The Point student newspaper of point loma nazarene university
monday, september 14, 2015
Features, page 3
volume 44 | issue 1
A&E, page 5
Tying the knot no more BY JORDAN LIGONS STAFF WRITER
PLNU put an end to weddings on campus five days after the Supreme Court ruled in favor of same-sex marriage. The school did not provide an answer as to why weddings were banned soon after same-sex marriage was made legal. “Effective July 1, PLNU will no longer host weddings (including vow renewals), and wedding receptions on the main campus or satellite locations,” said a release to faculty and staff. They will continue to honor weddings and receptions already scheduled under contract. Alum Todd Clayton (‘11) says, not only is he “saddened that this is the path that Loma is taking,” but it amounts to punishing all couples in an attempt to avoid dealing with the “bigger issue” of same-sex marriage The Director of Auxiliary Services, Kim Riddle, was asked whether a same-sex marriage would be allowed if weddings were allowed on campus again. She said that they have never received a request for a same-sex marriage ceremony or reception on campus in the past and “cannot speculate on what that decision would have been.” When asked about the timely coincidence of the Supreme Court ruling, administrators did not provide an answer. Wedding Coordinator for Con-
ference Services, Kristen MacMaster, explained that the decision was made during their summer season by the Administrative Cabinet of the university. “Our school isn’t a wedding venue,” said MacMaster. “It doesn’t have outdoor lighting, it’s hard to get to [McCullough Park], there’s no handicap access in the Greek.” She continued to say that lately weddings have become bigger productions, which directly reflect liability issues. They found that couples had to purchase event insurance for their big day due to the university not being able to provide certain specialties of their wedding. Lack of staff, scheduling conflicts with campus events, and neighborly noise complaints have all made it more difficult to hosts weddings on campus, MacMaster said. She has turned away about 10 potential weddings since the ruling. Conference Services staff are said to have brought this list to Cabinet members, where the decision was made to not accept any more inquires. “I know that to a lot of alumni it means a lot to get married here,” MacMaster said. “It makes me sad, but since I’ve worked in it, I’ve realized that we don’t have the manpower or the resources to do this. There is a lot that goes into this, so I think we should at least pause it and reevaluate it.”
Sports, page 6
Opinion, page 8
More on Loma Beat!
SCIENCE COMPLEX OPENING CEREMONY (more photos on page 2)
PHOTO COURTESY OF GARRETT RICHARDSON President Brower speaks in front of Sator Hall for the science complex’s opening ceromony, August 31st. Sator Hall of the 32,900 square-foot new complex is named after the Sator family, major donors to the 20 year project.
SEE TYING THE KNOT, PAGE 2
Class of 2019 sees uptick in diversity Open hours extended JAKE HENRY STAFF WRITERS
Fall 2015 newest wave of students represents an increase in diversity for the schools collection of undergraduate students. Forty-three percent of PLNU’s freshman class of 2019 is made up of non-white students—an approximate 17 percent increase in the diversity rate since 2010. On Aug. 29, Chief Diversity Officer Jeffrey Carr announced at the Multicultural Breakfast, held in the Golden Gym, that the diversity rate at PLNU had increased still further this school year. Sodexo student employee Keith Rodriguez, who was catering the event, said they were expecting around 250 people to show up, but twice that number attended. Sophomore and Co-President of
the Black Student Union club Kaleah Yearwood voiced her feelings toward the increase in student diversity on campus. “I can’t wait to welcome and love not just the minority students, but everyone,” said Yearwood. “I really want everyone to feel welcomed.” The new freshman class has 20 black students and PLNU has about 72 black undergraduate students. BSU currently has 12 students, but Yearwood is looking to expand the club by welcoming all races to join. PLNU’s freshman class of 2018 had a diversity rate of 39 percent—a four percent decrease from the class of 2019. Director of Undergraduate Admissions Shannon Hutchison says that the increase in the diversity rate this year is SEE CLASS OF 2019, PAGE 2
BY MELISSA ST. AMANT AND JAKE HENRY STAFF WRITERS
Open hours are now two hours longer in Wiley, Finch, Young and New Nease after last year’s Reslife survey. In March 2015, Reslife sent a survey to on-campus residents in order to improve student life. On the survey it asked students to “grade” open hours. Three hundred and seventy eight students took the survey: Twenty-six percent of students gave their current open hours an ‘A’, 32 percent—B, 19 percent— C, 13 percent—D’ and 10 percent—F. This prompted the Resident Directors to talk to Dean of Students Jeff Bolster and Dr. Smith to discuss the idea of extending open hours. Last year open hours were 7-11pm, but now they’re 6pm-12am. The kitchens and lounges in all halls on campus are
now open 24 hours a day. Assistant Director of Housing Molly Petersen says that open hours were also extended in Wiley and Finch due to the number of juniors living there this year despite it typically being a predominantly Sophomore hall. Since open hours were extended in Wiley and Finch, Young and New Nease were also extended in order to make it equal amongst all halls where sophomores usually live. Petersen and Wiley Hall Resident Director Chip Pitkin said that open hour rules aren’t usually broken and according to the survey that was sent out in early 2014, sixty percent of students agreed with the current number of open hours. PLNU Alumnus (’10) John Herman said he had two nights of open hours when he attended PLNU. John says that the increase in open hours is healthy for students because as soon
they leave the “loma bubble”they won’t have the same restrictions that they had at PLNU. “Mixing the dorms and maximizing “open” hours at PLNU allows our young adults to practice making healthy choices in a safe environment before hitting the “real world,” said Herman. However PLNU Sophomore Landin Osborne says less open hours would allow more quiet time for studying and sleeping. “Open hours can make it more difficult to study, sleep, or accomplish basically anything without having to leave the dorm,” Osborne added. Petersen encourages students to fill out the survey Reslife sends out every Spring because their feedback is considered in making new rules.
the point | monday, september 14, 2015
2 | NEWS
FROM TYING THE KNOT, PAGE 1
Clayton believes this is not the full picture. While attending PLNU, Clayton resigned from his second-term as student chaplain 12 days after he told a church forum that he was gay. The “All God’s Children” forum, a group in discussions on lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender issues, was held at First Church of the Nazarene where Clayton came-out in front of an audience of 340 people, reported SD News. In regards to the decision of no more weddings allowed on campus in proximately to the Supreme Court ruling, Clayton is “not surprised” at PLNU’s stance. “My gut reaction is that Christian colleges and universities are at a moment in transition because of the Supreme Court ruling,” Clayton said. “My moral side says this is an act of
cowardice; strategically, it’s smart if they don’t want to get in trouble in the future.” This campus, along with 120 other Christian colleges in the United States, is a member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU) and is being forced to make decisions on this matter. Certain institutions have voiced their opinion about members endorsing same-sex marriage by withdrawing their membership, such as Tennessee’s Union University and Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Others, are soon expected to follow their lead, Christianity Today reports. Subsequently, Clayton explains, PLNU and other campuses will be confronted with losing tax-exempt status if they do not conform. “With no government funding, some students wouldn’t be able to
even attend PLNU,” Clayton said. “The only way this campus is going to change would be the threat of no longer being a university.” The Nazarene Church stands by its commitment to Christ in a statement released about same-sex marriage the same day the 5-4 decision was announced: “We remind our people that while the civil law of yet another country has changed, divine truth has not changed. We will learn how this civil definition functions within the context of our constitutional and religious freedoms.” “I don’t think the people in charge [at PLNU] are bad people,” said Clayton who is set to marry his partner in December. “They just are not willing to take the risk against ‘the system.’” Safety Net, a LGBT support association for CCCU students and alumni, works to empower student groups
on campuses and serves as a pragmatic source. Safety Net, as well as Clayton, were involved in trying to jump-start a club established in 2012 to provide a space for the local LGBT community to come together on campus called BridgePointLoma, but it was shut down by administrators. “A school with a track record like PLNU, a history of not supporting dialogue of LGBTs wanting to meet and do community together has them feeling singled out,” Rev. Darren McDonald, Co-chair of Safety Net board of directors, said. “Even if we disagree about how we interpret scripture, we should agree on certain hospitality and safety for all students.” He said that if it is the CCCU’s goal to make their campuses safe for all their students, it should be regardless of sexual orientation. “We encourage PLNU to specify
their policy change to their students and staff in a real and honest way,” McDonald said. “A campus culture of silence, where LGBT students are taboo, doesn’t sound safe.” In a statement by George Latter, Vice President of Finance and Administrative Services, PLNU will continue to host or rent facilities to organizations that help advance the mission of PLNU like Christian summer camps and numerous church and churchrelated organizations because of “our shared missions and desire to impact the San Diego community for Christ.” On the other hand, Latter says, hosting weddings, wedding receptions, or anniversaries “does little or nothing to advance the mission of PLNU, ties up valuable facilities and staff, and actually generates very little income.”
PLNU replaces Dr. Forward BY JAKE HENRY STAFF WRITER
Dr. Melissa Newman has succeeded Dr. Gordon L. “GL” Forward as the Assistant Professor of Communication & Theatre after he was found dead in his home Aug. 4 in La Mesa due to a failed liver. Forward was 64 years old and had worked at PLNU over 30 years. He had been battling chronic liver disease for a few months with the support of his close friend and PLNU Communication Professor Kathleen Czech. “He was my best friend and we told each other everything,” said Czech “I never had a friend like that.” Forward had received some “hopeful answers” from his doctor regarding a surgical procedure or a liver transplant that would have taken place later on in the same week he died. News of Forward’s death was announced to the student body by an email from Vice President for Student Development Caye Smith. “I was surprised,” said Communications Professor, Skip Rutledge, who visited Forward’s home shortly after FROM CLASS OF 2019, PAGE 1
“not the giant jump that many people on campus assume that it is.” “We didn’t do any one thing different in how we recruit this year as opposed to how we recruited last year,” Hutchison said. “The admissions team is dedicated to finding students that are great fit for PLNU, and who would benefit from our community regardless of their background.” Despite the effort to increase the diversity level, Carr said that the number of Asian students at PLNU has been stagnant for the past nine years despite the high amount of Asian students who attend college in San Diego. “Most of the students who attend college in San Diego are Asian and PLNU is not getting their fair share,” said Carr. “Out of 2,500 undergraduates, there are only 150 Asian students at PLNU.” Senior and President of the Asian Student Union club Gregory Lew said that it can be due to many Asian students wanting to go to a “Name Brand” school. “My parents wanted me to go the Cal Berkeley or even the University of California Davis,” Lew said. “[As an Asian], when you think of colleges,
his death, “I didn’t suspect it at all.” The next day, Rutledge wrote an email to select faculty members and sections of the student body regarding Forward’s death. “Our good friend and beloved colleague Dr. G L Forward has gone to be with the Lord after having suffered for perhaps a month or more with a debilitating and painful condition relating to a failing liver.” Rutledge wrote. “It grew progressively worse, but it looked like he was finally getting some hopeful answers, some relief, had begun to feel better, and was scheduled for a surgical procedure Aug. 7. Unfortunately he appears to have passed in his sleep last night,” he added. At approximately 9 p.m. on Aug. 4 Czech and Rutledge, who had been checking up on Forward, grew concerned because he didn’t return any of their phone calls. Czech says she rushed to Forward’s house in La Mesa and saw him lying in his bed unconscious so she called the police and attempted to resuscitate him. Rutledge who was informed by Czech arrived at Forward’s house
you think of ‘University of California (UC)’ schools.” ASU currently has 15 members, and approximately 30 people attend their meetings and events. Associate Vice President of Enrollment Scott Shoemaker said that the Admissions Office is making some ‘healthy choices’ in the recruitment of Asian students. Shoemaker added that PLNU is considered one of the least diverse college campuses to some students on campus. Shoemaker’s rationale for the low variety in races is because PLNU is a Christian Higher Education college which doesn’t attract many different races. “Christian Higher Education colleges are the least diverse part of higher education,” Shoemaker said. “Also, private universities are less diverse than public universities.” Despite the adversities of PLNU being a Christian higher education college, Shoemaker and Hutchinson said Admissions has been and will continue to recruit students through a variety of sources: College Bound—a San Diego county event that local colleges partner to ready students for college, and Encuentro—an educational
around 10 p.m. Paramedics were already there, and Forward was later pronounced dead. Czech said there were no signs of struggle and that he died in his
sleep. “I wish he could have seen how much people loved him,” said Czech. “He never saw that.” The memorial service for Forward
took place at 2 p.m. on Aug. 15 in Crill Hall at PLNU. Soon after the memorial service, Professor Newman was contacted by the Chair of the Communications Department, Skip Rutledge. “I submitted an adjunct application to keep on file in the event they would ever want me to teach a class on campus,” Newman said. “So when the chair of the department realized there was going to be a need for an Organizational Communications professor he remembered my qualifications and contacted me to see if I was available to come to campus and meet with him and the Dean.” Newman is currently in charge of teaching three courses and is overseeing the Communication Department’s internship program. While Newman is currently considered a “Visiting Professor” which is a one year position, she would like to permanently teach at PLNU. “I would welcome the opportunity to discuss a longer term commitment with university leadership at the end of my visiting professorship,” Newman said.
outreach event for Latino Nazarene high school students, and visits to high school campuses. If any Latino Nazarene high school student wants to experience PLNU’s university life, they can sign up for Encuentro with their Nazarene church which takes place spring semester during Martin Luther King weekend.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GARRETT RICHARDSON (Left) Professor of Literature Bettina Pedersen stands on the Sator Hall gangway. (Top) From left to right: senior Olivia Armitage, Alumnus Mitchell Prins, senior Glen Allen, and Alumnus Thomas Lynch inside Latter Hall. (Bottom) From left to right: ASB President AJ Borland, Associate Professor of Physics Paul Schmelzenbach, junior Meghan Campbell, President Bob Brower, senior Cierra Virtue, and Provost & Chief Academic Officer Kerry Fulcher.
monday, september 14, 2015| the point
FEATURES | 3
features
THINK ON THAT
“Rest, and be still, and know that he is God” -George Williamson, Friday Chapel
Dungeons and dragons come to loma BY SAMANTHA WATKINS STAFF WRITER
A new group is forming on campus to play the video game Dungeons and Dragons also known as D&D. It is a fantasy role playing game where characters work together to solve problems earning “experience points” to become more powerful. French professor and faculty advisor to the PLNU eSports club Alain Lescart says that the group will begin playing in the upcoming weeks after the craziness that comes with the start of the semester calms down. However a set location to play the game has not been decided. “We need to find when and where we can play, campus, my house, a game shop in Point Loma,” explained Lescart. He added that the ideal number
of players is six to a group so each can play a different character, “coming with its own twists and abilities to make the adventure interesting and exciting.” However, D&D can be played with a group consisting of four to seven players. The club was first started when several students learned that Lescart played D&D. They approached him, suggesting hat he lead the group. “It is important for a professor to understand and analyze its educational aspect and narrative abilities,” said Lescart. “It is also, for me, another way to introduce students to a literature genre and the importance of continuous creative narratives that help us live in a more interactive world. Josh Morse, a junior literature major and president of the eSports club on campus is excited to have a D&D gaming group. He explained that he
needed a new faculty advisor for the eSports club and Lescart agreed if some members of eSports would join his D&D group. Currently eSports has members that play anything from video games to card games like Pokemon. Morse predicts that the group playing D&D will be small, but says more people may want to join once its started. “It’s an untapped market of community at Loma and a great for students to get involved when they might not otherwise,” shared Morse. While D&D does not have a specific section under the eSports club, there is potential. “It is something we are looking to expand into because finding experienced leaders is a very difficult task,” said Nick Reed, a junior writing major and avid D&D player. Lescart has high hopes for the
club. “We are going to play the new D&D fifth edition and starter kit The Lost Mine of Phandelver which is a good intro to the D&D game and allows players to reach level five and transfer their character to any D&D encounter.” He also plans to let players connect to those in other countries by contacting Wizards of the Coast (WOTC). WOTC requires a log of each session played to let the group interact with others. While D&D is a fantasy game, Lescart says he also sees aspects of Christianity present in it. “It reminds me of the importance of the church community and the fact that as believers we cannot live in our own corner but need to learn and relearn to support each other in a common task,” said Lescart. Reed said that himself and some
friends are ready to play D&D with Lescart as soon as a date, time, and place are set. “In a time when many people play alone behind a computer or in a virtual world, it is nice to be able to sit around a table with real people you can see and to create a friendship and a fellowship of players that for me, is another extension of our call to live in a sharing community,” said Lescart. More information about the D&D club is expected to be posted around campus in the upcoming weeks once the final details are ironed out. If anyone has any questions about D&D or the eSports club, Morse urges them to email him at plnuesports@gmail.com.
New club aims to break ground
BY JORDAN LIGONS STAFF WRITER
B.R.E.A.K is a new club on campus that aims to break down social norms. It stands for beauty, revival, equality, action, and knowledge. The club’s goal is to start an open conversation on campus about gender justice. An opportunity presented itself through the center for Multicultural Opportunities for Students Actively Involved in Community (M.O.S.A.I.C). Director of the office of Multicultural and International
Services, Sam Kwapong, explained that he merely planted the idea in his leaders’ minds. “When I got on this campus, every label was represented besides gender,” Kwapong said. “It was about time we started talking about it.” The group was originally going to be a women’s club, but that plan was abandoned for fear of students thinking it was exclusive to women. Nevertheless, the club is still embedded in the Women’s Studies department as well as M.O.S.A.I.C. “I’m very excited about this club because it represents grass-roots stu-
dent interest in gender issues,” Dr. Linda Beail, Director of the Margaret Stevenson Center for Women’s Studies, said. Beail is the club’s advisor along with Kwapong. “It’s great to see the enthusiasm among students for a place where they can ask questions, share stories, learn more about these issues and grow in faith.” Each leader of B.R.E.A.K has decided to take on an aspect of gender that speaks to them. Senior and Treasurer Ricardo Martinez aspires to inform the student body about gender issues happening in the business world and how feminism
is for men just as much as for woman. “I not only wanted to address the stereotypes of women, but also for men,” Martinez said. “Men are pinned as these dominate creatures. Being a business major, I really wanted to take on this role. It’s my passion.” Senior Adam Donason’s passion is focusing on the LGBTQ community with the conjoined partnership of B.R.E.A.K and Spiritual Development to explore doing life with this group of people in a Christian context. Discussion groups will be held and all opinions will be welcomed in anticipation of people leaving with an idea on how
to “love people more.” “We’re moving in the right direction, but we still have a long way to go,” Donason who is the club’s secretary, said. “With constantly getting new students, this conversation is never going to end.” Club President Ruth Torres looks to explore the blurred lines of sexuality in the church on campus in hopes of breaking the silence of what is often referenced as “awkward and uncomfortable.” Vice-president Jennifer Ballez’s area of expertise will be the correlation between women’s confidence and the workforce. The senior and sophomore hope to “awaken new tides in gender justice” by extending the invitation to come, grow spirituality, intellectually, and mentally along side of them and to “just be.” Every third Tuesday of each month, B.R.E.A.K will host their ‘Get Involved’ meetings that provide students an opportunity to ask the club members how to get involved with gender equality issues either in the local community or on campus. The first meeting will be held Sept. 15 in Colt Forum from 8 to 9 p.m. In addition, the first Tuesday of each month, they will have forums on specific gender justice topics called ‘Join the Conversation’ that will feature professors Ross and Heather Oaks-Muller and Vice President of Spiritual Development Mary Paul. “We want to have a safe environment where these topics can be discussed,” Junior and the club’s head of media communications Sarai Ramirez said. “These topics aren’t talked about in the church or in our school. They call it the ‘Point Loma Bubble’ and we want to burst it.” For more information go to: Facebook.com/PLNUBREAK Twitter and Snapchat @PLNUBREAK Email break@pointloma.ed
4 | FEATURES
Are you smarter than Marki Meyer? BY JAKE HENRY STAFF WRITER
PLNU Sophomore and former cast member from season one of Are You Smarter Than A Fifth Grader, Marki Meyer, speaks about almost going into a coma after the show ended, how it was being so young on television, and much more. Meyer attended La Mariposa for elementary school located in Camarillo, Ca when she was casted for the show. The Point: Tell me about your experience on the show? Meyer: Being on Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader was honestly so exciting and fun... even while I was struggling to answer the VERY challenging elementary school questions! I can vividly remember sitting on the stage throwing my hands up in the air to try and be the one to be picked to help the contestant answer the questions. If you have ever watched the first season of this show, you can clearly see the tomboy in me. The Point: How was it working with Jeff Foxworthy? Meyer: Jeff Foxworthy was honestly so funny and openhearted. Being in the 5th grade and having to answer under pressure can be very difficult, but having a host like Jeff Foxworthy definitely made things easier. He would always give us kids are a hard time. I have a fond memory of Foxworthy messing around with me because since I was so tall I didn’t stand on the podium all the way; I would stand on the step to the podium so that I wouldn’t be taller than the contestants. The Point: Do you keep in contact with any other students from the show? If so who? Describe to me your relationship with the other students? Meyer: One of the other 5th graders, Alana, actually lives in San Diego so we keep in contact pretty frequently. Since we all spent so much time together, we of course all try and stay in contact. Unfortunately, we are all scattered all over the place. The Point: Walk me through a typical day of work? Meyer: Since airing the show took quite awhile, all of us students had an on set teacher that we had to do a strict amount of school hours with to accommodate for the hours we were missing in our regular classes. This
actually was very fun because how cool is it to be in a class of five with your own personal teacher? Anyways, for a couple days, all we did was drive to set and have “school.” Then, after meeting our required hours, it was time to film the show. We would show up, they would get us ready, “hair and make-up,” and then the fun began. Filming the show was definitely the most fun but hard work. Running out to our seats while singing the theme song was definitely my favorite. The Point: How long were you on the show? Meyer: So, I came onto the show the very first season the show started. I actually took a girls place because she left to film another show. The Point: If you don't mind me asking, how much did you get paid to be on the show? Meyer: I did acting and modeling ever since I was 4 years old and stopped my freshman year of high school. All throughout that time my parents never told me how much money I had made from working. I still to this day have absolutely no idea. The Point: Did your peers at school treat you different because you were on the show? If so, how? Meyer: I think everyone was pretty interested in the whole acting idea. I was only in the fifth grade, but when I left class for a couple weeks to do the show, when I got back my teacher had decorated my desk with Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader stuff. How cool and nice is that? The interesting thing is, when I got to high school more and more people found out, including staff, and would always be like “Marki I saw a rerun of you on Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. It was always so funny. My roommate at PLNU, Shelby, was so interested that she even went onto IMDb to look up the other work I did. She even found an episode of CSI Miami that I did on Netflix. The Point: Have you appeared on any other shows? Meyer: I was on Bernie Mac, CSI Miami, Medium, A Boyfriend for Christmas (lifetime), and a few others The Point: How did you get on the show? Meyer: My acting manager just called my mom one day when we were down in Los Angeles trying out for a commercial and told us to go to the Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader audition. I had no idea what the show
was even about but went to the audition and had a blast. I went on three more callbacks within the next couple of weeks. The Point: How did you find out you were on the show? Meyer: Actually, I remember being outside playing in the pool with my siblings, which I have eight siblings by the way, when my mom came outside and said I had a phone call. It was my manager Robin. She was the one to tell me that I was picked to be one of the fifth graders on the show. I was so beyond excited. The Point: Was there a specific reason you left the show? If so, what was it and can you explain it me? Meyer: Well since the season was over and I was heading into the sixth grade, that was the sole reason for me leaving the show. It was a sad, sad day. The Point: How was life for you right after the show ended? Meyer: Actually, right after this show ended, and shortly after, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. I became very ill and lost a ton of weight. I was so lethargic and couldn’t eat anything. When I finally went to the hospital after quite some time, my blood sugar was high nine hundreds when your blood sugar should be around one hundred. I was so lucky to not go into a coma and still be here today. The Point: Would you give any advice to any 5th graders now who are applying to be on the show? Meyer: Honestly, I feel that Jeff Foxworthy and the rest of the crew do such an amazing job in making you comfortable and really enforcing the fact that you are there to help the contestants but also to just have fun. The Point: What made you decide to do it? Meyer: I was so excited that out of all the people who auditioned that I was picked. There was no way that I wouldn’t have said yes! The Point: Did you have to prep for the questions on the game show or were they a surprise to you as well? Meyer: They give you a notebook full of information, but they were definitely surprise questions. There were challenging questions that I legit did not know. I embarrassed myself quite a bit on that show and my siblings still remember those moments and bring them up! The Point: How did you feel be-
STUDY ABROAD PHOTO OF THE WEEK “The best part about traveling is experiencing it with others. Whether you meet people at the hostel you’re staying at (like I did in Japan), or meet up with friends you’ve made at other times in your life (like I did in Philippines), that’s what makes a trip memorable. That, and adrenaline. Of course.” Amy Cyr is a senior at PLNU, MOCM major, studying abroad in Japan.
PHOTO COURTESY OF AMY CYR
ing so young on TV? Meyer: I honestly loved it. Out of all the kids in my family I was the one who didn’t mind missing school so I was able to go out on the most auditions and therefore did the most acting and modeling. I have always been pretty outgoing and loved being in front of the camera. The Point: How was life for you right after the show ended? Meyer: Actually, right after this show ended, and shortly after, I was diagnosed with type one diabetes. I became very ill and lost a ton of weight. I was so lethargic and couldn’t eat anything. When I finally went to the hospital after quite some time, my blood sugar was high nine hundreds
when your blood sugar should be around one hundred. I was so lucky to not go into a coma and still be here today. The Point: Are you thinking of doing any more work on shows on TV? Meyer: I have thought about going back and trying out for more audiions, but there was no time in high school with sports and school. I honestly would love to, but I think nursing school is in my future instead. But I advise anyone who has any desire to do it, to go out there and try it out. The Point: What do you have to say to the class of 2019 at PLNU? Meyer: Enjoy it, because it goes by really fast.
A reflection on freshman retreat BY WYLDER WILLIAMS STAFF WRITER
I could feel my heart throbbing uncontrollably inside my chest as my parents 2002 silver blue toyota highlander steadily approached the main entrance of Point Loma Nazarene University. Whether it was fear or excitement that overwhelmed my composure I did not know, all I knew was that it was coming, that it was approaching faster and faster now: The dawn of a new day. The turning of a new page. The rising of a renewed sun. As my car rolled silently past the main gate, It finally hit me, striking me with such force and such precision that I could not ignore its profound message: This is my new home. For many of the new, vibrant faces of the class of 2019, the first week on campus was not only a time of festivities and celebration. Instead, it was a time of discomfort, transition, and panic as students abandoned the safety and security of a stable home for the eminent unknown. “I was overwhelmed,” Kenzie, a freshman living in Hendricks hall, said. “There were so many people everywhere, I was definitely nervous.” Riansimone, A student from Germany who made the fifteen hour flight from Germany, to Texas, and then out to California in order to make it to new student orientation (NSO) also said it was “definitely a culture shock” for her as she had her first glimpses of on-campus life. “I feel like that would be abnormal not to feel overwhelmed” Jess, a Hendricks resident “There were so many people everywhere.” Many of the students at NSO acknowledged that there was definitely a social barrier between their fellow classmates as they tried to grow more comfortable with their new peers. Jess admitted that her initial interactions with her fellow neighbors in Hendricks hall were a little awkward and uncomfortable. “The interaction was
very short with people at first” said Jess. In fact, Adrianna Moore, another freshman, went as far as saying that PLNU “felt like summer camp” since nobody knew each other and interactions were short and simple at the beginning. Yet, as the various ice breaking activities finally subsided after a wearisome day, freshman students admitted that conversations began to grow more comfortable as friend groups started to form and relationships started to mature. “Since the first day, relationships have gotten so much deeper” said Jess. For some students, interactions with new people weren’t slow to come at all. Joseph Stoltzfus, a resident of Klassen hall who is majoring in Communications, thought that his first day at PLNU was very smooth, especially when it came to interactions with other strangers. “It wasn’t awkward” said Stoltzfus. “We all realized that we were in the same boat and we just embraced that.” Despite the looming pressures of change and adaptation, the new students arriving on campus were still able to embrace the excitement of new beginnings surging in the atmosphere all across campus. When talking about the activities given to freshman, Joseph Stoltzfus stated “It was crazy and overwhelming at first, but very exciting!” Riansimone also felt that same excitement after the chaos had slowly dissipated. “All the people after a while made me feel even more excited! It felt very personal since everyone was smiling and helping me with my stuff.” Adrianna summed up the experience as a whole with one clever and creative analogy: “I felt like I was taking my drivers test again” She said, a smile slowly creeping across her face. “I was afraid! but I knew that there were welcoming people who would lead me every step of the way.”
monday, september 14, 2015 | the point
a&e
A&E | 5
PLAN YOUR WEEK
9/15: OSV - How to Network Workshop @ Cunningham Dining room 5pm 9/18-20: San Diego Bayfair @ Mission Bay and Beaches 9/20-27: San Diego Restaurant Week @ Mission Valley and Old Town
Students get down at ASB’s toga party BY JACOB TETER STAFF WRITER
On most Friday nights, PLNU’s Greek amphitheater rests stoically against its Pacific backdrop. On Friday, September fourth, however, more than 250 students disrobed their mattresses and rushed down the theatre stairs to flail their extremities between the stage pillars. According to Taylor Eldreth, a media technician who helped set up the event’s sound system, the evening resulted in “a good time with good people.” Sarai Ramirez, another media technician, predicted that the six K12 main speakers and two subwoofers would make for a loud party. Disk Jockey Lucas Ustick, a junior made sure her prophecy came to pass. By 7:30pm, music ranging from pop to house and neo-electro surged and echoed across campus. Along with the sound system was a snack table with Greek-styled foods and drinks. “It’s a cool event for freshmen,” said Tierra Teter, a Klassen RA who brought her hall of freshman girls to the dance. Jane Yi, a senior international studies major, seconded Teter’s opinion. “It’s a good place for freshman to experience their first Point Loma dance,” Yi yelled over the music. “I also like how we incorporate the Greek into a theme that we can use. It’s a symbol of our campus!” Samantha Watkins, ASB’s director of activities and design, said she believes that the toga party was practical for PLNU students and staff alike. “I enjoyed the fact that it was a dance where people could dress up
in a theme if they wanted,” said Watkins. “Almost everyone already owns a sheet, not to mention that we have a Greek Amphitheatre which works perfectly as a place to have the dance.” While practical, the toga event also offered a chance for students to be creative with what they wore.
“Basically you can wear whatever you want but we suggest wearing togas.” Said Yi. Students’ attire ranged from cat t-shirts and jean shorts to floral headdresses and royal styled Grecian togas. Some students even created their own outfits.
“I don’t own a toga so I had to be really creative,” said Sarai Ramirez, who crafted two skirts into a toga-like dress. Some students, including Yi felt that more lights would significantly improve the dance, however the general consensus among those inter-
viewed was that this year’s toga dance was better than the last. “This year is much better, more togas!” Eldreth commented. In the end though, the event was nothing more than an opportunity for PLNU students to get down. “It’s really cool to dance in this
have contributed to the many nods to the exciting beginning to this franchise. “Should you watch it through Oedipal eyes,” writes Lane. “The entire movie can be parsed as an agonized wrestle with the influence of Steven Spielberg, who, having directed the first two chunks of the franchise, remains as an executive producer. Whether he physically loomed over Trevorrow’s shoulder (Behind you— Auteurus rex!) one cannot say, but there is something craven and constricting in the attitude of the new film to the old.” Throughout the evening, the Greek frequently filled with gasps and laughter as students lived through a second park’s demise at the claws of a dinosaur. However, the human characters in the film left much to be desired as far as plausibility, most notably Claire Dearing, who manages to retain her stilettos until the end despite hiking through the jungle in her search for her nephews. Mark Kermode, an Observer Film Critic for the Guardian, commented on the film’s lack of depth. “This convoluted evolution has
produced a story riddled with plot holes big enough for a mosasaurus to leap through with ease,” Kermode writes. “…Worse, the thumbnailsketch characters – endangered kids, parenthood-unready adults, kooky tech guys etc. – remind us how much more fully fledged were their progenitors in the 1993 Crichton/David Koepp-scripted original.” Despite their distaste for the film’s characters, both Lane and Kermode ended their reviews by affirming the excitement to be had from the action alone. The true stars, they write, are the dinosaurs. The action-packed film garnered a full crowd of student’s for ASB’s backto-school event, but the result was to be expected considering its success in the box office as well as its nomination for numerous awards, including Choice Summer Movie at the 2015 Teen Choice Awards. Overall, “Movie and a Mugging” seemed to be a wonderful way of bringing the campus back together as a community and of kicking off the fall semester. It was an enjoyable evening filled with action, Root Beer floats and the company of friends.
Movie and a mugging
BY SHAKIA COLLINS STAFF WRITER
PLNU’s ASB kicked off the year with a night of “Movie and a Mugging” in the Greek Amphitheatre on September 1st at 8pm. The first day of the semester ended late as many students lined up in the evening for Root Beer floats then filed into the Greek for a showing of Jurassic World. Free mugs, an action packed film and great weather made for a successful event with a turnout that filled the amphitheater. The summer action-filled block-
buster Jurassic World is an ode to Steven Spielberg’s classic Jurassic Park, coming 22 years after the release of the original dinosaur-themed motion picture. In the film, “Jurassic World” has become a fully-functioning dinosaur theme park, and with decreasing visitor attendance and pressure from corporate to create some type of new attraction, the park’s scientists decide to craft a new species of dinosaur. Despite receiving warnings from ex-Navy man Owen Grady, the park’s executives prepare to release Indominus Rex, their newly- created Frankenstein dinosaur. Claire Dearing, the
main executive, reasons that “No one’s impressed by a dinosaur anymore… Consumers want them bigger, louder, more teeth,” but she and her superiors quickly change their minds once the creation escapes and begins killing for sport. The movie draws in audiences with its spectacular visuals and high energy, but according to The New Yorker reviewer Anthony Lane, it nevertheless fails to live up to the original. Although Steven Spielberg did not direct the movie, he still played a part as was one of the executive producers for the film, which Lane believes may
the point | monday, september 14, 2015
6 | SPORTS
sports
SEA LION SCORES
9/8: W. Soccer. Win 1-0, vs. Cal State LA 9/10: W. Volleyball. Loss 2-3. @ Central Washington M. Soccer, Loss 1-2, vs. Cal State La 9/11: W. Volleyball, Loss 1-3, @ Alaska Anchorage 9/12: W. Volleyball, Loss 0-3, @ Western Washington M. Soccer, Tie 1-1, vs. Sanoma State W. Soccer, Loss 0-1, vs. Sanoma State W. Volleyball, Win 3-0. @Northwest Nazarene
UPCOMING EVENTS 9/15: W. Soccer vs. Cal State San Marcos M. Soccer @ UC San Diego 9/18: Cross Country @ Aztec Invitational 9/19: Cross Country @ Sundodger Invitational W. Volleyball vs. Dixie State 9/21: W. Golf @ Western New Mexico Invitational
A legendary career nears its end BY LOUIS SCHULER STAFF WRITER
After building an illustrious 16year career as head coach for the women’s basketball team at PLNU, Bill Westphal will be calling it quits after this season. The entirety of Westphal’s career doesn’t stem just from PLNU. He’s had previous tenures at Grand Canyon University (GCU), Western Washington University (WWU) and Occidental College for a combined 14 years—coaching the men’s basketball teams. At GCU, he managed to guide the men’s basketball team to the number one spot in the nation during his 1988-90 stint as head coach. With plenty of successful seasons both at PLNU and abroad, when asked which season was most memorable, the answer was ironically, quite simple. Westphal considers 2005 his favorite season after referencing a shirt encased in a plaque on the wall of his office. “You see that shirt on the wall? That’s 2005. That team went to the final four and we upset a couple of really big teams in there,” said Westphal. “So I think we ended up 32-3 [33-5 was the end result] that year, which was a phenomenal record, and yet to get to the final four and lose to the team that won the whole thing was really memorable. “I never won a national championship or state championship or anything like that, but it’s honestly never really been my goal, if it was I don’t think it would make any difference.” During the 2005 season, Westphal led one of the most successful women’s teams PLNU has seen in the last de-
cade. The roster featured four players who averaged 14.6 points per game or more during the season. The reputable squad was also one of the most successful offensive threats the school has had in the past decade—averaging 73.1 points per game as a team, which is the third highest points per game team average in the last ten years. As if ignoring the accomplishments Westphal as accumulated over his career couldn’t get anymore difficult, he also managed to lead the Sea Lions to nine seasons in which they totaled 20 wins or more along with nine national tournament berths. However, the players tend to neglect his success in favor of his charismatic personality. “I would say intentional. Everything Westphal does is intentional on and off the court,” said junior Madison West via email. “Everything we do in practice, the conversations we have before games, after games, in team meetings, and in his office all have intent and purpose behind them, whether that involves basketball, or life conversations.” The compliments don’t stop there. Junior Sydney Tonack, who provides a strong inside presence on the team, said Westphal puts just as much emphasis on success in the player’s personal lives. “I think of him obviously as my coach, but he plays a lot of different roles. Not just disciplinary, getting us into shape, or making our skills better but he’s also very personable,” said Tonack. “He’s taken a larger role in team worships, which he takes very seriously. I feel that brings us together and I’ve definitely seen that grow even more in him last year.” The recruitment of athletes, who
are both exceptional in the classroom and on the court, weren’t always a top priority for Westphal from former colleges. Earlier in his career, the latter was the most pressing issue, as winning at places like WWU and GCU were given much more emphasis than the former. As a result, many of these athletes dropped out of school due to poor grades during their careers. As Westphal enters the last year of his coaching tenure, his new recruitment strategy has been a much more beneficial result to his career. “More recently I’ve gone to recruiting what we could call ‘institutional fits,’ people that are Christians, which is not a requirement, but it’s
International talent to spark comeback season
PHOTO BY KENDALL BOSHART Senior Manu Montal goes in to a tackle against a Cal Poly Pomona defender during the men’s home opener Saturday, Sept. 5.
helpful,” said Westphal. “People that have been successful in school, and ones that are goal oriented in life besides basketball. So those criteria have made my last few years much more happy.” What is left for coach Westphal after coaching at PLNU? His answer was a familiar one that sums up his coaching style: matter-offact, genuine, and of course, comical. “I am interviewing retired people and I record them on my phone. I have like ten or twenty people that I’ve interviewed [so far],” said Westphal. “I am finding out a lot of things I don’t want to do; I could probably tell you more of those than I want to
BY KENDALL BOSHART STAFF WRITER
The men’s soccer program has spent a the last few years laying ground work technically and expanding the roster so that when the hard teams hit at the beginning of conference this year, they will be ready. Head coach Phil Wolf has been introducing many international players to his team, bringing on two last year and adding two more –Patrice Glaser and Manu Montal- this season. Wolf said the additional players plus the returning squads create a good chance for his team to move on to post-season play. “I think we are in a good spot as a program,” said Wolf. “Mentally and physically I think we are ready to take the next step as a program, which is to finish higher in the conference.” The progression that has taken place in the men’s program over the years is something that senior Matt Steinhaus believes will set this year’s team apart from the past. “In my time here I’ve really seen the program grow each year,” said Steinhaus. “It’s gotten better, significantly better and I think we have a legitimate shot. I’m excited to see where
do. I don’t want to get a white dog and walk it everyday [chuckling], I don’t want to watch TV, I don’t want to take up drinking—that’s what I see a lot of people doing, and I go ‘is this the golden years?’ ‘You walk your dog and you watched TV and you drink all day, really?’ “So I don’t think I am going to take another job. The simple answer today that I can give is: Golf, God and grandkids. I want to have more time for those three things. How that all works out, I don’t know.”
we get.” And these first few matches have been a test of the team’s abilities. The Sea Lions opened their season with four of the five top teams from the California Collegiate Athletic Association and are currently 1-2-0 overall. Senior and captain Daniel ten Bosch, though he recognizes that the team as a whole is still working to find its stride, said this year will be different from prior seasons. “We need to convince ourselves and recognize that we have the technique on the team to pass,” said ten Bosch. “We’ve seen what we can do. We beat Cal State Dominguez Hills 3-0 right before they went to beat Azusa Pacific 5-1.” The men’s team will face two of their toughest rivals -Azusa Pacific and Cal Baptist- at home the same week. PLNU has gone 0-5 and 1-4 against Azusa and Cal Baptist in the team’s last five meetings. Despite the history that the Sea Lions have against the Cougars, ten Bosch is confident that this year is the year that things change. “It is clear that this year we beat Azusa,” said ten Bosch. “That is the game everybody is most looking forward to on the team.”
monday, september 14, 2015| the point
SPORTS | 7
Women’s team looks ahead to new season BY KENDALL BOSHART STAFF WRITER
The Point Loma women’s soccer team looks to improve on their impressive run this year. The women finished undefeated in conference in the 2014-2015 season going 11-0-1. Although this year’s larger roster, extra time outside of practice and improved fitness are additions to the program that senior Tara Kracy said will improve the team’s chances in the post season. “I think Tim said it really well on the first day of training camp,” said Kracy. “Last season is last season and this is a whole new season with a whole new team.” The women’s team ended their 2014-15 season in the first round of playoffs against Cal Poly Pomona when the Broncos converted a late goal that came with about 20 seconds left in the second half. The 3-2 loss for the Sea Lions wasn’t the result they were looking for but the overall feeling heading into spring training and the following summer seemed positive. Now, the 2015 season is well under way and the heavy recruiting that happened over the summer produced a 27-girl roster with strong talent. In their first scrimmage of preseason play, the Sea Lions faced a familiar opponent—Cal Poly Pomona and the women walked away from that game carrying a 2-0 win into the start of their season. Head coach Tim Hall has also implemented a required two hours of outside work. Every girl on the team must log two hours of fitness, touches or lifting outside of the normal two-
hour daily practices. “I think we came in fit this year,” said Hall. “Only three of our girls have yet to pass their fitness tests which speaks well for the coming season.” The training that occurs over summer before the season starts, while individually focused, is almost as intense as the season itself. The girls must train for one of two fitness tests and pass in the time allotted in order to earn their jerseys. One of the tests involves running a mile and a half in 9:45 minutes and the other is a set of sprints around the track and shuttle runs on the field, which are also timed. Junior and captain Courtnie Marshall believes that the expectation of increased competition led many returners and most of the new players to come into training camp in better athletic shape. “By simply having a 27-team roster, the level of competition within the team is raised,” said Marshall. “Everyone knows they need to come in fit.” Although most of the team has passed their tests, Kracy said the extra time as a way to maintain a good level individually. “I think if you only practice in the time given in practice you’re going to be a mediocre athlete,” said Kracy. “I think it’s going to be beneficial.” As for the upcoming season, the Sea Lions won’t have it easy. Back-toback home games against rivals Azusa Pacific and Cal Baptist University early in the season will be tests of this team’s staying power in the PacWest. “We’re the team being chased this year,” said Kracy. “We’re the team people want to beat.”
PHOTO BY KENDALL BOSHART
(Right top) Junior transfer Rachel Witz cutting the ball back before a cross into the box during the women’s home opener Tuesday, Sept. 8. (Bottom right) The women’s team went undefeated during the 20142015 season. Their first game of the preseason put them up against Cal Poly Pomona whom they lost to last season.
PHOTO BY KENDALL BOSHART
Surf’s up you salty Sea Lions! We got a heavy swell rolling in this week and it will be great! Looks like it will be a consistent 1-3 ft. Surf Report with Jayme O’Hanlon
MONDAY 14TH
TUESDAY 15TH
WEDNESDAY 16TH
THURSDAY 17TH
FRIDAY 18TH
Surf height: 1-2ft Wind speed high: 11 mph at 12pm Wind speed low: 6 mph at 6pm Low tide: 0.09m at 4:04 am High tide: 1.61m at 10:10 am Low tide: 0.29m at 4:12 pm Sunrise: 6:30 am
Surf height: 1-2 ft. Wind speed high: 13 mph at 3 pm Wind speed low: 7 mph at 6 am Low tide: 0.17m at 4:27 am High tide: 1.62m at 10:33 am Low tide: 0.28m at 4:43pm Sunrise: 6:31 am
Surf height: 1-3 ft. Wind speed high: 14 mph at 12 pm Wind speed low: 7 mph at 6 am Low tide: 0.26m at 4:50 am High tide: 1.62m at 10:56 am Low tide: 0.29m at 5:16 pm Sunrise: 6:31am
Surf height: 2-3 ft. Wind speed high: 12 mph at 12 pm Wind speed low : 5 mph at 6 am Low tide: 0.37m at 5:13 am High tide: 1.6m at 11:21 am Low tide: 0.32 at 5:52 pm Sunrise: 6:32 am
Surf Height: 2-3 ft. Wind speed high: 10 mph at 12pm Wind speed low: 5 mph at 6 am Low tide: 0.48m at 5:35 am High tide: 1.57m at 11:49 am Low tide: 0.37m at 6:34 pm Sunrise: 6:33 am
Sunset: 6:58 pm
Sunset: 6:57 pm
Sunset: 6:56 pm
Sunset: 6:54 pm
Sunset: 6:53 pm
This information was collected from Magicseaweed
the point | monday, september 14 , 2015
8 | OPINION
opinion
Jonathan Soch // Editor-In-Chief Jake Henry // News Editor Samantha Watkins // Features Editor Louis Schuler // Sports Editor Autumn Schultz // A&E Editor
The power in your pocket BY JESSICA DRUEY FRESHMAN BROADCAST JOURNALISM MAJOR
Is it even conceivable that there was once a time when we didn’t get pictures instantly of Taylor Swift’s cats, Kanye’s mother’s day wall of roses to Kim or got to hear about Shia Buff complaining about not being famous anymore? Social media has bridged the gap of us common people and Alist celebrities. Twitter and Instagram is a dream come true for the world of groupies, and lets face it, there is a groupie in all of us. I don’t care who you are, if your favorite football player or singer recognizes your existence, a screaming thirteen-year-old girl that you didn’t know existed inside of you will
emerge. In some cases for the truly blessed, stars go a bit further than just favoriting your tweet. Recently a Marine asked Ronda Rousey to accompany him to the Marine Corps Ball. Ronda ended up seeing it, and accepted the offer under the condition that he find dates for three of her friends as well, and something tells me he won’t have any trouble doing that. Taylor swift went as far as to personally start “Tay-lurking” her biggest fans. Finding out all about them, and surprising them with gifts at their door creating the biggest holiday ever: “Swiftmas.” But lets face it Taylor is just an angel. I have too fallen into the trap of dreaming of the possibility to become besties with a celeb over social media.
After seeing a member of the Royal family on TV, Princess Diana’s nephew to be exact, I naturally followed the 22 year old prince in hopes that he would fall madly in love with me, or that I might become best friend with Kate Middleton. A few months later, while stopped at a stop light in Santa Monica I saw him in the flesh waiting to cross the street, and did what ever normal person would do: roll down the window and in the most annoying little American girl way yelled, “Hey I saw you on TV, followed you, and you didn’t follow me back.” After he and his friends stopped laughing at me, in his adorable British accent he said, “You should message me on Instagram.”The light turned green and my friends and I sped off, and of course immediately messaged
Cori Deason // Opinion Editor Abbey Stewart // Copy Editor Valerie Kahn// Layout Editor
The Point
The opinions in this section may not reflect those of The Point or of Point Loma Nazarene University. Letters to the editor and columns are subject to editing for length, taste, grammar and clarity. Letters to the editor must include the author’s name, major, class standing and phone number and be limited to 500 words. Please submit your opinions to corideason404@pointloma.edu.
him. Sadly, my prince did not follow me back, but I did get a reply, and it made my life just a bit more interesting. With social media the possibilities are endless. Even celebrities themselves recognize the power of it. After one of the Green Bay Packers tweeted the producer of Pitch Perfect, they ended up in one of the biggest movies of our time singing and dancing. No matter where you come from or what you do, grasp a hold of the power in your pocket. Take a chance, and who knows. Maybe you will end up with a new job, the greatest prom date ever or a little glimmer of what it is like to hang with the A-listers.
#LomaChatter Have something to say? Submit your random thoughts, funny comments, or opinions!
Text your #LomaChatter to 619-786-6890! My Netflix is down Pls pray 4 me Was it hot in chapel or was that just the Holy Spirit burning in me? Is it just me, or do the freshmen seem younger this year? And after 40 days and 40 nights in the desert, the Israelites finally made from commuter parking to class Shoutout to all my fans for keeping me cool in the hottest of times Bout to call an Uber to drive me around for a bit so I can get some AC $50,000 a year & the wifi still kicks me off every 17 seconds You know you go to a Christian college when someone asks you the type of chapstick you use and you say, “the promise land” because it’s milk and honey flavor.
My professor just told chemistry joke… There was no reaction I had no idea we were millionaires until I saw my roommate rip off 4 paper towels at once
LomASK: we will answer your questions “Hi, I am a new student at point loma and a freshman. I have never really been away from home for long periods of time. I am not sure how to deal with my sadness. I might be homesick? I just wanted to reach out to lomASK and see if you had anything to say that could maybe help me.” Thanks. First off, welcome to PLNU. You came to the right source to have your personal questions answered and taken care of. Being homesick is an absolutely normal feeling to be experiencing, especially being away
from home for possibly the first time. There always needs to be a way to take into consideration the need to give some time getting used too in a different environment and being surrounded by new people in an un-
known town. Amidst all these emotions, know that you are not alone. You are always encouraged to discuss what you are feeling with a roommate, RA, friend or even your professors. But let’s be straightforward for a second and genuinely ask yourself, what have I done to get involved around PLNU? Where have I applied myself to fully engage and indulge in all the things PLNU has to offer? If you can honestly ask those questions of yourself, and maybe the answers you come up with aren’t what you are looking for here’s a few things to consider: 1.Get involved. There are so many campus clubs and societies available to join at PLNU. Say you are feeling super adventurous and want to start your own club? DO IT, and contact the ASB Director of Student Relations. (stuasb-stu@pointloma.edu) 2.Attend campus held events. You like sports? Who doesn’t? Check the weekly schedules of your PLNU sports team and go cheer them on with our green sea and student body!
3.Join an Alpha Group! What better way to avoid being homesick, by embodying your faith and creating friendships that can get you through those tough times. (alphagroup@ pointloma.edu) 4.Pray. In the words of Iyanla Vanzant, “In my deepest, darkest moments, what really got me through was a prayer. Sometimes my prayer was ‘Help me.’ Sometimes a prayer was ‘Thank you.’ What I’ve discovered is that intimate connection and communication with my creator will always get me through because I know my support, my help, is just a prayer away.”
If you would like your question to be answered and anonymously published in the Point’s next issue, please email pointweekly@yahoo. com
Accidentally washed and dried my ID card and it still works the only thing I’ve used my textbooks for so far is as a paperweight When your roommate is a nursing major and their stress causes you stress and you cant deal
Chem hw and chill? Going to bed thinking about those tots in the caf today. *casually walks in on couple making out in the lounge* To the two girls playing pool next to us in the arc, you made us look really bad. Respect.
If PLNU didn’t have zipcar I don’t know what I’d do