Envision Magazine Issue #15 (2025)

N AT I O N A L AWA R D -W I N N I N G, C H R I S T I A N C O L L E G I AT E M AGA Z I N E

ISSUE 15, 2025

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GS G HIN Y T RON LT H G W E EA GE OIN E H FU RE FIV ’RE D U IAN R YO Y A S INIC E D L I C I N S LT H F A S O HE ION C ESS HOLI NF ED CO H O PA TIC NO RS A S T GE ITE TO ECRU W HO JOB R BY

The world communicates through stories.

We train the Storytellers.

Check out our social media or for more details contact VACD chair,

Have you always been creative but don’t know how to turn your creative

Dan Weber: dweber@andrews.edu

ideas into a career? Discover the Department of Visual Art, Communication, and Design at Andrews University and our exciting undergraduate degrees in Photography, Digital Communication, Public Relations, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

www.andrews.edu/cas/vacd/

Instagram: @au_vacd Facebook: facebook.com/andrewsuniversityvacd/

Table of Contents ISSUE 15 2025

re i p s n I o ture d t TORY

S COVER

Nur

p. 24

5

Editor's Note

7

Teeth and Teamwork

10

The Divine Encounter

12

My Family Toolbox

15

One Voice, Many Hearts

18

Invisible Disabilities

21

Fine (Dorm) Dining

28

Unity After Water

PHOTO BY NA TE REID DESI

GN BY SONIA

CHAM

30

Friendship Across the Discord

33

My Flipping Family

35

Alumni Profiles

40

Many Cultures, One Worship

43

The Line of Opportunity

46

What Does Silence Say?

COVER PHOTO NATE REID COVER DESIGN ALONDRA GALLARDO

Writers

Back row, left to right Kate Bonds Andrew Francis Scott Moncrieff Callie Carlsen Jenny Rothermel Lalduhsaki Chawngthu Karla Rosette Not Pictured: Rex Bittner Zachary Kis Nora Martin Stephanie Martinez Alexis Quirindongo Towette Shiow

ISSUE 15, 2025 Produced by the Department of Visual Art, Communication and Design at Andrews University MANAGING EDITOR Kaara Harris

Designers

STORY EDITOR Scott Moncrieff

Diane Myers Sonia Cham Emmanuel Owusu-Dankwa Jordan Baushke Samantha Woolford-Hunt Alondra Gallardo Faith Lawton Demetrius Hill

DESIGN EDITOR Diane Myers PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Dave Sherwin CONTRIBUTORS Alina Weber COPY EDITOR Carrie Hess

Photographers

MODELS Kimberly Agosto Lia Glass Dave Sherwin Moraya Truman

Lia Glass Dave Sherwin Johnny Schnepp Nate Reid Moraya Truman Celeste Velinova Janessa Saelee Kara Shepherd Karis Lyons Caleb Onchomba Ysa Dennis

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SPECIAL THANKS Adventist Learning Community Rod Church Lake Union Conference Debbie Michel Sonscreen Film Festival Doug Taylor LithoTech

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One Body, Many Stories Welcome to this edition of Envision magazine, where we explore the theme: One Body. Inspired by the principles of 1 Corinthians 12, this issue highlights the beauty of unity in diversity: “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” (v. 12) Each of us has a unique role to play in the larger whole. But what could that look like?

Throughout these pages, you’ll find stories of teamwork, bridge-building, and the power of embracing differences. Whether it’s learning to recognize those who experience the world differently due to invisible disabilities, forging friendships across cultures and personalities, or finding your place in a larger mission – in your family or beyond, this issue challenges us to see the purpose that our individual part can play in uplifting others. In addition to current students sharing their perspectives, you will read updates from alumni who are using their gifts and skills in various fields.

This edition is also a special one, as we take a moment to recognize two incredible professors, Dave Sherwin and Scott Moncrieff, who have been instrumental in bringing this magazine’s images and words to life for several years. As they retire, we celebrate their dedication, wisdom and the impact they’ve had on so many students. Their work reminds us that mentorship and leadership are essential parts of the body, shaping the next generation.

Just as a body thrives when every part functions together, our communities, teams and friendships flourish when we recognize the value each person brings. The work for this unity may not be easy, but it is worthwhile. May these stories inspire you to connect, collaborate and celebrate the richness of our shared purpose.

Enjoy!

PHOTO BY CALEB ONCHOMBA DESIGN BY DEMETRIUS HILL

Kaara Harris Managing Editor, Envision Assistant Professor of Journalism/Communication

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“I love how Envision is a collaborative effort between student writers, photographers, and designers. It’s a living demonstration of how by working in community we can far surpass what we can do alone.”

Professor Scott Moncrieff “I have really enjoyed working with the photo students taking photos for Envision Magazine over the years. I think this is what education is all about, actually producing something that gets published! I wish we could do more of this practical part of photography in our classes. It’s also fun for the students to see their work in print and be able to use it in their portfolios and on their resumes. I feel the students learn more in this one assignment than all the other assignments during the semester because they have to work with each other.”

Professor Dave Sherwin

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PHOTO BY CALEB ONCHOMBA DESIGN BY DEMETRIUS HILL

Retiring Professors Bid a Fond Farewell and Share Their Envision Memories

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Teeth and

Teamwork STORY BY CALLIE CARLSEN

DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION BY SONIA CHAM

S

tale air, reeking of alcohol and sterile chemicals, wafted up my nose. Its pungent odor was hardly suppressed by the mask fixed snugly to my face.

As I stood in line with other volunteers—all dressed in matching scrubs, masks and rubber gloves—I observed the hubbub of activity around me. The clatter of trays and metal instruments, urgent voices giving lastminute instructions and the rumble of machines created a deafening commotion. Signs posted around the small school gymnasium announced the event: my church’s annual dental clinic. Glancing at the other participants—nurses, teachers, church leaders and high school students—I noticed that most of them looked as uncomfortable as I felt. People shifted nervously and exchanged worried glances with their neighbors, unsure of what to do. Their expressions conveyed a shared question: What have we gotten ourselves into? A loud discussion further down the row caught my attention, and my heart began to pound as I noticed the volunteer coordinator approaching us. He began to move down the line, assigning duties one by one. Suddenly, he stopped in front of me.

“Callie, I put you down as a dental assistant today, is that alright?” he asked. I hoped my eyes wouldn’t betray the grimace hidden behind my mask as I nodded weakly. I had wanted to be assigned a task other than direct care, as the sight of blood made my stomach churn.

Before I could get in another word, I was directed to the far end of the gym, where

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the head dentist was busy prepping tools and sterilizing equipment. Although the volunteer coordinator had promised me a training course a week earlier, it was clear that wasn't going to happen. I would have to learn as I worked, figuring out how to perform my duties and how to collaborate effectively with the dentist.

Nerve-wracking! Soon, patients began to fill the room, and everyone was swept up in a rush of activity. We implemented a coordinated system: first, patients were treated by the dentist, then they had their teeth cleaned by the hygienist and finally, church leaders would pray with them and share their faith. As a congregation, our church members acted as one body, helping to treat the spiritual and physical needs of others.

As fast as I replenished the supplies, they were used up as people cycled through the dentist’s chair. The patients’ conditions varied: some only had minor issues—such as a chipped tooth or gum irritation—while others faced more serious and even multiple problems. However, due to our limited resources, we were able to address only one or two major concerns for each person. To my surprise, nobody complained when we had to send them away with untreated symptoms. Instead, everyone expressed deep gratitude for the care we were able to provide, thankful to be free from pain and discomfort.

I could not help but feel how blessed I am, realizing that for most of them basic dental care was a need they simply couldn’t afford.

Dashing back and forth between supply tables and the dentist's station later that afternoon, I watched the other volunteers interacting with each other. Only about half of the participants had medical experience, which placed the rest of us on equal ground. This led to an interesting dynamic: since no one had prior experience, everyone treated each other as equals, collaborating without any sense of hierarchy or dominance. The adults didn’t look down on the younger helpers, as everyone was facing the same struggles—something I had never witnessed before. We shared a common goal—providing medical care and witnessing to the community—and everyone worked together to accomplish it, regardless of their social or professional backgrounds.

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“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

By the time the last patient trickled out the door that evening, I came to realize the amount of cooperation it took to accomplish such a huge task.

It required an entire team of people doing different things for the clinic to run smoothly: cooks preparing lunch for the hungry volunteers; dentists filling, repairing and extracting teeth; hygienists providing cleanings; and spiritual leaders sharing about the Adventist faith and God’s love. No one’s job was more or less important than the others; each person contributed their unique talents as we worked together.

This experience caused me to reflect on areas of my life that I often take for granted. I may not have everything I want, but God has met all my needs and I trust He will continue to be faithful. It also showed me how the church can use its diversity to help people in the community. If a small group of volunteers can reach hundreds of people, imagine how many more lives we could impact by working together as an entire school campus or church conference. Because we come from diverse backgrounds, each of us can minister in a unique way, connecting with and sharing God’s love with the people around us.

Galatians 6:10 reminds us, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” In everything we do, let us do it out of love for one another. You might be surprised by what God uses you to do; you may even end up pulling a couple of teeth!

Callie Carlsen is a freshman at Andrews University, pursuing an animal science degree with a preveterinary focus.She enjoys gardening in her free time—when she’s not experimenting with new baking recipes.

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Share Jesus on Social Media Faith Made Social Helping digital disciples use their social media accounts to share God's love.

Empty Pews to a Million Views Learn how to reach millions with the gospel in 30 days or less without spending a single dollar on ads.

Discipulos Digitales Aprende a como crear contenido en las Redes Sociales y alcanza tus primeros 1000 amigos.

STORY BY ALEXIS QUIRINDONGO PHOTO BY CALEB ONCHOMBA DESIGN BY FAITH LAWTON

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I

took a step toward the door, getting ready to knock, and out of nowhere this grumpy man came barging out saying he saw me from his camera, yelling at me to leave his property. I was already having a rough day. This was not helping, yet I managed to smile and act nice to him. I had learned from the past to always show kindness even if the recipient wasn’t pleasant. It’s something Jesus would have done.

As a canvasser you tend to get rejected and yelled at quite a bit— nothing I wasn’t used to—yet this moment was different; this felt personal. He wasn’t being mean just to do so. This felt targeted. He was going after not just myself but my religion, saying things like “it’s a waste of time” and what I was doing wouldn’t amount to anything; he called it “completely useless.”

He was wrong. From what I learned from my training, the things that I was doing were worth the pain, worth the headaches and worth the tears. I was consistently feeling doubt in my ability, but that only helped me to trust more completely in God. I did this all for God. But in the beginning of the program this was not the case. I remember my first few trips, not feeling confident at all.

It was a long drive to our canvassing location. Forced to participate, I waited patiently to arrive. I felt tired the day prior, not willing to go back to the miserable place where I got rejected countless times.

Yet my fellow co-workers stayed positive. Trying to cheer me up, they encouraged me to keep trying and to never give up. Some had experience and others were first time canvassers, like me. But because of our shared goal in mind and their warm, friendly energy I felt less anxious and more motivated to do better. It made me remember why I was there.

Something that people don’t realize is the real reason we do this in the first place. The end goal is to bring people to the kingdom of God. A good example of this was when I was doing my rounds, like usual, and I bumped into this friendly group of men. They seemed to have been doing construction because of their rigid, filthy clothes, but they were apparently taking a break, laughing and eating. They were happy, yet after further conversation with them, I learned that they were in a rehabilitation program for substance abuse. They told me how they got there, how life hadn’t treated them well at all. But together they found joy. I spoke to them about Christ, giving them hope for a better life in the kingdom of God, and how there would be no pain and no more tears. After these words of encouragement, we all felt grateful and hugged; some started to cry for joy. I felt blessed to be able to meet these gentlemen.

This story emphasizes the importance of staying together. They may have dealt with many problems in their lives, but in the program, they were able to find solace in their time of need.

This experience helped me realize why I was doing this. Not for the money, but for God, in order to not only grow my own personal relationship with Him but also to share the Gospel and the true joy God

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gives to our lives. The Lord put me there for a reason and I was not going to disappoint Him. I started to care for the people I talked to. I wouldn’t get sad with every rejection because I lost a business deal but because of their attitude toward Christ and not wanting to be involved with Him at all. I would always say a short prayer before knocking and ask to pray with them after a conversation, regardless of whether they wanted the books or not. Our leader always told us to plant seeds with every encounter, meaning to show God’s character through our actions. If they are rude to you, show them kindness and compassion, be a light in the darkness. The most powerful testimony you can give is through your actions.

Show them your fruits and what it really means to be a believer and follower of Christ. Which brings me back to my original story.

I had been enduring the yelling and verbal abuse for a while. The man was terribly rude and almost left me in tears, calling me names and questioning why I was doing this. Despite this I still treated him the same way I’d been treating others, with respect and kindness, trying my best to show even more love to him. After the conversation I kept walking, not wanting to think much of it. I decided to think more positively, and I started singing praises to God. By the time I crossed to the other side of the neighborhood, he yelled at me again, running towards me, asking me to forgive him. He said he noticed my positive attitude and how well-mannered I was when talking to everyone and asked me why I did it. I simply said because that’s how Christ would have acted and that we are all children of God, that united we should all share His love and care for everyone.

I told him that he was not alone. I didn’t know his life, but he went on to tell me that he recently lost his wife, he had no kids and at the time was very depressed. But after hearing my words he felt like God spoke to him, reassuring him that he was not alone. I continued by telling him of Christ’s character and how during His time here on earth He helped everyone in need, regardless of where they came from. They were all family for Him. After realizing this, he broke into tears. I gave him a few books and asked him to read them if he wanted to know more. This experience truly uplifted me for the rest of the day, and I thanked God for what He has done, not only in my life but in all our lives, and I thanked God for this divine encounter. We are all united by God’s grace.

“If they are rude to you, show them kindness and compassion, be a light in the darkness.”

Alexis Quirindongo is a freshman exercise science major at Andrews University.

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My Family

Toolbox STORY BY KATE BONDS PHOTO BY KARIS LYONS DESIGN BY SONIA CHAM

I

hold a flashlight under the front of the car and watch my dad tinker with the engine. The clank of a hammer and the ticking of a socket wrench fill the air. “Hand me the screwdriver,” he says. I sort through the toolbox, pull out a screwdriver and hand it to him.

As a kid, I spent a lot of time with my dad. Later in my childhood, our time was often spent practicing sports together and watching major league games on the television, but my earliest memories of him involved long hours spent in our garage. I lived pretty far away from where I went to school, so it was not common for me to have friends over like other kids did. This caused me to have a very close connection with my family.

I enjoyed spending time in the garage, immersed in all of its smells, sights and sounds. It became a safe place for me. I remember waiting after school by the front door for my dad to get home. I was always so excited to see him, tell him about my day and spend time with him.

My dad always had many projects in the garage—fixing a car, upgrading a four-wheeler and even making me a custom American Girl doll bunk bed. My dad could build and fix

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Kate Bonds attends Andrews University and enjoys crocheting and the color purple.

PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY KATE BONDS

anything he wanted to; he always had the right tools to make things better. Speaking of tools, his toolbox was always neatly organized. Each item was in its place: the wrenches organized by size, the drill bits sorted by diameter and the hammers hung neatly on a peg board. I envied his extensive knowledge and organization. I looked up to him in a way that helped me to appreciate the lessons he would teach me—and the lessons probably exceeded the hundreds. He taught me basic things like how to change a tire and check the oil in a car, but there were so many other things that I wish I could remember today.

One specific example I remember is when my dad was installing a new chain on his motorcycle. First, he had to use a grinding tool to loosen the original chain and push the pin through to take it off. I sat back and watched intently; I never understood how he could fix things with such ease. Next, he had to place the chain back on—making sure each groove lined up perfectly, not too tightly or loosely. Then he used a master link and press tool to connect the ends of the chain. Of course, the grinding tool had made the chain link hot. He had deliberately told me not to touch it, but as a young and stubborn kid, I ignored this. I reached and grabbed the link, immediately flinching backward and dropping it. My dad quickly dropped everything and took me inside to treat the burn. It hadn't been more than a small bump, but his caution showed his intense care for me. I had only needed a bandaid and some affirmations, and then I was back in the garage handing him tools. My dad made me feel safe, and in this memory, it is clear that he only wanted to protect me.

My dad was our rock—the universal tool that could fix anything and everything. While learning many lessons in the garage, I was able to understand that each tool had a specific meaning in the process of fixing something that was broken.

Of course, everybody has a family, and each one is different in its own way. And sometimes when a family loses a piece—or a tool—it can be challenging to find a new way to solve problems.

This was something that my family and I had to deal with when we lost my dad to Covid. It was challenging to fill in the void and figure out how to fix what was broken. I didn't have a universal tool anymore; I didn't have someone who could fix everything—both metaphorically and physically. I didn't have someone to go to when my car started making a funny noise; instead, I was forced to go to the internet to find an answer.

After this point in my life, I was forced to live in a “nontraditional” family setting—just my mom, my sister and I. The three of us had to use our strengths and tools to come together during this hardship. We had to work together in a way that was different than ever before—our roles were completely changed. My mom took over the yardwork. I think this was her way of distracting herself. She spent hours outside, pulling

weeds, planting flowers and repainting our deck. My sister had been nearing the end of college when my dad passed.

We all thought she would decide to take time off, but instead, she pushed through and graduated two months later with a bachelor's degree in nursing. For me, I was trying to distract myself with sports and extracurriculars. When we decided to sell our house and downsize, I was the one who repainted the kitchen, the bathrooms and the bedrooms.

When we moved, there was no one to assemble the new furniture. I decided to take on this role, trying to sort through different wrenches and avoid screwing together the TV stand backward—again. During this time, I realized how often we look down on those whose families look different than our own. But who gets to decide what a “normal” family looks like anyway?

This is one question that I have asked myself often, especially when I think about my family compared with those around me.

When I thought about a “normal family,” I saw a father to play catch with and learn from, but when I looked at my family, I saw a missing piece in my toolbox.

Modern-day stereotypes can bring tension in some families, especially those who do not follow traditional roles. For example, if you live with your grandparents or maybe your cousins, you may see this as a huge limiting factor. But, when you look deeper into your familial relationships, you may find comfort in all the differences you share. Perhaps your brother is the one in your family who tightens all of the loose screws when things feel hectic. Or maybe your grandpa is the one you run to when your car starts making a bad noise. Either way, each person and the tools they contribute to your family toolbox can make a difference in fixing problems, no matter how big or small. Because of this, I hold my toolbox close to my heart. In it, I carry all of my memories and experiences—including those moments in the garage with my dad.

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Walking onto a college campus for the first time can be a terrifying experience for college students.

Will I fit in?

Will I make friends?

Will I find my people?

STORY BY TOWETT SHIOW PHOTOS AND DESIGN BY

SAMANTHA WOOLFORD-HUNT

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At the beginning of my freshman year, I had all these classic questions. As I stepped onto the Andrews campus that warm August day, passing the famous globe and driving through the tree-lined entrance, a sinking feeling settled in my gut. Although I knew that Andrews was deemed the most diverse campus in the United States, I also knew that inclusivity was more than just a statistic. I looked around the cozy campus, wondering if I could find community.

I loved music—especially sharing that love with others—and wondered where I could find this fulfillment in an entirely different setting.

As the days ticked off the calendar, fall semester was in full swing. Following consecration at Pioneer Memorial Church, I began walking down the front steps when I heard a powerful melody fill the warm August air. I looked up to find a group of students smiling and praising God through song while passing out flyers inviting others to join the choir they represented. I had to know more. As I drew closer to the crowd, I overheard murmurs like, “This is so fun” and “I love worshiping together here!” From the choir’s atmosphere, I could tell that their singing and praising together was doing an amazing job of uniting students who had just recently met and were all from different backgrounds. One student added, “Everyone here is so different!” Ultimately, these expressions brought them closer and transformed their music into a powerful anthem of unity.

Soon enough, I found myself spending every Friday and Saturday

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evening with my fellow Deliverance Mass Choir members. In the beginning, there was quite a lot of buzz and excitement. Praising God while being in a choir is more than just voices coming together to make a melody; it’s a mix of stories, cultures and musical backgrounds uniting in great harmony. I recall walking into the first practice. The small University Towers Chapel was packed with people. A crowd had gathered at the front, eager to sing. The band played their instruments, filling the air with familiar melodies that we were scheduled to practice that week. As we began to take our places at the front, joyous laughter, diverse accents and conversations surrounded us. Soon, people began to clap and cheers of praise filled the space.

But not everything comes easily. With so many different musical styles in one room, some tension began to arise. Some members felt drawn to more traditional hymns and styles of music—such as the original “Jesus Paid It All”— while others leaned more toward the feeling of contemporary music, like Kirk Franklin’s rendition of the classic hymn. What one person might view as worship another might see as disrespect. All these differences can lead to misunderstandings. There were times when the choir’s section leaders had differing opinions, such as which note we were meant to hold. In these times, we would see the section leaders huddle together, navigating their differences. This experience influenced

us in the choir and taught us that when we found ourselves trying to figure out what notes we were to sing or when we were to add parts to our song, we knew how to work together in unity. This created an environment where early rehearsals were about finding harmony in voices and among people.

After weeks of hard work and practice, the whole choir was anticipating our biggest performance yet: the Alumni Weekend Concert. We were preparing to take the stage as a choir, not just putting on a show but also coming together in worship. As choir members, we started to realize and discuss how important it was to collaborate, not just musically but also spiritually.

This understanding was crucial to making our performance meaningful for us and the audience, particularly the alumni who once experienced the joy of singing together in the same choir.

So each weekend, when practice started, people would share their prayer requests, praises and sometimes just stories of their week with the choir, helping us begin to understand each other better and making rehearsing and working together easier. As rehearsals continued, something special began to happen. Members took the time to get to know each other individually, and new friendships formed through prayer and shared faith. Shifting our focus from disagreeing about our differences

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to concentrating on unity in Christ became key in this situation. By coming together, our choir created an impactful spiritual performance and began to build that community I longed for when I first stepped foot on campus.

Now, Deliverance Mass Choir was finally set for our culminating performance. As students, alumni, and community members filled the pews, excitement buzzed throughout the church. Alumni from different years, with various roles in the community, sat down to watch as members of the choir they once stood with began to blend, creating a beautiful melody that could only be achieved by a fully united choir. The music that filled the

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space showcased a beautiful blend of all our hard work and enjoyment. This performance moved the audience and choir members alike. As the last notes faded, the choir members took one last breath, absorbing the moment. This powerful musical experience served as a form of worship and a means of unity.

After the performance ended, I realized I had finally found my missing community. Seeing individuals from many different communities coming together to create something so beautiful truly spoke to my heart and everyone else in the church that day. There is power in unity and community.

Towett Shiow is a freshman biology pre-dentistry major who enjoys music and reading in her free time.

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INVISIBLE DISABILITIES Finding Community Across Unseen Barriers STORY BY NORA MARTIN PHOTOS BY ALINA WEBER DESIGN BY FAITH LAWTON

A

young girl unwraps her carefully packed lunch at the edge of the table. Around her, colorful party hats dance glibly as the other children enthusiastically dive into slices of pizza and birthday cake. This is a familiar scene for her—another birthday where her celiac disease has kept her away from the party.

“Sometimes the other kids wouldn’t notice, sometimes they did,” Alina Weber recalls, years later. “But I always felt like I wasn’t really eating with other people. It was an isolating feeling.”

At the time, gluten-free options weren’t readily available anywhere, much less at children’s parties.

Now, Alina is a senior photography major at Andrews University.

She is tall and stylish; pink streaks through the front of her hair, and modern square glasses frame her face. Her senior exhibition, a series of 10 cyanotype prints on glass, will reflect her experiences growing up. The subject, broadly, is invisible disabilities.

In the United States, over 42 million people are considered to have a severe disability, with 96% of them being invisible, according to Forbes magazine. The term “invisible disability,” as you would expect, generally refers to a physical or mental health condition that affects a person’s everyday life but isn’t immediately apparent to others. There are many conditions that could be considered an invisible disability, including ADHD, autism, Crohn’s disease, and diabetes.

For those living with any kind of disability—invisible or not—the challenges go far beyond health management. Everyday obstacles often include higher living expenses (about a third more, according to the United Nations), limited access to resources (which are often not designed with their needs in mind), and social stigma. The latter is a connecting thread of the myriad of people who have an invisible disability. Because their conditions aren’t outwardly visible, they often face challenges in securing accommodations and sometimes an outright dismissal of the severity of their experiences.

These are precisely the kinds of experiences that Alina is looking to uplift. Her exhibition spotlights the experiences of other students who live with invisible disabilities—each picture is a contemporary portrait that represents a positive or negative experience that a student has had. The pictures are striking. Each photograph, true to form, is washed over in deep blue tones, with borders that almost look hand-painted onto the image.

In one portrait, Alina herself appears with hands pressed against rain-streaked glass, looking vacantly outward. Another shows a

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young man standing alone in an empty room, embracing nothing, his shadow stretching long behind him. In yet another, a girl lies on the ground, one hand resting on her head as white fabric cascades over her body in Grecian-like drapes.

“I am using the glass to symbolize the vulnerability and transparency you have to use when telling someone your story,” she explained.

“Pictures are a storytelling tool that can be a powerful way to connect with others. Most people gain empathy and understanding when they hear the personal stories of people who aren’t like them, and I hope that this project will help humanize [my subjects] and people like us.”

Alina was diagnosed with celiac disease when she was 3 years old and diabetes in 2024. Starting from a very young age, she had to learn careful boundaries around food and independently manage them.

“My grandma didn’t know what ingredients were safe for me to eat, so I needed to be able to go into a grocery store and tell her if a food was safe for me,” Alina shared.

Her family, however, has been extremely supportive. Alina’s mother put in a lot of time learning to cook gluten-free; if you step into their pantry now, you will find it filled with the gluten-free cookbooks. Her father, who often traveled for work, would return with suitcases full of gluten-free food from Europe.

“I could always tell that my parents care,” Alina recalled.

Indeed, Alina said that she has felt very supported by the people around her growing up. One particularly salient moment for Alina occurred when she was in kindergarten. Her family, who hails from eastern Europe, made a tradition of making palačinkes every Friday night. During a trip to Croatia, they visited an inn on the Danube River; the cook, after hearing that a child with celiac was coming, cleaned the entire kitchen and made gluten-free palačinkes for her.

Finding accommodations in college, however, has proved more difficult. Alina can’t eat in the cafeteria or anywhere with a shared kitchen. So, when looking for housing accommodations, she sought out a campus apartment — the cheapest housing option with private kitchens. However, she was not allowed an apartment. She was offered a place in the graduate student dorms, but quickly realized that the rent would be significantly more than the apartment she was asking for.

“I did the math,” she said resignedly, “and realized it was cheaper for me to drive home every weekend and meal prep for the week rather than move to University Towers.”

2025 / ISSUE 15 / ENVISION / 19

Ultimately, however, Alina sees her disability positively; something that led her to connect with the disabled community at her university.

Living with a condition that requires constant management can feel isolating, but she has found that meeting others who face similar challenges has been both reassuring and eye-opening.

“It’s always made me stop and think about what people are going through more. Everyone always has something going on, whether it is a disability or not.”

Hearing others’ stories and the ways their experiences both align with and diverge from her own has, in the long run, given her a deeper sense of belonging. This sense of connection is also, partly, what inspired her latest project—she believes that most people are eager to have empathy for others but often lack exposure to the realities of those living with disabilities. By capturing real people with real struggles, she hopes to bridge that gap, showing the nuances of these experiences in a way that words alone often cannot.

Alina’s belief in the power of visual storytelling is also reflected in the people she photographs. Cameron*, a sophomore studying anthropological archeology and a model for one of Alina’s photoshoots, echoed many of the same sentiments she did. Cameron has autism, which, among other things, leads him to experience intense sensory issues. Alina’s art allowed him to express these challenges in a way that reflects his lived experiences.

“Alina had me write down single words or small phrases that express the way that I feel in these extreme overstimulated, overwhelmed situations, and they surround the picture,” he explained.

“The photo itself is a pretty normal one, all things considered.

But, this is my normal. I get overstimulated, I can’t function, sometimes I can’t talk. And it’s all good, it’s whatever—this is my normal. I will still go to [Alina’s] show and socialize and have a great time. I have a great life.”

For Cameron, this kind of art is more than just about showcasing difficulties or any traditional sense of the term “raising awareness.”

The most important work that Alina’s photographs do is illustrate the fullness of each individual’s experience.

“I think it’s important [for others] to see that these people experience struggles, but this is their life,” he said. “They may need to take a break more often than you would, but they still have a great life. Their lives are still fulfilling and important.”

Nora Martin is a senior English/psychology major. In her free time, she likes to embroider.

*Cameron is a pseudonym.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE My conversations with Alina and Cameron resonated with me in a way that I had not expected them to — for almost three years now, I have been receiving treatment for endometriosis, a chronic pain condition resulting from benign growths on the uterus. Endometriosis is a progressive disease; although the growths (or “lesions,” as my doctor has gracefully termed them) usually begin on the outside of the uterus, they can spread to surrounding organs if the condition is left untreated. Unfortunately, there is no cure. I’m lucky, though; not only was I able to get treatment unusually quickly (endometriosis has an average four-to-eleven year delay between onset of symptoms and treatment — mine took about one year), but I am also one of the relatively few people for whom first-line treatment (typically in the form of oral birth control) completely suppresses the symptoms. Because of this, I’ve never considered myself disabled. However, for the short period of time where I was untreated, I did experience a rather unconventional ‘normal.’ I had unpredictable bouts of pain and more-predictable episodes of fatigue. Because of this, I was more restricted in what social events I could go to, when I could go to class, and how far I could travel. However, the people around me were always extremely kind and accommodating. They found spaces for me to lie down during parties, they walked slowly so I could keep up, and they stopped moving for a bit when I couldn’t anymore. I learned, like Alina and Cameron have, that most people are eager to be kind to you—they just need to understand what you need.

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FINE

(dorm)

DINING RECIPES BY ALINA WEBER PHOTOS BY NATE REID

DESIGN BY SAMANTHA WOOLFORD-HUNT

Cheesecake Instructions

Ingredients

1.

Prep the Pan: Line a square or rectangular baking pan with parchment paper to make removal easier later.

FOR THE CRUST:

2.

Make the Crust: In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar, and melted butter. Stir until everything is well mixed.

Press the mixture firmly into the bottom of the pan to form a solid, even crust. Place it in the fridge while you work on the filling.

1/3 cup packed light or dark brown sugar

3.

2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 16 full-sheet graham crackers) 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Whip the Cream: Use a mixer to beat cold heavy cream on medium-highspeed until stiff peaks form (around 3 minutes). If you’re doing it by hand, whisk vigorously for 5–7 minutes. Set aside.

FOR THE CHEESECAKE FILLING:

4.

Prepare the Cheesecake Filling: In a separate bowl, mix softened cream cheese and sugar until smooth. Add sour cream, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Stir until completely combined and smooth.

16 ounces full-fat cream cheese, softened to room temperature

5.

Fold in the Whipped Cream: Gently fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture using a spatula. Do this slowly and carefully to keep the airy texture of the whipped cream.

6.

Assemble the Cheesecake: Spoon or pipe the cheesecake filling over the chilled crust. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula for a neat finish.

7.

Chill: Cover the pan and refrigerate the cheesecake for at least 3 hours (or up to 2 days) to let it set properly.

8.

Serve & Store: When ready to serve, add any desired toppings. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let the cheesecake sit at room temperature for 30–60 minutes before serving to soften slightly.

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1 cup cold heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream)

1/3 cup granulated sugar

2 tablespoons sour cream (or plain yogurt), at room temperature 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

2025 / ISSUE 15 / ENVISION / 21

Salad Ingredients

12 oz. cucumbers, chopped

Instructions 1.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chickpeas, chopped cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.

2.

1/4 tsp. dried mint

In a separate bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, honey, olive oil, dried mint, dried oregano, and chopped parsley.

3.

Pour the dressing over the chickpea mixture and stir well.

1/4 cup red onion, chopped

4.

Add crumbled feta to your liking and mix again.

5.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6.

Serve immediately or let it sit for 10–15 minutes to enhance the flavors.

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. honey

2 Tbsp. olive oil

1/4 tsp. dried oregano

15 oz. chickpeas, rinsed and drained 12 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup Italian parsley, chopped Crumbled feta, to taste

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Mac and Cheese Ingredients

1 cup instant white cheddar mac and cheese (prepared according to package instructions) 1/8 cup roasted red peppers, diced 1 Tbsp. Parmesan cheese A pinch of dried oregano A pinch of dried thyme

Instructions

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1.

Prepare the mac and cheese according to the package instructions.

2.

Dice the roasted red peppers.

3.

Stir the diced peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried herbs into the pasta.

4.

Microwave for 45 seconds to 1 minute until heated through.

5.

Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top and enjoy!

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Nurtured to inspire,

FAMILY PHOTOS SUPPLIED BY DREW SMITH

24 / ENVISION / ISSUE 15 / 2025

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Inspired to

Nurture

STORY BY ANDREW FRANCIS PHOTOS BY MORAYA TRUMAN DESIGN BY JORDANE BAUSHKE

B

efore even getting an opportunity to meet the world, Nkosane “Drew” Smith’s life became fragmented. A few months before his birth, Drew’s father passed away from a heart attack, leaving Drew’s mother to care for Drew and his two siblings as a single mother. Not having his father weighed heavily on Drew and his family.

Despite his mom doing her best to raise three children and put them through Seventh-day Adventist schools, he still felt the void of not having a father.

“Thinking back on it…nobody really taught me how to shave,” Drew, 18, shared. “I kind of had to learn that on my own. Or teach me how to change a tire.” Fortunately, Drew became aware in his teenage years that he and his family were not truly alone. “It was male church members who stepped up and filled that [father] role without being in my life permanently.”

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2025 / ISSUE 15 / ENVISION / 25

“What I’ve sort of learned is that if God wants something to happen, He will find a way to let you know that’s what you need to be doing.”

A community of other relatives and church members helped to support Drew and his siblings while growing up, and many served as inspiring role models for him.

This loving community has led Drew to be passionate about nurturing others as an educator, similar to how he’s been cared for.

Male role models and loved ones are who Drew credits as helping to fill the absence of a father figure in his life, supplementing the care he already received from his mother. His extended family has been a source of support and encouragement throughout his life for him, his mother and his siblings. However, it has not always been easy to receive adequate support, with a lot of his family spread out geographically.

“My grandfathers played a very crucial role [in my life], but they’ve been kind of far,” explained Drew, a Detroit, native who has one set of grandparents in Georgia and the other in another area of Michigan. Drew found another abundant source of support in many of the members of his church while continually trying to deal with the loss of his father.

One of those church members eventually gave Drew his first razor, and his growing community of positive role models continued to give him advice and teach him in place of his father. It was especially during his teenage 26 / ENVISION / ISSUE 15 / 2025

years that Drew continued receiving support from his mother and other role models as they encouraged him how to behave as a man spiritually and socially.

Drew’s unique balance of male and female role models has inspired him to be an educator and set him on his current career path. “I guess not having as many male figures – not that being a teacher is a girlie thing – but I have a more nurturing side that I sort of took up from female church members or my female family members,” Drew shared. “So that’s how I kind of got into teaching and sort of having that idea in my head, ‘cause I know I wanted to help people.”

Being mentored to grow spiritually was just as, if not more, important than his growth as an individual and socially.

Drew says he learned a poignant lesson in courage and forgiveness while going through a tough time. “About two years ago, I was in a low spot spiritually and far from God, which led me to make a bad decision,” he shared. “When the time came for me to tell my family and talk, I was nervous that they wouldn’t love me anymore and that what I had done had gone too far. I eventually came to my family, and instead of scolding or treating me differently, they held open arms and let me know that their love for me was still there despite what I had done.”

His family’s love and openness helped Drew recognize God’s own love for him. “This paralleled my relationship with God at the time. I was worried I had strayed too far from God’s love, but I discovered I could never stray too far. Soon after, I grew stronger with Him and changed aspects of my life, and the doors and opportunities I had lost from that bad decision didn’t seem to matter anymore. He opened a whole building of opportunities that allowed me to prosper and become who I am today.”

Drew has started his undergraduate journey at Andrews University. He is an education major with an English minor; he plans to be certified to teach kindergarten to sixth grade.

Although he hopes to focus on English language arts and teach children between second and fifth grades, Drew has already started getting ample practice working with children of a wide range of ages. This is thanks to his observation hours, a requirement of all education majors. He helps with classes at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School, and works at the Crayon Box Children’s Learning Center, both on Andrews’ campus.

There is a significant deficiency in the United States of male educators. Research by the National Center for Education Statistics indicates that less than 25% of U.S. teachers are male, with only 10% making up the teacher population in elementary schools. Out of all male educators, only 6.5% of them are Black male teachers. issuu.com/envisionmagazine

BY THE NUMBERS 20%

of teachers in SDA Elementary Schools are male

Andrew Francis is a senior communications and behavioral science student at Andrews University who loves reading and sports. issuu.com/envisionmagazine

49.4% of students in SDA Elementary Schools are male

80

89%

of teachers in Public Elementary Schools are female

Students

46

28

Teachers

Drew is part of a rare group of people who are looking to shape and mold the next generations of children. Being a good representation for young boys and girls who may be in need of male role models, like Drew was, is a definite need for children across all demographics.

Having attended Adventist schools for his entire life, Drew also credits much of his academic experience with strengthening his character. Drew attended Peterson-Warren Academy in the Lake Region Conference from kindergarten to sixth grade, Metropolitan Junior Academy in the Michigan Conference from seventh to tenth grade, and then the online institution Aspire SDA Academy for his junior and senior years.

At Metropolitan Junior Academy, he was particularly inspired by one of his homeroom and English teachers, Mrs. Simon. “She sort of pushed me to be a better writer and that one-on-one connection helped me learn from her a bit better,” Drew says. He feels that he particularly benefited from the smaller environments that the Seventh-day Adventist schools he attended all provided, and he was able to receive better care and support, which has led to him getting more practical and intentional care from his professors at Andrews.

Drew has also realized that he is starting to adopt a lot of the nurturing behavior that he learned from his community.

“Everybody knows you need patience to deal with kids, and that’s something I’m starting to notice, and that quality is starting to come out more [in me],” he says. “Just having that nurturing side from family members or church members, and it’s starting to come out, and I think I’m pretty good with kids.”

While Drew is still only a freshman and has a lot more studying ahead of him before fully realizing his goals of being an educator, he remains confident about what may be in store for him in the future.

“What I’ve sort of learned is that if God wants something to happen, He will find a way to let you know that’s what you need to be doing,” he says. “Like it will be some sort of thing where it just arises, just like that, out of nowhere, and it's just like, ‘Wow, I got my answer!’ So I’m not really too stressed about it [the future].”

11%

of teachers in Public Elementary Schools are male

15 9

WHITE

HISPANIC

6 BLACK

2

5

ASIAN

2

4

MIXED

PERCENTAGE OF TEACHERS AND STUDENTS IN PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS BY ETHNICITY Info from North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists and the National Center for Education Statistics

2025 / ISSUE 15 / ENVISION / 27

STORY BY ZACHARY KIŠ

PHOTO BY CELESTE VELINOVA DESIGN BY DEMETRIUS HILL

O

n Aug. 19, 2015, at the age of 10, I was baptized by the same man who baptized my mother and my uncle, and many more people—my grandfather. I was baptized at Pioneer Memorial Church, a church where my parents were married and where my sister and I were dedicated. My decision to be baptized came after weeks of preparation in the form of theological studies with my youth pastor. We had gone over the ten commandments, the life and ministry of Jesus, the books of the Bible, and we capped it off with a study of the 28 fundamental beliefs of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. At that point I felt like I truly knew what I was getting myself into.

28 / ENVISION / ISSUE 15 / 2025

Baptism unites us to others in the body of Christ. All of us come from unique backgrounds—different upbringings, different circumstances, different environments. Some of us are born into wealth, others not so much. Some of us are born into zealously religious households; others are born into atheism. Represented in the body of Christ is every nation on earth, every people, every tribe, every language, culture and race. Humanity has indeed been fruitful and multiplied to fill the earth (Gen. 1:28). Though all human culture can trace its roots back to the Garden of Eden, we have become so dispersed that we can no longer understand the language of foreigners. Diversity is messy. Diversity requires us to accept that we will disagree as often as not. If this is the case, how can we then have unity? How is it possible that, as represented at Andrews University, there are so many differing issuu.com/envisionmagazine

worldviews, yet we are still united? Within the scope of Christianity, one of these unifying factors is baptism.

Baptism is a sign of our commitment to the Christian life. It represents the official declaration of a faith that has already taken root in a person. What’s more, baptism is one of the core tenets, or sacraments, of Christianity. This means that it is practiced, with some variation, everywhere Christianity is practiced.

As we’ve seen, Christianity has an extremely wide scope. Thus, when we are baptized we become a part of a community that bypasses language barriers and crosses oceans. This is the unifying force of Christianity. A singular focus on Christ, expressed in baptism, allows the scattered people of Earth to unite in one focus—becoming like Christ. Being baptized is like putting on a team jersey. It identifies you as a part of a collective. When you wear that jersey and go on to the court, it is expected that you will act in a particular way. It is expected that you will work to ensure victory for your team. A soccer player shouldn’t intentionally pass the ball to a member of the opposing team or shoot on their own goal. Likewise, when you are Christian it is expected that you will act in a way that identifies you as a member of God’s team. As John 13:35 says, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Acting in a loving way, and having real love in your heart is what members of God’s team should be like. Your life is an eternal struggle with self, and you will always strive to become

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more like the loving example of Jesus. When we are baptized, we are declaring that we wish to be on God’s team, and that requires us to play by God’s rules.

This does not mean that we will always follow those rules, though. We will make mistakes.

We will stumble. I have had to come to terms with this reality during my post-baptismal life.

Baptism—joining God’s team—merely shows our intent to become more like Jesus. It doesn’t mean that we will never sin again—far from it.

When we sin, we forfeit our inheritance to the Kingdom of Heaven. We must daily submit to God’s will and experience His forgiveness in order to be purified and transformed into the people He wants us to be. Because of this, we must be forgiving in our interactions with other baptized people. We cannot expect them to be perfect. We must realize that they are fallible, just as we are, and then we must forgive them when they inevitably wrong us.

It is crucial for us to practice forgiveness with our fellow Christians—as well as everyone else—and for us to remember that our baptism is supposed to be a sign of unity among us. We must never lose sight of the principles we were baptized under. Only by practicing forgiveness and love can we truly be united as Christians, for “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).

Zachary Kiš is a sophomore aviation major at Andrews University.

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P I H S D N E e I h t R F S S O R AC ORD C S DI

STORY BY LALDUHSAKI CHAWNGTHU

PHOTO BY YSA DENNIS & DAVE SHERWIN DESIGN BY ALONDRA GALLARDO

F

or as long as I can remember, I have had severe social anxiety.

I’m afraid to meet new people or start conversations, and I do not enjoy social events. I had experienced bullying and been called weird when I was a kid. I thought myself to be the type of person that people just didn’t want to interact with.

Growing up in the Seventh-day Adventist Church, I heard many times of how we are all one. 1 Corinthians 12:13 says, “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body— whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” This verse offers the idea that everyone is to function as one with one another because we are all “one in the Spirit.” Oftentimes I thought, “How am I supposed to work with others if I’m afraid of them?”

I was not fully aware of my fear of social interactions, specifically new ones, until I went to high school. As a kid, I was always

30 / ENVISION / ISSUE 15 / 2025

surrounded by the same circle of people. When I was 14 years old and put into a dormitory with 50 other strangers, I found myself isolating and keeping to myself. To me, it seemed like everyone had already found their groups, and I was just alone on the side. Every time the teachers asked me a question in the classroom, I would stutter and say something strange, even when I knew the correct answer.

I would feel stressed out before meals in the cafeteria because, while I was afraid of others, I also had a fear of isolation and being alone.

I had a constant uncomfortable feeling in my gut until I became friends with girls I never thought I would get along with.

When I envisioned making friends in school, I thought I would end up with people who were like me, or at least people who had similar interests. When I met Misty, one of my two best friends, I thought she would just become an acquaintance because she was so different from me. She wore dark and baggy clothes, issuu.com/envisionmagazine

had wavy brown hair, never smiled, listened to emo music, was friends with a lot of people, and she would seemingly stare into my soul every time I made eye contact with her. I was terrified, to say the least. My older cousin, who was a sophomore, told me to befriend her because she thought we would get along, but I pushed away interactions with her for a long time because I thought we wouldn’t find much common ground. Then, one day I found myself in her dorm room with my cousin, having a conversation that wasn’t awkward at all. I remember walking back to my room with genuine joy because I had just met someone that I actually loved spending time with.

I thought that if I could get along with the scary girl Misty, I could get by with Daya, my other best friend now. Daya was also very intimidating, but I actually admired her from the first day of school because I thought she was so cool.

She wore all the clothes that were trending; like Misty, she also knew a lot of people and was well liked; she had a resting stern face; she was good at sports; and she was very pretty. I never had the guts to talk to her because I was under the impression that she was way too swag to want to be friends with me. Luckily for me, Daya was my table partner in one of my classes. One day, I decided to put on my big girl pants and talk to her by asking her a question about our class work. We both started laughing when she turned her computer screen toward my direction, and I saw that she was just playing online games. After that, we became inseparable. We took naps in the dorm together, ate lunch together, sat next to each other in class and church, and we texted each other every time we were away. Eventually, Daya and Misty befriended each other, and we all became friends.

Friendship can blossom in the most unexpected places, which is why you cannot predict whether camaraderie will or will not be the end result of your interactions with other people.

The human body is made up of numerous parts, both large and small, and each part plays a role in overall health. Some are essential for survival, while others serve important functions in daily life. Just because the knee and hand work differently doesn’t mean one is more important than the other. I learned many things from my friends because they were different from me. I saw life from a perspective that I would’ve never been able to see on my own, all thanks to allowing a new idea into my life: that I’m not limited to the things I am already familiar with. Not only did this experience allow me to grow, but I helped both of my friends evolve into the amazing people they are now. Being able to identify differences allows us to be inclusive and recognize the variety in life.

In the church, we have people and traditions that we are already familiar with. Sometimes we can think that the new member with an outlandish personality is ruining the normal, put-together church that we have become so accustomed to. We fail to acknowledge the fact that Jesus, Christ’s followers and even the Adventist Church first came to be as a peculiar change.

Unlikeness does not have to be perceived as a mismatch—in fact, it can make us stronger.

Even if you do not fancy a certain person, have the intellect to know that there is great power in building bridges across the disparity, as Christ has called us to do.

Lalduhsaki Chawngthu is a freshman at Andrews University who loves to sing.

“I saw life that I w from a pers pe o to see uld’ve never ctive on my own... been able ” issuu.com/envisionmagazine

2025 / ISSUE 15 / ENVISION / 31

Empowering people with the passion and skills necessary to further the kingdom of Christ in the 21st century.

Free

Online Courses & Resources for:

 Teachers  Pastors  Administrators  Believers & Seekers

iBelieve Bible

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Training members to become leaders 32 / ENVISION / ISSUE 15 / 2025

A Picture of God

and much more! www.adventistlearningcommunity.com issuu.com/envisionmagazine

MY FLIPPING FAMILY STORY BY KARLA ROSETTE

PHOTOS BY JANESSA SAELEE

DESIGN BY EMMANUEL OWUSU-DANKWA

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2025 / ISSUE 15 / ENVISION / 33

T

he first day of Gymnics tryouts was nerve racking. I consider myself to be an extroverted person, but to be in a completely different environment and away from everything that I knew really put me out of my element. I was glad to be accompanied by my cousin, Elizabeth, but I knew I couldn't stay stuck to her side. This was an opportunity to meet new people from different places who shared a similar passion with me. Fortunately, everyone was friendly and inviting. Participating in new stunting pairs, pyramid sequences, tumbling passes and workout sessions with different people allowed me to learn more about my peers. Before I knew it, the week had flown by. All who tried out were invited to a special vespers hosted at coaches Daniel and Joelle’s house. Everyone participated in engaging team-building activities, enjoyed a delicious meal, worshiped together and had a time of reflection to welcome the Sabbath. We ended the week strongly, with spiritual guidance and motivating encouragement. This was the introduction to the new family I'd soon be a part of. Even when I was struggling with topping a stunt such as a butterfly or liberty, fellow teammates or coaches nearby would come to help walk me through the steps to achieving the said skill. When going through mental blocks and moments of self doubt, I would be met with encouraging pep talks, reassurance and optimism.

Another aspect that continues to surprise me about the team culture is the effect it has on my spiritual life. Not only am I exposed to a Christ-like environment, but I can see how God is working through the people around me. I am blessed to be surrounded by people who strive to be like Jesus. I have the opportunity to discuss and have meaningful conversations pertaining to my faith with people who genuinely want to see me grow in my personal relationship with God. I frequently sit down with Guillermo or Caden and talk about my spiritual life and trials and discover how I can grow closer to God. I can trust that if I have a spiritual need, there will always be a coach, captain or friend there to pray with me. Every day before practice, the team has a devotional thought either given by a coach or team member. Every Thursday the team ends practice a little early to have “Gymnics circle.” With everyone in a circle, we have an opportunity to have a devotional discussing God’s role in our lives on the mat or off the mat, followed by a time of sharing praises and requests. Finally, we always end off the night with a group prayer and big hugs.

Although Thursday is our last practice day of the week, that won’t be the last time seeing my teammates. The friends I’ve made in practice have made campus seem more like home. There is a familiar face everywhere I venture on campus: in my classes, on my way to or from the dorm, during lunch with teammates in the cafeteria, in architecture co-curriculars and outings, while studying on the benches outside of the Student Center, or in Gymnics study groups, sessions where team members complete homework and get help. In fact, this very writing piece was completed with the help of a fellow Gymnic. During intramural activities, Gymnics members go to play, practice or support each other. After practice, we always seem to have one or two friends follow us to our rooms, simply to hang out or study together. We even go off campus to have fun, often going to get fast food or spend time getting to know one another at coach Richie’s house during Sabbath lunch.

I feel accepted and a part of Gymnics. Everyone on the team has a role. Each interconnected part cannot function without the other. In a pyramid, teamwork and trust is necessary to succeed and push through. Not everyone thinks the same, moves the 34 / ENVISION / ISSUE 15 / 2025

“I found something more valuable and precious than a community.

I found a family.” same or acts the same. We are all different and unique in our own special way. This team is a unified body, composed of so many different people, with so many different talents and skills. Whether it be wallwalking, lyra, silks, chairs, straps, tumbling, mini tramp, teeter board, or juggling, the team takes individuality and unifies it under one name: The Gymnics. My favorite part of Gymnics though, all boils down to the end of practice after we pray. We huddle together and chant our motto, “1 2 3…AU GYMNICS!!...

4 5 6…FAMILY!!!” I found people who trust each other, lift one another up, work together to achieve mind-boggling stunts and support each other in every sense: physically, mentally and spiritually. I found something more valuable and precious than a community. I found a family.

Karla Rosette is an architecture student at Andrews University who loves to explore her creative side and laugh with friends.

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Alumni Q&A Christina Collard BFA, Photography, 2022

Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?

I’m a food and props stylist, working on visuals for packaging, web content, and signage for global brands. Every day brings a new creative challenge. One day, I could be shopping and picking out the perfect produce and props for an upcoming shoot, and the next, I’m baking or making recipes, and styling them on set. The blend of creative problem-solving and hands-on work keeps everything fresh and exciting.

How did your time at Andrews help prepare you for your career?

My time at Andrews played a key role in preparing me for my career. It helped me develop a strong eye for detail, composition and color theory, which have been essential in my work. I also learned to accept and give constructive critique, which has been invaluable in growing as a professional. I really appreciated all of my professors’ and classes at Andrews who laid a solid foundation that helped me transition into the commercial world after school.

What was the transition like from college to the professional world? Any surprises or challenges?

It wasn’t the easiest transition, but I learned so much along the way. I started out in retouching, thinking that was my path, but after a year, I realized I didn’t want to sit at a computer all day and craved something more active. While in school, I had an internship at JohnsonRauhoff doing retouching, and during that time, I got pulled into stylist assisting. I’ve always been a planner, but I’ve had to accept that things change, and sometimes you have to embrace the unexpected. issuu.com/envisionmagazine

PHOTO: NATHAN HARRMANN

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love anything detail oriented, especially if it involves baking, making recipes, styling on set and occasionally hand modeling. One of the best parts is seeing my work in stores. Walking into a store and spotting something I worked on makes all the effort feel worthwhile.

Is there a specific lesson, skill, or piece of advice from your time in school that you still use today?

I always hated thumbnails in Doug [Taylor]’s classes…. I even made one of my projects in Basic Design about the creative process, joking about them. But coming up with 20 different ways to solve a single creative problem has actually been incredibly helpful and is a great creative exercise. For example, when styling a set of pans for packaging, there are only so many ways to stack, lean and prop them. It can be challenging to keep continuously coming up with fresh looks that tell a story.

What advice would you give to current students who want to follow a similar career path?

There are so many roles in the creative industry.

The best way to find your niche is by trying different things. Assisting and internships are

great for learning and making connections, so take every opportunity you can. The more hands-on experience you get, the more confident and versatile you'll become.

Do you have a favorite memory or professor from your time at Andrews that still sticks with you today?

One of my favorite memories was planning and executing the photo series for my senior gallery show. Seeing everything come together to fill the gallery in the end was an incredibly rewarding experience.My favorite professor was Dave Sherwin. He has given me so many opportunities that helped shape my career. I truly appreciate the time and energy he puts into helping students grow. I have a deep respect for him and everything he’s done.

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Kristina Penny Daley

BA, Communication, 2011 Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?

I'm currently an assistant editor for The Chosen TV series. I facilitate the work of my editor by taking care of many of the little details. This is so the editor can focus on cutting the best story possible. On a typical day, I receive and organize the footage that comes from set and highlight the best takes. I alert my editor to potential issues and brainstorm solutions.

When the editor finishes cutting a scene, I do a simple audio mix so it can be in the best shape before we show it to the director. As a team, we're also constantly watching and rewatching cuts and discussing whether they are accomplishing their goals. If not, I search for the footage needed.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

This job is a perfect mix of technical and creative skill. I love that. On the technical side, I get to study every day and use logic to troubleshoot software issues and brainstorm faster workflows. On the creative side, I get to take part in discussions about whether scenes are hitting their emotional cues and find

Kristina Penny Daley does a screen replace for a scene in The Chosen.

footage that better meets those goals. I'm an assistant editor now, but have been an editor in other settings and what I love most about editing in general is that it's really just like writing. You're piecing the dialogue together, with the addition of verbal tone and facial expressions to manage as well.

How did your time at Andrews help prepare you for your career?

Well first of all, I wouldn't be an editor at all if it weren't for an Andrews professor encouraging me repeatedly to give it a try and providinga space to hone my skills (thank you Dr. [Melchizedek] Ponniah). I also use principles from my communications theories and design classes every day as I make decisions about what will impact viewers most. Thanks to these classes, I not only know when something ismissing the mark, but I also have the language to explain my thoughts to my teammates.

What was the transition like from college to the professional world? Any surprises or challenges?

Transitioning to the professional world wasn't really a big deal because I'd already done three internships and four jobs related to my field by the time I graduated. As for surprises, I graduated with the intention of pursuing journalism, but after doing that for a couple of years, discovered that lifestyle was not for me.

That was the biggest surprise. But I'm thankful that God led me to learn other skills in college that allowed me to jump into a different field.

Kristina Penny Daley.

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Is there a specific lesson, skill, or piece of advice from your time in school that you still use today?

So many. One surprising thing is how the digital design and marketing skills I learned in

college help me serve my church. I really enjoy using what I learned to do ministry and help others know the love of Jesus, in addition to making a living.What advice would you give to current students who want to follow a similar career path?As wonderful as your educators may be, you know what your specific career goals are and you need to be in charge of making sure you have the skills needed to be competitive in the field you want to pursue. That means lots of research and being willing to search for experiences outside of school that can give you the additional skills and resume you need. Re-evaluate and pivot every few months. That being said, I have found Proverbs 16:9 to be true: "A man’s heart plans his way, But the Lord directs his steps." Planning is needed, but we also need to be open to the possibility that God may have a different path in mind.

Do you have a favorite memory or professor from your time at Andrews that still sticks with you today?

There are so many: Dr. [Delyse] Steyn, Dr. Ponniah, Debbie Michel, Patrice Jones, Diane Myers—I wouldn't be where I am today without them. Dr. Delyse Steyne used to tell us, “You can learn most of the skills for your future job from Youtube. I'm here to teach you the things you can't learn that way.” She accomplished her goal and then some. Not only do I use the communication theories she taught us daily, but also the life lessons she wove into her classes right alongside them.

And that's not even counting all the religion professors who let me knock on their door and ask tons of questions whenever I was struggling with my faith. issuu.com/envisionmagazine

Sarah Duvivier

BFA, Graphic Design, 2019 What was the transition like from college to the professional world? Any surprises or challenges?

After college, there was a period of time when I was applying for graphic design jobs on a daily basis. During that time, I took on a non-design role as a teacher’s assistant at a special needs high school. Luckily, when the COVID-19 pandemic occurred, my position transitioned to remote work, which allowed me to gain experience in a remote environment.It took about a year and a half after graduating before I finally landed a full-time role as a graphic designer at a media agency. My role was specifically with L’Oréal Paris as a client , where I worked on their social content, global email designs, and editorial designs, assisted on model and still-life shoots, reviewed new product releases and created video content as well. During my time there, the company went through a merger, which was an adjustment, but it gave me valuable experience in adapting to corporate transitions, evolving workflows, and managing moving parts within a large organization.I worked with L’Oréal Paris for three years before starting my current position at Walgreens. Looking back, I truly enjoyed my journey as a graphic designer, and I feel very blessed to have been given these opportunities— especially since I started my professional career [in a fully remote capacity] in 2020.

engaging. There’s something so satisfying about seeing a project come together, especially when it enhances a brand’s message or connects with an audience. I also enjoy problem-solving through design, whether it’s finding the perfect layout or refining a concept to make it more effective.

Is there a specific lesson, skill, or piece of advice from your time in school that you still use today?

One lesson that has always stuck with me is the importance of attention to detail. Whether it’s typography, color balance, or composition, the smallest adjustments can have a significant impact on the final product. For example, something as simple as carefully kerning a word instead of relying on default spacing can make all the difference. I also embrace a mindset of continuous learning—design is always evolving, and staying open to new ideas and trends is essential to growth.

How did your time at Andrews help prepare you for your career?

[It] gave me a strong foundation in design principles, software skills, and creative thinking. The emphasis on both technical skills and conceptual development helped me approach projects with a well-rounded perspective. I also learned the importance of constructive critique, which has been invaluable in the professional world.

What advice would you give to current students who want to follow a similar career path?

Build a strong portfolio that showcases your skills and versatility. Employers want to see how you think and approach design challenges, so include projects that highlight both creativity and problem-solving. Gaining real-world experience is just as important— take on internships or freelance opportunities to strengthen your portfolio. When I was job

Sarah Duvivier

Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?

I work as a Graphic Designer II for Walgreens, focusing on creative projects that align with the brand’s marketing initiatives.

My day typically starts with checking emails and reviewing any updates on ongoing projects. I spend most of my time designing digital and print assets, collaborating with copywriters and marketing teams, and ensuring that all visuals align with the brand’s guidelines. Since I work remotely, I also set aside time for meetings and feedback sessions to keep everything on track.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I love the creative process—taking an idea and transforming it into something visually issuu.com/envisionmagazine

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hunting, I never stopped freelancing, and those projects made a real difference in my work.

Don’t shy away from challenges that feel slightly beyond your current skill set. Growth comes from pushing boundaries, and as designers, we’re built to adapt and learn along the way.

As long as you have the ambition to grow, you’re on the right path.Networking is also key—attend conferences, connect with other designers and join creative communities. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or mentorship; the design industry thrives on collaboration.

And finally, be open to feedback—refining your work and learning from others is essential to becoming a stronger designer.

Do you have a favorite memory or professor from your time at Andrews that still sticks with you today?

I have so many great memories, but one that stands out is working on real-life client projects.

Having the opportunity to listen to clients firsthand and pitch our own design ideas and layouts was an invaluable experience.As for professors, Diane Myers had a huge impact on my growth as a designer. Her passion for design and the way she challenged us to think beyond the obvious really shaped how I approach my work today.Her classes truly helped me develop a professional-level understanding of the industry standard design software. One of the most beneficial experiences was being a Mac lab assistant while attending Andrews. It not only deepened my knowledge of Adobe design programs for my own work but also allowed me to assist others with their projects and answer their questions. That experience strengthened both my technical skills and my ability to communicate design concepts effectively.

Zach Owen BFA, Graphic Design, 2020

Can you tell us about your current job and what a typical day looks like for you?

I’m currently part of AdventHealth’s Digital Group product design team as an intermediate UX designer. Our department is responsible for creating the AdventHealth app and online account so our patients can have access to their healthcare whenever they need it. The majority of this past year I’ve spent as the product design expert on a small experimental research and development team with a focus on implementing an artificial intelligence powered virtual chat assistant for our patients. A typical day for me looks like a lot of collaboration!

Throughout this year I’ve primarily worked in a hybrid model where I work from home three days and go into the office twice a week.

This has allowed for a great balance between in-person & virtual collaboration with other designers, programmers, and stakeholders, while still providing enough focus time to execute our ideas and concepts. My work on the research and development team could look like anything from early ideation like sketching, mind mapping, and wire framing to high fidelity mockup delivery or presenting prototype animations in C-suite level meetings as we pitch our solutions to stakeholders.

I’ve also been able to dabble in some other interest areas like user research by conducting interviews with real patients to gain a better understanding of their day-to-day experience along with dipping my toes into some front end code to assist our programmers as they build.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

My favorite part of my job is when I get to see and hear the tangible ways that the product I design positively impacts someone’s life. As a user experience designer, I have the privilege to step into the shoes of my audience and end users to better understand their pain points and struggles in order to help craft the best possible experience for them. When we interview real patients and get to hear how what we’ve created has helped them navigate the difficult times that can come with health issues, yeah that’s definitely the highlight for me.

Sarah Duvivier

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How did your time at Andrews help prepare you for your career?

My time at Andrews gave me such a leg up when I joined the workforce. Learning how

Zach Owen and wife, Brianna.

to creatively brainstorm and push deeper than the first ideas that come to your mind gave me the ability to problem solve at a high level early on in my career (thanks for the 50 thumbnails required on our assignments, Professor Taylor, lol). I’m also so thankful at how well Andrews got me acclimated to having my work critiqued so that by the time I started working that didn’t surprise me in the real world. Lastly, I’m so glad I had the opportunity to take a number of computer science courses as electives. Having a foundational understanding of software development and programming made it so much easier to understand and bridge the gap between me as a designer and the programmers on my team.

What was the transition like from college to the professional world? Any surprises or challenges?

One of the biggest surprises I would say was the free time! It was really nice not having homework assignments waiting for me at home after work. Another major transition was learning how to work and collaborate primarily remotely. When I started full time in 2020 it was right in the thick of the pandemic so we were all completely remote. Collaborating digitally definitely had challenges such as getting used to the new issuu.com/envisionmagazine

design tools like Figma. I’m glad to have been able to transition to more of a hybrid model so I can have a change of scenery to avoid the isolation of only working at home.

Is there a specific lesson, skill, or piece of advice from your time in school that you still use today?

The lesson that has stuck in my mind and that I’m constantly repeating as my mantra is “form follows function.” I’m so thankful that I was taught to always first consider how a design will impact my desired audience before diving into the design stylistically. Form is certainly important but if the design lacks the function then you’ll likely create something that will be ignored or disliked by your audience. Let form follow function and really be the cherry on top! This is always at the forefront of my thoughts as I begin on new projects at work.

What advice would you give to current students who want to follow a similar career path?

For anyone who would like to go into user experience design or product design, the first piece of advice I would give is to do your research on related professions that UX designers work along side with (such as software developers or product managers) and consider taking some related courses as electives or even pursue a minor to gain an understanding of those fields.

Another thing that I would recommend is to do a ton of networking! One thing I’m so glad that I took advantage of was even branching out and looking into events and opportunities from other departments. I went on multiple field trips with the business department simply to network and learn to market myself. It was so valuable to see glimpses of various industries and often since I was the only designer in the group on those trips, I ended up walking away with a business card or two. If it wasn’t for me attending an AdventHealth open house for the business department and pitching my design skills in an interview then who knows if I’d be in the position I am today!

Do you have a favorite memory or professor from your time at Andrews that still sticks with you today?

There are way too many amazing memories even narrow it down! Everything from outside of class like Sam’s chicken, winning the flag football intramural championship, worship at proximity and impact, to everything in class like working on Envision, presenting our brand concepts to real clients, or even that time Doug (Professor Taylor) showed us how high he could jump to prove how he used to street roller blade. I’ll forever treasure Andrews in my heart!

Zach Owens presents a prototype of an updated version of the AdventHealth app at AdventHealth’s C-Suite summit.

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The Legacy of Infusion

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I

STORY BY REX BITTNER PHOTOS PROVIDED BY ANDREWS UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS DESIGN BY DEMETRIUS HILL

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t started in 2019 with an idea written on a napkin during finals week—an idea that would bring people together from different cultures, change friendships and rebuild the way worship is seen in the community. Darius Bridges, a business major at Andrews at the time, had a vision for an event that would bring students together from all backgrounds, walks of life, and cultures. Bridges is now the assistant dean for Student Involvement, Leadership & Activities at his alma mater. His vision would turn into an event called Infusion, which was created to break barriers, build friendships and reflect the diverse body of Christ.

Bridges was eating in the cafeteria and reflecting on how distant each of the unique cultural groups on campus were in terms of worship. He did not have paper to write his ideas on, so he wrote them on a napkin. He envisioned an event where Black, Hispanic and Asian communities could come together and experience God in different ways that were authentic to each group. The goal was simple: Make a worship experience so that people could see their culture being represented and also be able to learn from others.

“The idea,” said Bridges, “was allowing people to be in one place together and allowing people to feel connected and be able to feel proud of themselves, proud of the school and also just proud of the fact that they are in a space where they can experience and learn and be able to see it in a religious, educational and social aspect.”

He shared his idea with some friends who were leaders of different cultural groups. They were ecstatic and wanted to help create a space where every culture could be seen and feel valued.

After this they had to unite some of the major cultural clubs: the Black Student Christian Forum, Adelante (which has now become one with the Andrews University Latino Association) and the Korean American Student Association. Clubs at the time didn’t usually collaborate, but this event bridged the gap between each club. As he and his friends prepared for this event they realized how rare it was to see unity among diversity at that time in the Adventist community.

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"Infusion showed people that diversity in worship is about more than being represented; it’s also about being included."

As time went by and the event was coming together, the clubs began to start hanging out together more, studying together and supporting each other by attending each other’s events. As a result of the different clubs interacting with each other more, the clubs gained an additional 500 members, not because of recruitment but because of the student body seeing their unity and wanting to be a part of it. What started as a worship event became a movement of inclusion and togetherness.

According to Bridges, “Diversity is having people up there [in front] that look different. Inclusion is having them be able to tell and showcase their stories. And so that’s the main difference, it’s not just people on a stage. It’s people singing in their language.

It’s people doing a play that showcases their community and their culture. It’s people being able to incorporate instruments that they would use within their worship, in their home and where they’re from.”

When the night of Infusion finally arrived, the atmosphere was electric, according to Bridges. People poured into the chapel excited and curious about what a multicultural worship event would be like. When the first note of music was played, it was clear that that night would be one to remember.

“We had Black gospel music alongside Spanish worship and Korean praise music as well,” Bridges recalled. “Every culture was able to shine but most importantly we were able to shine together in our worship.”

He remembers looking out to the crowd and seeing the joy in people’s faces as he was on stage. It wasn’t just about seeing and hearing different ways or styles of music but about seeing the body of Christ come together as one, truly reflecting the diversity

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of His creation. “It really changed mine and a lot of people’s perspective on what worship looks like and what it would feel like; kind of like what it feels like to see yourself within your worship,” said Bridges.

After the event, people came up to him with tears in their eyes, saying how much it meant to them. One person even said, “I was in my bed and someone told me to get out of my bed and come see Infusion.” Another shared how Infusion brought them back to church because they finally were seen and understood. Infusion was not just another event, it was an experience that changed the views of many.

Infusion showed people that diversity in worship is about more than being represented; it’s also about being included. It’s about creating spaces where every part of the body of Christ is seen, heard and celebrated. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul reminds us that there are many parts of Christ that form one body and each part is essential. That’s what Infusion was all about—being able to come together from different backgrounds and worship the same wonderful and gracious God we have in our hearts. Infusion was a glimpse of heaven, where people from every nation, tribe and tongue can worship God together by bringing their cultures to the altar, fulfilling the picture of God’s kingdom. Currently, Infusion is included every year as the Friday event during AUnited Weekend. Infusion was also one of the main inspirations for AUnited Weekend and was pivotal in extending that experience to be an educational, social and religious event. And it all started on the back of a napkin.

Rex Bittner is a freshman exercise science major at Andrews University.

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The

Line of Opportunity STORY BY JENNY ROTHERMEL

DESIGN BY JORDANE BAUSHKE

M

y airport line to passport check was agonizingly slow.

On the other side of the floor, a different group of people stood, anxiety painting their faces.

The people on my side, American citizens, all looked like they had been through this process before. My side was impatient; the other side looked tense.

Finally, it was my turn. I put my passport next to my face. They looked at it, then at me, and waved me on. I stacked my American passport over my Argentinian one. It felt like holding a double identity: I belonged on both sides.

I looked back at the other line. More people had accumulated. Progress was much slower than in my line. I couldn’t help but notice the look on many of their faces: hope mixed with fear.

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It reminded me of my friend Mia.* She had stood in a similar line a year earlier, newly arrived from another country.

We were sharing our plans for the future.

She told me how hard it was to adapt to life in a new country and how her parents didn't have the means to pay her college tuition. She blankly said, “I don’t think I can go to college after graduating.” Then, she sighed and asked, “So, what are your plans after graduating?”

I knew they were nowhere close to hers, but I never fully understood why.

Mine would follow a similar path to Miranda’s, a young woman described

by Chuck Collins in his book “Born on Third Base.” He describes Miranda’s future as successful and ideal. As I read her future outline, I started to see many similarities between her story and mine.

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Collins mentioned Miranda would graduate from a private four-year college and her parents would provide networking opportunities and contacts making it easier for her to find a job. But when I thought of Mia, my smile faded. I realized how different our lives were. Even if she wanted to work, it would be impossible because she’s not a United States citizen.

Too bad she couldn’t choose where she was born. That would’ve set her up for life.

Mia isn’t alone in this struggle; millions of people face similar challenges because they were born in the “wrong place.” Many of them seek to escape their current realities in search of a better life. In the Atlantic Monthly article “Seventy Miles in Hell,” Caitlin Dickerson describes how desperate they are to get to their destination. Many go through the Darién Gap, which connects Colombia with Panama, a hostile, deadly jungle hopefully leading to a better life.

According to Dickerson, the United Nations tried to warn them of how dangerous the route would become; however, people ignored attempts to make them reconsider and continued on. As I read the article, I began to wonder how bad their current situation would have to be for them to sacrifice so much and still see possible benefits in taking a chance—even if they risked their lives. It seems as if they stand on a cliff and look over to a cliff opposite them.

There’s a thin rope connecting them. And knowing their chances match the width of the rope, they still take the risk.

One day, I found out Mia had experienced a life-altering health crisis. She missed many days of school—her life crumbled beneath her feet. I visited her and one of the first things she told me was “I’m scared I’ll fail my classes and have to retake them.” She thought she would be pushed to the back of the line. At first, she feared not being able to attend college; now she was afraid she wouldn’t finish high school on time. She couldn’t control the situation.

Control is written all over the explanation as to why people choose to escape their current situations. In “The Semplica-Girl Diaries,” written by George Saunders, the Semplica Girls—young immigrants from troubled countries—had agreed to be hung in people’s backyards, like ornaments on a Christmas tree. This way, they could earn money and build a better future for themselves and their families. But a young American girl cut the line that connected them all—the one that kept them hanging. She had seen their faces and noticed something nobody else had: sadness. By the time the young girl’s parents realized it, the Semplica Girls were gone. While their father describes what the life of each Semplica Girl would look like, he asks himself, “What

in the world was she seeking? What could she want so much, that would make her pull such a desperate stunt?” There is a simple answer: a better life. But the question he should have asked was “Did I actually help them?”

While cutting the line looked like a bad idea to the father, it allowed the girls to walk away. By focusing on his own perspective, the father overlooked the deeper problem these girls faced. He thought that providing the line for them to hang on would help—it didn’t. And merely observing them was worse. It’s far easier to separate ourselves from the process, to throw money at people while simultaneously benefiting ourselves and let them take the leap of faith on their own. Maybe cutting the line was the right choice. That act took them from a position of lack of control to one where they were standing at the same level as everyone else. The only thing missing was someone to provide the help they actually needed—even more than money.

In both the Darién Gap and the Semplica Girls’ story, people offered money, assuming it would grow two feet and guide people through the journey to a better life. Since money itself is insufficient, walking alongside refugees would bring everyone down to the same level. And from that point of view, knowing how to actually help becomes easier. If my meandering line at the airport had been on another floor, I wouldn’t have seen the other line of people. But making eye contact with the people in the other line made me see their reality. Becoming aware of the difficulties and struggles others face can motivate us to help them. That’s where the solution lies: people coming together to help. I always asked myself so many questions, many of them going unanswered, but the one I should have asked the whole time was “Am I doing anything to help those in need, to help Mia?” Instead of trying to explain why life is unfair, I should seek to make it more equal for everyone. And if a larger group of people had this mindset, the change would be exponential. It’s like little grains of sand that come together to form the beautiful landscape of a beach. When everyone comes together with the shared goal of helping people in need, such as immigrants or low-income families, beautiful lives are built and changed. Rather than letting people hang on for survival, communities can build a foundation to help them rise out of their struggles and to help everyone live the best version of their story.

“I realized how different our lives were”

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Jenny Rothermel will be majoring in marketing at Andrews University. In her free time she enjoys working out and painting.

(*Not her real name)

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What Does Silence Say? POEM BY STEPHANIE MARTINEZ

DESIGN BY ALONDRA GALLARDO

Your sly grin to your sibling, or the kick underneath the table.

Slamming the door behind you, or opening it for the next.

Folding the laundry, or washing the dishes without being asked.

Closing a book, or picking it up for the first time.

Smacking your lips, or fidgeting with your hands.

The nod you strike to your neighbor or the two-finger salute to the mailman.

Checking your phone, or looking someone in the eye.

Having your arms crossed, or scrunching your eyebrows.

Smiling at a stranger or waving towards a friend.

Stephanie Martinez is a sophomore studying psychology with a brain cognition concentration and works as a registered behavior technician.

Bouncing your leg, or rubbing your neck.

Letting in a deep sigh, or shaking your head in distress.

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and more!

ALC PODCASTS / THE NETWORK Listen at:

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