Issuu

Vo lu m e 8 . I s s u e 3 . S p r i ng 2 0 1 8

W e e k e n d i n N YC 48 hours in the Big Apple | 24

A r e yo u s t i l l watc h i ng ? Analyzing portrayal of the autism spectrum | 38

S p l i t i n T wo Sculpting a perspective on life | 52

C l i m b i ng Co l l ect i v e Bonding through bouldering | 14

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FEATURES

Climbing Collective Bonding through bouldering

Weekend in NYC

48 hours in the Big Apple

Are You Still Watching?

Analyzing portrayal of the autism spectrum

Split in Two

Sculpting a perspective on life

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arts

trends

lifestyle

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relationships

contents 6

Coming of Age Building a stronger sense of self through literature

Healing Ventura Reconstructing a region scorched by disaster

A Beginner's Guide to: Backpacking Adventuring out of a daypack

The Rail Less Traveled Locomotive exploration of Southern California

Do the Facts Still Matter?

Authentic Worship Exploring the intricacies of contemporary Christian music

Rapid Fire Learning the art of a shorthand journal

Shaping Our Stories Character through purposeful speech and argument integrity

Kombucha? You Betcha. Examining the ancient, probiotic beverage and its role in modern life

Pursuit Recommends Albums and short films

Simply Composing Discovering purpose within the sheet music

Countering misinformation and misperception

Cover photo by Phillip Ndowu Rachel Rosales, senior graphic design major, prepares to make her next move along the bouldering wall.

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s ta f f

Kathleen Phillips Managing Editor

Phillip Ndowu Photo Editor

Jessica Rose Design Editor

Kaylah Valdez Assistant Design Editor

Krysta Hawkins Arts & Lifestyle Editor

Katie Kostecka Relationships & Travel Editor

Lauren Sawdey Trends Editor

Mallory Cheatham Staff Designer

Dr. Michael Chute Director of Student Publications

Sonya Singh Assistant Director of Student Publications

Writers: Tyler Bradley, Diana Corona, Niki Costa, Krysta Hawkins, Jeff Kissel, Katie Kostecka, Kaitlynn Labit, Randy Plavajka, Hannah Preston, Kathleen Phillips, Lauren Sawdey, Tess Schoonhoven, Ninasophia Stowe, John Victory, Kylie Voda, Danyella Wilder

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Jim Veneman Photojournalism Consultant

Photographers: Elijah Hickman, Elizabeth Johnson, Raegan Lee, Phillip Ndowu, Randy Plavajka, Maddy Santana, Lauren Shelburne, John Victory, Sage Zbinden

editor’s note

R a n d y P l ava j k a Editor-in-Chief

In July 1990, Lawrence Grobel, a renowned author and interviewer, sat down with Roger Ebert to discuss the film critic’s perspective on life. A portion of that interview, illustrated and published on a YouTube channel called “Blank on Blank,” provides insight into Ebert’s perspective on ego. As he reflects on his love of film, he states the quote (to the right) in the context of understanding history, especially of the events pre-dating his existence. He goes on to summate that everyone wants to understand one another, typically by seeing the movies dealing with other generations, past or present. In my opinion, this desire extends even beyond the theater. We seek stories to teach and inform us of the things we do not fully understand. Curiosity is inherent to our being; It drives our consumption of literature, film, art and information, in general. Satisfaction to that curiosity can be found within these pages. There is inspiration within the stories of self-discovery, lessons to reshape misperception and new viewpoints on community and culture. In my final issue as Pursuit’s editor-in-chief, I hope these stories of past and present lend inspiration to your future and provide a deeper understanding to placate curiosity.

Who wants to live in the present? It’s such a limiting period compared to the past." Roger Ebert, 1990

Sincerely,

Randy Plavajka

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Coming of Age

Building a stronger sense of self through literature

Written by Diana Corona Photo by Phillip Ndowu Illustrated by Kaylah Valdez

here are many students who struggle with the issue and question: “Who am I?” and “What purpose do I serve?” Often there is not one utilitarian solution, and an individual must discover these answers on his or her own. As with most problems in life, it is possible someone else has experienced an identity issue similar to one’s own and potentially has written about it. This is where young adult literature comes into the frame. Young-adult literature allows collegeaged people to read about characters with similar backgrounds and questions, making them engage with and learn from this genre. In essence, one can argue life is a series of coming-of-age events to allow growth as a person. Young-adult literature can help newly “adulting” individuals come of age once more, answering the difficult questions concerning identity. Erik Erikson, a well-known 20th century psychologist, observes that as humans we experience different questions at different stages of our lives. Erikson argues that adolescents struggle with the question of who they are in the workplace, and young adults struggle with the question of who they are in relationship to their societies. Dr. Erin Smith, assistant professor of psychology and director of Research at California Baptist University, specializes in developmental psychology and mentions Erikson in her analysis. “For a lot of people, the questions of identity and intimacy are not separate questions,” Smith says. “They might be distinct

questions, but they happen at the same time.” This much can be coined true when it comes to the issue of self-identity. College students struggle with identity issues similar to those in high school. In high school, students struggle with who they will be in their careers. In college, students struggle with who they are as relational people. Smith says both of these questions may happen at the same time, whether you are a freshman or senior in college. This makes young-adult literature a good resource for addressing these questions in a way capable of engaging critical-thinking skills. Surely, reading a book that helps one process complex situations is a better option compared to posting a poll on a given social media platform, hoping others make the difficult questions easier to answer. In a world where social media and fastpaced schedules are relatively dominant and accepted in American culture, often students forget to stop, take a minute and read anything larger than a 280-character tweet. Students are constantly pressed for time, tackling multiple jobs, extracurricular activities and internships on top of a full course-load. In a representative poll by Pursuit, nearly one-half of students claimed they did not read because of a lack of time. Ultimately, what students should ask themselves is, “Why should I make time?” and “How do I start?” The answer is easy; start with books written for one’s demographic. Young-adult literature makes reading for leisure easier and oftentimes tackles complex issues without complex words. 8

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Typically, these books are no more than 300 pages, averaging around 200. At most, one can read the books in their entirety in two or three one-hour sittings. Making time to engage with a book whose plot deals with the same social, economic or physical issues the way young-adult books do is extremely helpful in the process of defining who one is as a person and as a member of society. With distractions set aside, students have exclusive time for themselves and these questions of self-identity. “The more we essentially distract ourselves to never have a moment of boredom, the more difficult it becomes to answer some of the important questions about life such as ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Who am I in relationship (to others)?’” Smith says. Reading, especially of young-adult literature, allows students to fulfill this benefit without taking up too much time. Dr. Erika Travis, associate professor of modern languages and literature and behavioral science says, “When people are out of the habit of reading or have not found reading particularly engaging, or are struggling with reading speed and comprehension, (young -adult literature) can offer them an opportunity to enjoy reading, experiment with new genres (and) read without having to look up archaic words every 10 minutes.” Once students have lost interest in reading, the focus should shift toward finding

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something more interesting and allows one to ask those questions of self-identity. Young-adult literature provides collegeaged individuals with reading more relatable material, serving as a gateway into the world of literature, which could include the classics. In that same Pursuit poll, 68 percent of students agree reading would be more normalized if they had access to gateway novels intended for young adults. Most of these students agreed the more relatable the book, the more interest it drives in the audiences. Young-adult books make “what is relatable” attainable without the complex elevated language, but still the books deal with complex social or identity issues college students can engage with easily. “The joy of reading is often robbed from students because of all the texts we are forced to read in high school, but (young-adult literature) is going to feel more relevant and relatable to many of us than ‘Lord of the Flies’ or ‘Jane Eyre,’” says Sarah Dean, junior English major. “If you enjoyed ‘Harry Potter,’ if you enjoyed ‘The Hunger Games,’ if you enjoyed ‘The Fault in Our Stars,’ there are a million more young-adult novels you will love and want to binge read.” Young-adult books are exceedingly important for introspection, discovering individuality and developing personal interests and preferences. With young-adult books, it is not too late to seek one’s own coming-of-age story. ◆

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â€” Dr. Erin Smith, assistant professor of psychology and director of Research at CBU

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reconstructing a region scorched by disaster 10 | Pursuit

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Written by Kylie Voda Photo Courtesy of the Rappaport Family

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evastation, despair and flames consumed and destroyed the beauty that once lived through the foliage covering the mountains. Roaring fires ripped through the once serene landscapes of Southern California. Where clear views of oceans, hills and mountains used to form the picturesque image of the easy-going lifestyle of which everyone dreams, blackened

Rappaport and his crew were called to the Creek Fire to save as many homes from burning to the ground as possible. “When we first got there, it wasn’t crazy or out of hand. It was a big fire, but it wasn’t too developed yet. Everything was — I don’t know how to describe — maybe calm. It was nothing compared to what I’d be feeling a few hours from then.”

landscapes now obstruct memories of what used to be. Families and firefighters faced a gruesome set of natural disasters in early December 2017 with the Thomas Fire, Rye Fire and Creek Fire. These fires destroyed not only the mountains of Ventura, Santa Barbara and Santa Clarita but also the livelihood of the residents in these areas. Their feeling of comfort and safety in their own homes were destroyed along with lifelong memories held in childhood homes. Families were forced to evacuate, highways shut down, and the University of California, Santa Barbara, had to reschedule finals and send students home. UCSB students could see the fire as they traveled just 10 miles south of campus. “It was sad to see how much was destroyed by the fire, and how much people lost, especially around the holidays,” says Angela Awad, freshman chemistry major at UCSB. “It was also frustrating to take our finals four weeks after

The block where Rappaport was stationed was projected to be hit first by the fires. Teams of structure-protection firefighters were scouting out the homes they could save, the homes the fire had already engulfed, and the homes that were in the clear. The hazardous Santa Susana wind speeds greatly increased the size and deadliness of the fires. To add to the perilous conditions, the bold and shocking contrast of brisk cold against the heat of the fire made the Creek Fire in particular especially treacherous for the firefighters. Before long, the circumstances deteriorated from bad to worse. The Creek Fire was a wind-driven fire, which is especially quick, ruthlessly burning through mountains and neighborhoods. Within seconds, a fire can transform from calm and controlled to unruly and wild, traveling great lengths and burning everything in its wake. This was fueled by the intense 60-70 mph winds.

classes ended.” The firefighters that faced these gruesome fires walked into what Taylor Rappaport, a firefighter stationed in downtown Los Angeles, describes as “the most intense thing I’ve ever been through.” When the merciless flames framing Los Angeles and Ventura traveled to Sylmar,

Each firefighter was given the task of protecting a home. But with no team and no backup, they were all alone. For those battling the fires, it often felt like their efforts were doing nothing to put a stop to the monstrous, intense natural disaster. A firefighter’s main goal is to protect: protect from fire, protect from danger and

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protect from damage. When the stakes are high, the pressure increases to save as much from being destroyed as possible. Alone, Rappaport had to reposition himself, haul his hose to find better angles and do his best to protect as much as he could from the fire. He, such as his firefighter colleagues, became utterly exhausted. Firefighters were aided by helicopters

According to the American Red Cross, the Santa Barbara residents who lost their homes in the Thomas Fire are being provided individualized recovery plans to start making their transition from their temporary shelters to a new home. With money from many generous donors, the American Red Cross has been able to help victims of the fires recover financially, as well

in some of the most desperate moments. The flood of water drenched the homes and backyards with gallons upon gallons of water, extinguishing the fires before a house, filled with belongings and memories, could be destroyed. As the mother of a firefighter, Shelli Rappaport, publications secretary for the Journalism & New Media and Public Relations program at California Baptist University, found the Creek Fire especially concerning. “It was hard to see how physically exhausting the work was on (Taylor),” Shelli Rappaport says. “It took him about two weeks after returning home to actually heal and get better from his time fighting the fire.” The firefighters grew weary and ill from the excessive debris filling their lungs with each and every breath they took on the job. Dust, smoke and dirt flooded their airways, making it a challenge to fight the fire. “I’m relieved that he’s good; I’m relieved

as physically. The fire departments in the area are also doing their part in restoring the community. Although the fire department is limited in its ability to reconstruct a home for a family, firefighters set up the victims with the resources they need to start the process of rebuilding and restoring. Firefighters provide families with sandbags to prevent further damage from other natural disasters, such as mudslides and flooding. Many people in the community also donated directly to the fire stations because they were looking to help in any way. “It honestly meant so much to me to see how much support was given from the public,” Taylor Rappaport says. “We had people coming to drop off food and supplies to us and it was just an unbelievable feeling. It was so special, and all of us (firefighters) just wish we could say 'thank you' to these people. It’s awesome.” The Thomas Fire, Rye Fire and Creek

that he’s safe; and now he’s ready to go right back out there and do it all over again,” Shelli Rappaport says. Because of the heroic work from the firefighters, and the cooperation and generosity of the surrounding communities, the areas affected by the fires were not only contained but are now well on their way to a full recovery.

Fires all left those affected scarred in some way. But, with the courage of the firefighters, the generosity of many organizations and the willingness to help from surrounding communities, the damage done by the fires became much less frightening. Where once smoke and devastation filled the air, hope now resides. ◆

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CLIMBING COLLECTIVE BONDING THROUGH BOULDERING

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Written by Danyella Wilder Photos by Phillip Ndowu ne foot after the other. That’s the motto for most climbers. Climbing, although not always seen as a rough sport, requires just as much strategy and strength. Since its start in 2014, the CBU Climbing Club has continued to serve students who share a deep passion for climbing and who want to explore more with their talent. Members come together regularly to build on strengthening their mental and physical abilities, challenging one another to overcome obstacles and achieve more every day. Known for their spontaneous climbing trips to popular scenic destinations such as Joshua Tree and Malibu, Climbing Club members can also frequently be found at the Recreation Center rock wall. Matthew Tam, senior graphic design major and president of the Climbing Club, knew he wanted to continue strengthening his climbing ability in a space where he could be himself. After using his niche to start the club his freshman year, Tam found a group of people unified by that exact same passion. “I fell in love with the sport my freshman year,” Tam says. “It’s interesting and unique. For me, it started as a hobby, but then I wanted to find other people who enjoyed the sport, too. I was able to find a great community of people who liked climbing like I do.” From there, the Climbing Club has continued to seek out more climbers. Their goal is to continue expanding — reaching as many students as they can. In its existence, the club has always stuck to the value of encouraging its members to work harder to reach toward new and more challenging goals. Together, they push each other past their limitations. “I’ve seen that all of us like to challenge ourselves,” Tam says. “We appreciate that process. We’re always happy for each other and encouraging everyone to do better. Once we overcome a challenge it feels like the best moment ever.” Ryan Rainwater, senior environmental science major, and Rachel Rosales, senior graphic design major, both joined the club to fulfill their passion for climbing and ultimately to build new intentional relationships with their peers. They say despite the challenges, they have met friends for life. “The way we challenge one another is incredible,” Rainwater says. “It’s the best I’ve ever seen even outside of CBU.” 8 Left: Matthew Tam, senior graphic design major, uses an underhand grip as he plans his next move along the wall.

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Both Rainwater and Rosales make it evident the handiwork God has provided for their club. He has provided them with meaningful friendships — the kind that exist for a reason. Rosales says she is grateful for all the people she has met and the friends she has made through her climbing endeavors. Most importantly, she says the mental and physical strengthening all make the difficult times more rewarding. “It’s a bit of a challenge but it teaches me to work hard. It’s encouragement because we all want to challenge ourselves to do it better each time.” The Climbing Club has had its fair share of disappointments. They have experienced rough patches in their consistency with the club growth and have become more aware of the many obstacles faced on and off the rock wall. They have seen each other through the most tough and painful moments. Recently, the club was informed that the commonly used rock wall at the Recreation Center, a place where many club members worked, will soon be taken down. The club says this is a decision made by CBU officials in an effort to expand the space for additional exercise equipment. For the club, this news came heavy. For many, the rock wall was where

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many of them first learned to trust and depend on each other for support. Rosales says this will have a deeper effect on the newer members of the group who began utilizing the rock wall before the news broke. With no wall to climb at school, the club faces a separation in their campus community. However, her hope for those remaining in the club is that they would continue to seek more students who have found a passion in climbing. “It hurts big time, but even though I am graduating I have faith that the people left in charge of the club will find new ways to help it expand,” Rosales says. With or without the Recreation Center’s rock wall, its current members are still climbing together; making each other greater by each step they take and never ceasing to tackle a challenge in steadfastness. “We’ve run into a lot of issues,” Tam says, “but I hope that the community stays together and our passion rubs off on the newer members. Hopefully, they build the same great friendships as I did.” At the end of the day, Climbing Club recognizes that completing a challenge among friends who are there for support is what makes the club most special. It flourishes because each person is willing to do better and become greater.

“I love the challenge,” Rainwater says. “Each time I climb, it becomes more and more motivating.” Through the good days and the bad, what seems to drive this club to greater achievements is their strong sense of biblical community. The Climbing Club is a reflection of the mission of God and an inspiration to students who have accomplished their climbing ambitions. Rosales says she learned her challenges are what made her a better climber. There is no special climber as everyone has his or her own technique. “I’ve learned that the more challenging it becomes, the more fun it is for me and that it doesn’t take a specific type of person to be a climber. You just have to be consistent at it.” “I feel connected to a community — something greater than myself.” Tam says. “I’ve made close friends because we’re always climbing together. We push ourselves to become better at the sport. Our friendships have gone far outside the club.” The dedication and effort of each member has made the Climbing Club what it is. They are more than just a group of friends who enjoy climbing walls. They see the excellence in helping each other when one challenge seems too great. ◆

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(Opposite Page) Left: Ryan Rainwater, senior environmental science major, pre-visualizes his route prior to approaching the rock wall. Ryan Rainwater, senior environmental science major, claps his hands together to remove excess chalk before beginning his climb. Right: A dip into the chalk bag helps climbers' hands remain dry and adds tack to their grip. (Current Page, clockwise from top) Rachel Rosales, senior graphic design major, shifts her balance on the bouldering wall by using her left heel as a hook. Adelaide Truong, senior major, traverses the bouldering wall at Hangar 18 in Riverside. Rainwater claps his hands together to remove excess chalk before beginning his climb.

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A Beginner's Guide To:

Backpacking

Adventuring out of a daypack

Written by John Victory and Katie Kostecka Photo by Elizabeth Johnson f you want to experience the beauty of national parks by hiking and traversing the landscapes, then you will need some essentials to begin backpacking in the wilderness. Picture this: You are backpacking in Yosemite. The sun is just peaking over the mountains and the birds are calmly chirping in the distance. You grab your backpack and head out for your backpacking excursion. A mile into the hike, a fork appears in the road. Having some form of navigation is key to making sure you come home safely, and choose the correct direction as you reach each fork in your path. A GPS or map will help guide you through any location. It is important to carry a physical form of navigation rather than a cell phone because they do not require any phone service or internet. Consider a Garmin brand GPS, specifically an eTrex model because it is easy to use and you will not need wifi. By noon, the sun is beating down and you fear you will burn. You do not want to walk away with a blistering sunburn, and even if you check the weather forecast before you hit the trail, you never know for sure what you will encounter. Carry sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher to avoid long-term skin damage, and bring a hat to provide some extra shade. Apply it before being exposed to sun and every two hours while outdoors. A little while later, you run out of water and have a rumbling stomach. Remaining fueled nutritiously and staying hydrated is key to having a great experience while out on a backpacking trip. The last thing anyone wants is someone passing out because he or she did not eat enough or stay hydrated, so having extra food can help to alleviate that stress. Be sure to take camp food, such as hot dogs, which are easy to cook over a fire, but also take some light food and snacks such as trail mix, fruit and granola bars. If you run out, ask a friend or look for a clean river or another water source that can hydrate you enough to make it back to your site. Filters, such as the LifeStraw,

can filter any water source into pure drinking water. As the sun begins to set in the evening, you begin to shiver. Shaking and shivering your way through a freezing canyon does not sound thrilling. A jacket, an extra pair of pants, some gloves and maybe a vest will help to make sure your body temperature does not fall too low. Brands such as The North Face and Patagonia carry plenty of outdoor sweaters, jackets and snow gear. They also have different variations, so you can find outerwear that will most benefit you in the location where you are hiking. With shadows beginning to form along your path, you trip and cut your knee. Always expect the unexpected. You may get hurt or end up sick while on your trip, so include a mini-first aid kit with some essentials such as ibuprofen, adhesive bandages and other basic medical supplies in case you have an unplanned injury. Another way to avoid stumbling in the dark is to pack something for illumination. A handheld lamp, flashlight or headlamp will help on those trips where the sun goes down but the adventure has not ended. You will also want to bring an extra flashlight or two and take extra batteries in case you run out. You could be on a rough terrain, going down a steep hill or walking through a body of water — you never know what you will encounter. Packing trekking poles — a type of metal walking sticks used for balance — are important to have for your safety. After a long day of backpacking, it is time to rest. Packing a small tent or just carrying a sleeping bag will benefit those extra days spent out backpacking. If you do not like sleeping in a tent or a bag, a hammock is an alternative and a fun way to rest in nature. If the weather proves to be colder than you expected, then packing a tent is the better option. With your gear packed on your back, you are ready for a thrilling trip across the landscape of your choice. ◆

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Locomotive Exploration of Southern California 20 | Pursuit

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Written by Krysta Hawkins Photos by Sage Zbinden rake lights for miles, car horns blaring, drivers cutting one another off in traffic — once again, a Southern California freeway has become a glorified parking lot. Suddenly, just off the side of the road, motion passes through the periphery. Someone, or something, is circumventing the sea of traffic with ease. An oft-forgotten medium of travel — trains — present a viable alternative to automotive travel, especially in Southern California where ride-sharing, carpooling and road trips are met with insane travel times courtesy of an endless rush hour. Ajamn Lee-Johnson, sophomore communication studies major, knows the value of taking the railway because he uses it as a means of commuting and says, “Taking the train is reliable and it can teach time-management.” Lee-Johnson says he enjoys taking the train because he never encounters traffic, and the money he would otherwise spend on gas can be put into savings. Besides simply commuting, the railroads winding throughout California present an affordable alternative for long-distance travel within the state. When planning any trip, a traveler’s main concern is typically the cost. Saving on the ticket to and from the desired location will allow the opportunity to spend money on other amenities, such as food, drinks and the overall experience. For a quick getaway, traveling by train is the smartest investment. Not only is it inexpensive; it eliminates other stressful elements one might encounter while traveling, such as traffic or finding parking. The freedom and benefits coinciding with traveling by train will free one of the California car-clutter and its many stressful side effects. Despite how convenient traveling by train is, it often seems to be the most under-utilized. Many train stations offer more than a hundred routes to various cities each day. Even if the train cannot travel directly to the desired destination, chances are high it will have a stop or two within a few miles of it. It is a common misconception when seeking an adventure that traveling to a far away place is an absolute requirement. However, the adventure can easily be right here in Southern California, thanks in part to the accessibility of railways. For those on campus and in Riverside, an hour and 30-minute train ride can take one to the city of San Clemente. 8

Opposite Page: A passenger makes his way out of the train to his final destination in El Monte. Top: A young boy plays his Nintendo Switch to pass time on the Metrolink. Middle: Empty aisles remain after all of the passengers exit the train. Bottom: Marvin Lopez gazes out his window while listening to an audiobook.

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There are two stops in the small beach town. One drops you off 10 minutes from the beach, but the best route is the latter stop, where feet immediately hit the sand upon exiting the train. The beach city holds many hidden gems capable of making a short getaway one to remember. One such gem is Moldy Toes Record Store. Once inside the store, one can see band tees and posters sprawled across the ocean of vinyl records. A deep cut from an underrated album plays in the background while customers shop through hundreds of records. “Records are more tangible and have better art. That is why I wanted to collect them,” says Tom Rule, Moldy Toes store owner. Rule’s store is a beacon for audiophiles and vinyl collectors alike given it is one of the last true independently owned and operated record stores in the entire state. Only a short walk from the beach, it is a great way to set the tone and soundtrack for the rest of the trip. Once all musical cravings have been fulfilled, The Fisherman’s Restaurant on the San Clemente Pier claims the locals’ recommendation for the best brunch spot able to satisfy any appetite. The restaurant has two different sides to cater to the customer’s desired dining experience. One side is mostly for a quick bite to eat and features open-seating, while the other is a sit-down style of dining, busier particularly on Sundays when brunch is most popular. “My brother visits from Canada every year, and the first place he asks my husband and me to take him is the Fisherman’s Restaurant,” says Katie Fowler, San Clemente resident. If outside seating is requested, one can enjoy the restaurant’s famous seafood clam chowder, pasta or salmon and chips while watching the ocean waves crash along the shore. A meal at the restaurant can cost anywhere from $10 to $15 and includes sublime scenery and atmosphere. For any forgotten beach-day necessities, Pier Market can supply everything for a great day on the shore. The store carries drinks and snacks to beach chairs and sunglasses. The store also offers rentals; $20 to rent a surfboard for two hours or $30 for the entire day. Even for novice surfers still learning to stand up and catch a wave, getting out in the water and enjoying San Clemente’s famed surf is essential for any itinerary. The Orange County city is rich in beauty and is just one of the many stops within a relatively quick train ride from Riverside. One does not need to spend hours on end stuck in a car or plane to experience a great adventure. For a fraction of the price, the railways of Southern California are the most viable way to travel and save oneself the stress of standstill freeways and insane drivers who do not use their blinkers. ◆

Top: San Clemente's apartment complexes wait to be used. Middle: Residents of San Clemente walk through the main trail overlooking the beach and leading to the main port. Bottom: Ellie’s table, a highly suggested bakery, sits in the center of San Clemente. Opposite Page: Patrons dine and talk at Fisherman's Restaurant, located on the pier overlooking the ocean.

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Written by Kathleen Phillips Photos by Randy Plavajka Illustrated by Jessica Rose

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E H T N I S R U O H E L P 8 P A 4 G BI Pursuit | 25

weekend in New York always sounds exciting — something to be crossed off most people’s bucket list. It is a city filled with both struggling artists and wolves of Wall Street. Hot dog stands and vendors line the streets with some of the best nearly-authentic international food in between underrated hole-in-the-wall eateries on every corner. Bustling taxis drive through the crammed traffic well into the late hours of the exciting nightlife. Diverse cultures of New York make up America’s most famous city. Historic buildings and landmarks paint the horizon of the famous Manhattan skyline. One may be tempted to spend money on souvenirs, museums and fancy eats seen on viral videos while there, but one can experience New York on a budget. The time it takes to travel around the city does not permit fitting in everything over a long weekend, but the beauty of New York is not only in its popular sightseeing but in its one-of-a-kind culture — its people. Samantha Parker, a native of England, moved to New York in 2005 to attend the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. She has lived on the Upper West Side, Washington Heights, Harlem and in Little India in Jackson Heights. All of these communities were either predominately Italian, Indian, African American, Latino or Chinese. “It’s definitely like a big melting pot,” Parker says. Forty percent of the New York population is made up of people born in different countries, says Paul McGinnis of Great American Country. Since 1886, the Statue of Liberty has stood as a symbol of hope and new beginnings to many immigrants, but it is filled with long lines and tourists as it is one of New York’s most famous landmarks. Instead of being in the crowd of an already crowded city, seek out those 40 percent in areas where they live their life. While going to touristy locations, most of the people there are also tourists who are exploring New York for the first time. To know New York one should talk

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to the people who live there, go where they go. Don't act like a tourist when you can be a New Yorker, even if only for one weekend. One of the best ways to do this is to hop on the subway. Since driving in New York City is too time-consuming and not an option for most people, the subway is the best source of transportation. While sitting in a subway car, one can see people from many different backgrounds all jammed together in one place. Maps provided on the subway walls are ideal for picking the next location. Observing fellow subway travelers makes for a great pastime. The crowds of the subway and the city, in general, can create culture shock that makes native New Yorkers seem rude or pushy. “The city has a rhythm to it, and I was sort of out of the pocket of that rhythm when I first got there, but once I started embracing the city and getting used to the rhythm, I realized that New Yorkers aren’t unkind,” Parker says. “They aren’t mean. They’re just very about their business.” For some visitors, the fast-paced lifestyle of NYC can be overwhelming. If an escape is needed from the hustle and bustle, go where New Yorkers go to catch a quick break and hang out: Central Park. From here you can get a view of the city that has inspired so many artists and has encouraged the driven entrepreneur. Sit on the lined benches or leisurely walk the bridges seen in countless films, and rock on one of the park’s swings as you watch the Manhattan skyline light up as the city transitions to dawn. Parker says she suggests checking out Brooklyn, Chelsea, Ninth Avenue or even Union Square to ditch the crowds and tourists. “Ninth Avenue was one of my favorite places for eating. When my husband and I were dating we used to hang out in Brooklyn a lot in a place called Carrol Gardens. They had good diners and the best Thai places that we really liked,” Parker says. “During my fourth semester of school, we used to do late-night karaoke, and we would go to this place in Chelsea where the karaoke wouldn’t start until midnight. It was like a little hole-in-the-wall spot in Chelsea. I would go to Union Square and hang out or shop, which is heard of but not very touristy.” Another way to ditch the constant sirens and crowds of the heart of the city is to take a short subway ride to the Upper East Side. 8

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E H T N I S R U O H E L P 8 P A 4 G BI Above: Grand Central Station and Times Square are two of New York City's most visited hallmarks, with a combined average of 1 million people per day visiting these locations.

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Top Left: An employee at the quaint bookstore and coffee shop Shakespeare & Co. organizes books by genre and author. Top Right: Viral sensation DĹ? is a one-of-a-kind dessert store that specializes in serving cookie dough. Bottom Right: Ricky Rogers cuts one of the signature pizzas dished up at Roberta's inside Urban Space.

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The beauty of New York is not only in its popular sightseeing but in its oneof-a-kind culture â€” its people."

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While walking past the elites of New York and their well-groomed poodles, old cathedrals and doormen of fancy apartment buildings, stop by Shakespeare & Co. on Lexington Avenue, a quaint bookstore and coffee shop where Upper East Side locals and students hang out.

Jane Segovia is a barista at Shakespeare & Co. who moved to New York from Los Angeles for school. “We get a lot of college students from Hunter and Marymount, but we also get a lot of residents from the building upstairs and the surrounding blocks," Segovia says. “We have locals as far as 60th that come every morning with the same order. We have people who come and read the New York Times in the corner and eat oatmeal.” Brown bookshelves extend to the ceilings and are filled with classic novels alongside new and noteworthy bestsellers that can be reached by the library ladder that rolls around the shelves. Greeting cards unique to and themed around New York occupy the middle spaces. A children’s section sits at the back corner of the store where residents let their children play while they sip their coffee, eat their almond scones and read whatever has piqued their curiosity. The shop even has an “Espresso Book Machine” where you can publish and print anything you have written. Whether one is waiting on a writing to print, reading the Times or grabbing a cup of coffee, one can watch the city pass by while sitting and looking out of the large windows, feeling like Meg Ryan in “You’ve Got Mail” while sitting in a classic and charming New York City bookstore.

While talking to New Yorkers and hanging out at their favorite spots can give a person a taste of the unique culture, there is a New York must-see that will give you a better perspective on the people that make up the city: the 9/11 museum and memorial. Although it is a somber activity, the museum encapsulates how New Yorkers reacted and came together after the attacks that forever changed America. The museum explores events preceding and following 9/11 while telling the detailed story of the day that killed many of New York’s

people. Leaving the museum and seeing the two fountains where the two tallest buildings in the world once stood gives you an intense admiration for New York City and its people who support their great city and one another. Locals can be seen laying flowers and memorabilia at the names of loved ones who died in the attacks. “If you stop and ask a New Yorker for help, they will give it to you. They’re just very head down and about their business, but if you stop and have a conversation with someone, they’re going to be friendly. They definitely all have each other’s backs,” Parker says. “If you’re a New Yorker, it’s like there’s a bond and community there. Even if certain communities seem less kind than others, there is a sense of no matter what social class you’re in, you’re a New Yorker.”

One tourist destination that is worth the hype is Times Square, but beforehand, head to Grand Central Station. Walking into the building is an experience in and of itself. It may seem familiar because of how often it is seen in shows and films. Re-enacting scenes from “Gossip Girl” or any show featuring the station is perfectly OK. While there, head around the corner to Urban Space, a hip market with a multitude of different food options where the younger crowd of NYC comes to hang out and eat. Roberta’s at Urban Space is a necessity. They have classic takes on brick-oven New York pizza, but their most popular pie is the Bee Sting, a pepperoni and cheese pizza finished off with a drizzle of honey. There is no bad time to soak in the visual overload of Times Square. All of the billboards and flashing lights make it seem like it could be midday even at midnight. The area is filled with shops, famous cheesecake eats and people dressed up as characters that provide an interesting photo opportunity. The theater district is nearby with many opportunities to buy discount tickets and see a show on Broadway. In a city with dense history holding both hidden and world-renowned treasures, the destination options are nearly limitless. Regardless of where one may go, there is an opportunity to be immersed in the culture and heart of America’s melting pot, the “capital of the world” — New York City. ◆

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Do the Facts Still Matter? Countering misinformation and misperception

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eing honest and telling the truth are two completely different actions. To be honest is to share one’s own opinion without “sugarcoating” or softening the statement. To be truthful is to share wholly factual information without the intercession of opinion or bias. Similarly, the feelings about information held by the American population and the facts of the matter are equally as different as truth

free of worldview influences such as political party values, socioeconomic class and other circumstances. Luckily, there is a balance in place to correct these errors in the facts. In a peer-reviewed research document, “Misinformation and Fact-checking: Research Findings from Social Science,” Brendan Nyhan and Jason Reifler say journalists and citizens alike are concerned with the misinformation in modern politics that has the potential to ruin

and honesty. These blurred lines create harmful misperceptions that deviate from reality. As politicians become more honest in their own opinions, such as President Donald J. Trump, and feeling seems to reign supreme over fact for the public, the truth is lost in translation. A person’s skewed worldview becomes the lens through which he or she bases all judgment, even if only subconsciously. Perception is reality for many Americans. Simply put, they “feel” it therefore it is true ,even if some of the information being delivered is not entirely accurate or true altogether. When misinformation and misperception join forces, the American public is in a bad position to independently think for themselves,

citizens’ ability to make informed decisions at the polls and interact in meaningful debate. Essentially, false information has spread like a wildfire and needs an immediate response so the truth can be properly reported to the public. Fact-checking is a main component of misinformation correction. Nyhan and Reifler write that it “can have especially powerful effects when it helps create an elite consensus that crosses partisan or ideological lines.” The duo says fact-checking is not foolproof, nor is it 100 percent effective in correcting the lack of truth within the honest words of a politician, but its existence is still integral to the fight for a well-informed public. The purpose of fact-checking, after all,

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Written by Randy Plavajka Illustrated by Jessica Rose

is to hold politicians and public figures to the truth, instead of just allowing them to speak their minds without full backing, as with our most recent election cycle in the United States, where partial truths and false information seemed to reign. The key benefit to fact-checking, in the words of Nyhan and Reifler is “fact-checking can both increase the reputational costs of creating misinformation and limit its

discrepant messages.” A great deal of the American voting population today selectively expose themselves to a biased news source just based on their internet search habits, even if only unknowingly. These same people are the exact audience factchecking services aim to inform, so the rate of misinformation and biased consumption can be minimized. The major downside to confirmation

dissemination.” There are many positive effects to correcting the factual errors made by politicians, but the process of convincing the public is oftentimes not as simple as it seems. In psychology, as well as in the study of political science, there is a term that describes people's resistance to acknowledge information not in line with their beliefs or values known as confirmation bias, or partisan loyalty bias. In their 2014 article in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication about how selective exposure affects the mindsets of voters, Silvia Knoblock-Westerwick, Benjamin Johnson and Axel Westerwick say that “the evidence is rather clear that attitude-consistent messages are preferred over attitude-

bias and selective exposure is the difficulty for correction. Much of the American population is firm in their political beliefs, and it is not uncommon to ignore the truth in favor of the perceived honesty of their party’s officials. This much was evident in the 2016 election cycle featuring two of the most controversial presidential nominees with regard to truth and honesty, and remains true in 2018 with the current administration and government officials. As long as trust in a given politician remains high, his or her message will be taken as wholly factual if it is in line with one’s own perception of a given situation. The remedy, or at least a viable solution, to remaining properly informed of the 8

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facts of any given matter is to fact-check the information provided. There are many services and websites solely dedicated to the correction of misinformation, basing judgment upon fact rather than feeling. Politifact has been one of the most dominant fact-checking forces and has been able to find success on social networks and online web browsers, especially during the 2016 election cycle. Because many younger American voters consume their media online and via social media, accessing this demographic on those media was the best step Politifact could take in expanding its educational reach. This worked in favor of the non-partisan company and ultimately helped generate further awareness of what good fact-checking should look like. Their track record and reputation suffered no major setbacks throughout 2016 thanks in part to the creativity of accessing their audiences properly. Beyond the track record of a credible fact-checking company is their current effort to maintain the truth for the sake of properly informing the public. An example of their innovation during this cycle that was filled with a multiplicity of false claims was a Google Chrome extension internet users could install to assist them while watching the debates that would provide seemingly live fact-checks to statements and claims made during the debates. In addition to being creative with the education of the American voter on the words and actions of public figures and politicians, a

good fact-checking service must also be nondiscriminatory in its operation. This is where being non-partisan becomes so important, because it does lend further credibility to the reputation of a company covering both sides of an election cycle. Regardless of whether a fact-checker is left-leaning or right-leaning, the problem often encountered is an imbalance of coverage. Oftentimes a left-leaning checker will opt to more closely inspect the politicians who ideologically lean to the right and vice versa for a right-leaning checker. This is where confirmation bias not only affects the American population, but also the reporters in how they handle a situation. This quantitative imbalance has the potential to skew the perception of the audience, because from a logical sense if a person is only told the other side is wrong and false, then said person could blindly have total faith in their party affiliation instead of questioning both sides equally. Partisan fact-checking services are not bad by any means, but they do pose a threat to the standard of fair and balanced coverage, which again rests at the foundation of a preferred fact-checker. In his 2014 dissertation, Dr. Brian Weeks, professor of philosophy at Ohio State University, says feelings are able to be replaced with the cold hard facts by good fact-checking. The majority of the American population remains true to their values after they reach mature adulthood in their early 20s and have

Fact-checking must become as integral to journalism as breathing oxygen is to staying alive."

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had the time to assess where they rest on the political spectrum. Weeks says skepticism will often meet a fact that challenges someoneâ€™s firm beliefs. However, over the right amount of time with the necessary amount of information on the part of media sources and fact-checking services, those walls can be hurdled and factchecking can do what it is intended to do â€” set the record straight. Fact-checking must become as integral to journalism as breathing oxygen is to staying alive. Without evidence and proof, speculation should not be given the time of day for the sake of keeping American media consumers away

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from misinformation and partial truths. Within the coming months and years, every news outlet, regardless of their supposed bias, must take a page out of Politifactâ€™s book and hold a spyglass up to every statement of any leader who has influence on the collective thoughts and feelings of these United States of America. Then, the minds of the nation be converted from finding roots in feeling to finding solid ground in concrete fact. â—†

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Exploring the intricacies of contemporary Christian music Troy Mitchell, junior kinesiology major, raises his arms during the popular lament and gospel song â€œHow Deep the Father's Love.â€?

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Written by Kathleen Phillips Photos by Elijah Hickman & Raegan Lee

eaming lights of blue, purple, orange and red start their path across the stage while fog hits the feet of the musicians. A drummer is seen in the corner in his private box with a bassist and a few guitar players next to him. In the front is a keyboardist, four backup singers and the worship leader in the center — guitar strung behind his back as he grasps the microphone stand with both hands. The beat reverberates through the congregation. People pound their chests, swaying, singing and crying. Others are still, either sitting or standing. The speakers boom, “Everyone stand, raise your hands and sing to our God.” If you are familiar with American churches, this scene is recognizable. You may experience something similar every Sunday. After the command, some arms may be outstretched as far as they can reach while others are noticeably raised just to the hip. Regardless of your engagement in the worship set, imagine you are like Job — a man who has recently lost everything: wife, children, wealth, property, reputation and health. You have just been told to raise your hands and sing one of the most common and popular worship songs, “How Great Is Our God.” Suddenly, you begin to shrink. The act seems disingenuous. Filled with grief and sadness you find that you cannot sing. You cannot raise your hands. You want a connection with God but something must be wrong with you. It seems like everyone around you can relate to a great God, but you cannot. You leave church feeling farther from God than you were before.

What you needed, says Jeff Mooney, California Baptist University professor of Old Testament interpretation and theology, was a lament — an output of worship that is a genuine expression of grief and sorrow. “I don’t think a guy like Job even knows where to begin. I don’t think he would sing at all; I think he leaves,” Mooney says. The problem present in the Job scenario reflects a community, the American church, that has forgotten what worship is, what it does and why it is practiced. Necessary elements of biblical worship are being neglected, even forgotten. As a worship leader, Lance Beaumont, CBU associate professor of music, says Job would not be able to find a language of worship to help him in his time of need in many modern churches. Beaumont says he believes there needs to be more variety of realistic expression. Mooney has analyzed the top 125 worship songs and says the songs highlight, more than anything, therapeutic things from which a person may be saved: a broken heart, past failures, present fears, economic trouble and low self-esteem. Barna, a research publication that focuses on the American church, published research coinciding with Mooney’s in its article, “Focus on ‘Worship Wars’ Hides the Real Issues Regarding Connection to God.” The research reads: “Congregants were most likely to understand worship as activity undertaken for their personal benefit (47 percent) while senior pastors described the purpose as connecting with God (41 percent) or experiencing his presence (30 percent). Only three out of 10 church-going adults (29 percent) 8

The problem present in the Job scenario reflects a community, the American church, that has forgotten what worship is, what it does and why it is practiced.”

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indicated that they view worship as something that is focused primarily on God. One out of every five attendees admitted that they had no idea what the most important outcome of worship is.” Music is not the only worship tool facilitating a connection to God. Mooney says worship incorporates prayer, biblical text, historical creeds reflecting the corporate confession of the church, public Scripture reading and giving. “It’s all worship, just different applications,” Beaumont says. “As you are walking and you feel the sun on your face, and you acknowledge that, that in and of itself is worship because God is the creator of all things and good gifts. I am experiencing that good gift and recognizing it. I am honoring the one that made it.” Music is the most common application of worship because it is the most powerful. That power it holds can be dangerous, potentially damaging true intent and authenticity. The emotion

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it unleashes in itself and in people can create a false connection between a person and God. “Music is simply the most powerful thing in the universe,” Mooney says. “(Music) can mimic real spiritual activity with the power that it holds. This moment can all of a sudden paint and construct things of the mind that are really not there.” Worship cannot be forced. For it to be real, it needs to be a genuine expression to God. With contemporary worship, the genuine expression has been lost. Mooney says out of the 150 Psalms in the Old Testament, 47 percent are laments. Comparing that to the 125 top worship songs that Mooney analyzed, zero of them contained laments, or expressions of grief or sorrow. If including imprecatory Psalms or thanksgiving Psalms, both of which have lament qualities, that takes up 65 percent of the Psalms. Yet, contemporary worship songs do not reflect those statistics.

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It is impossible to reflect genuine and inclusive worship when focusing on one emotion and application of worship. Although it is true and good to express blessedness and salvation in worship, those alone are not realistic. Cries of sorrow and restoration need to be expressed because they are present. When solely rejoicing, many are being isolated and a community is being separated and lost. Instead of prioritizing the sound, style, presentation and lights, Christians and worship leaders need to reflect on intention. Beaumont asks: “What is your intention from start to finish? Is your intention the music? Is your intention the lights or sound? Or is your primary intention how do we acknowledge God’s holiness? How do we acknowledge the work that He has done for us? How do we position ourselves within that, knowing that we are not God and we can’t save ourselves? How are we going to respond

to that?” There is importance in worship applications such as laments, prayer and giving as it brings together more people in connection with God. Instead of isolating people like Job, you are now inviting people like Job. Genuine expression and elements of worship such as prayer, giving and Scripture reading need to be more ingrained in churches. It will create genuine and impacted believers, transforming the way the world views Christianity today. It is the need to belong to a community and to have expression to God that drives people to worship. In return, God’s design for worship creates a community and one body — a people. “Many who are entering into worship are looking for a people, but what they are finding are a bunch of individuals,” Beaumont says. “Worship is about us being formed and shaped as a people. Remember that you are a people.” ◆

Current Page: Matt Watson, junior exercise science major, strums his bass guitar as the band performs “Cornerstone.” Opposite Page: Students raise their hands during the opening worship songs at a chapel service at CBU.

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Understanding media Portrayal of the autism spectrum Written by Kaitlynn Labit Illustrated by Kaylah Valdez

re people going to think I'm weird? I don't understand what they're saying — is this sarcasm? I don’t want to hear the loud crowd. I’ll put my headphones back on. What are the rules? Am I standing too close? I’ll do some research. A narration of thoughts. It is the way Netflix’s original series “Atypical” (2017) demonstrates autism spectrum disorders to its audiences. Although this is not the first movie or TV show featuring a main character with high-functioning autism, it is the first of its kind that connects the thoughts and actions of Sam Gardner, played by Keir Gilchrist, as he navigates high school to give viewers an “inside look” at how some people on the spectrum could be processing situations and decisions in the 21st century. Prior to “Atypical,” other media portrayals of autism, whether subtle or proclaimed, include “Rain Man” (1988), “Forrest Gump” (1994), “The Big Bang Theory” (2007), “The Middle” (2009), “Modern Family” (2009) and

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“The Good Doctor” (2017). However, when the Kissel family found out about their son Jeff Kissel Jr.’s diagnosis when he was 6 years old in 2001, the only movie they said they could recall portraying autism was “Rain Man.” The classic film features Raymond Babbitt, played by Dustin Hoffman, as an autistic savant who is exceptional at remembering trivia and mathematics but struggles socially. The actions of savants can sometimes be described as “superhuman” because of their almost-unbelievable aptitude in certain areas such as mathematics, memory, art or music. Savants only make up 10 percent of the autistic population, according to the Autistic Research Institute, and for Jeffrey Sr. and Kathy Kissel, say they knew their son was not a part of that small percentage who might be spared from some of the trials of adolescence because of an unusual skill.

the Reality Instead, Jeffrey Kissel Jr., senior journalism and new media major and sports

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editor for The Banner at California Baptist University, has high-functioning autism. The reality of Jeff Kissel Jr.‘s journey, like many others on the spectrum, is similar to the way “Atypical” scripts Gardner’s coming of age. Although there are memorable accomplishments, there is also an unfortunate parallel between the representation of bullying in “Atypical” and Jeff Kissel Jr.’s elementary, middle and high school years. “We really had a problem with bullying in elementary school because he was a target because of his anti-socialness. He didn’t know how (to socialize). He hated school,” Jeffrey Kissel Sr. says. "He hated it. He didn’t even want to go. Bullying was a huge thing for him. He got bullied all the time. “We got into a lot of arguments with the principal and I don’t think they were prepared to deal with it. They told us,‘Well maybe he needs to learn to defend himself,’ and I would say, ‘Well yeah, sure, but you need to teach these kids to accept him the way he is.’” While there is better representation of high-functioning autism and its characteristics and causes in recent portrayals, the true disconnect between recent media portrayals and reality are the audiences who watch it and allow the awareness to become the only representation, causing a projection of stereotypes on the autistic community.

McNair has been a special education teacher for more than 15 years, has published more than 15 scholarly articles regarding inclusion of adults with intellectual disabilities in a religious institute or society, works part-time for Joni and Friends, serves as the director of church relations for the Christian Institute on Disability and runs The Light and Power Company, a program he and his wife started at Trinity Church in Redlands, Calif., after noticing discrimination against people with mental disabilities in some religious institutions. “For years and years, it used to be that people with disabilities were just not a priority for ministry. God forgive us for that,” McNair says. “For some reason, God allowed me to see that when a lot of people don’t. I’ve been working all this time trying to facilitate change in that area through my writing and speaking, and I thought if I’m going to talk about it, I better do it too.”

InclusiVITY

Bridging the gap between portrayals and

Alongside his ministry, McNair says he helps others acknowledge those with autism by integrating interaction into his class lessons that sometimes introduces students to adults with autism for the first time. “There are people who don’t have experiences with those type of people and so they will take (media portrayals) as the truth of who they are when in reality nothing can be further from the truth about who they are,”

reality begins with society acknowledging that autism is a characteristic of who someone with ASD is. “People with disabilities are just people,” says Dr. Jeff McNair, professor of education and director of the education specialist program in moderate to severe disabilities at CBU. “Some people are incredible over-achievers and some people are just like you and me, just people — just average people.”

McNair says. "When you hang out with these people that you have distanced, you find out they’re just like you, but we’ve kind of been conditioned to skew any relationships with these people. “The ultimate goal is that we don’t skew relationships and we accept people the way they are and we choose to be in a relationship with them even though the relationships are ‘atypical,’ potentially. I’ve spent 40 8

Just People, Too

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something years with adults with intellectual disabilities. Over that time, the thing that I’ve found is that I’ve changed because they don’t have the ability to change. If I’m going to be in a relationship with them, then I need to change — and I do.” Not only is it important for neurotypicals to acknowledge the atypicals and adjust accordingly, but the Kissel family says they found a difference in Jeff Kissel Jr.’s life when he started to approach his diagnosis by willingly

understanding and compassionate, it resulted in more activists and an end to Jeff Kissel Jr.’s bullying issues in high school. After secretly attending football practices after his track practice would end, Jeff Kissel Jr. found himself on Colton High School’s football team, the Yellowjackets, playing defensive back. “Football was very big in my high school. It was just a big, huge thing, like ‘Friday Night Lights’ or ‘Remember the Titans.’ So that’s why

acknowledging himself as autistic. “We always told him not to be ashamed of it because he is very intelligent,” Jeff Kissel Sr. says. “I tell him, ‘Don’t be ashamed of it. Let people know because if they see your behavior, then what do you think they’re going to think? They’re going to think you’re weird, you’re strange or whatever word they want to use. They’re going to assume other things.’ I always told him, ‘Let people know that you’re autistic because then they actually know what’s going on and they don’t just assume — they know.’” Kathy Kissel says, “Knowledge is power. Once you know, then it makes you more sympathetic. If you don’t know a person, then you start looking at that person like he or she is a little different.”

Jeff Kissel Sr. adds, “They accepted it.

I wanted to join,” Jeff Kissel Jr. says. “That’s how I got to know the football players. My teammates were like my brothers. They looked out for me. They protected me because there’s that sense of camaraderie and brotherhood. That’s what basically got me through high school,” Jeff Kissel Jr. says. “They were activists, too, in saying, ‘This is my brother. This is my brother on the football team. This is the way he is and if you don’t like it, well, shame on you.’” Having friends, loved ones or mentors assist with social competence for those with ASD as well as approaching society to defend, help or teach them about those with ASD is a part of the plot of many media portrayals that accurately resemble reality. “A mentor is necessary for these students to succeed and the media is showing that a mentor is necessary for success,” says Dr. Jane McGuire, professor of education and PPS School Psychology Program Coordinator.

Teaching other people ways to react or how ( Jeff Kissel Jr.) is going to be acting around them made a big difference.” Not only did Jeff Kissel Jr.’s own acknowledgment about his autism help his teachers become open to accommodation or give others the opportunity to be

McGuire has worked with programs addressing autism and with children to adults with moderate to severe disabilities since 1996, when she served as a psychologist in the Moreno Valley unified school district where she was responsible for assessing its students. During her dissertation, McGuire focused

Bridging the gap

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on improving the communication skills of adolescents on the spectrum by helping script conversations with professors or recording interactions, playing them back to students with ASD and helping them see and understand where they are doing well socially as well as areas in which they can improve. “What the media is getting better at is showing that these communication skills don’t exist. (People with ASD) don’t get it and so they have to be taught rotely, which requires a whole

“(Neurodiversity) is a huge thing within the autism community,” Romo says. “It means we need to push the diversity of our brains on people like we push diversity for skin color, ethnicity and that we need to embrace it. Everyone is raised differently and everyone looks different and we shouldn’t judge people from those perspectives. Well, neurodiversity is the same way for people with autism, their brains work differently.” As is the push for acceptance of all races

different part of the brain. It’s like someone learning their lines for a play — it’s (using) a different part of the memory of the brain,” McGuire says. “It’s important to have people who can explain their feelings and be used as consultants to give proper perspectives.” McGuire says “Atypical” has represented this aspect best through the character Paige, played by Jenna Boyd, who is Gardner’s girlfriend. She teaches him communication elements by presenting them as rules which the Kissel family says is, in reality, an effective way to aid communication and comprehension.

and ethnicities being a loud conversation in the 21st century, so is the autism community’s force behind neurodiversity. Those on the spectrum should be accepted in society instead of having to conform to typical societal norms. “The TV shows and the movies, they help,” Kathy Kissel says. “You watch (the character) Sheldon Cooper from ‘The Big Bang Theory’ and he’s not like ‘Rain Man’ — they’re different. The shows help demonstrate that there are all different kinds of autism.”

Neurodiversity

A Deeper understanding

Dr. Sandra Romo, assistant professor of communication and director of the master of communication studies program at California Baptist University says TV shows with characters similar to “Atypical,” such as “The

Romo, who has a 9-year-old daughter with autism, wrote her dissertation with a focus on families with members who have autism and how communication within and outside the family affects the perception of a

Big Bang Theory” and “Parenthood,” exemplify how the way friends and family interact with characters with autism can be just as effective as introducing rules because it allows nonautistic savants to remain undefined by their disability and supports what the community calls “neurodiversity.”

diagnosis. She says portrayals have pushed conversations forward, but that it is time for media to deepen the conversation. To do so, the media must present autism as natural to bring about acceptance. “There’s a surface-level knowledge and the conversation needs to go deeper, 8

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Some p eople a re i n c re d i ble over -achiev and som ers e peopl e a re j u s t l i ke yo u and me , just people â€” aver a g e j u s t people. â€? D r. J e f f Mc Na i r , p ro fe s s or of ed ucation educati and dir on spec ec i alist pr to s ever ogram i tor of the e disab n mode ilities a rate t CBU

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but media portrayals are great in getting the word out there and building that awareness and getting people to look at it,” Romo says. “I appreciate (portrayals) more when it’s brought naturally into life because it’s so much a part of life now. Kids who are being raised today, on average, have one person in their class that’s on the spectrum.

more than a diagnosis “That’s just how it is. I don’t really prefer when they try to force things down our throats in any way for any disability, any type of diversity or inclusion in any matter. Let’s show it naturally because these people are here in our lives naturally too so let it be a part of that.” Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says more than 2 million people live on the spectrum in the United States and tens of millions worldwide. From 1998 to 2017, the number of media portrayals of autism, whether implied or explicitly stated, has grown and raises a positive awareness with accurate representations of autistic characteristics and plots that tell the coming-of-age stories of young adults with autism as well as their family’s journey. Although media has many portrayals from movies about autistic savants to TV shows about high-functioning high schoolers, the entire spectrum has yet to be covered, and while it may be impossible to make films or shows that accurately present the entire spectrum, failing to rid the disconnect completely, it is not impossible for audiences to close the gap themselves. “One thing that a lot of people don’t understand about autism is that you have to pull them in,” Kathy Kissel says. “They don’t seek out people. They wait to be pulled in.

(People) can’t take that away from a TV show. “Someone has to tell them, ’You have to go to them and talk to them first. They’re not going to come to you.’ A lot of the time, they’ll be on the outskirts. They’ll just be hanging around by themselves. People need to approach them first.” Jeff Kissel Jr. adds “Like getting firsthand experience with someone with autism. That's the utmost important thing when you’re researching the autism spectrum.” If society acknowledges and approaches those on the spectrum, the disconnect will disappear and communities will notice what one counselor and the Kissel family tell Jeff Kissel Jr. “He was writing a paper about himself,” Jeffrey Kissel Sr. says. “He started out describing himself and the first thing he said was ‘I’m autistic.’ His counselor said, ‘Well, there is a lot more to you than just ‘autistic.’ You’re so much more than autistic,’ and it’s true. He’s so much more than autistic. Autistic comes in the tail end of who Jeffrey Kissel Jr. is.” ◆

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trends

Learning the art of a shorthand journal Written by Kathleen Phillips Photo by Sage Zbinden

ullet journaling — the new hype and organizational tool that looks way too chaotic to be efficient. Adorned with watercolor illustrations, beautifully elusive hand-lettering and drawings that are seemingly impossible for any non-artist, different aesthetically pleasing bullet-journaling layouts can be seen across social media sites, especially Pinterest. In reality, bullet journaling can be simple and useful. Instead of navigating separate phone applications for your schedule, reminders, calendars, notes and lists, bullet journaling brings them all together in one. Instead of getting hung up on the aesthetics and the Instagram-worthiness of a notebook, it is good to remember that a bullet journal does not need to be an art piece, it can be as simple as a well-organized, written planner. What is a bullet journal? Regardless of who you are and your endeavors in life, a bullet journal can work for you because it is completely customizable with guidelines, but no set rules. A bullet journal is a notebook that consists of self-designed layouts marked with short-hand bullet points for concise organization. Because it can be difficult to find a calendar or phone application with exactly what you need to best fit your lifestyle, a bullet journal can be used by anyone who enjoys structure, creativity and all-inone planner unique to your own life. Hundreds of different layouts and structures can be found online to spark creativity and find what works best for you.

What you will need: Any notebook will do, but it is recommended to get one that is gridded to create clean lines and easy layouts. To get started, bulletjournal.com has gridded journals available for purchase that include a bullet-journal guide and instructions, bookmarks, an index and bullet key. Because there are no rules, one can bullet journal with any art medium or writing utensil. To avoid getting overwhelmed, it is easiest to start with a pen, highlighter and ruler.

Popular layouts: • Future Logs and Calendars A future log is an easy way to track upcoming events and schedule appointments. It can be as simple as making a box for each month and writing the event and its date in the box of the month in which it occurs. For a more traditional route, make a spread in your bullet journal dedicated to one month, and create a smaller box for each day similar to printed calendars. Similarly, you can create a weekly calendar like ones found in printed school planners. • Collection Lists Collection lists can be a section in a bullet journal where you make random lists of things you have always thought of but can never seem to remember: shows and movies to watch, books to read, goals to achieve, things to do before you die, or if you really get into it, names of your future children. The possibilities are endless; the most important part is to simply start making lists. • Memories Log A bullet journal is something most people want to carry with them. Instead of having great experiences and later racking your brain to try to remember exactly what happened, write down the event right after it occurs. A memory log is nostalgic and fun to look back on. If you are a fan of the memory log, keep your bullet journal next to your bed. After waking up from a crazy dream, write down everything you can remember in a dream log. Never again will you forget the outlandish details in a dream you had when recounting them to friends. • Habit Log The habit log incorporates daily routines you want to encourage and unhealthy habits you would like to stop. First, write down habits you would like to encourage: morning exercise, meal planning, healthy amounts of sleep, daily devotion or whatever else gets you motivated. Next, write down habits you would like to stop: overconsumption of soda or junk food, too much binge-watching and all the not-so-happy things that make you feel badly

about yourself. At the top of your page, write out the numbers 1-31 for each day of the month to create a graph. Every day shade in what habit you accomplished. If your healthy habit log is heavily shaded in, you are making steps in the right direction. If your bad habit log is heavily shaded in, you know exactly what to work on. • Gratitude and Affirmation Log Another way to start an additional healthy habit is to begin a gratitude and affirmation log. A gratitude log consists of writing down something for which you are thankful each day. An affirmation log can be writing something positive you did or saw in yourself for the day. Both of these will boost your productivity and confidence after reflecting on what you have and what you have accomplished. • Water Log Draw little Hydroflasks, or your water container of choice, in your bullet journal. Every time you finish your bottle of water, shade in or highlight your sketch and write the date to keep track of your water intake.

Expert advice: “If you do try bullet journaling, don’t feel discouraged and don’t feel everything has to be perfect because you’re the only person who is really going to be in it. It’s how you want it, so it doesn’t matter. If you mess up, it’s fine. It’s all about what you want it to look like. Don’t feel like you have to do this, and you have to do that,” says Dietrich Ito, freshman film studies major at California Baptist University. Emilee Carr, junior at California State University, Fullerton, says, “I like the way my bullet journal helps me get my life in order. I use it mostly as a planner. My favorite layouts are just monthly/weekly spreads and doodles. My advice would be to steal ideas from online because that’s basically what I do. I find stuff online and recreate it. Google things and copy them.” ◆

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OUR

SHAP I N G

S T O R I ES

CHARACTER THROUGH PURPOSEFUL SPEECH AND ARGUMENT INTEGRITY

information

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ION! MAT R O F IN se misu

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trends

Written by Lauren Sawdey Illustrated by Kaylah Valdez

he legitimacy of arguments and, ultimately, the character of individuals is increasingly questioned in an age where most any word or phrase can be misused. This widespread issue of misusing quotes or information to advance a narrative, whether using Scripture or other sources, is undeniable. Most college students identify “misuse of information” and immediately categorize the issue under academia and for good reason. As young adults, students are preparing to forge

and language is a two-pronged (knowledge) of language, or the direct words and phrases that make (information) misunderstood, as well as understanding the multiple layers of story, and knowing how powerful it is to present yourself, your theories and arguments according to a focused narrative.” Within language, word and phrase connotations vary in meaning to each individual. This “ambiguity” of meaning opens the way for misuse or misinterpretation, whether intended or not. Understanding the

lifelong careers, hoping to join the workspace as honest and ethical individuals of strong character. Because of this, it is necessary to evaluate one’s understanding of this issue. “In academics, we are trying to teach students to be thoughtful and ethical,” says Erika Travis, associate professor of English and behavioral sciences. “From a Christian standpoint, a good argument must be both correct and ethical. If I manipulate you into doing what I want, it is not very ethical, and if I give you dry facts they are probably not very convincing.” This idea of presenting an argument or advancing a narrative both precisely and ethically is quite counter-cultural to what is witnessed on academic and social levels. Popular culture is uninterested in a full argument, making it convenient to pull quotes and shape the discussion in a way that benefits a personal agenda. The idea of shaping a narrative, however, implies there is almost a necessary or valuable component to manipulating the information and the language. When done so correctly, without pushing boundaries or losing integrity, deliberately shaping a narrative can be a powerful asset. Jennifer Tronti, assistant professor of English and director of undergraduate English, says that “this idea of the misuse of information

context of a narrative is fundamental to adopt a better knowledge of the specific language in an argument. Additionally, one must strive to analyze narratives with the intent in mind — this means not only representing the argument honestly, but also taking others’ arguments with the principle of charity. While there is a misuse of information in many arguments, it is vital to recognize the intent behind another individual’s argument, rather than immediately dissecting each word with a disapproving or accusing mind. This issue is notably imminent in academia on a collegiate level and invades the social and spiritual realms, which are equally important to address. Social narratives permeate every part of interpersonal interactions and, consequently, reflect one’s identity. The act of skewing narratives positively or negatively is under constant social scrutiny. When one engages with a narrative — specifically a positive one, boosting morale and sense of self — it is instantly relatable. Upon reflection of such narratives, one begins to see how personal identities are indirectly shaped. This idea of misusing information to advance a narrative portrays itself most significantly through the misrepresentation 8

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of biblical truths. For followers of Christ, the construct of the Gospel narrative is the most important piece of truth to which to be identified. The belittling of this truth, however, has become evident in a culture that celebrates “Pop Christianity” — the sort of Christianity that

not always intentional, this lack of understanding often produces a grave misrepresentation of God. This misunderstanding can adversely affect one’s identity and choices being made, regardless of belief in the Scriptures or not. “Specific pieces of theology come from the

short-sells the richness and complexity of the narrative of the Bible. “Pop Christianity is problematic because some fall into the habit of telling people what they want to hear or making it easy because we don’t think people have the time, inclination or ability to do deep Scripture-reading, and so they give them a platitude,” Travis says. “People do it often with the intention to proclaim the gospel and make it accessible or relevant, but the word of God doesn’t return void.” In a culture moving toward shorter reading and faster understanding, it is clear why complacency is prominent. As a society, it is easy to grab onto these quick “bumpersticker Scriptures,” but they lack the context and fullness of biblical texts. This lack of depth in spiritual maturity can result in claiming something in Scripture not at all present, creating dangerous theology. While

text; if we don’t have a clear understanding of the text, we don’t have a clear understanding of God,” Travis says. “While it may not be an issue of salvation, it certainly can be an issue of the life decisions we make.” The Bible is the most important piece of literature impacting the Christian narrative. Familiarity provides context and a deeper understanding otherwise absent when simply using select verses to win a debate or argument. “(As people of faith) if Scripture is at the heart of what we do and who we are, we should want to develop our understanding of that,” Tronti says. When this fundamental truth saturates every aspect of life — academically, socially and spiritually — American society can become a vessel for better discussions, additional context and a deeper understanding when shaping individual identity. ◆

trends

“Pop

ular culture

IS UNINTERESTED

FULL

in a

argument...” Pursuit | 49

Kombucha? you Betcha. Examining the ancient, probiotic beverage and its role in modern life Written by Hannah Preston Photo by Phillip Ndowu

ombucha (kawm-boo-chah) — the bubbly, vinegary drink sweeping through local grocery stores and social media feeds. Though the first record of this fizzy beverage was made around 221 BC, it has recently been catapulted into popularity, earning its title as a super beverage. This drink is made through the fermenting of black tea with the help of symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, or scoby. The beverage has loads of probiotics to help with digestion; however, Diana Trout, founder of the popular kombucha brand Health-Ade, created her beverage for a different reason. Trout founded Health-Ade in 2012 after researching that scoby could be used as a hairloss supplement. “(My husband) Justin was losing his hair and we started researching what could regrow it,” Trout says. “In parts of the world, they use a scoby, a mixture for making kombucha as a hair-loss treatment.” Kombucha has not been scientifically researched to prove its health or hair benefits, and should only be treated as a natural food. “(Kombucha is) not a medicine or a supplement so we should be looking at kombucha more like a food, such as a bag of carrots. It’s full of good stuff that our bodies need, including probiotics and healthy acids,” Trout says. However, at a cost of between $4 or $5 a bottle, some people find kombucha far too expensive to keep in their daily nutritional routines — this is the exact reason Kyle Johnson, junior chemical engineering major, and his fiancée, Ellie James, decided to brew their own. Kyle Johnson, junior chemical engineering major, handles the scoby before brewing.

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“I’m cheap — really cheap — so I decided I couldn’t spend $4 a bottle anymore,” James says. The couple has been brewing kombucha for more than two years, and though it has taken a lot of trial and error, the overall process is simple. After brewing the black tea, it must ferment with the scoby for an average of seven to 10 days, depending on the intensity of vinegary taste desired. A second fermentation process is then needed to incorporate flavors — such as ginger or pomegranate — and voilà, a fizzy probiotic beverage is born. “You’re going to mess up. There will be bad batches and sometimes you’ll have to throw it out, but don’t give up,” Johnson says. “The process is really easy once you get the hang of it; honestly, the hardest part is getting a hold of the scoby.” Johnson scored his own scoby through a family friend; however, this jelly-like bacterium can be bought on Amazon for about $8. Be cautious though: buying online may result in poorer quality scoby. Finding a good brand or seller is important. For those who find this beverage a bit questionable, both James and Johnson say it is important to keep your mind and palate open. Kombucha will vary in taste depending on brand or brewery, so have fun and explore your personal preferences. “I hated kombucha when I first tried it, but after Ellie made me try a bunch of different kinds, I started finding flavors I enjoyed and built the taste for it after all,” Johnson says. Kombucha for both Johnson and James is not just a trend but a lifestyle. The gut-friendly beverage has not only provided probiotics and B-vitamins but has turned into a hobby this couple can enjoy together. “We’re going to continue brewing it whether it sticks around or not. It’s something that (Ellie and me) find fun,” Johnson says. So whether you become an at-home kombucha brewer, or simply buy it from the store, kombucha can fit into any lifestyle. It is as easy as picking up a bottle and giving it a try. ◆

Inspired to start brewing? Here is what you will need:

1 2

Scoby Glass jar • Preferably one gallon in measurement. However, you can go as small as a standard mason jar.

3 4 5 6

Black tea Sugar Water Coffee filter • The filter is placed on top of the mouth of the jar to provide oxygen, but also to prevent any foreign materials falling into the mixture.

Lastly, any additional fruits or vegetables for flavoring.

Once you have acquired healthy scoby, the

You’re going to mess up. There will be bad batches and sometimes you’ll have to throw it out, but don’t give up.” Kyle Johnson, junior chemical engineering major

next step is to brew the black tea. Then, add sugar to the freshly steeped tea and allow it to cool to room temperature. After the tea reaches between 68-85 degrees, pour the black tea into a large glass jar with the scoby – now the waiting game begins. Once the tea ferments to the desired bubbly, vinegary taste desired, you can get creative. Add whatever fruits or vegetables your heart desires to give your homemade kombucha delicious flavor. James' and Johnson’s go-to flavor is their ginger kombucha, they

have

but begun

trying out mint and pomegranate. Need some

inspiration?

Pinterest also has endless kombucha recipes

that

may

strike your fancy.

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Sculpting a perspective on life

Written by Ninasophia Stowe Photos by John Victory

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ARTS

ith her hair pulled back into a bun, multiple bobby pins keeping the loose hairs pinned to her head and a tan, clay-

Through her art, Leininger strives to make sense of the world while helping the world make sense of her. She goes through this journey of discovering her voice with continued new-

surrounded by different design outlets. Her father was a carpenter and her mother crossstitched while she was young. This is what piqued Leininger’s interest in art. As a family,

stained apron around her waist, the artist is ready. Her needle tool, rib tool, wire tool and sponge are arranged within her grasp. She takes a seat at the wheel with her tools by her side and a square slab of clay. Beka Leininger, senior visual arts major at California Baptist University, is ready to create something new. Leininger breaks the stigma of being an art major by her fearless pursuit and overwhelming passion for her visual art and pottery. Leininger successfully blends art with politics, allowing the art to create emotions with the politics to make her audience think.

found inspiration and perseverance. For her, it started when she was a child and continues throughout her college experience. One example of this is an art project Leininger did titled “30%.” With no fear of getting her hands dirty and a strong determination to make something that voiced her concern about the alarming amount of food that America wastes, Leininger collected trash from dumpsters at CBU and wrote out “30%” with the trash on the Wallace Lawn with the university's permission. Leininger has strong opinions and uses her art to voice them. Throughout her childhood, Leininger was

the Leiningers would make projects together, which made her curious about the way things — specifically the arts — come together. Growing up around art and having parents who encouraged Leininger’s own work influenced her to pursue her artistic endeavors. Leininger has always been passionate about art. From a young age she was found creating things with Lego's, taking them apart, and attempting to figure out how it all came together. Growing up with missionary parents, Leininger has lived most of her life in Russia and Germany. Her exposure to different 8

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cultures plays an important role in how she views and creates her art. Leininger was born in Joplin, Mo., but by the time she was 6 months old she was already a missionary kid. Her parents decided to live and work overseas, taking their three daughters along for the ride. It was then that the family moved to Kiev, Ukraine, for a year, moved to Minsk, Belarus, for eight years and finally settled in Novosibirsk, Russia. “There’s so much art history present (in Europe), and it’s interesting how much people separate contemporary art and art history. To me there’s so much you can learn from both of those things together,” Leininger says. “Being able to see great art, things people talk about in person like the Louvre, and being exposed to those things gave me a higher respect for art.” Leininger says the younger generations in Europe seem to have a deeper appreciation of art than students in the United States. She says this shaped her view of art and made her interest for it grow deeper than someone who might not have had that exposure. Her interest in pottery began during her ceramics class in her sophomore year of high school, which fueled her passion for the craft. However, she discovered new passions for mixed media when she came to CBU.

She started hand-building and then moved onto mastering the pottery wheel. Leininger caught on quickly and absorbed the techniques like a sponge. “I have reached a point where I’ve tried and done most methods, so I’m trying to figure out what I like the most,” Leininger says. “There isn’t anything new for me to learn. I can only really elaborate on what I’ve already done.” It took her a while to decide on a major. After hearing Leininger vocalize her passion for art so many times, Kristin Nyquist, senior cello performance major and close friend, pushed her to go to Academic Advising and make the official decision to major in art. Despite her parents' constant support of her art, when she announced that she was an art major, they were not too excited about it. “They just wanted me to have a reliable job,” Leininger says. However, this did not deter her from making her decision. “I just want to do something creative in the world. How I do that, I don’t really care.” Leininger says she is not worried about having a reliable job. She would be satisfied with any job as long as it is surrounded by art, whether that be working in a gallery or teaching art classes. Even though her parents' initial reaction8

I just want to do something creative in the world. How I do that I don’t really care.” Beka Leininger, senior visual arts major

Opposite Page: Leininger uses paper towels to dab extra paint and texture her canvas.

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was not jumping for joy at the news of their daughter becoming an art major, they have continued to show love and support for her and her art throughout the years. “As an artist, it’s really nice to be surrounded by other artists and get that feedback,” Leininger says. “People who I am around that aren’t necessarily considered fine artists have a different type of appreciation for art because they can’t exactly do it themselves. They are a bit in awe of it.” Leininger says she makes a point not to have people in her life who think or speak negatively of her art. This has shaped the audience she has, which allows a safe space for constructive criticism. Nicole Escoto, CBU alumna and close friend of Leininger, has seen her grow in intimate ways that not everyone else has seen. “I see the other side of Beka. With every artist there are ups and downs. There’s the ‘I’m the worst and everything I do (is bad)’ and also the ‘Wow, I’m really proud of this and I want to show other people what I’ve done.' “If you’re ever friends with, living with, or dating an artist, you definitely see both of those worlds. The world of insecurity and the world of confidence. We need both. You can’t have darkness without light and vice versa,” Escoto says. She adds that Leininger’s art is special to her because it plays a major part in how they became such close friends. It was through

Leininger teaching Escoto how to throw on the wheel that their friendship began. “What I particularly like about Beka’s art is that she’s always trying to do something new and fresh, but that doesn’t mean that she has lost her original love or passion for art,” Escoto said. “There are definitely phases of different mediums, but whenever she does get into something, it becomes everything — it takes over her life. She embodies the art that she makes.” Amy Stumpf, professor of religion and society in the School of Christian Ministries at CBU has taught many social-political classes with Leininger as her student and spoke highly of her as a person, student and artist. “Beka has a quirky free-spirit about her that makes her memorable. Her brain works different than most. Before she’s an artist she is just this humanitarian spirit. She empathizes with people, and that capacity to feel is what makes her able to make beautiful art. She hears the cries of the oppressed and is moved by those who are suffering,” Stumpf says. Leininger was described in two parts by her ceramics professor, Dave Williams. There is the artist who wants to make pretty things and the artist who wants to say things with her art. Stumpf sees this both in her art and in her personality. “She’s learning what voice she has and how to use it. Beka has the ability to take ideas and make them visible—taking a concept and figuring out what is a visible way that a person could interact with this idea. For some of us, that’s really hard to do,” Stumpf says. “She’s always thinking about how to speak without using words and she does that through her art. In addition to being an artist, she’s a lot of other things. She puts her passions into forms that people can see and appreciate.” Leininger is distinct as an artist for her

work, and is appreciated in the classroom setting because of her voice. However, her love for people and outspoken nature draws in others. Stumpf and Escoto are not the only ones who see Leininger in this light. Inside and outside the classroom, Kristi Lippire, CBU associate professor of visual art, also sees Leininger as a strong and responsible artist with a brazen social-political voice. “Beka wants to make the world a better place. Not in the way of feeding the world, in general, but she focuses on campus issues, things close to home for her,” Lippire says. Leininger is intentional about the statements she makes in her art and will do so at the cost of making her audience uncomfortable. She makes a point to be heard through her art. This form of self-expression specifically focused on social-political issues is incredibly important to her. ”She wants her art to look good, but it has nothing to do with attraction. It’ll look tight and clean and can communicate well,” Lippire says. “She’s a very thoughtful person in regard to global issues, not just art. So she’ll want to talk about political things as well, which all helps to complicate the artwork being done in class, because it forces other students to create opinions and ideas about what she’s talking about. Beka raises the bar in the classroom.” Leininger’s love for people is matched with her love for art, which when combined produces beautifully uncomfortable art pieces that force people to think and feel things they may not have acknowledged before. She is bold enough to do something she loves for the rest of her life, and use it to make the world a better place, no matter how big or small the impact. Leininger will graduate this May and close out the year with her senior show, "Smoke & Mirrors" at CBU Gallery in downtown Riverside, which opens May 3. ◆

Left: Beka Leininger provides shape to her vase as she throws on the wheel.

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Albums Written by Jeff Kissel Illustrated by Jessica Rose

'Man of the Woods' by Justin Timberlake RCA Records ell-known pop artist Justin Timberlake has come back to the stage with his fifth solo release “Man of the Woods.” The album is fresh with new singles and contains familiar elements Timberlake has used in his previous songs. His song “Filthy” has an interesting pop beat that borders on electronic dance music, making it perfect for dancing. In “Say Something,” Timberlake slows it down in a song that features country singer Chris Stapleton, well-known for his heavy use of acoustic guitar, to create a mood reminiscent of Timberlake’s past hit “Mirrors.” Timberlake’s “Man of the Woods” perfectly builds upon his already star-studded solo career.

Capitol Christian Music Group

Ribbon Music

'Marble Skies' By Django Django ritish rock band Django Django has released a third album called “Marble Skies.” This album combines the best of the band’s electronic sounds and rock vibes. What stands out most is the album’s self-titled track because it brings back that '80s vibe through its catchy beat and electronic elements. The song channels a famous 1980s Pat Benatar song called “Love is a Battlefield” because of the two songs’ almost identical beats and use of electronic elements. The lead single “Tic Tac Toe” is a surefire hit for its fast, up-tempo beats and heavy use of electric guitar. “Marble Skies” is an album worth rocking out to.

'Good News' by Rend Collective rish Christian folk rock band Rend Collective made another mark in the Christian contemporary music scene with its ninth release “Good News.” The album’s lead single “Rescuer (Good News)” is a genuine worship song with a slow beat — use of piano and uplifting lyrics come together to create a terrific hymn. Their song “Life is Beautiful” will make listeners want to sing “Rejoice” with the group while enjoying the song’s faster up-tempo beat and use of acoustic guitar. This album is great for a chill Sunday study session.

Ribbon Music

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SHORT FILMS Written by Tyler Bradley

'A Band of Thieves'

'Under an Arctic Sky'

'The Deep Place'

A quirky film to say the least, “A Band of Thieves” showcases a unique mix of styles with influences from Bonnie and Clyde, Wes Anderson and “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.” The film is told from the mind of a young girl determined to leave her mark on the neighborhood. With comical undertones, it seeks to remind the audience of the beauty of imagination, while crafting a compelling narrative mirroring classic tales from the Wild West. No matter your film preferences, “A Band of Thieves” has something for everyone. The film can be found on Vimeo.

"Under an Arctic Sky" is a film for those who crave adventure. The film features popular travel and adventure photographer Chris Burkard and his team of ragtag surfers as they attempt to find the best surf spots in an unlikely location: the frigid waters of Northern Iceland. The trip proves more difficult than expected, and the film gives the audience a look into both the mishaps and triumphs their adventure had to offer. Entered into numerous film festivals on limited release, the film is now on Netflix and is available to spark the desires of any would-be explorer.

This five-minute film follows the story of Foli, a young boy from Uganda who is forced into slavery by his uncle. Put together and produced by the anti-slavery humanitarian group International Justice Mission, it aims to shine a light on the atrocities being committed within Uganda’s fishing industry. The film is beautifully shot, and its constant use of powerful imagery leaves the viewer wanting to take action. A visual masterpiece with purpose, “The Deep Place” is definitely worth a watch.

ommends

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ARTS

Discovering purpose WITHIN the sheet music Written by Tess Schoonhoven Photos by Phillip Ndowu rt is a shared concept, a mix of personal emotion and public connection. The creative ideas that may spring from one person’s mind can, in turn, reach another person to bring feelings of joy, sorrow, nostalgia and excitement. The transferability of art, the meaning it brings to the composer and listener, and the glory it brings to the one who inspired both art and artist, is an effort that Dr. Joshua Rodriguez, assistant professor of music at California Baptist University, says he embraces and feels called to encourage. “I was always imagining tunes, grooves and harmonic moods,” Rodriguez says when describing his draw to music composition. Rodriguez spent his childhood traveling between different countries in Central America where his parents were missionaries. During his family’s relocation to Mexico, Rodriguez felt his initial draw to music as a way to channel Opposite Page and Above: Dr. Joshua Rodriguez, assistant professor of music, lectures students on music theory and teaches voice leading.

loneliness and unfamiliarity in a new place. It was not until after teaching elementary and middle school music education in Mexico for a few years that Rodriguez decided to pursue composing and teaching music at a higher level. Rodriguez says he regards this shift in his attitude as a launching point for the rest of his career because it pushed him to risk his comfortable lifestyle for what he really wanted. “I thought, ‘If I don’t take the leap and try being a composer — just all in 100 percent — I could do a lot of other things, but I’ll probably always be wondering if I could have been a composer.’ I didn’t want to live with that kind of regret,” Rodriguez says. “Taking the risk of becoming a composer, really taking the risk to study music and devote yourself to hours of learning your instrument, it’s not like there are guaranteed jobs and positions that are just available to everyone. You

have to do it because you love it and because you truly feel called to it, and it was at that time that it really became clear to me that, ‘OK, this is my calling.’” Rodriguez attended the Cleveland Institute of Music for his master’s degree in composition. There he met his wife Dr. Mary Vanhoozer. Rodriguez then attended University of California, Los Angeles, for his doctorate in music composition. After receiving his doctorate, Rodriguez spent three years working for a church in Michigan, heading up its music ministry but always saw himself returning to California for higher education and composing. “Long-term goal: (I) wanted to teach at a university, and (I) wanted to be working in film music and classical music-writing,” Rodriguez says of his direction. This desire brought him to apply for the open position at the CBU Collinsworth School8

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There's brokenness and there's hurt, but through the act of creation — through artistic expression — we can explore those experiences together." Dr. Joshua Rodriguez, assistant professor of music

Above: Rodriguez plays the piano to accompany his lecture on music theory and help students audibly learn the lesson.

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of Music where he now serves as an assistant professor of composition and music theory. Working alongside other talented musicians has only fueled Rodriguez’s inspiration and encouragement to continue to pursue composing as well as his higherteaching goals. “I’m surrounded by a lot of great colleagues,” Rodriguez says. “It’s really exciting to be a part of something that is growing and that is developing.” Rodriguez says he hopes to be challenged to an even greater degree by his colleagues in his composition and collaborate with the other School of Music professors in pieces and performances. He is currently working on a piece for the student chamber string ensemble that will be performed next fall. “Anytime musicians can bring my music to life is a thrill,” Rodriguez says. “It is really cool writing specifically for students because there’s just so much energy.” Rodriguez’s journey as a musician has not been without challenges and setbacks, but through it all, he says his determination and loyalty to the craft has been purified and solidified. “Everyone who has dealt with performance or some aspect of the arts, there are definitely times when you hit a wall or you fail and you have to learn to pick yourself back up and move on,” Rodriguez says. In composing, Rodriguez usually writes specific pieces for musicians he knows and collaborates with them, making his work extremely purposeful and personal. His most recent work performed was a violin concerto, “Contra Spem Spero,” performed by the UCLA Alumni Chamber Orchestra in February. Dean Anderson, director of orchestra at La Sierra College, studied conducting at UCLA at the same time Rodriguez was studying composition. Anderson conducted other pieces by Rodriguez, as well. “It’s always a joy for me to study and perform new work because in this day you can hear it on a computer, but you don’t really know until you’re making the vibrations yourself in a live format,” Anderson says. “We get to discover a lot of new things about the piece.” Anderson says that in the music composed by Rodriguez, his emotions and thought patterns are intently seen and displayed through the live productions of his work.

“Most of his (compositions) really focus a lot on the different sound colors that you can bring out,” Anderson says. “It’s interesting to see a composer’s concept of sound and what they can do. You discover it when you play it live. Even things like tempo and groove — it’s not until you’re actually doing that you find it.” Writing with a specific vision in mind is a motivating feeling, Rodriguez says. He says he enjoys writing for musicians he knows will do the piece justice and bring it to life in new ways each time it is performed. “One of the highest praises that I could ever get is from musicians who love playing my music,” Rodriguez says. “For them to love and feel like this is something they can use to express themselves, that they can bring to life with conviction, that’s high praise.” Rodriguez says some of his most memorable compositions have been written specifically for his wife, Mary Vanhoozer, to perform and tour. Oftentimes the work by both the composer and the performer is not met with much monetary profit and is all motivated by the sheer love of the art. “Sometimes everyone is just pitching in for free and we’re just doing this because we love it,” Rodriguez says. Despite the monetary reward or lack thereof, Rodriguez finds excitement in the opportunity that awaits him with his composing and the satisfaction in fulfilling his calling to create. “There are so many opportunities right now to just make something happen if you’re willing to put in the hard work,” Rodriguez says. He says he always seeks to remind himself to create art that reflects integrity and loyalty, and the giving of himself to others. “In some of our music, we are able to explore what it means to be human,” Rodriguez says. “That can come through in songs with words and in songs without words, and a lot of times I’m writing songs without words.” The true meaning and inspiration behind composing for Rodriguez is the overwhelming mandate he believes he has to connect with others in creative expression and unity. “There’s brokenness and there’s hurt, but through the act of creation — through artistic expression — we can explore those experiences together," Rodriguez says. "That’s a really powerful picture of the community and what it means to be human. I hope to contribute to that in some small way.” ◆

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