Pursuit | Fall 2012

VOL. 3 | ISSUE 1 | FALL 2012

FOR THE FUTURE

THE STORY OF A MOTHER WHO GOES BACK TO SCHOOL FOR HER DAUGHTER SEE PAGE 08

ALEXANDRA MORALES

TRANSFORMING MORE THAN JUST THE PHYSICAL SEE PAGE 36

LIFE BEFORE CHRIST

FROM ATHEIEST TO OLD TESTAMENT PROFESSOR, THE TRANSFORMED LIFE OF DR. MOONEY SEE PAGE 10

A CALIFORNIA BAPTIST UNIVERSITY PUBLICATION

EDITOR’S NOTE

BY CRISTIN MASSEY

Of all the things that we experience through life, the shifting of our relationships, experiences and circumstances can’t be avoided.

With this issue of Pursuit, the stories capture many different types of transitions. From the story recounting a change in spiritual acceptance and growth, to the profile about a mother in the next phase of her life as a college graduate, even down to the cover; we wanted this issue to encompass every aspect of shifting, transition and growth.

Adjusting to new realities is not always easy. We must choose to grow spiritually, emotionally or mentally. We have no choice in that matter, but it is up to us if that change is positive.

When I took on the role as editor in chief, I took a risk. A risk that was sure to challenge and force me to grow as a person, a writer and as an editor. I jumped in head— first and submerged myself in all the elements that were second nature to me. While I was experiencing this growth, I learned so much. I learned how to have grace under pressure and what it means to truly be a leader— all of it has made me better.

Some of us are recently saved. Some will graduate and get their first real job, while others might become a partner in a marriage. But no matter where we are at in life we must not forget that Christ wants us to shift. He wants us to become better versions of ourselves, live up to our potential and live our purpose.

As in 2 Corinthians 5:17, “Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.”

02 | PURSUIT

COVER Photo illustration by Steven Anderson | Design by Megan Paulos | Original Photos by Lisette Nichols & Jessica Bills

06 My New Roommate 08 Example for the Future 10

Life Before Christ

12 Pains of Growing Up 16 Change Quiz 18 Most Intelligent City 20 Online Dating 22 CLARITY 26 I Graduated, Now what?

28 Studying Abroad Brings Faith 30 Dodger Blue 32 College Fashion Evolution 36 Transforming More than the Physical Volume III, Issue 1, Fall 2012 Photo (page 2) by Sarah Jane O’Keefe

PURSUIT | 03

For more info please visit calbaptist.edu or contact mchute@calbaptist.edu

Journalism, Media and Public Relations Program Studying journalism, media and public relations at California Baptist University provides students with practical experience in exciting commuincation fields. Our program prepares students for work in dynamic fields with research, interviewing and writing skills, along with design and communication principles that students master to work in journalism, media, public relations and related industries.

04 | PURSUIT

Pursuit Staff | Fall 2012 Cristin Massey

Brittney Stoneburg

Sandra Romo

Jon Beam

Maya Gwynn

Dr. Michael Chute

Megan Paulos

Maribel Ramirez

Lisette Nichols

Steven Anderson

Sarah Jane O’Keefe

Olivia Miller

From Left to Right: Sandra Romo, Brianna Nelson, Sarah Jane O’Keefe, Sharayah Le Leux, Jacob Armstrong, Dayana Ramirez, Steven Anderson, Maribel Ramirez, Megan Paulos, Jon Beam, Brittney Stoneburg, Cristin Massey, Sam Palencia, Jessica Bills, Lisette Nichols, Michael Chute

Brittany Blakenship

Brianna Nelson

Rachael Stoffel

Sam Palencia

Caitlyn Fairfax

Zac Mullings

Sharayah Le Leux

Jacob Armstrong

Dayana Ramirez

Jessica Bills

Editor in Chief

Managing Editor Design Editor

Co-Photo Editor Co-Photo Editor Assitant Editor Senior Writer Copy Editor

Copy Editor / Senior Writer Copy Editor / Senior Writer Photo by Kira Kramer

Copy Editor / Senior Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer

Designer / Photographer Designer Designer Designer

Photographer Photographer

Adviser

Director

Not Pictured: Rachael Stoffel, Brittany Blakenship, Caitlyn Fairfax, Maya Gwynn, Olivia Miller, Zac Mullings Pursuit Magazine is a studentproduced campus publication of California Baptist University 8432 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92504

Photographer PURSUIT | 05

MY NEW ROOMMATE, TILL DEATH DO US PART Jordan and Aly Lagana

06 | PURSUIT

Photos by Zac Mullings | Design by Brianna Nelson

I felt like a lot of people talk about it as something bad, but it is definitely worth it, and it is nice knowing you always have someone there for you when you go home.”

BY CRISTIN MASSEY

S

ettling into married life brings forth so much goodness, but what about the dishes, making the house a home and chores?

Who is taking out the trash? Who is making dinner?

Newlywed couples are faced with many questions. It is a spiritual transition to be married before God, and another shift takes place as they are joined together in one household.

While this transition can be difficult and take its toll on the couple, it is important to remember that this is a time for communication skills to be used at every step.

So how do couples adjust?

JORDAN AND ALY LAGANA Were, or are, there a lot of compromises that you two had to make that you did not think you would need or have to compromise?

J:

I wouldn’t say so much “compromise,”but I have had to shift my habits a little bit. I now wash my hands WAY more than I ever did before.

A:

I agree with Jordan. Different habits had to be made because there are two of us.

Are there any quirks that either of you have that the other cannot stand i.e., leaving socks on the floor, not washing dishes right away or not closing the dresser drawers?

J:

She typically leaves dishes in the sink with food still caked onto them, which just gets to be annoying. Finally (and this applies to us both, because we do this to each other often), we tend to not give decisive answers on what we want to do.

A:

When he forgets to do something important in favor of video games.

How did you guys decide on where to live?

J:

Money. It was all to do with money. We lived with my parents in a room made specially for us for the weeks after our honeymoon. Thankfully, as of Aug. 10, we are living in a Lancer Arms apartment on campus.

Who cooks and who cleans, and how did you come to decide who would do what?

J: A:

We both do a little from column A and a little from column B. We have found that she loves to cook and that I love to do dishes – something about that hot water you know? It’s like a bath for your hands.

We talked a lot in premarital counseling about what things were important to us, and so instead of assigning these roles, we both pitch in for everything and usually do them together.

A J:

We would like to add what a blessing the entire experience has been. We have both grown so much & and have been so blessed by the work God has done in our hearts and temperaments. Being married to your best friend is something people dream for, and we are so happy to say that it is now our life!

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AN EXAMPLE FOR THE FUTURE

BY SHARAYAH LE LEUX

I

n our ever-growing technological age, communication has been made easier for us: mak-

ing phone calls, instant messaging, video chatting and so much more.

California Baptist University has joined this trend through the creation of Online and Professional Studies, the university’s online division. The implementation of distance learning tools allows CBU/Online to attract a broader‑based student demographic.

The OPS program, originally designed for working adults, is now also available to traditional students.

“One of the reasons they go to OPS is it gives them options,” said David Poole, vice president of Online and Professional Studies. “If they’re working professionals, they are not going to be able to go to school 8–5 during the day and have their full-time job.”

The university has always been at the forefront of creating a way for working adults to go back to school and finish their education.

In 1990, CBU held its first courses for Evening College, a program that held classes at night so those worked during the day could still work toward obtaining a degree. The Evening College then became the Adult Degree Completion Program, and during the summer of 2010 the OPS program was established.

Trying to balance work, family and school is not something new to Malina Gomez: Seeing the same challenge when her own mother, Pamela Gomez, went back to school to get her degree through CBU’s Evening College program. She saw the dedication it took from her mother and recently decided to finish her bachelor’s degree through the OPS communication studies program. She had her daughter young and is a mother before anything else. She said her daughter is her focus and the reason she lives each day.

A typical day for Gomez consists of waking up, 08 | PURSUIT

Photo: Malina and Aliyana Gomez

getting herself ready for work and her daughter ready entering kindergarten, which gives them time to do for school, dropping her daughter off at school, work- homework together— time they both cherish. ing from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., picking up her daughter CBU has always been in Gomez’s life one way from school, going home and having dinner, homeor another, but also because she wanted to learn work from 11 – 11:30 p.m., and then starting it all more about her faith, since becoming saved two and over again the following day. half years ago. She then made the decision to finish Gomez began working when she was 15 years her education through OPS. Although she has only old at a sports apparel store. She worked for nearly 10 started taking classes, she said she was blown away by years in retail sales and the experience she received. sales management for “I really opened my heart compleI mainly feel that cellular phone comtely and my life to welcoming God,” panies in the Inland Gomez said. “I just felt like he was steerI can’t tell my Empire. ing me in that direction to apply at CBU. 5-year-old that you need A year and a I just felt like that was the thing I was to go to college and that half ago, everything supposed to be doing.” education is important if changed for Gomez.

She said she believes education helps She received an oppeople become self-aware, and even in her I haven’t done it myself.” portunity to work short time in the program the experiences at Paychex, a large have changed her. As a result, education payroll company. Her is something that is truly important in training sent her to New York for two weeks. This Gomez’s life. was a big step. She had to leave her daughter and take In pursuing a degree in communication studies, her first plane trip across the United States, alone, Gomez said she has enjoyed her experience, thus far, for training. The time away from home changed her and is excited for what is to come. views and herself as a whole. She felt she grew more What makes the educational experiences than ever and discovered herself more. special at CBU is the belief that Education has always been an important part every person is created for of Gomez’s life. Even while being a single, working a purpose. Students are mother, she continued to take classes when she could taught to understand at institutions such as The University of Phoenix and and engage their San Bernardino Valley College. School was taken off purposes through the priority list when she received training for her a Christ-centered job. However, Gomez’s young daughter and her reeducation. Those same cent marriage have influenced her to return to school. traditional CBU values “I mainly feel that I can’t tell my 5-year-old that in education are caryou need to go to college and that education is imried over to the OPS portant if I haven’t done it myself,” Gomez said. program as it encourGomez said she believes people need to be conages students to live stantly changing themselves because without growth their purpose and or knowledge they stay the same person. Along with grow in their faith returning to her own education, she is also gothrough online ing through a similar transition with her daughter delivery process.

Photo by Steven Anderson | Design by Brianna Nelson

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LIFE BEFORE CHRIST From atheiest to Old Testament professor, the transformed life of Dr. Jeff Mooney

BY MAYA GWYNN

M

any people have said Christianity is more of a personal relationship with God than a religion. Christianity, just like any other relationship, requires communication, quality time and, most importantly, love.

Every relationship has a beginning.

For Christians, the starting point begins at accepting Jesus as their savior. For some, that means accepting Christ as early as 5 years old, and others may become a believer much later in life. Every Christian’s walk will be different, not just in the way that one comes to Christ, but also in the course of his or her relationship.

Some Christians have to fall back into a relationship with Jesus after walking away, such is the case for California Baptist University’s Dr. Jeff Mooney, associate professor of Old Testament.

Mooney was born and raised in the small rural town of Moody, Ala., a town in which religion was sometimes valued more as an aspect of southern American identity. Religion played a prominent role in his life as a child and as an adolescent it was a vital part of his family life. Every night, his family read the Bible together 10 | PURSUIT

Dr. Jeff Mooney looks at the visualization of the tune, “Sibelius,” which is used in the hymn, “Be Thou My Vision.” and never missed a church service.

While in college, Mooney had a season in his life in which he was afraid of death. He said he believed he was condemned because of the sins in his life and in his mind and heart.

“I admittedly, both then and now, am deeply troubled how anyone can reduce the gospel down to a single religious exercise, seemingly without any real time context, but it happens, and it happened to me,” Mooney said.

While attending Auburn University, Mooney was introduced to atheism by several biology professors, and one of his roommates, and he embraced it. He calls himself a cowardly atheist, and though it was what he wanted at the time, he discovered it to be far less than what it was made out to be. He thought Christ was irrelevant and dangerous given his followers’ claims about him.

While still an atheist, Mooney met two men who would change his life forever. Their names were Matt Vines and Steve Sipes.

Vines was “one of the most degenerate young men” Mooney said he had ever met while Sipes was “the most authentic Christian” he had ever met. Mooney’s world changed when Vines was converted in the fall of 1987, not talked into praying or jumping through hoops Photos by Lisette Nichols | Design by Megan Paulos

but genuinely saved by Christ.

After witnessing his friend’s transformation, Mooney began to read the Bible for himself and began to explore the lessons he learned from his childhood.

During the summer of 1988, Mooney and his friend, Vines, decided they would go on summer missions together.

During this mission trip, he was inspired to read the New Testament for the first time.

Every morning after his readings, he would fall on his knees and pray.This was a first in his life. He knew God was justified in condemning him to hell, but also that he was justified in also extending mercy. He repented and trusted in Jesus, and was changed more than he imagined.

Mooney accounted that almost immediately after having this transformation, he began to see everything differently. He began to hate his sin and placed an immense value in Jesus for the first time.

After graduating from Auburn in 1990, Mooney went on to the Beeson School of Divinity in Birmingham, Ala., where he received his master in divinity degree in 1996, then went on to get his Ph.D. in Old Testament theology from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.

The Bible was central to his conversion, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life loving it and learning it.

After moving to California, Mooney joined the faculty at CBU in the fall of 2004.

Mooney said he believes many students are processing life in the same way he did at their age. People who know him early in his life would not recognize him today.

He now resides in Norco, Calif., with his wife Angela and their four children. Besides teaching, he is also the senior pastor at Norco First Baptist Church.

His advice to students struggling with their faith is to talk to someone like him who can help answer their questions. It is also important to talk to the right person, someone with biblical knowledge and life experience.

There may be plenty of times when Christians feels lost, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with reaching out and asking for help.

God never leaves, and he never will. The Lord puts difficult situations in each and every student’s life not to hurt him or her but to prepare that individual for the future.

Mooney is proof that a walk with God is not perfect, but rather a difficult journey.

There are many highs, lows and times in which the presence of God is not always felt.

PURSUIT | 11

Brianna and her mother, 1994

Hope Edelmen, author of the novel “Motherless Daughter,” explains that “the loss of a mother is one of the most profound events that will occur in a woman’s life, and like a loud sound in an empty house, it echoes on and on.”

12 | PURSUIT

Brianna with her mom and sister Lynea, 1995

Brianna riding her pink tricycle, 1996

PAINS OF GROWING UP

BY BRIANNA NELSON

BEGINNING OF THE END,

OR END OF THE BEGINNING?

I

t did not start off as anything too threatening. My mom started experiencing fatigue and a large amount of bruising all over her body, so she saw a doctor and had her blood tested. However when the doctor called her with the test results a few days later, he uttered a sentence that changed the course of not only her life, but my family’s and mine, forever.

Her blood test had come back showing her platelet count was dangerously low. As a 13-year-old, I had no idea what my dad and aunt were telling me. It all seemed like a foreign language to me- all I knew was that my mom, the one person I thought was invincible, was seriously sick.

Years later, I researched what platelets were. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines platelets as small, colorless, irregular blood cells crucial to coagulation. These blood cells are produced in bone marrow and are stored in the spleen, and their main purpose is to accumulate to block a cut in a blood vessel. Low platelet counts are dangerous because it is usually a precursor to dangerous or fatal internal bleeding.

After numerous tests, the doctors finally determined that my mom had thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, or TTP, a rare blood disease that has a survival rate of approximately 80 percent. This was supposed to be good news; she was supposed to be ok after a few weeks of treatment.

Two weeks, one visit and a hospital transfer later, my mother slipped into a coma. Soon after, she was pronounced brain-dead.

JUST LIKE THAT, SHE WAS GONE I grew up the summer of my mother’s death. I felt a responsibility for my younger sister while my dad and older sister worked to support our family.

My friends soon distanced themselves because I no longer valued the same trivial ideas they did: having a boyfriend or being the soloist for our high school choir. I stayed busy studying and taking care of my younger sister.

I occupied the countless hours immersing myself in the fictional lives of Harry Potter, Elizabeth Bennet, the girls of “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” and Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield. These novels not only provided an escape from my life but also built the foundation of who I would become.

LET’S BACKTRACK My sisters and I were raised in the Roman Catholic Church until I was about 9 years old.

My mom began to notice some things within the Catholic church that she did not agree with, so we left. After a few months of being churchless, a neighbor suggested we try a large, local Christian church.

That church soon became our home. By fifth grade, I had renounced my sins and prayed for God to forgive me.

As a fifth grader, I thought I understood the implications of my actions. Looking back, I do not think the extent of Jesus’ love and forgiveness set in until my mom passed away.

Going into sixth grade, I imagined myself being popular with an immense amount of friends and amazing grades.

It started out that way. When we moved to Murrieta, Calif. I met several girls that soon became my best friends. We did everything together. I was getting everything I had always wanted.

But when my mom died, it all changed. My best friend and neighbor distanced herself within the first month. We no longer had the same type of conversations or even sleepovers that we used to have.

I took this desertion hard. I needed my friends more than ever, and now the girl to whom I was closest abandoned me.

Nelson Family Christmas, 1998 Dad Ron, Brianna, sister, Lynea, mom Karen and sister Amber.

Photos Courtesy of Brianna Nelson | Design by Megan Paulos

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TWO STEPS FORWARD, AND ONE STEP BACK When my mom died, I began to realize what it was like to truly have the spiritual support of God. When my aunt lost her battle with cancer, I was reminded once again of what I had lost when my mom died, and what I had lost again: the mother figure that I needed.

My aunt was the first person I turned to when my mom passed away. She had always been one of the closest people to me, and losing her was almost as hard as losing my mom.

I loved Christ, but after my aunt died I began to feel as if I were alone through all of it.

After losing two more friends and coworkers, I really began to fall into this facade I had built — one of fake happiness and Christianity.

Looking back, I do not think I realized what I was going through spiritually.

I kept telling myself I was fine, and my relationship with Christ had withstood everything it possibly could and was stronger than ever.

When I began attending California Baptist University, I realized a difference in myself compared to my peers. That first year was hard on me.

The facade I had slowly built came crashing down on me my sophomore year. I had been casually dating a guy from back home when he suddenly died. His death was such a shock for me. I thought I was done with all of the tragedy in my life, and not knowing what had happened to him made it all the more worse for me.

A NEW BEGINNING I had lost Christ; or at least, I had lost sight of his love for me. I realized after a short battle with depression that I was not happy, and I knew the best way to become myself again was through my faith and through Christ.

My friends were the ones who helped me through this last year. As I began to recover and re-examine my relationship with Christ, I realized my faith started to deteriorate when I began to doubt his love for me after my aunt passed away.

I had been through so much tragedy in such a short period of time and at such a young age that I began to feel resentful. I resented Christ for putting me through all of this, and I resented myself for not being strong enough to handle it all on my own.

I realize now that the tragedies I experienced were all a way for God to mold me into the person he wanted me to be.

WHERE THAT LEAVES ME Who am I? Well, it is a complex question with just as complex of an answer.

Some of my friends would say that I am a workaholic. Others would call me dedicated or driven and maybe a little crazy.

Me? I see myself as someone who has a goal and a plan, and I am going to do whatever it takes to achieve it. I am a strong, smart woman who has ambition and heart. All that I have gone through has given me compassion and empathy.

My mom’s death has changed me in so many ways. I have learned that what you choose can change everything, and everyday is just as important as the last because you never know when it will be the last smile you see or words you hear.

Like the echo of the loss of my mother, the echo of the lessons I have learned stay with me always.

14 | PURSUIT

Although I have experienced so much on my own, Christ has been there with me through it all. And, though I may not have known it at the time, I do now�

Brianna and sister Amber, 2012

Bri and cousin Alia Jacob, 2012

Megan Paulos and Brianna, 2012

Bri posing at White Park in downtown Riverside, Calif, 2012

Top right and bottom right photos by Lisette Nichols | Other photos courtesy of Brianna Nelson

PURSUIT | 15

Freak out when you have to make a big decision?

Take this quiz to find out

ARE YOU AFRAID OF CHANGE? 16 | PURSUIT

When you get your hair cut or colored, do you…

a. Have a picture of exactly what you want. b. Trust the stylist to do whatever. c. Ask for the stylist’s advice, opinion; call your mom, friend, or sister to get input, because naturally, you just want it to look good.

When making a big decision, do you…

a. Pray about it for a while then make a decision based on God’s insight. b. Make a decision immediately. c. Think about it, pray about it, make a poll and put it on Facebook to help you make a decision.

Last minute you receive an email telling you that your roommate assignment has changed, do you…

a. Immediately get anxious, cry and wonder why God hates you. b. Say “ Cool,” then start packing your stuff. c. Call your former roommates and plan a goodbye night.

You find that your declared major is no longer of interest to you, do you… a. Think about it for another year while you take more classes. b. Seek advice from your mentor and a campus advisor. c. Trust your instincts and change your major.

You love your mustache/long messy hair but your girlfriend/boyfriend wants you to be clean cut/sleek and straight for meeting the parents, do you… a. Decide if the parents won’t like you the way you are, then there is no point to (in) continuing the relationship. You can’t possibly change your look. b. Do it, because it’s just a style and not a big deal and (plus, instead?) you respect your significant other’s parents. c. Ask them to drive you to the nearest salon.

Quiz By Cristin Massey | Design By Megan Paulos

You have the opportunity to go to your dream grad school all expenses paid, but you have to move 3,000 miles away from home, do you… a. Decide that you are better off staying right where you are at b. Pack immediately , pray, and thank God for the blessings. c. Don’t (Not) make a decision because it makes you uncomfortable and nervous.

Your girlfriend/boyfriend wants to get married but …

a. You’re not ready because you can’t let go of your video games or girls nights. b. You go shopping for rings that weekend. c. You know you love each other but you feel like you might not ever be ready.

Your parents decide to stop going to your childhood church, do you ...

a. Graciously accept their invitation but continue to go to your church, it is home. b. Figure new surroundings are good and join them. c. Sit them down and talk to them about their decision to change churches.

ADD UP YOUR SCORES AND SEE WHERE YOU STAND If you scored 55 to 59…

YOU ARE SCARED OF CHANGE It is hard for you to embrace change or make any (life) altering decisions on your own. You want everything in your life to stay the same and you worry about the future. You ask everyone around you what you should do before considering what you want or asking God through prayer. When feeling uneasy about change or a shift in your life consider these verses: “Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” Romans 12:2 .Or, “I am not afraid of receiving bad news; my faith is strong, and I trust in the Lord. I am not worried or afraid” Psalm 112:7-8.

A=7 points

B=4 points

C=5 points

If you scored 48 to 55…

YOU TEST THE WATERS You’re unsure about the future and are not really willing to change anything about yourself unless you know there is a guarantee that you will like the result.

Transitioning isn’t your thing, but if you have to do it, you will. Consider this verse: “I will not worry and be anxious, saying, What am I gong to eat? What am I going to drink? What am I going to wear?

But I will seek first of all His kingdom and His righteousness, and then these things taken together will be given me besides” Matthew 6:31, 33.

If you scored 48 to 55…

YOU TEST THE WATERS You’re confident in life and have faith in the Lord that He will guide you in the right direction. Friends look up to you in your confidence and willingness to try new things and allow yourself to be transformed through Christ. Consider this verse: “I am determined and confident! I am not afraid for (or?) discouraged, for the Lord my God is with me wherever I go” Joshua 1:9.

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MOST CITY

BY DAYANA RAMIREZ

W

hen Riverside was named The Most Intelligent Community in the world by the Intelligence Community Forum, which according to its website is “a think tank that studies the economic and social development of the 21st century community,” people were in awe.

After all, Riverside is a small city in comparison to other international cities that are more well-known than Riverside itself.

The new innovations and hardworking people who worked to make the city a better place brought about this achievement. How Riverside collaborates and disseminates information, is what makes the city unique. Over the years, the 12th most populous California 18 | PURSUIT

Riverside Public Library: Arlington

California Tower in Downtown

city has worked through several improvement projects. Some of these projects took longer than others and required larger budgets while others were as simple as raising awareness and bringing volunteers together to help.

Four hundred other cities worldwide competed to receive this honor. Riverside met every qualification as a city that not only initiated change but also followed through with that change.

The title was awarded for the city’s excellence in high technology, workforce development, digital inclusion, arts, innovation, collaboration and social capital. One of the major projects in which the citrus metropolis was involved was the “Riverside Renaissance,” a $1.57 billion initiative.

The project was recently completed, and the differences in the city were highly noted.

Many parks were recreated, making them more suitable to students with mental disabilities, and some were completely renovated, increasing community involvement.

“The biggest benefit is telling the story to our residents and the economic development that we have gained,” said Steve Reneker, chief innovation officer from the information technology department.

Prior to the Riverside Renaissance the parks were not always well-maintained and served as an area prone to gang activity, where there would be graffiti on walls, making parks less community-friendly. However, since the renovations, there have been drastic changes in community safety and presentation.

Community members also volunteer by giving back electronic waste, which is then sold and refurbished. The waste is used to rec-

Riverside Fox Theater

Mahatma Gandhi Statue

Lightposts in Downtown Riverside

reate computers that are given to low-income families in an effort to keep them involved with technology.

A program focused on retaining students in Riverside by offering internships and connecting them with local businesses, called EDvantage, has experienced an increase in student involvement within the city.

Students are now encouraged to stay in Riverside and exercise their professions, leaving the city invested with many educated individuals who , often have a different mindset compared to those who have not been able to acquire post-secondary education.

It makes Riverside a diverse community in a world where other communities do not have that same opportunity. What matters is how community members can reside together.

Ramona High School was among one of

the few schools in the country to become a completely digital school, providing students with temporary tablets to be used for educational purposes while also allowing them to personalize it and beco-me more comfortable with Riverside’s technological changes.

“We are seizing our destiny through community initiative,” Reneker said.

“We are part of a foreign trade zone, 111 foreign companies opened up and offered Riverside jobs.”

In 2007, Riverside partnered with AT&T to offer free Wi-Fi to all Riverside residents.

This move by the city was a major factor in winning the prestigious title.

The Intelligent Community of the Year is selected from a group of seven different cities that are named in January, from that time until June. An independent research com-

pany conducts a quantitative analysis of the information on many factors and produces an aggregate score for each city that then leads to an individual winner.

Jose Aguilar, senior business administration major, has also witnessed the changes and is proud to have Riverside for his studies.

“It has made me feel good that I go to school in a city that is considered one of the most intelligent cities in the world,” Aguilar said. “It has a positive effect on my character because it reinforces my belief of studying in Riverside. I am happy that Riverside is one of the most intelligent cities in the world because I go to school here.”

While the honor of being named The Most intelligent Community can only be granted once, Riverside continues to strive for success.

Design by Sam Palencia | Photos by Jacob Armstrong

PURSUIT | 19

A once-

ONLINE DATING MODERN LOVE

BY JON BEAM

C

hances are that if you watch any television at all, you have seen an advertisement or two for an online dating service. eHarmony, Match.com and ChristianMingle ads are in abundance, and many of them say online dating has become more popular and that successful match rates are significant. It seems there is quite a division between statistics and personal views of dating through the Internet.

According to Dating Site Reviews and Statistic Brain, 17 percent of newly married couples, and 1 in 5 committed relationships, began on an online dating site.

Also, as of 2012, there are 54 million single people in the United States, of which 40 million have tried online dating. The annual revenue for the online dating industry now stands at just over $1 billion.

There is plenty of research regarding the pitfalls of using dating sites, including the lack of honesty. According to Dating Sites Reviews, 81 percent of members lie about their height, weight or age. According to Statistic Brain, men most often lie about their age, height and income while women most often lie about their physique and age.

If two honest people are matched on an online dating site, practice the same faith and are compatible on core areas, can it become a godly marriage?

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Meet Samantha Johnson, a journalist in online marketing and California Baptist University alumna. After graduating in 2010, the men she met were not Prince Charming material. That changed when she gave online dating a try.

It did not happen overnight. She began her search on Match.com but was dissatisfied when she had to wade through unsuitable matches on her own. With eHarmony, however, she was able to put restrictions on what she would or would not tolerate, thereby only considering the best matches. Eventually, she met Chad Johnson, who also worked in online marketing.

“I loved how he said on his profile that he wanted someone who kept Christ first in their life – someone who was dedicated,” Sam said. “I found out later that he had a master’s degree, and he didn’t even mention that on his profile. I was impressed. He got major points for that.”

Chad’s story is a bit different. He received his business degree in 2006 and his MBA in 2007, both from CBU. He tried Match.com, but he did not know what he wanted in another person. The turning point came when he signed up for eHarmony. There, he was matched up with people who were compatible with his personality profile. He met a few women but was not sold on anyone until he met Sam.

“My first reaction was ‘Wow,’ being matched to thousands of people, eHarmony does a good job of sifting Photo: Chad Johnson & Samantha Johnson

-taboo topic is now the normal dating trend

those people, but you have to be attracted to the person, too, and that was kind of hard to come by. The pictures only show so much, but with Sam I was attracted right away.”

The couple dated for 10 months, were engaged for eight months and married on Jan. 21. Their generation grew up in a technological boom, and there is potential for others like them to find love through online dating.

Not everyone would agree online dating is acceptable.

Some CBU professors argue that traditional dating is the best method.

“The biggest problem to online dating … is that you don’t really get to experience the person,” said Dr. Amy Stumpf, associate professor of society and religion. “Anybody can post some Bible verses and sound like a good Christian, but I’d want to see how s/he leads friends, how s/he works in the church, and if s/he chews with their mouth closed … I wouldn’t say it is immoral, but it does seem unwise. If one is pursuing a relationship online, I would advise to immediately meet the person face to face and then move quickly away from online to an in-person, face-to-face relationship.”

Online dating does not let you experience a person physically, which could make or break a date, depending on a person’s quirks or standards.

“The primary weakness of the online environment is that all the data supplied for the basis of Photo by Lisette Nichols | Design by Olivia Miller

making a compatibility match comes from a single subjective source,” said Dr. Guy Grimes, lecturer of Christian studies. “When people meet in more traditional contexts … more objective discovery takes place. ”

From both professors, it is evident why online dating sites are not always viewed positively. Online dating is not for everyone, but neither is traditional dating.

While they are not as common today, arranged marriages were once normal. Arranged marriage success rates have always been much higher than U.S. divorce rates, but they have become less common because people are choosing to marry for love.

Traditional dating is subjective. As Stumpf and Grimes said, face-to-face interaction is preferred. But, there is some bias here. They may not have confidence in it because online dating did not exist until recently.

Here is a different take on online dating: there is no shame in simply trying to see what is out there. Because of the social networking revolution, younger people can communicate in ways mail and email cannot. Some online dating sites, like eHarmony, give a detailed questionnaire to help users find potential matches and take out much of the risk in the partner search.

If people find no luck with traditional dating or do not know where to begin, filling out a personality profile may look attractive to them. What is the harm in taking a little risk and giving it a try?

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CLARITY

Jacob Armstrong

Sarah Jane O’Keefe

Jessica Bills

Jessica Bills

22 | PURSUIT

Steven Anderson

Jessica Bills

Jessica Bills

Jacob Armstrong

Sarah Jane O’Keefe

Jessica Bills

Clarity: (n) Clearness or lucidity as to

perception or understanding; freedom from indistinctness or ambiguity.

Lisette Nichols

Lisette Nichols

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CLARITY

Lisette Nichols

Steven Anderson

Sarah Jane O’Keefe

Lisette Nichols

Sarah Jane O’Keefe

24 | PURSUIT

Steven Anderson

Jacob Armstrong

Lisette Nichols

Steven Anderson

Jessica Bills

Sarah Jane O’Keefe

Jacob Armstrong

Lisette Nichols

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I GRADUATED, NOW WHAT?

BY DAYANA RAMIREZ

hen a student graduates from college, it is an epic moment, a change of structure, a change in life.

Graduation comes with greater opportunities but often with roadblocks and struggles.

College is said to be the time of a person’s life. Friends are made, experiences are gained and infinite opportunities lay ahead. The journey, however, may seem eternal.

Struggling to find the right major can prove difficult.

Some students find desired majors do not always offer the most career opportunities after completion.

“I think after graduation I was very thrown off at the feeling of being done with four years of college,” said Danielle Porraz, 2010 California Baptist University alumna. “I felt scared and worried because I could not decide what the right thing to do next was.”

College is, indeed, helpful in preparing for the future, but it is definitely not the real world. The real world comes with many challenges and decisions. If students push for their dreams, they often find that the struggles indeed pay off.

“Although being in college was a challenge because I was juggling a full-time job along with studying, it didn’t prepare me for the feeling after graduation,” Porraz said.

“I definitely think that after is when you find your wings and really see the world on your own.”

Angelica Plascensia, CBU alumna, obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology in 2010. After graduation, she decided to pursue a master’s degree in counseling psychology.

She was one among the many that did not establish career goals before graduating, but she was aware of what she wanted to do with her degrees — an important aspect of finding where to get started.

Plascensia wanted to make a career out of helping young, endangered children become better suited to their 26 | PURSUIT

environment. Her journey began with a tutoring company where she had the opportunity to help children learn new concepts in math and reading.

The task was hard. What made it even harder was that this was not necessarily what she wanted to do. It was a step toward the road on the journey she had to take to be where she is today.

For students approaching graduation, she advises them to begin seeking opportunities while they are still in school. Participating in different activities help avoid burnout and process stress. She participates in kickboxing and Muay Thai in order to stay active and keep stress to a minimum.

Andrew Hochradel, CBU alumnus and adjunct professor of graphic design, began working in his area of study within a year of graduation. While it was difficult, Hochradel aimed to adjust quickly. He obtained a job in the field of his dreams and put his skills to work the best way possible.

“It’s fun to be an artistic person because God gave me the ability to create and be creative and use that,” Hochradel said. “My mantra has always been to make a living by doing anything creative. I love design, and I love to explore other things.”

After graduation, students may not be working in their dream field. Coming to the realization that hard work is not over can be tough. In order to be successful, perseverance is needed to push through the roadblocks.

Porraz, Plascensia and Hochradel struggled to obtain their dream careers after graduation. They faced many difficult circumstances that may have once led them to want to give up. But because they always pushed for the best, they have the careers in their desired fields.

The key is to keep exploring and pushing through obstacles that present themselves. This not only brings students happiness through uncertainty but also financial security through hard work.

Photo by Jessica Bills | Design by Brianna Nelson & Megan Paulos

Like everything else in life, there have been struggles in different aspects of my life and there are many things that I have learned to adjust to in order to be where I am at now.�

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STUDYING ABROAD BRINGS FAITH

BY BRITTNEY STONEBURG

August 2012, England. After a long walk through London, the other California Baptist University students stopped at St. Paul’s Cathedral, one of the largest Protestant churches in the world. Dr. Marc Weniger, assistant professor of business, asked if any of us were afraid of heights, because we were about to climb all the way up to the dome.

I watched as a few hands went up, reaching for the stone cathedral. I kept mine in my pockets.

Truth be told, I have a near-phobic fear of heights, but despite my hand-shaking, heart-pounding anxiety, I did not stay behind. It was only one of a hundred ways my recent study abroad trip to Oxford, England, changed me.

The Robert K. Jabs School of Business Summer Studies Program at CBU offers an opportunity for students to study at the University of Oxford for a two-week period.

Although I am not a business major, I decided to take the course for my non-U.S. history requirement, and to fulfill a lifelong dream to study abroad.

28 | PURSUIT

This trip held a huge amount of anticipation for me. I was originally meant to attend in 2011. After years of trying to broaden my horizons, to see the world beyond my home country, I was finally getting the chance to make my dream a reality. Finally.

And then my family’s financial situation took a sudden nosedive. My deposit went to a house payment. My dreams went to the backburner.

Even though I was crushed, I still wanted to go, and I felt God’s encouragement; my dreams were not gone, they were just delayed a little while. I started saving again.

I did not know what to expect – I had never traveled on my own before, much less to the other side of the world. True to fashion, I just worried about everything. It is my gut’s reaction to change.

England was a big enough change in itself. They drive on the other side of the road, do not give refills at restaurants and put mayonnaise on everything. While there was little in the way of true, biting culture shock, there were still many differences that made it clear that I was not at home.

I studied at a university older than

my country. I saw the graves of Winston Churchill and C.S. Lewis. I rowed down a river and was pulled onstage for a production of “Much Ado About Nothing.”

Everything was different, and yet I was not alienated or uncomfortable. Actually, I was the happiest I have ever been.

Many CBU students, like me, are getting ready to graduate and enter the professional world. Our entire lives are about to change – our jobs, our homes, ourselves.

It can be frightening to look down the barrel of your own future. It was frightening to climb the narrow iron staircases to the top of St. Paul’s Cathedral, seeing 100 feet below me between the slats, but I did it anyway – I may have cried the whole way up, but I did it.

If I can do that – and then get on a bus by myself and wander around a foreign city with 50 pounds of luggage, a brash American accent and no idea where I ought to be going – then maybe graduating will not be so bad.

One of our lecturers, Jerry Marshall, an entrepreneur, told us to do “one audacious

thing a year.”

I certainly think this trip to Oxford counts. Now, as I realize how much my life is about to change in a few months, I know that studying abroad has already changed me – for the better.

You almost cannot go to another country without returning home at least a slightly different person. Growth is something you have to encourage, and studying abroad certainly does that.

Oxford has come to mean a lot to me.

It means cold, unheated flats that I thought of as home and a place infected with Olympic fever. It means being a writer in the city that molded C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien.

It means achieving a dream I have nurtured for a lifetime.

The idea of graduation still scares me. I am still not sure what I will be doing after I walk this December. But if I can study in another country, 5,000 miles away from the comfort of family and friends, then I know I can handle whatever else God has in store for me.

Traveling to Oxford means a lot to me. It means achieving a dream I have nurtured a lifetime.”

Stoneburg taking in the Oxford countryside.

Photos by courtesy of Brittney Stoneburg | Design By Steven Anderson

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BY RACHAEL STOFFEL

I

t was 1959, and spring training in Vero Beach, Fla was under way. The onehorse town was flooded with 600 ball players, thirsty for the baseball diamond— ­­­ready for their big break.

Without air conditioning or showers, come sunrise the ball players woke up by a whistle. Most players already dressed in their wool uniforms, which they slept in the previous night. Meal tickets were distributed daily to St. George’s Smorgasbord. If you did not like the food, you did not eat.

The job of a professional athlete in 1963 was anything but glamorous. For Al “The Bull” Fererra, this did not matter; the .087-batting-average hitter had his eyes fixed on one dream.

Rewind one year and it is 1962. Future six-time Golden Glove Award winner, Wes Parker knew from a young age he wanted to be a Dodger. There was no draft and no agent.

Instead, he called the ball club and begged for a chance. Now considered one of the best fielding first baseman of all time, Parker is decorated as a World Series champion.

As Parker’s career was coming to a close, Dodger legend Bill Russell slid his way into shortstop after initially being drafted as a center fielder. When the time came, he was expected to play college basketball but instead seized the offer to play for the Dodgers.

In three years’ time, he made it to the big leagues. Becoming a shortstop regular in 1972, the small-town kid with little baseball experience became an essential piece to the legendary “Durable Dodger’s infield,” the longest withstanding infield in baseball history.

But Russell is not the only devoted Dodger to come from a small town.

Fast forward to 1983 and the thought of playing professional baseball never even crossed the mind of future Dodger pitcher Dennis Powell.

From the little town of Norman Park, Ga., population 675, his version of playing catch was throwing baseballs against a cement parking structure. His signing experience was simple; it took place at his town’s 30 | PURSUIT

city hall after a scout had seen him pitch a week before. One week later, he was sitting on a plane on his way to spring training.

Add on almost 20 more years. It is 1998, and Paul Lo Duca is about to have his first major league at bat. He could not feel the ground as he approached the batter’s box. His bat was the lightest it ever felt. He swings and grounds out to shortstop; second time around — base hit. Rounding first base never seemed so surreal — he had finally made it to the big leagues.

All decades apart, but if you ask any of these Dodger players, they will all tell you the same thing: It is a completely different ballgame than it used to be. Why? Introduce free agency, and you have a completely different ballgame.

“It will be rare nowadays for players to play on one team more than six years,” Russell said. He attributed arbitration, free agency, big contracts and sports agents to the short tenure of players with one team.

Free agency is one of the biggest changes that has taken place in major league baseball.

“Power has shifted to the players’ side,” Ferrara said.

Since the ’80s, players encountered this system that caused a shift in team atmosphere, causing a definite shift in comradery.

“I ended up playing 18 years or 2,181 games with one team,” Russell said. “During that time, I played in three All-Star games, the Dodgers won two World Series championships, and I coached and even managed the Dodgers.” Russell’s longstanding career with the Dodgers is a rarity in today’s game of baseball.

Russell’s teammate Tim Leary, experienced free agency first hand, moving between seven different baseball clubs during his major league career.

With the introduction of free agency and the widely accepted law of progression, baseball is not the same game it used to be 50 years ago. In fact, it is not the same game it used to be even 10 years ago.

“The only thing that hasn’t changed is a pitcher against a hitter. Not that one is better than the other, it’s just different,” Ferrara said.

A simple game that began with a bat

and a ball has become a commercial game. The teams in smaller markets A simple game can’t compete with higher payroll that began teams that attract superstar players. with a bat and a ball Free agency allows players to move frequently from team to team and alhas become a comlows the wealthiest teams to get better mercial game...” faster.

After looking at five decades of Dodger baseball, not only is heart the common thread that binds past and present players together but also the uniqueness of their Dodger hearts. Since the movement of their ball club in the 1950s, the Los Angeles Dodgers have become a staple of Southern California, bringing the culture of American baseball from the East Coast to the West Coast.

“The Dodger name affects people.

Whether they know your name or don’t, [there is no greater feeling than putting] on the uniform,” Powell said.

California Baptist University is not immune to the rich history of the Dodgers. Patrick Smith, senior communications major, recently signed a major league contract with the Arizona Diamond Backs, was raised with Dodger baseball in his blood. He said he feels that there is nothing like going to a Dodger game and reminiscing about how much history the Dodger organization has behind it—there is no other sports experience like a Dodger baseball game.

Powell, Leary and Lo Duca had careers with multiple teams beyond the Dodger ball club. But at the end of the day, they all hold true to the motto of twotime Gold Glove Award winner Maury Wills, “Once a Dodger, always a Dodger.”

Past and present players share the same heartbeat and bring true meaning to the phrase “Bleed Dodger Blue.”

Photos used by permission of the Los Angeles Dodgers | Design by Olivia Miller

COLLEGE FASHION EVOLUTION 32 | PURSUIT

BY BRITTANY BLANKENSHIP

A

t first glance many may not look to a private Baptist college as a fashion mecca, but take one step onto the campus of California Baptist University and any previous misconceptions will be discontinued.

As society and fashion has greatly evolved since the university’s establishment in 1950, a common thread that has always been woven into the fashion on campus is modesty.

Society has always used fashion to make powerful statements. They have capitalized on the importance of how they present themselves and what that conveys to others about their morals and standards.

In the 1950s and 1960s, CBU’s dress code mirrored the fashion and culture of the era. Skirts and dresses were the norm for women as opposed to pants. The now ever-popular fashion staple was not seen as an appropriate garment for women to wear outside the home.

At this time, students could potentially get to all of their classes, the cafeteria and dorms without ever having to leave the W.E. James Building and, hence, wearing jeans or shorts while not in public.

There was a widespread shift in fashion beginning in the 1970s.

Fashion not only at CBU but, America

Photos by Lisette Nichols | Design by Sam Palencia

as a whole, became far more casual. continued to choose more conservative While there was little difference for outfit options. Tube tops, crop tops men in this era, women gained much or tight fitting-exercise clothes, not more flexibility in their wardrobe. surprisingly, ever became a staple of the While long-flowing skirts were a dress code. major fashion trend, pants became a By the 1990s, fashion on campus much more widely accepted fashion was molded into the fun, causal and choice for women. Instead of wearing easy trend that the campus reflects traditional skirts, today and is reminiscent women began to push of the androgynous the fashion boundaries trends that emerged I feel as though it is of this era by daunting in the ’70s. Common completely possible staples of a fashion the more casual and for a student to be on wardrobe are more comfortable choice – pants. androgynous than trend, yet maintain 1964 California decades past. Jeans, their personal viewBaptist College (now T-shirts, sweaters and points university) graduate Vi even hats are spotted on -Anna Megli Estell remembers what both men and women fashion was like on day-in and day-out. campus.

If students are not “When I attended CBU in the sure if someone is a CBU student, 1960s, yearbook pictures were very investigating is not needed. A tell-tale formal,” Estell said. “They took place sign in studios and we were required to can be found by looking down at their wear designated outfits. Beginning in feet. the 1970s, individual yearbook photos TOMS shoes are arguably one of the were taken outdoors. Students had most popular fashion trend since the the freedom to dress as they pleased poodle skirt. They are worn for any and even bring objects that they felt occasion: class, chapel, a wedding represented them, into the pictures.” or campus job. Students love the It was not truly until the midcomfortable, simple shoes so much 1970s that fashion at CBU began that the school offers basic colors of to differ from the fashion of secular the shoe for a discounted price every society. As the popularity of racy spring. Many fashion-conscious fashion choices, such as hot shorts students are hopping on the trendy and mini skirts grew, the student body bandwagon.

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Junior Anna Megli said, “I feel like all college students want to be on top of all new and exciting fashion trends. We are always looking for the freshest look and creative ways to make it our own.”

Regardless of the era, students have been inspired to take modern, trending fashion and customize it to express their unique style and viewpoint.

Perhaps, the university is one of the most innovative and unique places for fashion. Students show a perfect blend between the fashions of today and their personal beliefs.

Megli added, “I never even noticed that we had a dress code. I always just dressed for me, and what made me feel the happiest and most comfortable.”

Rick Rowland, CBU swim and dive coach of 14 years, said on the overall sentiment of student fashion: “Students

generally want to wear something that is comfortable. While many students want to follow the trends, the desire for versatility and comfort usually outweighs the desire to be trendy.”

Megli said,“I feel as though it is completely possible for a student to be on trend, yet maintain their personal viewpoints.I don’t think that most of the students even consider the dress code because they just automatically reflect it in their everyday lives.”

The fashion at CBU has greatly evolved over the years. It has always been tailored to reflect the Christian culture of the campus. Fashion always makes a statement, and it seems the student body’s ubiquitous “Modest is hottest” jargon proves true.

Pam Driskill, Linda Fogle, Cindy Grelling, Karen Dale, 1974-75 34 | PURSUIT

Denise Hill,1978.

Gayle Brian, Class Favorites,1957

How I dressed when I began attending college and how I dressed before my enrollment wasn’t any different. The clothes that we wore to school were the clothes that we would wear in our everyday life. In this period in time, society as a whole dressed more wholesome and modestly.”

—Vi Estelle

Prospective CBC students, 1965.

Shirley Murray and Doris Bacon,1955

Top Row: Jon Bello, Shay Sun, Nate Woodall, Tawna Johnson, Brook Walker, chris Winters,

Shelly Rupard. Bottom Row: Amber Johnson, Michelle Jacobson, Heather Reynolds, Amy Bar-

tell, Jessica Velarde, Dex Alexander, Dave Warren, Sherry Fogle, Shane Anderson and Chrstine Wilson,1995-96

Photos courtesy of California Baptist University archives

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love

s s e r exp

g n i o g t u o be

be happy

it’s all {in your head}

dress nicely grow

TRANSFORMING MORE THAN THE PHYSICAL

Alexandra Morales

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spiritu

accept lose weight

ally

BY MARIBEL RAMIREZ

A

lexandra Morales, sophomore sociology major, experienced transformation during the summer of 2011. She wanted to see a change in herself, which included a healthier lifestyle, a stronger faith and a better college experience.

Her journey of transformation slowly began when she signed up for 24@CBU. At first she was shy about interacting with new people. It was a new and different environment for her, and she did not know anyone.

Sophomore year was when the changes got more intense. She took a job on campus and was busier than her freshman year. She took more classes and spent more time studying and working. Morales describes that this helped her become more responsible.

During her first year at CBU, she ate anything she thought looked appealing, but in order to lose weight she changed her eating habits. Her freshman year was tough because of the Alumni Dining Commons’ different cuisines and her curiosity People know me for to try new things. She wanted to see a change in her image and began to make my smile at CBU and healthier choices with her diet and exercise last summer, which resulted in a that makes me happy ’cause 25-pound weight loss.

Her sisters motivated her to accomplish her goal by eating healthy with if I make someone smile it her while she was back at home. She loves fruit. She drinks more water and makes me feel better. rarely drinks soda or other sweet drinks. She now thinks more about what she eats and includes salads and granola in her meals. As a result, she began to accept herself as God made and loved her.

“I think every girl goes through this,” Morales said, “and it’s a hard thing to think about and just have it in your head, but once you get used to it and accept yourself with the way you are, you begin to be happy and just let things be.”

After completing her body transformation, Morales’ persona changed. Friends know her for her smile and outgoing, friendly demeanor. She loves making friends that way, and seeing others smile makes her feel great.

She said she believes stronger faith prompted this change by gaining confidence after accepting her body the way it was and not caring what others thought of her. Struggle is normal, but faith can make a difference in how to handle it.

Christianity has been a big part in her life. She grew up in a church in her hometown of Escondido and was raised by a Christian family. She had faith that God would see her through her goal of losing weight. By simply believing, she realized anything is possible with God on her side.

“Like everyone, people do change,” said Isella Jaimes, early childhood studies major. “Alex’s personality is more sure than ever … even though she does face some obstacles, she knows how to handle them and when to ask for help. Alex has always been very responsible, so that has not changed; whether it was school, work or plans she made with friends, she made sure to make time for everything.”

Morales started off as a graphic design major but decided to change her major her sophomore year to sociology because she realized she wanted to help people. During the college journey, transformation is always possible and students are given many opportunities to become responsible adults, especially in moments when they choose between having fun and studying.

Morales acknowledges a transformation has taken place, but this is only the beginning of her life. She credits her faith and states that she would not have been able to do it all by herself if it was not for her family and God.

Photo by Jessica Bills | Design by Brianna Nelson

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