulting in an agreed ceasefire. Turkey, a key allied nation in the conflict, has tremendous power in the region. It is not easy or simple to deal with countries like Turkey. Foreign policy is one of the most complicated tasks that the government faces. Not only is the U.S. government trying to help struggling nations and protect the weak, but they are also trying to find innovative ways to grow more competitive and strong as a nation. While Trump’s actions may often seem harsh, they are for the benefit of the country and the world as a whole.
OPINIONS
OCTOBER 31, 2019
Trump’s foreign policy has more losses than wins
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CON
Trump’s foreign policy has been ineffective. By Marc DeJager marc.dejager@biola.edu
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veryone entering national politics inevitably has a plan to fix foreign policy for good, and everyone inevitably either gives up or fails to achieve their goals. Foreign policy is as complex as it is fun to talk about, and every sitting president has left his mark on America’s policy decisions. Some have records that are certainly praiseworthy. Then-President Dwight Eisenhower helped win the Second World War and helped broker a global peace that has lasted over 70 years. However, not all presidents have been successful in handling America’s relations with other countries. President Donald Trump may not have the worst foreign policy record, but it is certainly not the best, or even in the upper half of presidents before him. Trump’s foreign policy approach is characterized by aggression and shows of force, which have more often than not been either ineffective or detrimental to America’s interests abroad. North Korea has posed a significant threat ever since its establishment at the end of the Korean War, according to the Council on Foreign Nations. Trump entered this delicate situation with his typical reckless brashness, saying in an interview with the UK Financial Times, “If China is not going to solve North Korea, we will. That is all I am telling you.” Trump continued in this manner, using aggressive policies and harsh rhetoric whenever possible in his dealings with North Korea. In his first speech to the United Nations as president, Trump said that the U.S. would “totally destroy” North Korea if it proved to be threatening. This was in the wake of a missile test from North Korea passing over Japan to land in the Pacific Ocean, a direct violation of multiple cease-fire agreements. Trump promised a denuclearization of North Korea in the short term, and possibly even a deconstruction of the state in the long term, but has thus far delivered no results in either field. Trump’s aggressive approach has accomplished no more than then-President Barack Obama’s gentle approach, so we must call this a loss for Trump’s foreign policy record. The Middle East has been a global hotspot for violence and political interest for centuries. There are numerous reasons for this: arbitrary nation borders were drawn without regard for ethnic or cultural groups, religious wars, oil or foreign meddling, all merits of these explanatory factors. Regardless of the cause, a keystone of any American president’s foreign policy is how they choose to deal with the constant conflict in the region. Trump’s decisions, especially regarding Syria, have been less than ideal. In April of 2017, in response to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad using chemical weapons to gas his own people, Trump authorized targeted missile strikes against military bases where the chemical weapons were believed to be
Wikimedia Commons| Courtesy
UNSUCCESSFUL SUMMIT: President Trump’s aggressive approach to foreign policy did not result in positive relations with North Korea. stored.Trump also green-lit more strikes in 2018, with much the same result. However, nothing has changed in the region. Assad is still in power, Russia is still meddling and the Kurds were still massacred. There is a similar problem here to the situation in North Korea. Trump’s aggressive tactics may look flashy and may create plenty of material for late-night talk shows, but they accomplish nothing more than inaction would have. Conservatives typically take a more isolationist approach to foreign policy, preferring to leave other countries alone and be left alone in return. This may have been a viable approach in the past, and it certainly still is at times, but in the modern age this strate-
gy is becoming increasingly outdated. In this day and age the world is getting smaller and smaller, and every country—especially the powerful ones—has an important responsibility to pay attention to its neighbors. Historically, the U.S. has spent far more on military spending than any other nation. This is not because the U.S. likes wars, it is because they prioritize the extra expenditure on defense so that other countries do not have to. This arrangement has worked out very well for the last 70 years or so, and there has not yet any good reason to change it. President Trump has spoken out many times against high U.N. spending, as well as high NATO involvement. This may seem like simple rhetoric, but it
sets a dangerous precedent. The U.S. has the power and resources to help and to imply that we should only consider ourselves and our needs is the worst kind of foreign policy. Isolationism stunts economic growth, inhibits cultural progress and fosters nationalistic fervor. Trump’s foreign policy has been characterized by populism and aggressive tactics. Spokespeople from the Trump administration would say that Trump’s significant efforts are reason enough to support his positions. Unfortunately, it does not matter what a politician meant to accomplish. All we should care about is what they actually did. When it comes to foreign policy, Trump lives up to his reputation: a lot of hot air and very little smart policy.
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 31, 2019
Women’s basketball hopes unity brings success The Eagles drive home faith in action as the basis for their upcoming season.
File|THE CHIMES
ALL FOR ONE: The women’s basketball team comes together for one common goal, winning the 2019-20 NCAA DII PacWest championship. By Andi Basista chimes.sports.editor@biola.edu
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hillipians 2:2 says, “Complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind and purpose.” Head coach Alan Nakamura is forming his team’s structure around this verse and being one in the same heart. Every year, Nakamura continues to tailor his Eagles around staying biblically focused. “Our main goal for this year is to build team unity, to be one team together,” Nakamura said. “Our goal is to take a group of individuals and help them have love and care for each other, and really commit to playing.” That message resonates with his players. They understand that unity is necessary to be a championship-contending team. “Changing our mindset was the first step,” said senior guard Jelissa Puckett via email. “Staying mentally strong and together is what’s going to get us there. Usually with girls’ sports teams there is drama and ‘he said, she said,’ but we don’t
have any of that. Sometimes we go at it in practice but afterwards we are a family. It’s like I have 13 adoptive little sisters.” Integrating faith into the athlete’s work has given the women an opportunity to bond as a sisterhood in both athletics and as siblings in Christ. “We always have each other’s backs and hang out off the court. It is like no other team I have been a part of,” sophomore guard Aysia Johnson said. Women’s basketball disappointed last year, rounding out the 2018-19 season at 11-17 overall and 9-13 in the PacWest conference. But the 2019-20 season is right around the corner. Their first game is against California State University, Los Angeles on Nov. 8 and the Eagles are healthy and strong. Women’s basketball lost only two seniors, forward Sara Dougan and forward Jessica Shill. Coming into the season, they gained four freshmen, guard Stephanie Lee, forward Madi Chang, forward Jordan Rabe and forward Jaden Randell. The Eagles also replaced two of the old coaching staff with two new assistant head coaches, Ciara Iglehart and Sabrina White. “Our new assistant coaches have added a lot of love and passion, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience to our staff,” Nakamura expressed. “I think
We have each other’s backs and hang out off the court.” -Aysia Johnson, sophomore guard
our players have really appreciated and benefit to their contribution. We have, I believe, the best group of assistant coaches in the conference and beyond.
I am thankful for the talents and personalities that they bring to our team.” The dynamic duo of assistant coaches brings a headstrong force to the team. The standard of excellence upheld by the coaching staff is not an easy task, and the Eagles face a healthy amount of grit from their extended coaching staff. Having leaders who are intensely passionate with a deep love of the game is highly beneficial in seeking to perfect play. “They yell...a lot and get on us. But it’s out of love and you can feel it,” Puckett said. “They’re tough. They challenge us and push us everyday, on and off the court. They are really set on making us better people and better leaders in things outside of basketball.” The Eagles have a newD1 transfer, Jana Thomas-Reid from the University of New Orleans. Her energetic play is helping to set the pace for the rest of the squad. “We have a versatile team,” Nakamura said. “We added some height and physicality, so we feel we can play multiple styles, whatever will work best for that game. We have recruited intentionally to develop a really versatile team.” Biola has collectively decided to strive for a PacWest Championship. The bar is set high for the Lady Eagles, but Nakamura has put his team in the best position possible with his loving, faith-filled coaching staff and determined athletes. The team’s quote is a motto that is meant to inspire and direct throughout the year, starting now, “receive and give like a champion.”
File|THE CHIMES
POWER IN THE PAINT: Sophomore guard Danita Estorga drives into the paint for two.
SPORTS 11
OCTOBER 31, 2019
Senior nursing majors trade jerseys for scrubs Varsity athletes reflect on juggling nursing school with DII competition.
Andres Ramirez |THE CHIMES
CONCRETE KILLER: Senior outside hitter Becca Branch spikes the ball forcefully over the net for one of many kills she’s had this season. By Ashley Grams ashley.g.grams@biola.edu
I
t takes many months to form a single habit. Perfecting a craft takes years. Nursing students accrue thousands of hours within the walls of hospitals and classes. Athletes also find themselves consumed with long days between early morning practices, weight training and late night games. Among others, seniors Madyson Brown, Becca Branch and Annmarie Alvarez have accomplished the daunting task of juggling being a nursing student-athlete. These women will graduate with nursing degrees after playing for various athletic teams at the NCAA DII level. Each of their journeys are different, as the balancing act of school and sport is unique to each athlete. After starting at center back for three years, Madyson Brown, a decorated soccer player, was forced to redshirt her senior year to leave room for time-consuming clinicals. She found herself in an entirely new position. However, Brown discovered she had the opportunity to lead and encourage her teammates from the bench. “[Senior year] was the most demanding for nursing. I would have missed so many games because I can’t miss nursing,” Brown said. “[My coach] let me redshirt and I basically just cheered on the team for a year. Then this last semester is very low-key compared to the other ones, so it’s allowing me to really shift my focus back to soccer.”
Brown is not the only player to take time away from her team in order to earn her nursing degree. Becca Branch, an outside hitter for the volleyball team, played her freshman season and then took three years off before rejoining the team for her senior season. “I was really burnt out, so stepping away from volleyball allowed me to find my identity outside of athletics and have the college experience,” Branch said. “I was able to focus on my friends, school and my job.” Both Brown and Branch expressed how they gained a more holistic view of the sport they love through their time off. “God gave me an option [to play again] and I feel like he said if you’re going to do it, do it well,” Branch said. “I feel settled in my life and secure so now I can love on my teammates and that love is contagious.” Communication, understanding and and sacrifice all play an integral role when balancing these two aspects of their lives. Each student-athlete spoke of the constant communication required with both their coaches and their nursing professors. As nursing and athletics are both very time consuming, the women came to the realization that they had to make hard decisions each week about what aspect was more pressing. “I think I’ve learned a new gift in community and my teammates and allowing my teammates to help uplift me in my weaknesses,” Annmarie Alvarez said, forward for the women’s soccer team. “It is definitely not easy. My team
pushes me to keep going and my coach does as well. I wouldn’t be here without my coach.” Each woman has relied heavily on God during emotionally and spiritually taxing seasons. Often times they have struggled to find rest between practices, clinicals and classes. This took time away from their families, friends and the typical college experience. Trust-
ing that God ordained this call on their lives was a way to find solace amid chronic busyness. “It’s difficult to spend time with the Lord at the end of the day or the beginning of the day, but it was always the thing that changes my day and renews my mindset,” Brown said. “On my drive to Newport Beach at five in the morning, I listen to a little bit of a podcast or an e-book, a Christian one, and then I listen to worship music. Before the day it always helps me get in the mindset of, ‘give me strength.’” For Brown, professional soccer has been a recurring goal throughout her life. She is working alongside her coach to attend recruiting combines and contact professional clubs overseas to pursue her dreams. “I’m having a continual conversation with my coach about how to [play professionally]. I signed up for a professional combine. Coaches come from Norway, Sweden, Iceland and then there are agents that come. If they like what they see I can connect with one and hopefully I can sign with a team,” Brown said. Other student-athletes, like Branch, hope to get a job in the hospital after graduation. But none of the athletes want to give up their passion for sports. Branch has had the opportunity to coach youth volleyball in the past and will continue to do so after her time at Biola. Coaching provides a way to stay involved with the sport they love without the physically taxing effects of playing the game. Anyone who can work a 12-hour shift in the hospital, only to arrive back on campus just in time for an NCAA match displays an incredible amount of grit and strength. Each woman persevered through extensive time commitments with communication, vulnerability and outside support.
Marlena Lang |THE CHIMES
TURF DEFENDER: Senior center back Madyson Brown keeps her eyes downfield at home.
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SPORTS
OCTOBER 31, 2019
PacWest Winning Streak
Women’s soccer has won eight games in a row in the PacWest conference. The Eagles look to extend the streak against Chaminade University at home on Oct. 31 at 4 p.m. Read full coverage of all Eagles’ games at chimesnewspaper.com/sports.
Marlena Lang|THE CHIMES
NEWS
A&E
OPINIONS
SPORTS
WEB
Bardwell Remodel Biola art students find a new home in the old science building. // 4
Shoot for the stars Catch a glimpse of Theatre 21’s fall production of “Silent Sky.” // 7
Trump’s Foreign Policy Debate Are Trump’s policies effectively serving the U.S. and other nations in foreign affairs? // 8, 9
Senior Eagles tackle clincials and D2 competition How do senior nursing athletes manage to find time for classes, clinicals and games? // 11
Fires rage in Los Angeles Los Angeles and Ventura counties under an extreme red flag warning. Read more at chimesnewspaper. com/news.
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