CHIMESNEWSPAPER.COM
VOLUME 84, ISSUE 5
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
CHIMES
THE BIOLA UNIVERSITY
Purple Heart Hero
Senior biblical and theological studies major Kevin Gallmeier is a combat veteran who received a Purple Heart four years ago. Now, he’s set to graduate and is preparing for a career in ministry. Read more about his journey on Page 3.
Thecla Li|THE CHIMES
NEWS
A&E
OPINIONS
SPORTS
WEB
SCORR Once More SGA passes SCORR after a month of back-and-forth deliberation. // 5
Torrey Theatre takes on “Henry V” Learn more about the completely student-run production of “Henry V.” // 7
Enneagram Test Debate Is the enneagram test used constructively by young adults in Christian communities?// 8, 9
Men’s cross country heads to NCAA DII National Championship Follow the the team’s journey as they prepare for the national championship race. // 11
Journalism and Public Relations split They will launch into two separate departments in Fall 2020. Read more at chimesnewspaper. com/news.
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NOVEMBER 14, 2019
UPCOMING EVENTS:
BIOLA.EDU | Courtesy
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November 14-17 “Silent Sky”
November 16 Symphonic Winds Concert
November 20 Student Leadership Fair
Theatre 21’s first fall production follows Henrietta Leavitt, a woman working at the Harvard Observatory in the 1900s. Prohibited from using the telescope, she charts the stars with other women as they traverse social and scientific progress. Tickets are available for purchase online.
This fall concert features a classically arranged concert from woodwind, brass and percussion instruments. The concert will be held in the Crowell Music Building at 7:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online.
CRIME LOG Petty Theft — Hope Hall Reported Nov. 7, 7:15 p.m., occurred between Nov. 1, 7 p.m. and Nov. 2, 11:50 a.m.
OCTOBER 31 – NOVEMBER 14
Trespassing — Horton Way Reported Nov. 10, 4:27 p.m.
A student reported a locked bike taken from the Hope Hall bicycle rack. The investigation is active and has been reported to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department.
A student reported a suspicious person in the pathway between Horton Hall and Emerson Hall. Officers made contact with the individual and determined that the person had no reason to be on campus. The officers gave the individual a trespass warning and escorted them off campus.
Disturbing the Peace — Hope Hall Reported Nov. 10, 12:19 a.m.
Trespassing — Health Center Reported Nov. 11, 10:41 a.m.
A student reported students playing basketball after hours. The basketball players left prior to the officers’ arrival.
A health center staff member reported an individual inside the health center. The individual was a friend of a Biola student. Due to the circumstances around the person being on campus, the individual was given a trespass advisement and told to leave campus.
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
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., various student leadership outlets like SEID, ResLife and Chapel Programs, among others, will be outside the SUB to introduce students to the different opportunities on campus.
COPY EDITORS Victoria Chiang Lacey Patrick BUSINESS MANAGER Kaylyn Schull
Petty Theft — Rosecrans Apartments Reported Nov. 11, 6:42 p.m., occurred between Nov. 8, 12 p.m. and Nov. 11, 10 a.m. A student reported a locked bike taken from the bicycle rack. The investigation is active but the student declined to make a report with LASD.
Vandalism — Tennis Courts Reported Nov. 11, 8:47 p.m., occurred prior
A staff member reported holes found in the tennis court’s netting. The investigation is active. The incident was not reported to LASD but was referred to Facilities Management for repair.
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
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
From leading troops to leading Christians
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Kevin Gallmeier, a theology student and Purple Heart recipient, now pursues a future in ministry and leadership. By Lacey Patrick chimes.copy.editor@biola.edu
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evin Gallmeier was clearing out a building in Iraq alongside a fellow marine. Enemies were close at hand, when suddenly a grenade was thrown near the two soldiers. In an instant, Gallmeier grabbed his brother-in-arms and threw him over a couch, shielding his partner from the blast with the furniture and his own body. Gallmeier’s armor protected much of his own body, but he still sustained a hemorrhage in his right ear and traumatic brain injuries. Because of his bravery, not only was he able to save his friend’s life, he was also decorated with a Purple Heart. Gallmeier is a senior biblical and theological studies major who served the United States Marine Corps faithfully for 10 years and through four deployments, three of which were combat tours. When he was released from service, he entered into a different type of war—a war between post-traumatic stress disorder and re-entering society. Looking down sketchy roads and alleys reminded him of the roads in Iraq—roads laced with IEDs. He struggled going to the store due to large crowds. It was even difficult for him to join his wife and two kids at Disneyland because the swarms of people triggered anxiety. “I got to a point where I got so frustrated, I got so down. I felt alone, and I didn’t know what God wanted me to do,” he said. “I felt like I was blaming myself for things that happened over there, things I did.” Time went on, but the PTSD never subsided. The struggle became so severe that Gallmeier contemplated taking his own life. One day, he decided to do it—to finally end the war raging in his mind. But God had other plans for
Gallmeier. His story wasn’t over yet. “I felt a presence in the room that dropped a picture that was hanging in my room of my family. God was telling me, ‘You need to stay for them’ and I just felt this warm presence,” he said. “I heard a voice saying, ‘I need you here,’ and then that same night I had a dream of me not leading Marines anymore, but leading men and women to Christ.” This led Gallmeier to pursue a degree that would prepare him to become a chaplain for Veterans Affairs hospitals and clinics. He is currently working on his bachelor’s degree and has plans to work toward a master of divinity at the Talbot School of Theology. Through much healing and therapy, he has finally reached a point where he can talk about some of the trauma he endured during his time in the Marines. “I feel OK talking about it [now], and I think that’s God using me to get that message out to people that don’t understand what can cause a person to be how they are when they first get out [of the military],” he said. Since Gallmeier has seen so much and endured even more, he felt that the people around him didn’t understand. But he found a community of fellow veterans and professors at Biola that made him feel at home and helped him through difficult times. The Veteran Center for Military Affiliated Students, which opened in September, is one resource that Gallmeier, and many others, finds extremely impactful. It not only aids in connecting veterans, but also gives them an outlet to express themselves around those who understand them most. “There’s more opportunities for veterans here. Now we have a VA center, [and] I’m amongst my own people,” he said. “That’s why I want to continue with my master’s here. They work with us very well, and they have get-togethers and luncheons. Last week was a veterans chapel. I think it’s just a very
Thecla Li| THE CHIMES
REVERENT VETERAN: Gallmeier is pursuing a degree to become a chaplain for veterans.
I had a dream of me not leading Marines anymore, but leading men and women to Christ.” -Kevin Gallmeier, senior biblical and theological studies major
Kevin Gallmeier| Courtesy
SAVING SOULS: Gallmeier [second from left] in Iraq on his second deployment in 2007.
strong community for veterans.” Gallmeier isn’t the only student-veteran who has been impacted by these resources. Jennifer Alvarez, coordinator of commuter life and veteran programs, says most days the veteran center is packed to the brim. Plans are in the making to further expand the Veteran Center, according to Alvarez, in order to bet-
ter serve military-affiliated students. “They are an important and impactful part of our community and bring so much wisdom and life experience with them that benefits our school,” she said in an email. “They have served with honor and sacrificed much for this country, the least we can do is give them the support they need while they are at Biola.”
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NEWS
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Meet the Biola trustee entrenched in a massive public education battle Orange County Department of Education superintendent Al Mijares is currently in a legal standoff with his own department’s board due to disagreements over budget cuts. By Austin Green austin.m.green@biola.edu
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l Mijares, the superintendent of Orange County’s Department of Education and a longtime Biola trustee, is in a heated standoff with the Orange County Board of Education over proposed budget cuts for the 2019-20 school year. The deadlock has lasted over four months past the deadline to submit the department’s annual budget to the State of California. The state has called the deadlock “without precedent,” and is now threatening to take over the issue, after an October deadline to resolve the issue came and went, the Orange County Register reported. President Barry Corey said the school could not comment on specifics related to Mijares’ role as Orange County superintendent. However, Corey said Mijares had been reviewed and approved within the past year to confirm his position on the board. As part of the routine review process, the university confirmed Mijares’ alignment with Biola’s theological statements, which Corey described as “core conservative, theological, biblically-grounded statements” that every member of the governing board must adhere to. “His recent reaffirmation assures us that he believes that he continues to be aligned to the university’s mission and theological positions, and that’s what’s im-
portant for us and for our board to have that kind of assurance that he has attested to,” Corey said. Mijares has been a member of Biola’s Board of Trustees since 2007 and serves on its academic affairs committee. Over his decades-long career, Mijares has earned a reputation as a champion of liberal education initiatives and an opponent of charter schools and school choice activists. The stalemate started in late June when Orange County’s Education board voted 3-2 to cut nearly $173,000 of Mijares’ proposed $257 million budget for the upcoming academic year. The cuts effectively eliminate sections of the budget designated for use by Mijares’ office for travel, conference attendance and lobbying purposes. Orange County’s education department had until July 1 to submit its budget to the state for approval, according to the OC Register. However, Mijares refused to sign the amended budget. The state rejected the version of the budget with the cuts submitted by the board, as well as the full budget submitted by Mijares, on the grounds that the budget needed both parties’ approval. Since then, both Mijares and the board’s three-person conservative voting bloc that approved the cuts have hired attorneys and filed lawsuits against each other. They also took their debate to the press. Mijares and longtime board member Ken L. Williams, who helped spearhead the cuts, wrote
opposing editorials about the issue for the Register in August. In his Aug. 6 op-ed, Williams stressed that the cuts “do not touch spending that affects the quality of education, such as teacher compensation or school funding.” Rather, he claimed the cuts were solely in response to what he described as Mijares’ improper use of those funds. Williams said Mijares’ office spent over $150,000 to lobby for Assembly Bill 1505 during the 201819 school year. This went against the board’s wishes, Williams said. The bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Aug. 28, drastically increases state oversight over charter schools and was fervently opposed by charter school advocates. Four of the five members of the OC Board of Education have come out in support of charter schools, including the conservative bloc of Williams, Lisa Sparks and current board president Mari Barke. Mijares fired back at Williams in an Aug. 12 op-ed, claiming that the school board had no legal authority to alter his proposed budget. While Mijares admitted that the money in question comprised less than 1% of the overall budget, he accused Williams of using his seat on the board to “wage inflammatory and divisive culture wars.” “[Williams] has stoked fears over state-mandated instructional standards, tried to mislead the public on health education policies, spent taxpayer dollars on excessive and
youth minister
Biola University| Courtesy redundant legal services and cultivated an environment where abhorrent rhetoric can be directed toward the LGBTQ community with no consequences, even at meetings where children are present,” Mijares wrote. Both sides claim that the issue could set a legal precedent for all of California’s county education departments. Mijares says that Williams’ actions could politicize and destabilize those departments. Williams claims that voters should hold locally elected officials accountable for how their departments spend taxpayer money. Mijares was appointed to his position in 2012 and ran unopposed for re-election in 2014 and 2018. He previously served as the superintendent of the Santa Ana Unified School District and as the vice president of the western regional office of the College Board.
teacher
Theologian What does it mean to be created in the image of God? Why does it matter? Navigating through scripture, context, and the plurality of past and present voices, Dr. Marc Cortez brings clarity to today’s important theological questions. Be inspired, challenged, and equipped by Dr. Cortez and our 27 other expert Bible and Theology faculty when you pursue the M.A. in Theology.
wheaton.edu/MA-Theology Dr. Marc Cortez Professor of Theology Author, ReSourcing Theological Anthropology
NEWS
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
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SCORR conference almost didn’t get funded, here’s why SCORR’s new $4,865 proposal passed through an SGA senate majority vote last week.
By Micah Kim chimes.news.editor@biola.edu
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espite the long concerns of balancing the financials due to a decrease in the Student Government Association’s budget, SGA senators and Student Congress On Racial Reconciliation Conference directors came together and effectively passed SCORR’s proposed budget of $4,865. SCORR conference is funded by SGA, registration fees and extra fundraisers, and plays a significant role in opening up conversations surrounding racial reconciliation every year. “The mission of SCORR is to empower attendees to become catalysts for change through transformational learning and growth as they engage the diversity of the Kingdom of God,” said
student director of SCORR Micah Stephens. “Through active participation in SCORR, attendees will develop a greater vision for enhancing diversity, promoting biblical justice and inspiring leadership that results in a life-long process of building God’s kingdom on earth.” In SGA’s Oct. 17 senate meeting, SCORR conference student directors Micah Stephens and Yukari Becker proposed a budget of $6,448.46 that would help fund food, a poetry lounge and artists for the conference. However, SGA denied the request due to budget constraints, hoping to find a more financially efficient way to fund SCORR. “So the SCORR conference was denied in senate last Thursday [Oct. 24] by majority vote, but this doesn’t imply the end of SGA funding of the conference next semester,” said SGA president Renee Waller. “So recent SGA budget constraints have led senators to be more selective in funding for events and conferences in order to best use their remaining contingency.” The denial was frustrating for Stephens as he had to re-propose the idea. “This process was a little frustrating because SCORR has been a part of this campus for the past 24 years and we have to go through the process of proposing to SGA each year in order to gain adequate funding,” he said. The SCORR directors and SGA sen-
SCORR|Courtesy
Attendees will develop a greater vision for enhancing diversity, promoting biblical justice and inspiring leadership,” - Micah Stephens, student director of SCORR
SCORR|Courtesy
RACIAL RECONCILIATION: SCORR is a 24 year tradition and the students and faculty are excited to continue the conversation on diversity.
ators came together on Oct. 29 to discuss these matters and restructure the proposal with more reasonable terms that would fit SGA’s budget constraint. This meeting proved once again how SCORR is important not only to the SCORR directors, but to the SGA senators also. “Right before we told the senators about the change in the finances, I got to see a ton of senators super fired up about getting to pass SCORR conference and really excited about getting to be a part of bringing this beautiful and oftentimes challenging, stretching and growing event to Biola,” said vice president of diversity and inclusion Caleb Strauss. Stephens also conveyed his feeling about the team effort between his fellow directors and SGA senators. “SGA reached out to the SCORR team after the initial request was denied in order to help us restructure our proposal,” Stephens said. “It was great to see their passion for SCORR despite not being able to fully fund the events proposed.” In the Oct.31 senate meeting,Strauss mentioned the new proposal with a plan of SGA funding $4,865 and having the remaining $1,600 fundraised among the SCORR directors. On Nov. 7, SGA senators came to a decision with a majority vote to pass the SCORR proposal in full. “If SCORR didn’t get any funding at all, the Biola community would be at a loss,” Stephens said. “The quality of the conference depends on an adequate amount of funding to have diverse artistic expressions, engaging speakers and captivating art.” According to Stephens, the remaining $1,600 have not been fundraised yet.
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A&E
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
“Last Christmas” shows Asians are heartthrobs too Henry Golding shines in a role atypical for Asians in Hollywood.
By Kayla Santos chimes.arts.editor@biola.edu
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is the season to bundle up with a warm mug of hot cocoa and endless romantic comedies. As December quickly approaches, many may find any reason to indulge in Hallmark films and Christmas playlists. Those who have already begun Christmas festivities should consider taking a break from Hallmark flicks to watch the latest Paul Feig film “Last Christmas,” where George Michael hits, Christmas trinkets and diversity collide. In the film, borderline homeless Kate, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, couch surfs to avoid her dysfunctional family, who migrated from Yugoslavia in the late ‘90s. When she’s not an elf selling holiday decor at a local year-round Christmas shop, she half-heartedly auditions for singing gigs around the city. Hopeless, distraught and unmotivated, she can’t seem to catch a break.
One day, while cleaning up on the job, she peeks through the window and spots a tall man in a tan peacoat staring up at the sky. Intrigued, Kate walks out of the store to meet him, and he introduces himself as Tom, portrayed by Henry Golding. Although she wrote him off at first, the two eventually strike up an interesting relationship, as Kate finally agrees to go on a walk with him. Throughout the film, Tom encourages Kate to “look up” and live in the present. He even admitted to storing his phone away in his kitchen cupboard so he could take in life for all it is. Despite her initial skepticism, Tom’s wit and charm win Kate over. While the storyline follows a narrative similar to most Christmas movies, the film includes an Asian male lead, which is rare among Hollywood films. Known for “Bridesmaids” and most recently “A Simple Favor,” which also stars Golding, Feig is seemly prioritizing diversity, and it shows. With Michelle Yeoh as “Santa,” the owner of a year-round Christmas shop, the film presents somewhat of a “Crazy Rich Asians” reunion, but who’s complaining? Since the release of “Crazy Rich Asians” last summer, Asian repre-
Asians are more than tiger moms, kung-fu fighters and nerdy math lovers.” sentation has increased in films. In last year’s “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before,” viewers saw an Asian female lead in the coming-of-age flick. “The Farewell,” starring Awkwafina of “Crazy Rich Asians,” also featured an all-Asian cast, gaining popularity since its release this past July, as it depicts the complex story of an Asian American artist who reunites with her family in China. The release of Netflix original “Always Be My Maybe,” starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, showed that Asian women are fierce entrepreneurs and Asian men are hilarious heartthrobs. Maybe Hollywood is onto something—Asians are more than tiger moms, kungfu fighters and nerdy math lovers. Although there has been a surge of Asian representation within the film industry, Golding’s performanc-
es leave a thirst for more Asian males as romantic leads. In this film as well as “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Always Be My Maybe” and “The Big Sick,” viewers abandon the stereotype of Asian males as dorky sidekicks and foreign exchange students. Perhaps film lovers can finally bid adieu to cringeworthy, racist representations like Long Duk Dong in “Sixteen Candles” and Mr. Yunioshi in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” once and for all. In “Last Christmas,” Kate swoons over Tom’s care for the impoverished and positive outlook on life, not to mention his dashing good looks. He is not a foreigner with a thick accent but an ordinary man worth crushing on. Despite what Hollywood has made them out to be over the years, Golding’s performance, once again, shows that Asian men are more than capable of portraying love interests.
IMDb|Courtesy
GOLDING STRIKES GOLD: Kate, portrayed by Emilia Clarke, and Tom, portrayed by Henry Golding, strike up a unique relationship, where they often explore the hidden spots of London.
A&E 7
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Torrey Theatre brings “Henry V” to life Torrey students bring the Shakespeare classic to the stage.
Thecla Li|THE CHIMES
SHAKESPEAREAN ACTING: Sophomore cinema and media arts major Rawleigh Grove and junior nursing major Jennie Bedell act out an electric scene from the Shakespearean classic.
By Lauren McBride lauren.g.mcbride@biola.edu
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rom memorizing long monologues to learning a French dialect to speaking in early English iambic pentameter, performing Shakespeare’s “Henry V” comes with a unique set of challenges. Who better to tackle these challenges than the literary experts themselves, Torrey Honors Institute students? The entirely student-run production allows students to practice what they love while building a close community that shares inspiring messages with the Biola community. Although the two first-time directors are new to their roles, their passion for theatre and this specific play has allowed them to execute their vision well. In about a month and a half, they have overcome the obstacles that come with putting on a Shakespearean show, such as condensing a script that was originally three to four hours long and condensing a cast of 50 to a cast of about 20. The directors turned the story into their own by bringing new life to an old script, putting their own creative twist on costumes and set and giving the cast creative freedom to turn the characters into their own. For co-director and junior biblical and theological studies major Jesiah Bozich, this has been his favorite part about working with this group of people.
“These people all have unique things that they bring to the table, and watching that and getting to foster that is just amazing,” Bozich said. The cast has established a firm, rich community while bonding over their appreciation for Shakespeare. The cast and crew have the opportunity to do what they love with caring people who fill the theatre with sounds of joyful laughter and loving encouragement during each rehearsal. Senior psychology major Amelia Vance, who portrays Michael Williams and Alice, is thankful for the incredible friendships that have been formed through the production. “It has been a really neat opportunity to engage with the fullness of community,” Vance said. Torrey’s theatre productions allow students of any major, age and walk of life to collaborate and build relationships with one another, whether as mentors, mentees or friends to rely on. Freshman nursing major Catalina Park, who plays Princess Katherine and the Earl of Salisbury, has enjoyed befriending fellow cast and crew members. “I’m really grateful to be able to be friends with upperclassmen and have mentor-type people, especially within Torrey,” Park said. Despite the difficult challenges of performing a Shakespearean play, the students behind “Henry V” hope that the production will help audiences to recognize the underlying theme of the story–that at the core, we are all equally human. The production emphasizes that everyone has human vices and virtues, and helps audiences decide how to love each other through that. The costumes also reflect
this theme, with the entire cast wearing white shirts, blue jeans and black shoes, emphasizing their equal value. “I hope people come away with a sense of shared humanity,” Vance said. “We’re so apt to define each other by our differences.” In addition, the students hope that audiences walk away with a greater
appreciation for Shakespeare. Because Shakespeare’s plays were meant to be watched and performed, the cast and crew of “Henry V” are excited to perform this story for the Biola community. “Henry V” will be held in Mayers Auditorium from Nov. 15-17. Tickets can be purchased for $5 at the Torrey office in Emerson Hall.
Thecla Li|THE CHIMES
PLAYING ROLES: Freshmen Jack Burns and Catalina Park embody their unique characters.
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OPINIONS
PRO
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Enneagrams reveal the depth of our personality
Enneagrams help us discover our uniqueness and show us where we belong. By Hannah Dilanchyan hannah.o.dilanchyan@biola.edu
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here are approximately 7.7 billion people in the world and none of them are the same. Everyone has different interests, passions and beliefs. Regardless of our vast differences, many people tend to have similar personality traits. One method of finding these personality traits is by taking the enneagram test. This system works to help people discover themselves by revealing their strengths, weaknesses and even sub-personality types. It is a useful tool that college students can implement in order to recognize how they interact with themselves and others and how they can best serve the kingdom of God. According to Growth Marketing Pro, the enneagram test is “a way of categorizing the human psyche into nine different personality types.” It is a beneficial method for people to understand their personality as well as the personalities of those around them, helping people gain social and self-awareness. The enneagram explores and reveals the depth of our behavior and personality traits. Whether young adults are trying to find which character in Star Wars they are most similar to or which animal they best relate to, personality tests grant a feeling of identity. According to NBC News, people like to have “confirmation of their qualities” that these tests deliver. Since 1962, an estimated 50 million people have taken the Myers-Briggs personality test because these questionnaires allow people to better understand the qualities of their personality. Ranging from one to nine, the enneagram system helps organize the personalities of perfectionists, leaders, dreamers, achievers and more. When I took the enneagram test, my result was a type nine, which is defined as a “peacemaker,” “mediator or “diplomat.” My weaknesses were listed in the description along with my strengths and successes. For the most part, this test was accurate in its description of me. Being able to see my personality helped me discover different aspects of my character. The enneagram can be used to shine a light on the strengths and weaknesses that contribute to our personality. Relevant Magazine writes that “the enneagram makes sanctification specific by giving us a roadmap to where we most need God’s healing.” It can convict us and call us out on our faults. By revealing our imperfections, the enneagram offers us a path to grow in ways we did not realize we needed to. When I first saw my enneagram result, I was ecstatic to be a peacemaker. However, after further research about the enneagram type, I was convicted when I read that because of my desire for peace in friendships, I can become complacent and downplay serious issues. I saw this as an opportunity for growth. As Christians, we must change
our old ways and grow in the likeness of Christ. Ephesians 4:22-24 tells us that we are called to “put off the old self” and “to be like Christ in true righteousness and holiness.” It is important to remember that there is much more to us than just a number from the enneagram or a few letters from Myers-Briggs. Personalities are complex. Personality tests can help us learn about who we are created to be so we can apply that knowledge to our personalities in our daily lives. We can use it to understand those around us. Whether they are our roommates, significant others, siblings or co-workers, we can use the knowl-
edge gained from the enneagram test to better serve and love them. In a way, it is similar to Gary Chapman’s 5 Love Languages. We can best serve others when we have a spirit of compassion, care and mercy. Another article by Relevant explains how the enneagram helps us affirm others as well. In our relationships, we can encourage our friends in their qualities and help them “become their best selves,” choosing to focus on the positive aspects of each other. Around the world, people have personalities and desires that complement each other, which can be revealed through the enneagram test. People can relate to
one another, sharing their enneagram types. Though I may have a different background or worldview as another nine, through the enneagram we can relate in our core-value of peacemaking. So go on, take the enneagram test and have fun. Discover the depths of your personality and find ways to thrive as a Christian, as a student and as a friend. Do not shy away from your weaknesses, but take them as an opportunity for growth and change. God can use this to sanctify you. He has created us all differently and “he loves us very much.”
OPINIONS
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
The enneagram test should not define personality
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CON
The enneagram helps people understand their strengths, but it should not define personality and spiritual gifts.
Art Illustration by Joshua Cheng| The Chimes
By Amanda Frese amanda.g.frese@biola.edu
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rom club icebreakers to classroom conversations,“what’s your enneagram number?” is a question Biola students hear nearly every day. The enneagram is a personality test that stems from the Greek word “ennea,” meaning nine, and “grammos”—a written symbol—according to the Narrative Enneagram. True to its Greek root words, the enneagram is a symbol, incorporating the numbers 1-9 that represent nine personality types: the reformer, the
helper, the achiever, the individualist, the investigator, the loyalist, the enthusiast, the challenger and the peacemaker. After taking the enneagram test— many of which are available online— the test determines a basic personality type, a description of the type, as well as which “center” coincides with the given number—heart, head or body. The different centers of intelligence specify whether you make decisions primarily based on spontaneity or “gut” decisions, feelings, or logic and reason. Additionally, the results include information about wings, which are one or two additional number types that are not as dominant as the basic type, but still contribute to overall personality. The problem with the enneagram test—especially with its increasing popularity within Christian circles—
is that people have developed typebased self-images. People use the test to define themselves with numbers—I am an eight or a three, wing two. In approaching conversations, relationships and self-image, despite possible inaccuracies, even students at Biola let the enneagram test guide their judgment of themselves and others. The enneagram test follows some psychological theory, however, the validity of the test remains ambiguous. Operating much like a horoscope, the enneagram test makes broad generalities with personality descriptions that embody character traits many people can relate to. Additionally, the enneagram test was created by humans, which means people should be skeptical of possible flaws and partiality. However, despite its generalities
and flaws, an argument often made to support the enneagram test in Christian societies is that it allows people to understand their spiritual gifts, as well as sinful tendencies. The Gospel Coalition reports that a major problem with this argument is that spiritual gifts cannot be traced in a laboratory like DNA. Personality traits, spiritual gifts and sin cannot be defined by a 40-question survey. A questionnaire may be helpful in understanding strengths and weaknesses, but it should not be used to determine and define personalities. Many people, including Biola students, have allowed the enneagram test to do just that. It is not uncommon to hear a statement at Biola much like the one described in Psychology Today, “Well as a three, I felt like I really needed to finish the 10k in less than an hour.” College students often detest GPAs and Scholastic Aptitude Test scores, saying they do not want to be defined by a number. However, when it comes to the enneagram test, students are more than willing to be defined by a number given to them in a survey. For many, this impacts the decisions that they make and how they perceive their own self-image. Not only do people allow the enneagram test to define themselves, they also let the test define their perception of others. When approaching conversations and asking friends what enneagram type they are, people often let that answer form biases about their personality, actions and beliefs, without actually getting to know their personality through asking deeper questions or assuming their answers correlate with their enneagram type. According to The Gospel Coalition, discovering spiritual gifts and understanding how strengths and weaknesses interact with others can be found through getting involved in the lives of others, especially through church and loving others just as Jesus did. An enneagram number should not be used to define the judgments of others. Instead, as Christians, when it comes to relationships, we should love others as Jesus did and allow the time that we spend in thoughtful conversation and love of that person define our relationship with others. In 1 Corinthians 12:27, Paul states, “Now, you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” The enneagram should not be used to define our identity as Christians and determine how we judge others that have equally valuable identities in Christ, rather our identity should be defined in Christ through Scripture. Every person is valuable and every person has gifts given by Christ. These gifts should not be defined by an enneagram number, but by the one who predetermined and chose our gifts and personalities before we even existed. The enneagram test is only a fad. As believers and followers of Christ, we should not waste our time trying to define ourselves with an enneagram number that will not matter five years from now. Instead, we should spend our time finding our identity in Christ through Scripture and learning to love others in representing Christ, rather than labeling ourselves and others with a number.
10
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Women’s swim and dive revitalized by Kauth
The Eagles have found recent success thanks to skilled recruits brought in by coach Kauth.
Haven Luper-Jasso|THE CHIMES
DIVING INTO ACTION: The Eagles get a head start during the PCSC Relays outing on Oct. 4.
By Andi Basista & Ashley Grams chimes.sports.editor@biola.edu ashley.g.grams@biola.edu
F
lash back two years ago, the women’s swim and dive team, led by first-year head coach Ryan Kauth,
lost by over 80 points to Azusa Pacific University. About one year ago, the Eagles lost by only five points. Two weeks ago, the women’s team beat APU in a dual meet, 194.5 to 176.5. The Eagles have turned their play around this season. Once at the bottom, they’re now on their way to the top. Kauth has im-
plemented a routine for his athletes, directing them toward success. Now in his third season at the helm, Kauth has revolutionized the swim program thanks to an individualized system. “More than anything, they just literally rose to the occasion and said, ‘This is our meet,’ and we’re going to make [the opponent] understand that they are swimming in our pool and our facility,” Kauth said at their match against APU on Nov. 1. Kauth comes from a career of swimming at Concordia University Irvine, where he turned his talents into a coaching career for CUI after graduation. Also before his time at Biola, Kauth was an assistant coach at Mater Dei High School in Santa Ana where he helped 13 athletes earn All-American honors. Having a coach who possesses a first-hand background in the pool positively impacts his athletes as he transitions his experience into the Eagles’ collegiate careers. During the Soka Invitational on Saturday, Nov. 9, Kauth did something very unconventional. He pulled his team out of all relay entries, which award the most points. Kauth wanted the team to zone in on the individual events. The energy brought during the meets were electric. Even with the Eagles behind from no points in the relays, they still managed to fight back hard enough to earn a third-place finish out of eight respectable teams. “Ultimately, our goals come down to individually doing our best in each race and to leave everything in the pool,”
said senior Rachel Stinchcomb. “When we start pushing ourselves and achieving our individual goals, that’s when we see strategy against other teams and wins start to take place. We love where we are at right now in the conference.” Kauth has revolutionized the recruiting scene and swim and dive program as a whole. In his first year as head coach, the women’s team set 10 out of 20 school records. During his second season, his freshman recruits were standouts with the now sophomores, Nicole Chang and Kately Harper, grabbing school records. “With the help of our coach, we have dedicated ourselves to recruiting. We pour into recruits when they come to visit, we show them why Biola is truly the best,” said junior Alyssa Archdale. “Of course, recruiting fast freshmen has made a great impact on how we race, but it also pushes the returners to keep up and strive for excellence in the pool.” Kauth brought 20 athletes to the aquatics program his first year recruiting, a school record. With 13 freshmen on the women’s team this season, it has become a challenge managing all the fresh talent, but nothing the coaching staff and captains aren’t prepared for. “They come to training and they’re so ready to compete in training and that carries right over into the meets,” Kauth said at the Soka Invitational on Nov. 9. “Going forward, I think it’s literally more of the same, them just being excited rather than this nervousness toward races that really creates excitement and they’re seeing results because of it.”
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SPORTS 11
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Men’s cross country heads to NCAA National Championship For the first time in school history, the Eagles earned an at-large bid and will be competing in the Division II National Championships.
Biola Athletics |THE CHIMES
FOR THE GOLD: Senior long distance runner Gabe Plendcio strides thorught the PacWest Championships where he won the individual championship for the second year in the row.
By Andi Basista chimes.sports.editor@biola.edu
Men’s cross country, back-to-back PacWest champions, returned home from Monmouth, Oregon, where they took sixth in the PacWest Regional Championship. While an impressive and promising placement for the Eagles, they were unsure if they ranked high enough to compete in the NCAA National Championships. Two anxious days passed, while the NCAA committee discussed which borderline schools would earn a spot for each region. The day finally came, as Biola received an at-large bid to the NCAA National Championship on Saturday, Nov. 23 in Sacramento. No other team in school history has made it to a DII National Championship. “It was an emotional moment, and I was filled with so much joy,” said head coach Sean Henning. “I was really happy for my guys, who have worked so hard to get to this moment and have truly shown godly character in the way they conduct themselves as student-athletes. They are deserving of this opportunity, and it was great to celebrate with some of them in my office.” The Eagles have entered into the most elite level of competition, earning one of the 24 slots allotted for the entire
country. Biola is one of seven universities representing the western region. The Eagles will go to battle with other well-respected schools from the West, including California Polytechnic University, Pomona, California State University, San Marcos, Chico State University and the University of California, San Diego. “It was like waking up and realizing your dream is a reality,” said junior Ryan St. Pierre. Reading ‘Biola’ among the list of schools that would compose the field of the teams competing was a fulfillment of two and a half years work.” Senior Gabe Plendcio has been the leading man for Biola cross country. He won the 2017 and 2018 individual title at the National Christian College Athletic Association Championships as well as the 2018 PacWest Championship individual title. The highly decorated senior ran a 30:01 on the men’s 10k course during the regional championships last Saturday, earning fourth place overall. “Running at regionals was a huge confidence boost for myself,” Plendcio said. “I bet on myself and threw myself into the fire with the top runners in our region. I told myself that I could run with those guys and that I was more than capable of winning the meet as well. I raced a way I never had before in terms of going out fast and leading the race from start to finish.” For all but one athlete on the Biola squad, no one had been to a regional championship meet. The stakes were high, every school fighting and clawing
for a spot in nationals. “The atmosphere was like nothing I had experienced in my running career,” said sophomore Brady DeHaven. “This was the first NCAA championship race I had ever been a part of.” The months of grinding paid off for the Eagles. Going into regionals, the team was seeking a third-place finish, and only earning sixth place overall provoked some initial sadness and worry. The good news came of the at-large bid and quickly turned the unstable emotions of the Eagles into joyful, determined athletes looking to crush the final big race. Every year before the start of a new season, the Eagles head north to Big Bear, California for a team retreat and training camp. The bonding experience for the boys allowed them to place specific team goals that would be essential to their season’s success. “The number one goal for us was to make it to Nationals,” Plendcio said. “Praise God that we accomplished it this year. We are very goal-focused and driven to work hard in order to better ourselves so that we can perform well for the team’s well-being. We are intentional with our training and do what we need to in order to prepare ourselves for race day.” The Eagles will have a little over a week to get their minds and bodies fully functioning and running on all cylinders for Nationals. Henning is expecting nothing less than what he has already seen this season. He suspects
his team to perform at the highest level by receiving All-American honors and a top-15 finish. “I’m looking for them to run with passion, energy, excitement and a deep love and enthusiasm for what they are doing,” Henning said. “I don’t expect them to hold back. They will put themselves right up near the top section of the race and put it all out there.” Having a coach so invested in his players, in turn, positively impacts the team’s work ethic and personal growth in faith. “Coach Henning has played a huge role in our team’s success this year,” DeHaven said. “Much of our growth and success stems from what coach values, [but] ultimately our faith is the foundation, hard work and the development of becoming mature young men that will help shape us for the future beyond running.” The Eagles’ season isn’t over yet. There is still one last mission Biola must conquer before they can rest easy. Put aside the thrilling nature of Nationals and all that entails, the team knows that their time together is coming to an end. The comradery and leadership in the brotherhood is something that will have a lasting effect on the Eagles. All the laughs and goofiness the athletes share on mile-long runs are going to be missed. “It is one of the best groups I have ever coached, and it’s the fastest in my book,” Henning said. “Wouldn’t want to coach another team.”
12
SPORTS
NOVEMBER 14, 2019
Midnight Homecoming
Midnight Madness returned on Sunday, Nov. 10 for another thrilling introduction to Eagles Athletics. Read full coverage of all Eagles’ games at chimesnewspaper.com/sports.
Andres Ramirez|THE CHIMES
NEWS
A&E
OPINIONS
SPORTS
WEB
SCORR Once More SGA passes SCORR after a month of back-and-forth deliberation. // 5
Torrey Theatre takes on “Henry V” Learn more about the completely student-run production of “Henry V.” // 7
Enneagram Test Debate Is the enneagram test used constructively by young adults in Christian communities?// 8, 9
Men’s cross country heads to NCAA DII National Championship Follow the the team’s journey as they prepare for the national championship race. // 11
Journalism and Public Relations split They will launch into two separate departments in Fall 2020. Read more at chimesnewspaper. com/news.
@CHIMES_NEWS
@CHIMES.NEWSPAPER
@CHIMESNEWS