STUDENT BUSINESS PG. 6
VOLUME 24 SUSTAINABILITY
DONALD GLOVER PG. 8
COVID SURVEY PG. 10&11
ISSUE NO. 10 03.25.20
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Dear Reader, I first encountered Yvette Abrahams on the podcast Mothers of Invention—which has the incredible tagline, “Climate change is a man-made problem—with a wonderously feminist solution.” Abrahams is a South African activist and identifies as a “housewife of the struggle,” an organic farmer, small-business owner, and former Commissioner of Gender Equality—she also holds a PhD in the history of science. She and her husband played an integral role in the anti-Apartheid movement in the 1970s and 80s. She talks about how other “housewives of the struggle” would try to “recycle the black rand as much as possible”—doing their best to purchase from black-owned businesses and not the multinational corporations that profited from Apartheid. Eventually, South Africa’s international trading partners began to do the same. In order to punish the state for its systemic human rights abuses, other nations refused to invest and partner. She remembers, “When people’s pensions started to disappear . . . that was when the national party was ready to come to the table and negotiate.” After the Apartheid system dissolved, Abrahams, still passionate about dismantling systems of injustice, began to focus on gender. She realized that women living in rural areas were often profoundly vulnerable—and sensitive to—changes in their environment. She recalls conversations with these female farmers in which they would remark, “the rain came a month late,” or “the floods that would only come once a generation are now coming every five years.” While these women carried intergenerational knowledge about their ecosystem, and the changes they were observing, they lacked the broader context of global climate change. When Abrahams and her team shared that explanatory model with them, the women immediately understood. “Ah, makes perfect sense . . . the white man stole the weather.” It is no secret that climate change is a serious justice issue—one that often reproduces the power differentials in broader society. Abrahams writes that climate change is the logical end to positivist science. She urges us to acknowledge that the effects of climate change in Africa are intensifying approximately “twice as fast as in the West.” When your city runs out of water, you do not have the luxury, nor the patience for, denialism. You begin to search for solutions.
In this period of instability, tempered with Sabbath, I hope that our university leaders are seriously pondering how our community can become one that values holistic sustainability. This past week has forced us to live with daily awareness of God’s creative sovereignty and forced us to ponder the implications of our interconnectedness. The effects of our comfort, mobility, and food systems here in North America impact the lives of vulnerable individuals across the globe. Essentially, if you care about refugees, global health, poverty, and the global Church, you need to care about climate change. This past year, TWUSA campaigns promised an emphasis on environmental sustainability. In the following weeks, the current TWUSA team followed through on several measures to reduce waste, such as piloting an initiative to limit its offering of reusable cups. While these changes are meaningful, and require sacrifice, other institutions are providing a different level of leadership. Over the past two years, students of University of British Columbia continue to advocate for their institution to fully divest from fossil fuels. Simon Fraser University commits to reducing its carbon footprint by 30 percent by 2030. Concordia University announced in November 2019 that it intends to divest from coal, oil, and gas by 2025. As I am preparing to become an alumnus, I urge this institution that has been home to me in a time of critical discovery of my own values, to reflect on its responsibility as a Christian university. I hope that we take this opportunity to reflect on how this next stage, divestment, can become a reality here at TWU. Regardless, we hope this issue brings you a sense of comfort and community in this period of social distancing. We hope that reading these articles—or let’s be honest, the Declassifieds—will help you feel connected with your fellow students. This issue, Grace Giesbrecht features several of TWU’s entrepreneurs, Makena Wardle reviews Donald Glover’s new album, and Tyler Jones commiserates with sports fans about the loss of the best month in sports. We also feature graduating Spartan athlete Jacob Kern, denied his final opportunity to represent TWU at nationals, and the woebegone cast of SAMC’s The Tempest.
As ever,
Increasingly, divestment has become a mechanism of the pursuit of climate justice. Abrahams says, “In my experience, moral suasion might work on a few enlightened souls, but struggle is much more effective once you start taking money out of people’s wallets.”
MARS’ HILL
MISSION TO MARS
Mars’ Hill is a student publication of Trinity Western University located on the tradtitional ancestral territory of the Sto:lo people. Floated with funds raised by the Student Association, Mars’ Hill seeks to be a professional and relevant student publication, reflecting and challenging the TWU community, while intentionally addressing local, national, and international issues.
The mission of Mars’ Hill, as the official student newspaper of Trinity Western University, is to inform and entertain its readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the TWU community, and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members in accordance with the Community Covenant, Statement of Faith, and Core Values of the University.
EDITORIAL POLICY
CONTRIBUTORS
Mars’ Hill encourages submissions and Letters to the Editor. Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit submissions for style, brevity, and compatibility with the Mission, the Statement of Faith, the Student Handbook, and the Core Values of the University. Anonymous authorship of any material may be granted at the discretion of the Editorin-Chief. Opinions expressed in Mars’ Hill belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, Trinity Western University, its officials or its Student Association.
Emma Braedon Ysabelle Jess Christine Christy Amaris Nyssa Carter Cathy Lucy Jacob
Selle Sunnes Hohn Bosma Miranda Peters Henry Morgan Sawatzky Morehouse Chuang Kern Media Advisor: Loranne Brown 7600 Glover Road, V2Y1Y1 Langley, British Columbia, Canada marshill@gmail.com marshillnewspaper.com
WHERE IS THE BEST PLACE TO SELF ISOLATE?
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SUBMIT YOUR OWN AT MARSHILLNEWSPAPER.COM/DECLASSIFIEDS what happens if i keep my preview kid for a few days?
Unpopular opinion: volleyball players aren’t gods
Bye bye graduation and all fun things ever, cool
It’s clinically proven that things will get better, friend
“Mom can you pick me up? The geese are threatening me again.”
“Townsend is just eye candy, he looks really nice but there’s not much up there” --Clarke
Imagine being named after a state @MontanaWright
The real reason I didn’t vote NDP is that I hate the colour orange
Kylee in 1L puts the “L” in 1L
I get confused when a song isn’t about Jesus
My mom wants me to marry a Spartan and my dad wants me to stay single until I’m 35, what do I do?!?!
You think Dylan Kelly is TWU’s Tiktok star? Go follow @bellagagnon9
To Stefanie with the impossible last name: thank you for all your amazing facial expressions throughout every lecture I sit behind you and it’s a blast you to watch thx for your impressive expressive face
Emma Taylor’s Spotify playlists are the reason I wake up in the morning
Shoutout to bing for using almond milk I brought #mvp
Dylan Kelly is not cool
Can we just take a minute to recognize the fact that Bethany Haynes has KILLED IT at being TWUSA’s freakin poster person
Nerdy boys are the best boyz prove me wrong
My biggest fear is that I will accidentally put my leggings on inside out and no one will know that I spent $98 on a pair of leggings
Sarah Rene is a whole lotta hot lol “I met my spouse hitting her up in the Declassifieds” -No One What kind of gum does Jackson Howe chew? Asking for a friend. I just wanna be able to jump like him. Trinity flirting is getting up and putting your dishes away at the same time as your crush. So nobody’s gonna send pizza to room 301? I think for lent sodexo should give up potatoes The recently installed triangular travesties on campus thoroughfares represents a war on mobility rather than an enhancement of safety. Who installed invisible barricades on campus roads that ripped the bottom of my car open? To whom can I send the bill? The new “speed curbs” should be the ‘subject’ of dorm meeting this week… Speed bumps that damage your vehicle at 5 kmph and are invisible to the driver should be illegal (if it isn’t already)... K-pop dancers deserved an award at Hootenanny. I vote K-pop dance crew gets an award soon for their stellar performance at Hootenanny! Sincerely enamored, A Canadian Fan Boy You know you are a fourth year when you go to class 20 minutes late.... Oops. Not a huge fan of the distasteful moments of Hootenanny but the rest was great! good job! I want you to know that you are not alone, even though it feels like walls are closing in on every side. God is with you! He calls you His Beloved! Gaston you can be my guest I’m no druggie but I am basically drugged all the time. The pills I take makes the brain foggy. It leads you to live in the realm of subconsiousness 24/7 so it makes you oblivious to social situations. You aren’t really aware of anything happening to you, it’s kind of like living in the dream called reality. I was a bit abandoned in my teenage years and there was nobody to teach me about social rules like normal people. That could be the reason why fitting in school is more difficult for me. I’m content with myself for functioning in school with this stressful illness. I don’t expect any more than merely fuctioning and I’m happy with it. Christian leaders and their high level of consiousness does not make them in to a better person. When we idolize someone, we fail to see the God in us. There is God in each of us. Even criminals have God in them. The God we have in us is precious and the value will never change no matter what you do or what kind of mistakes you make -quoting from books and movies I’ve read and seen So David Coulter played himself at hootnanny??? The boy who sang burning up has stolen my heart “well here’s my number 778-991-7364” - the boy who stole your heart
I feel so much better now because I went to SNA, it was worth meeting God there and carrying him into my night Help
How do I tell if a nerdy boy if flirting or just being nice??? FYI I’m flirting with u nerdy boy!!! Slept til 4 and missed all my classes and am still tired #depression life Incase you missed it at Hootnanny here’s David Coulters number 250895-0599 Was the point of Hootnanny this year to roast David because if it was well done IT SAYS YOURE OPEN ONLINE TWUSA WHY ARE YOU CLOSED TWUSA WHY ARE YOU ALWAYS CLOSED TWUSA Christianity is fire insurance Petition to change Gotcha to Got eem Are you looking for a roomie that wants to stay up late and chat, watch movies, and go on spontaneous adventures with?! Well look no further! I am accepting applications so that you can be my future roommate!! People describe me as thoughtful, funny, creative, and a go-getter. Apply now via becomemyroomie@gmail.com (females only) :) declassifieds weren’t that funny last month There is risk in giving drugs to cows. High steaks. Laura Stead, you’re so welcoming, you rock. Thanks for being a gem I was late to class because I had to drive 1km/h over the new speed bumps I dont think Morse Reegan is a real person. To that person asking about the food fight before: We’d be down, but only if it counts as a form of protest against Sodexo “we should have a pub on campus” Cal Townsend You watched HIMYM HOW many times and you out here doing NOTHING about a Canadian Robin? Smh Everyone bring sandpaper tomorrow. Those speedbumps will be sorry. Daily TWU Student Checklist: 1) Put on $200 Blundstone’s 2) Read Declassifieds 3) Complain about Sodexo 4) Grab free TWUSA Coffee 5) Comment on parking issue Hey @twumaintenance, can you fix the speed bump that’s RIGHT BEHIND your office? Clearly you have the asphalt since you put in MORE speed bumps so why don’t you save everybodies cars and fix the broken one?!? To the person who said anyone who doesn’t like Frozen 2 sucks... I guess I suck. So... is Mars Hill all of a sudden OK with a few F-bombs in these Christian Declassifieds???? Low-key surprised these “triangle speed bumps” haven’t popped my tires yet. “Whoever wants to pursue Kendra Kay, if you want more info, message Jericho, even though he is not elected. he will still advocate for you!!!” - Javen Kay C2B needed to be called out for Glass, ignorance happens, you have to learn from it or else you’ll keep spreading a negative stigma. I swear “opioid crisis” has become a buzz word for vancouverites who want to seem woke. sincerely, someone personally affected by addiction Egg “I Am a God” by Kanye West was written about Carson Lord
Haiku: Oh Josh Halladay Your booty blows me away Oh Josh Halladay The new speed bumps make driving behind Skidmore the equivalent of driving over an entire mountain range Is there actually hills on mars? Mark Husbands twin lives in Yugoslavia and is named Mark Wives Tyler Jones looks like Beetlejuice Liam Fowler is life Funny how c2b reached out for a featured thing on the mars hill then later calls it irrelevant hmmm. Nothing against either party I’m just saying somethin don’t add up “I mean... I would never go out and spend the last 6.35$ in my bank on dominos pizza even considering I got some last night......I mean........ unless u want to” the cover of the last paper was cool and all but you don’t understand the stress all the strobe flashes (27/2/20, 11pm) caused the North “art is sacrifice & disruptive” - rees oh, to have the self confidence of a prof quoting themself People use art to express different meaning all the time - some of the critiques of glass are a joke. How can we expect young men and women to want to pursue artistic measures when we destroy them in a moment, in front of their peers? It’s not a perfect song, and I don’t agree with everything - but let each person decide their own opinions. Do better.
Manfred dewsbury is 100% duke/ and or of royal descent. Change my mind. I know his mom/dad escaped their family and ran to Canada to give their son a better life. Like and subscribe if you have also thought that manfred dewsbury is a duke or a royal. “we actually talk about this on the next episode of the challenge podcast” - rees Why are all of you complaining? C2B was literally asking Mars Hill to write about him. Even if he’s a first year, he’s still got the same responsibility that all other artists have to be accurate and informed about the subjects he raps about. Criticism exists not to tear people down, but to keep a standard and hold artists accountable. It is a call to do better next time, and C2B would do well to take that to heart. Lmao yeet machine broke
Hey C2B, last time I checked mars hill does everything for the Glory of God just because you don’t like what they write does mean you have to bash their faith Yo, C2B you talk about respect but you have lost mine by how you responded to Mars Hill #bebigger C2B if you don’t want the truth about your music, maybe find a new creative outlet Here me out... Rees Morgan and Nyssa Morgan would actually be cute together and marriage would be smooth with no name changing ?? - sincerely a fan of both Morgans By putting your art out in the world, you must be able to handle criticism. That is foundational to the process. If you were a real artist you would know that. Making your art for the “glory of Christ” doesn’t exclude you from having your peers comment on it. I would go to bed on time, but are 8 AMs every day really as important as hanging out with people for 3 hours at night? Looking forward to C2B dropping a diss track on Mars Hill and having something good to cringe at If Mars’ Hill is a student newspaper, why do the articles contradict the opinions of 90% of the students? “write for us! we want your opinions.” - rees my phone is so dry without angel hitting me up
the only reason im still single is cause ben meadows wont go out with me The three phases of knowing Xelian Louw: 1. This guy is such a fkboy. 2. Hmm, he seems alright. 3. Xelian is the coolest human alive. The only thing I’m stressed about is the lack of stress I feel considering how much work I gotta do. The COVID thing is so stupid, like just say no. Corona Virus legally can not enter your body without consent.
We should make Trinity events and adventures for singles a thing
can y’all stop complaining about the wifi and just go to TWUGuest, im sick and tired why do half the white girls on this campus look like horse girls People only lent things to feel justified in complaining about whatever they’re going without for 40 days
You’re my FAVORITE pizza place
Dear MH, students will never take you seriously when you accuse our athletic program of endorsing white supremacy & Nazism.
TWU gender ratio: there are at least two other girls who have the same crush as you.
seems like religious artists/musicians only want positive feedback.. because spiritual people with good intentions have never been in the wrong. Ever.
Billie Eilish is just the new Lorde. Change my mind.
moss train time is now babey
i thought i was straight until i met liv walton
Corona Virus is sexually transmitted change my mind
why the fuck did you not filter the last declassifieds
unpopular opinion: if you come to a Christian university don’t get butt hurt when there’s actual Christian morals and standards #hottake
Enough is enough. The unusable ping pong balls and the crooked machine that dispenses them must go!
to the person who took the AirPods in the light purple case out of RNT - please return to (778) 347 3428 :)
are we really never going to talk about the various vegetables that were pinned up in the caf for 3 months?
fall semester: *chillingly looking for someone spring semester: *stressfully looking for someone
Jacobson is too possessive of their study rooms considering some of them are always empty
trin boys are a different breed
Well looks like there is a god afterall...Glenn fixed the microwaves. Your move, TWU road maintenance. There should be a TWU dating app except it finds you people to live in apartments with There should be somewhere on campus that people can scream, cry and break things without feeling judged.
give me the Coronavirus for clout
There’s nothing more awkward than when someone tries to ghost you on this tiny ass campus. Someone please just make the call and cancel classes for awhile...I’d rather just work from home online than get COVID-19 but can’t or else I will fail all my classes. Be proactive NOT reactive. Love how chuck wears ripped jeans you go grandpa If this pandemic is real, I don’t wanna die a virgin. If any man wants to marry me, hit me up ASAP. no literally you guys we could have shotgun weddings at the outdoor chapel reception catered by sodexo mass marriages at trinity - really on brand but with the girl to guy ratio we’re going back to the old testament #sisterwives wedding photo shoots in the back 40
Having online courses because of COVID-19 won’t stop Whooping Cough from spreading in dorms
wedding dresses made out of the toilet paper we fought for in costco and hoarding
I really don’t understand the obsession with Billie Eilish and I think it’s too late to ask
petition to make Northwest the designated quarantine building you can stuff the corpses in the catacombs
The metal statue of the bird in the Fishbowl makes a breathing sound. Not kidding. Mac users don’t know how to adapt another potential name for the new school of business building: “The KuKuhn” The biggest bro moments ever happen at spartan volleyball games So are spartan events only to boost Benjis ego now or ??? Volleyball game or fashion show you decide Spartan games are for checking out hotties while occasionally watching a sport Whoever made the comment last month about next year’s RAD team.... Ouch, just ouch. - From an aspiring RA with hurt feelings David Coulter as Gaston though #TWUheartsparkle If Mars’ Hill is so “irrelevant,” why did YOU ask them for coverage, c2b? Learn to take criticism, it’s part of being in the arts Dear moustache inquirer: 9.5/10 women polled said “no” to moustaches. You do the math, but factor in God’s Sovereignty. 2020 version of Gotcha: COVID-19
gotcha but it’s people running away from the coronavirus infected Too bad grad schools won’t care that COVID-19 crisis hurt my GPA the world is burning. thanks c*rona. Emmett, can I submit a tiktok for the humor section? Thanks I don’t really care about what people say about me. Without exception people will reap what they sowed one day and even God doesn’t judge me the way people do. People judge even when you do good things so it’s kind of pointless to give power to the judgements that will be there no matter what To be fair people who gossip are usually not happy with themselves so I understand that negativity. Take care of yourself people! and I hope you have a good day The best part about this social distancing stuff is that I can let farts whenever I want. Who is the nursing department going to take promo pictures of now that David Coulter is graduating??? 3 hour classes on Zoom are destroying my will to live. Please profs, we’re already stressed.
Mars’ Hill editors reserve the right to edit or reject submissions based on content and/or length. A printed submission does not necessarily reflect an endorsement of any kind, nor does it necessarily reflect the opinions of Mars’ Hill staff, the student association, or that of the University.
“THE LABYRINTH BENEATH THE BELL TOWER” - EMMETT HANLY
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TWU BATHROOMS: SHOULD YOU HOLD YOUR BREATH? JESS BOSMA, CHRISTINE MIRANDA, AND CHRISTY PETERS Public bathrooms smell bad. Men’s washrooms are often gross, and the women’s are not always better. It’s an infamous fact, be they located in gas stations, shopping malls, or university campuses. The washrooms at Trinity Western University (TWU) do not escape this reputation. But in addition to the infamy and the lived experience of students who plug their noses to do their business, a new study conducted by students provides evidence that not only do TWU’s public campus washrooms stink, they may be unsafe to breathe in for extended periods of time. A recent study tested the air quality of public bathrooms across campus to measure the amounts of particulate matter in various buildings’ bathrooms. Particulate matter (PM) can be either solid, like dust and soot, or liquid, like mist or fog. The particles are classified according to diameter. Particulate matter with a diameter over 100 micrograms (μg) will settle out of the air very quickly. The smaller the diameter, the longer the particulates are stuck in the air, which increases the likelihood of respiration by humans.
Using an equation called Stoke’s Law, one can calculate how fast a particulate will be removed from the atmosphere. Two common types of particulate matter measurement are PM10, which refers to all particulates with a diameter under 10 μg, and PM2.5 which refers to all particulates with a diameter under 2.5 μg. PM10 is inhalable—it has the ability to infiltrate the respiratory tract, but is usually removed via mucous secretion. PM2.5 is respirable, which is more dangerous, because these particulates travel deep into lung tissue where the body does not have a built-in removal system. Both PM10 and PM2.5 were measured using a sensor in male and female (or in certain cases, general use) bathrooms across TWU’s Langley campus the mornings of March 12 and March 13. The results are shown below:
Figure 1. The PM10 of various campus buildings’ bathrooms around campus. The blank was taken outside of the Norma Marion Alloway library.
Figure 2. The PM2.5 of various campus buildings’ bathrooms around campus. The blank was taken outside of the Norma Marion Alloway library.
For both PM10 and PM2.5 the Fraser men’s washroom tested highest by far in levels of particulate matter. Interestingly enough, the bathrooms in the Norma Marion Alloway Library, Neufeld Science Centre, Northwest Building, and the Music Building had particulate levels below the blank measurement taken outside of the library. We believe that this is the result of pollen and other dust present directly outside the library which would not be present in indoor bathrooms. The spread between male and female bathrooms is relatively close for the most part. Interestingly, the men lead the women in terms of PM10 levels for most of the buildings, while the women lead the men in terms of PM2.5. This may be due to hairspray and air freshener aerosols
used mainly in women’s bathrooms. These aerosols are very fine and would only be detected as PM2.5. Our results lead us to recommend avoiding the Fraser’s men’s bathroom, given that it does not meet the recommended standard established by the World Health Organization. If possible, we also recommend avoiding the bathrooms in Douglas outside the Lower Cafeteria and downstairs in the Robert N. Thompson Building. But if you must, all we can say is: please hold your breath.
“OFF CAMPUS” - AMANDA HAGGETT
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TOP 7 SOURCES FOR ALL YOUR COVID-19 CONCERNS CHRISALEEN CIRO
PUBLIC AND PERSONAL HEALTH
As Canada’s experience of the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve, the rhetoric surrounding the public response—and private responsibility— continue to escalate in intensity. It can be difficult to discern the substantive sources from the ones trying to monopolize on and profit from this crisis.
You have encountered a lot of confusing information in the last several days. Should you avoid using ibuprofen to manage COVID-19 symptoms? Does gargling with salt water wash the virus down into your stomach? These are the kinds of crises that the World Health Organization (WHO) was designed to address. In the decades following World War II, the international community gathered to establish several institutions to lead in the event of a global crisis. As COVID-19 has now been declared a pandemic, globalized sources are your best bet. You can follow the WHO’s coronavirus coverage here: Coronavirus disease 2019. Additionally, The New York Times has made all of its coronavirus coverage free even for non-subscribers (Coronavirus Live Updates: States Warn That Supplies Are Dwindling; Pences Test Negative). And the Washington Post created a simulation, Why outbreaks like coronavirus spread exponentially, and how to “flatten the curve” to help people understand the benefits of social distancing.
POLITICS
Additionally, this piece on how this crisis is impacting Canadian oil is an interesting read: Western Canada: Alberta waits for a rescue plan as COVID-19, oil price crash take a toll.
ECONOMY
On Friday, Global News reported that 500 000 Canadians applied for employment insurance in the first week of quarantine. Many of us, even in the weeks preceding the threat of transmission in North America, were aware of the record-breaking drops in the stock market. While the long term economic impact of COVID-19, compounded by weeks of social distancing, are yet to be determined, here are some sources we trust: Financial Post (Investing Articles | Research, Information & Market Updates), The Wall Street Journal, and The New York Times (Live Stock Market: Trading Updates).
Wait, is there still a primary going on? Yes, our friends south of the border are still doing their very best to determine who should be the candidate for the Democratic Party this coming November. Here are some sources that I have encountered on the topic: 2020 Democratic Primary Election: Voting Postponed in 7 States Because of Virus, Coronavirus upends Tuesday primary elections, and American Partisanship May Find Its Limits in Coronavirus. Additionally, several commentators have been wondering how quickly the conflict between the Wet’suwet’en First Nation and Coastal GasLink disappeared from the headlines. Just weeks ago, Indigenous activists were calling to “shut down Canada,” and then, barely a week later, it happened. The Narwhal produced an in-depth piece on how the protesters are acclimating to the crisis: Coronavirus forces Wet’suwet’en to explore online talks on rights and title agreement.
Other great pieces include this article from The Discourse on the implications of social distancing while homeless: COVID-19 closures leave some homeless people out in the cold, and this one from The Globe and Mail on the severity of the crisis in Vancouver’s residential care facilities: Vancouver health authority bans visitors, restrict workers at long-term care homes after outbreak kills nine at single facility.
CANADA’S RESPONSE
If you are wondering how all of this should impact you as someone who calls Canada home—totally valid. For this, we recommend a balanced media diet: go straight to the source and listen to the Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s daily address, available on YouTube.
TWU’S RESPONSE
If you have questions about how TWU is responding to COVID-19, check the banner on the TWU website. For more personalized information, monitor your email. Student Life has been sending out regular updates. In the coming weeks, do your best to ease the transition by over communicating with your professors. Additionally, student-led resources such as the TWUSA Ombudsman email (read Ombudsman, see advocate, resource expert, etc.) continue to be available to you at: ombudsman@twu.ca. Your current Ombudsman is TWUSA Vice President of Student Relations, Monica Rawlek Elizondo. Other community resources, such as One TWU and Intercultural Programs (ICP), can be reached over social media.
“THE LC DICED PEPPER DRAWER” - BRAEDON SUNNES
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STUDENT BUSINESS AND SUSTAINABILITY GRACE GIESBRECHT
WHAT THE HONK IS CANADA’S RESPONSE TO COVID-19? EMMA DYKSTRA Less than a week ago, it seemed impossible for Canada to be severely impacted by COVID-19—the reports of China’s outbreak seemed to be a world away. But it has arrived at our doorstep, leaving virtually no one unaffected—not even the prime minister. How is Canada responding? At press time, the federal government has committed more than $1 billion to public health measures during this crisis. $50 million was allocated to support initial action like border control, $275 million to medical research, and another $2 million to the World Health Organization to slow the outbreak. The rest is divided into international assistance, a work sharing program, public education, and other divisions of assistance. Global Affairs Canada has provided regular updates for Canadian travellers currently in affected countries. As of March 18, Canada’s borders were closed to all non-essential travel. All recent travellers are being advised by the federal government to self-isolate for fourteen days, monitor themselves for symptoms, and to contact their local public health authorities if they start to feel sick. So keep those hands clean and stop touching your face. For a more detailed breakdown of Canada’s response to COVID-19, please see the official Government of Canada webpage. On the bright side, Canada has seen the virus become a bipartisan issue, encouraging all parties on the political spectrum to play their part and lift one another up after a rather tumultuous month in the House of Commons. Canada is not perfect, but it is times like these that remind us how blessed we are to live here.
Jess Kruger, a current undergraduate student at Trinity Western University (TWU) makes soap. Along with deodorant, skincare products, and washcloths, the totality of her inventory is made with love, by hand, and with very little waste. When she first became excited about the prospect of such products, she says it occurred to her that this could be a business opportunity. “I thought, ‘Hey, maybe people will pay for this?’” she recalls. In her first semester at TWU, Kruger created an Instagram page to sell her products and in doing so, promote environmental responsibility. She is not the only one with such a motive and business model. Some TWU students are acting on their concern for the environment by starting small businesses to sell reusable and sustainable products that encourage environmental mindsets on campus. Sometimes, this looks like noting a trend and creating an opportunity; sometimes, it is a desire to provide a sustainable choice— even a small one—for students. Natalie Bruner, another TWU student, learned how to make soap four months ago. “I’m pretty new to it,” she says. Over the summer, Bruner came up with the idea to start making soap to share a waste-free alternative. She says she knew it “would take a little bit of money and a lot of education to get into it,” but that she felt it would be worth it. That education drives much of her work now. “There’s a lot of injustice in the world about how things are made.” Bruner says. In making her soap, she avoids ingredients that contribute to that injustice—such as palm oil, which requires deforestation. As someone who cares deeply about the environment and combating climate change, Bruner uses her product as a way to express the things she believes are important. Kruger takes a similar approach. She buys in bulk and avoids plastic wherever possible. “I try to be as friendly getting the ingredients as I am putting them into the product,” she says. Kruger takes inspiration from educating people on the small, simple things that they can do to combat climate change, and the potential multiplication of such actions: “If you do them,” she says, “someone else will do them.”
“THE WELL” - CARTER SAWATZKY
But being environmentally friendly is in fashion on a campus of young people well-aware of the state of our planet. Sometimes, the trend takes precedence over the motive. Julianna Chalifour’s My Mother’s Things, an Instagram-based business selling crafted scrunchies and other reusable fabric products, was started in October 2019. Chalifour saw scrunchies come back into style—but figured she could make her own with her mom’s extra fabric. “But I can only have so many scrunchies,” she says. The fact that her products are reusable is an added bonus. They are handmade, recycled, and “built to last,” but not specifically for the purpose of raising awareness or educating others on environmental concerns. The growing popularity of products marketed for their approach to sustainability is apparent for each of these small businesses: all three are Instagram-based. On a medium where popularity is currency, “exposure makes a difference,” according to Kruger. She “friends” people on Facebook, follows students on Instagram, and relies on word of mouth on campus to promote her business. When people are involved, popularity is always important: the fact that environmental products are “in fashion,” according to Chalifour, is a good thing. When sustainable products are cool, those who do not maintain the same environmental priorities use them anyways. And the little things add up to make large changes. A sustainable product is a stepping stone to a sustainable mindset, according to Kruger. It’s about “encouraging people to do just one little thing for the environment,” she says. “Just changing one thing makes a difference.”
7
THINGS TO DO DURING COVID-19 EMMA DYKSTRA
In the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak, if you have chosen to self-isolate—or you are simply just getting a little bored—you are not as alone as you feel. Without a doubt, everyone is feeling the effects of the cancellations of classes and events over the coming months. But the optimist in me is looking forward to a chance to relax and breathe for a bit. So if you are stuck on campus or at home, and maybe getting a little bit antsy, here are some things you can try to keep yourself entertained or to relax. Get back on Netflix for some comedy If you are not already on Netflix, get subscribed and watch some funny things! This outbreak might be causing a bit of anxiety, and laughter can be a good distraction. Check out some Netflix comedy specials! My personal favourites are: John Mulaney: Kid Gorgeous at Radio City Hasan Minhaj: Homecoming King Taylor Tomlinson: Quarter-Life Crisis Watch all the Oscar nominees for best picture The Oscars might be over, but you should still see why these films were nominated. Binge-watch all the greatest films of the 2020 Oscar ceremonies: Parasite Little Women 1917 Ford v Ferrari Joker Once Upon a Time in Hollywood The Irishman Jojo Rabbit Marriage Story
can try out. Painting can also help ease the anxiety you might be experiencing. According to a recent article from Tessara of Brandon, a community committed to mental wellness, “Finding an emotional release like painting allows a person’s mind to relax and let go of all the problems that contribute to a high stress level. When people create something beautiful through painting, they stimulate the creative mind while relieving mental strain.” Call a friend Now would be a great time to reach out to all those long distance friends. Normally, it is hard to find the time to communicate over phone and maintain those kinds of relationships, but now that we are all in a relatively similar situation globally, this is a great time to reconnect. Play some brain games Do not let your brain melt into a puddle! Try and learn some brain games to stimulate your mind and keep it active. Play online chess and become a master. My personal favourite brain game is SET, a card game that challenges your visual perception. You can play online puzzles daily, and learn exactly how the game works here. Write for Mars’ Hill We will continue to produce content online. So write something you are passionate about and send it over to us. It is important to maintain community during this time, and Mars’ Hill is here to continue to serve you, whether that be through reading or by being a place where you can express your views and passions. We would love to have you contribute! Learn more about contributing here. We at Mars’ Hill hope you are handling online classes and this isolation well. Try and use this as a time to slow down and reflect. Stay safe out there, and keep washing your hands!
Tap into your inner artist On your next shopping run (keep those limited, by the way), stop by the art supply section to grab some paints, brushes, and canvases to create a work of art. If you are not an artist, do not worry! There are plenty of free online painting tutorials you
“ART STUDIO” - TABITHA WELLSANDT
8
ART ON DEMAND 6.2 MAKENA WARDLE
On March 12, The Reach Gallery in Abbotsford held an opening for the exhibition “Art on Demand 6.2.” Trinity Western University (TWU) student artist Janae Gartly showcased her work in a beautifully executed installation, curated by TWU student, Bethany Haynes. The exhibition was done through Emerge at The Reach Gallery, a program which pairs up-and-coming curators with gifted young artists, in order to provide experience and showcase talent in a professional gallery. Haynes and Gartly were a well-matched pair, and the combination of their gifts is presented beautifully on the building’s walls.
collages, graphite drawings, and more, including charcoal pieces done directly on the walls of the gallery itself. More information on the pieces and the inspiration behind each was recorded in an essay written by Haynes, which can be found at the gallery. The evening was one filled with inquisition, wine, and admiration for the exquisite works presented. Gartly’s unfiltered vulnerability is a hallmark of her expressive work. The exhibition will be up at The Reach Gallery in Abbotsford, BC from March 12 until April 26.
The title of the collection is “Time is Drawing on Me, I Am Drawing on Time.” Gartly’s work is diverse yet cohesive, consisting of
DONALD GLOVER PRESENTS MAKENA WARDLE Avid sitcom watchers remember him as Troy from Community. Star Wars fans will know him as Lando Calrissian in Solo: A Star Wars Story. Those who watched the 2019 Lion King will recognize his voice as that of the lion Simba. But to the music community— Donald Glover is Childish Gambino.
which featured more new music. He also created and starred in the television series Atlanta, which won two Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. Yet, fans have remained eager to see what was next for his music career ever since he announced in 2017 that he would be retiring his stage name Childish Gambino.
Donald Glover’s career kicked off with the emergence of his rap alter-ego Childish Gambino, when he released his first mixtape Sick Boi in 2008. After multiple independent mixtapes, his first studio album, Camp, was released in 2011. Iconic albums such as Because the Internet and Awaken, My Love! brought him multiple award nominations and global recognition. His 2018 song “This is America” won him a plethora of awards for its musicality and thought provoking social commentary, including four Grammy Awards.
With the release of Donald Glover Presents, it appeared Glover has done just that. With no trace of his alias attached to the work, we assumed that this album was purely a Donald Glover album. From what we could hear, the album featured artists such as Ariana Grande, SZA, and 21 Savage. The album was a mix of rap, R&B, and soul-funk, proving once again that Glover really can succeed at everything he does.
At midnight on March 15, 2020, Donald Glover released a new album titled Donald Glover Presents. The music was made available through the website donaldgloverpresents.com, where the collection of songs played on a loop. The only visuals were the title in gold, what appeared to be a mock-up of an album cover and booklet, and a text box where listeners could type in words for an unknown purpose. Up until now, we have not received a full album from Glover since the 2016 Awaken, My Love! However, this does not mean he stayed quiet. In 2018, we heard an R&B EP titled Summer Pack, featuring Grammy nominated song “Feels Like Summer.” In 2019, he released the musical film Guava Island starring himself and Rihanna,
But only approximately twelve hours after the album went live, the website was taken down, and fans were left with nothing but the album’s titular phrase in gold font on their screens. After hearing nothing for almost a full week, fans started to wonder if the album was taken down by his producers, or if this was just a publicity stunt. However, on March 21, 2020, a timer began counting down on the website. At 12:00 a.m. on March 22, 2020, the website updated with a picture of a notebook containing a handwritten story and a button that led us to the album, which was finally streaming on all major platforms. The album, now titled 3.15.20, remains listed under the artist fans feared had been lost forever—Childish Gambino.
“THE TUNNEL UNDER THE TRAIN TRACKS WITH A TROLL” - LIS BROWNING
9
THE INVISIBLE MAN MOVIE REVIEW LIV WALTON
SPOILER ALERT: THE FOLLOWING REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS FOR THE FILM THE INVISIBLE MAN
The Invisible Man opens with suspense as Cecilia (Kate Moss) escapes from her abusive boyfriend, Adrian (Oliver Jackson-Cohen), with the help of her sister. Once she has escaped, Cecilia stays with her sister’s friend James (Aldis Hodge) who is a black cop. As Cecilia starts her recovery from being in an abusive relationship, she understandably has emotional and psychological wounds to tend to, leaving her in a fragile state of mind. Just thirty minutes into the film, the audience faces three intertwining social narratives. The first, a depiction of the cycle of intimate partner violence. The second, the prejudice that James undoubtedly faces being a black cop in contemporary America. And third, the stigma, often manifesting as distrust, that follows those impacted by trauma and mental health issues. The beginning of the film focuses on Adrian’s abuse of Cecilia, which provides the situational context. Even from brief glimpses of Adrian’s controlling behaviors and Cecilia’s sheer terror as she flees the danger of her home, the audience understands how dire Cecilia’s situation is. Putting Cecilia’s getaway at the beginning of the movie causes the audience to immediately despise Adrian and root for Cecilia. This dynamic is largely reflective of an ongoing social narrative which is that of the #MeToo movement. After Cecilia escapes, Adrian stages his own suicide and darns his newly invented technology—a suit that renders him invisible. Upon hearing the news of his death, Cecilia feels relieved, as though she can begin to live life again—but the lull of suspense cannot last forever. Adrian begins to “haunt” Cecilia, causing a string of terrible events to take place and leading those around her to distrust her. While trust continues to disintegrate, Cecilia pleads her case, but neither James nor any of the other people in Cecilia’s life believe that Adrian is still alive, let alone tormenting her. Eventually, Cecilia makes the call to return to Adrian’s house where she discovers a second invisible suit. This was just enough proof for the plot to thicken and truth starts to unravel—sort of. Through a series of intense events, the invisible man is revealed by James and Cecilia, but he is not Adrian, he is Adrian’s brother. The rest of the world seems to sit with this answer quite well, but Cecilia is not satisfied and remains convinced that Adrian is alive. When authorities raid Adrian’s house, they find Adrian, alive and tied up in his basement. Adrian claims that his brother double-crossed him and that he had nothing to do with the stalking of Cecilia. This buys Adrian just enough of a clean slate to apologize and invite Cecilia to give him another chance. Unswayed, Cecilia decides to expose Adrian over a dinner conversation, which James is listening to via a wired microphone.
Cecilia is unable to coerce a confession out of Adrian, so she takes matters into her own hands. During dinner Cecilia slips away to the washroom where she puts on the second invisible suit and then kills Adrian, again making it look like a suicide. She then changes back into her clothes and reemerges, with a scream of horror. James rushes in to help Cecilia, and she informs him that she is okay. Once outside, James is able to deduce what really took place, but Cecilia essentially shuts James’ suspicions down saying, “You heard me scream.” This interaction between Cecilia and James, is what tanks the entire movie. Originally, it was upsetting to see Cecilia become the monster she feared, but the revenge served as a dessert for the rather bitter plot. While it was clear that Cecilia had no choice but to kill Adrian, Cecilia did have the choice to be honest with her friend, who believed her story and sacrificially cared for her. Instead, Cecilia adopted an all-powerful stance, putting James, a black cop, in a vulnerable position. In this moment, Cecilia held all of the power and there was nothing that James could do about it. This unfortunate end to the movie reveals a narrative that is far too often overlooked, the hierarchy of gender and racial status. This plays into an unfortunate, and seemingly intractable narrative tendency: zero-sum power differentials. Even stories such as these, that are ostensibly about empowerment and uplifting the marginalized, cannot escape the temptation to pit two marginalized individuals against each other. Even more unfortunately, though, the film makes no effort to resolve this issue, which leaves the audience applauding Cecilia for her bravery, overlooking the difficult and heartbreaking position of James. In so doing, the narrative remains resoundingly complicit in the power structures that marginalized the main characters in the first place, utterly diminishing its transformative potential.
“ THIS
UNFORTUNATE END TO THE MOVIE REVEALS A NARRATIVE THAT IS FAR TOO OFTEN OVERLOOKED, THE HIERARCHY OF GENDER AND RACIAL STATUS.”
“NOT OUTDOOR CHAPEL” - LUCY CHUANG
38%
8%
22%
22%
34%
i HAVEN T GONE HOME/DON T PLAN TO GO HOME
27%
DONT REALLY HAVE A REASON TO STAY
OTHER
22%
CONCERN ABOUT CONTRACTING THE VIRUS
18%
29%
DONT WANT TO SPREAD THE VIRUS
PARENTS
I WANT TO STICK IT OUT
19%
I LEFT ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY OR FRIDAY
10%
I LEFT OVER THE WEEKEND
IM NOT SURE
8%
I HAVE PLANS TO LEAVE, BUT HAVE NOT LEFT YET
I LEFT ON MONDAY OR TUESDAY
HAVE YOU CONTINUED TO ACCESS RESOURCES SINCE CLASSES WENT ONLINE?
54%
64%
26%
LOCAL STUDENT WHO LIVED ON CAMPUS
COMMUTER
RESIDENT
NO - 46%
YES
C S ARE YOU A
WHAT WERE YOUR REASONS FOR GOING HOME? WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR LEAVING RESIDENCE?
9%
I HAVE BEEN PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING
NOT AT ALL
ABSOLUTELY YES
COVID-19 SURVEY On March 11, all Trinity Western University (TWU) students eligible for this year’s spring graduation received an email from Provost Bob Wood, forewarning that while graduation was scheduled to take place as planned, university administration was preparing for the reality that COVID-19 might force quite an unconventional spring. Only a day later, TWU President Dr. Mark Husbands emailed members of the TWU community to inform them that the graduation ceremonies of Spring 2020 had been postponed until the fall and that nonessential university-related travel as well as gatherings with more than 100 people had been cancelled for the remainder of the academic year, including TWU’s daily chapel service, which would be continuing online the following week. All students, staff, faculty, parents, and alumni were warned that preparations were being made for the transition from in-person classes to virtual ones, should the situation require such measures. Again, not even 24 hours later, TWU administration contacted members of the community with the anticipated announcement. Classes were suspended, to return online the following week, and students were welcome to move home to be with their families if they wished to do so. Student Life staff communicated separately to residents what the protocol would be, and students began packing up and heading home. The common choice, specifically for graduating students, was to wait it out--perhaps things would clear up, and most students would remain safely on campus for some semblance of a conclusive year. This was not the case. While initial correspondence on March 14 from Student Life at TWU promised continued support and connectivity for those students
who remained on campus, as well as for those who decided to commute or maintain a university presence virtually, the tone--in typical COVID-19 fashion--quickly shifted. On March 18, reflecting the recommendations of the federal government, an email from the Vice President of Student Life, Richard Taylor, strongly encouraged students who planned to travel home to do so in the immediate future, hinting at the possibility of travel restrictions and limited mobility in the weeks to come. As the days went by, increasing numbers of students chose to return to their hometowns, responding to the underlying sense of urgency communicated in both the media and communication from authorities at TWU. Only half an hour later after Taylor’s email was received by the student body, another update came from Erin Thiessen, Director of Community Life, reiterating to current resident students at TWU that only those with circumstances that require they remain in residence on campus should do so--all others were asked to swiftly return home. In the days that followed, as the situation in Canada continued to worsen, and media reports continued to urge social distancing and vigorous hand-washing, numerous nonessential campus services began to close their doors to students. Often in stages, facilities like the Norma Marion Alloway Library and the Fitness Centre moved toward indefinite closure, or at the very least, significant reduction in services. In light of the rapidly evolving situation reflected in the microcosm of TWU, Mars’ Hill polled the student body about their individual decisions to maintain or change residence, access university resources, participate in media discourse, and adjust to the routines of social distancing.
CHRISALEEN CIRO LOVE YOUR PLACE: CREATION CARE AS SPIRITUAL PRACTICE
Note: Originally, this piece was designed to be a magazine style feature. However, due to the chaos of COVID-19, we were unable to schedule an interview. What remains, then, is a creative nonfiction piece about my experience at A Rocha. Hopefully, this remains an effective resource for members of the TWU community as they pursue a love of their place.
Early in the mornings, multiple times a week, a group of gentlemen—a retired head librarian, a chemistry professor, and an employee from the mailroom—gather at Trinity Western University (TWU) to observe the many bird species that make “the pond” their home. Over the years, they have become well-versed in the various bird calls, migratory patterns, and habitats of these species.
In the spring of 2019, a group of TWU students, including myself, attended an Urban Plunge trip to A Rocha to learn about “creation care.” Part of the programing was to attend a bird walk that just so happened to be hosted by one of these bird-watching aficionados from TWU. Periodically, our guide would make comments like “Have you ever seen the holes in the dead trees behind Neufeld . . . yes, those are caused by this species. If you go for a walk around the pond at about 7:30 in the morning in the late spring, you’ll hear them.” In a moment of surreal awareness, I realized that even a hulking institution like TWU, was situated in nature. As I understand it, birds are incredibly intuitive creatures. They remain profoundly sensitive to changes in their environment, and their migratory patterns provide conservationists integral insights into the health of the ecosystem. This monitoring is actually rather accessible to professionally trained and amatuer conservationists alike. It becomes an incredibly communal practice, and one that puts you in tune with the happenings of the ecosystem around you.
According to the creation myth of A Rocha, the organization was founded by Anglican clergyman Peter Harris and his wife Miranda. Harris and his wife had a vision to explore the intersection of Christian practice and the environmental crisis. They chose to move their family to a remote estuary in Portugal to establish a field study and host volunteers from around the world. One of their primary responsibilities was to observe the bird migrations in and around the coast. Hosts at A Rocha are intensely generous with this story. They are keen to communicate that there are others, all over the world, doing the careful, patient work of “loving their places.”
“Love your place” is an A Rocha Brooksdale mantra, popularized by founder Leah Kostamo. Kostamo tells the story of A Rocha Canada’s origins in her book Planted, which is highly regarded by Margaret Atwood and Eugene Peterson. Kostamo and her husband were inspired, as students of the Harrises, to start A Rocha Canada in the Little Campbell watershed. Their headquarters are in Brooksdale, and they are committed to loving their place in three ways: sustainable agriculture, environmental education, and conservation. The community she depicts in the text, that eats with monastic simplicity, regularly practices contemplative prayer, and lives in enviously radical alignment, cannot possibly be real—this side of heaven. However, for six days in late February, nine students from TWU were welcomed into it. Months after my trip, I found myself interviewing for a job at A Rocha Brooksdale. I arrived—sweating profusely, having cycled the eighteen kilometres from TWU—eager to interview for a position with the “Ag” (agricultural) team. Ryan Weemhoff, who fulfils such varying roles at A Rocha that his title is borderline unhelpful, conducted my interview. “What do you hope to gain from this position?” Ryan has a resounding, deeply intelligent presence that requires insightful responses. Here was my best attempt, “I feel a strong sense of alignment in seeking environmental sustainability and food security. I feel like my transition out of TWU is going to be the best time to meaningfully implement some of those patterns.” Basically, I was asking if I could learn how to live in A Rocha-like alignment after I left the TWU bubble. Ironically, I think I was trying to figure out if such radical alignment was actually sustainable. Simply put, I was trying to figure out if A Rocha was real. Ryan hired me, and I began my investigation. What I found was far more complex. First, as an employee of the store, I found myself becoming one of those staff members who both participated in, and were nurturers of, the story of what it meant to love this place. After months of befriending customers and sharing meals with volunteers, I saw my own skepticism that a place with such essential vitality—spiritual, relational, and . . . like, literal horticultural vitality—could actually be real, reflected in their faces. Over my months with them, I observed as A Rocha staff worked with the municipal government to implement minor road closures during a toad migration and helped with the Community Shared Agriculture program. On my first day in the store, I was inadvertently blessed by the Farm to Families program, which seeks to address the need for fresh, local vegetables that many newcomers to Canada face. That day, the program hosted a group of South Asian women, who after working the garden in the morning, made delicious woodfired pizza for the staff. I learned how to make sauerkraut, cultivate brassicas, pick watermelon, and arrange flowers. I learned that the Fraser Valley has the longest growing season in Canada, rendering it essential to Canada’s food security. I learned that Surrey has some of the most progressive environmental regulations in Canada—but all you need is a form and a fee to circumvent them. There are several ways to get involved with A Rocha’s work: you can join a volunteer day, support the Brooksdale Farm Market, or attend one of the organization’s regular events. If you have a creation-concerned kid in your life, the education team has incredible programming available throughout the year. If you are interested in a more in-depth experience, A Rocha Brooksdale hosts an internship program that trains young (at heart!) people in creation care and discipleship. Interns can choose to focus on any of A Rocha’s three pillars, agriculture, conservation, and education (and hospitality!). Regardless of where this week has taken you, I encourage you to take A Rocha’s advice: love your place. Instead of aspiring to the language of “zero waste” or “being green,” I would encourage you to become a student of your place. This might look different for everyone: maybe you want to start by identifying the major local landmarks, becoming attentive to the orientation of your home or property, or learning the names of native species. Eventually, attempt to gain some understanding of local food systems and the environmental regulations in your community—be cognizant of the patterns by which neighbourhoods are constructed. Ultimately, allow this pursuit of knowledge to flow from a love of place. If our pursuit of ecological “sustainability” comes from a place of scarcity, it is inherently unsustainable. Steadfast love of place is not exclusive to A Rocha, as our faithful bird-watching friends demonstrate, it can begin with a walk behind Neufeld in late spring at 7:30.
14
WE MISS YOU, APRIL TYLER JONES
It is safe to say that the COVID-19 outbreak has probably derailed nearly every plan that you had for the next month. In fact, society has never seen a worldwide pandemic that has caused the world to spring into this kind of panic. While many are mourning businesses closing their doors, community events being indefinitely postponed, or classes being moved online for the year, sports fans are feeling a completely different kind of pain, as all leagues have been forced to cease play until it is considered safe.
The answer is simple: April is the greatest month for sports.
With the MLB season kicking off, an indubitably exciting close to the NCAA basketball tournaments, and many more moments of raw entertainment in sports, fans are caught in the dilemma of having a plethora of options to indulge in. Although sports fans of all kinds enjoy these events, most seem to be drawn to the excitement of the beginning of the NBA and NHL playoffs. Whether you’re watching Damian Lillard sink step-back threes to close out a series Sports are not foreign to cancellation and uncertainty, but or listening to the Madison Square Garden erupt after Dernot to the degree of their television provider displaying a ek Stepan scores in game seven, all of these events create wasteland of 2020’s worst sports bloopers—all 85 days of a mosaic of memorable sports moments that any fan can it, at least. The only notable cancellations faced by fans pri- fondly remember. or to the COVID-19 pandemic have been lockouts. In general, lockouts result from a disagreement between players But instead of enjoying these beautiful moments, the possibility of losing out on the joys of April has sent the sportand management. ing world into a frenzy of boredom, sadness, and angst. Usually, play is halted until players are satisfied by their set- As leagues are not expecting to resume play for the next tlement from a revised Collective Bargaining Agreement month, the odds of cancelling playoffs for the NBA and (CBA). The 2004-2005 NHL lockout is the most recent in- NHL increase every day. Fan are faced with the possibilistance in which an entire season of one of North Ameri- ty of no reward after the exciting storylines brought forth ca’s four major sporting leagues was cancelled. Since this throughout the 2019-2020 season. lockout, there have been few other cancellations. Instead, shortened seasons have been the answer for North Amer- As a massive fan of all sports, I am going to truly miss the ican sports as players and managers share the common feelings that April brings me, year after year. Knowing that goal of crowning an eventual champion once the disagree- all leagues are being forced to a halt for the foreseeable ment is settled. While seasons being shortened due to future is taking a major piece of my life away. Without delockouts is not unprecedented for sports fans, the familiar noting the impact of COVID-19 on individuals of varying prospect of finishing the season keeps fans excited in the situations, many sports fans have been gutted by the passion they are now unable to pour into their favourite teams. midst of the uncertainty. In a way, panic in North American sports over this virus You will be missed, April. started once Rudy Gobert, a member of the Utah Jazz, tested positive for COVID-19. Since then, other athletes such as Donovan Mitchell and Kevin Durant have tested positive for the virus, as well. Due to COVID-19 reaching the “untouchable” professional athlete, precautionary measures have been taken. In response, the National Basketball Association (NBA), National Hockey League (NHL), the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), and Major League Baseball (MLB) have all postponed their seasons in efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “ INSTEAD As COVID-19 continues to shut many sectors of the entertainment industry, the timing of professional sports being cancelled strikes a painful nerve in the lives of sporting fans. Why this time in particular?
OF ENJOYING THESE BEAUTIFUL MOMENTS, THE POSSIBILITY OF LOSING OUT ON THE JOYS OF APRIL HAS SENT THE SPORTING WORLD INTO A FRENZY OF BOREDOM, SADNESS, AND ANGST.”
“THE LAWN WITH ALL MY FRIENDS, OBVIOUSLY” - GRACE GIESBRECHT
15
THE PLIGHT OF A SHORT-TERM MISSION TRIP LUCY CHUANG
Short term mission trips can be controversial and it can be difficult to discern whether individuals are going on them for the right reasons. People choose to go on mission trips for many reasons: their parents make them, they want to explore a new country and have a different experience, or they simply want to tag along with their friends. Some may even claim to hear a calling from God. However, it is very common for us North Americans to go on these trips to try to feel good about ourselves, or even worse, to try to look good for our resumes. Every mission trip is a learning experience. It is not about changing the situation we see. It is not about trying to live by someone else’s lifestyle, but knowing that we have a different lifestyle than they do. By going to different countries, students experience the culture. Yes, it means stepping out of their comfort zones to talk to people they would not usually interact with. The realization is that we cannot change these people, but we can accept them even if they hold different values. Yet, the most important part of having an open worldview is to recognize that we are not above others, and we are not here to save anyone. For people who are going on short term mission trips, it is essential to be mindful and to not judge before fully understanding the circumstances. People could go to a developing country for months yet come back with the same mindset.
The post-trip reflection plays an important role in short-term mission trips. The goal of the trip is not just to know the community better or build more relationships with others. A short-term mission trip should bring more awareness to the different values in the world and transform us to become better global citizens. The ignorance of not having a globalized worldview is dangerous. Some day, many of us will have to leave this bubble and face reality. We do have the freedom to stay in the bubble, but then we would segregate ourselves from this world and play the culture cards out of context. However, when we step out of our bubbles, whether it is for business, missions, or careers, we need to know that people will have different values than us. Our campus is diverse, and it provides many opportunities for us to go out and see this world. It is a lesson for all of us to comprehend that not everyone sees the world the same way as we do. Not everyone has the same answer for what is right and wrong. We are still learning together, and life does not stop here. After mission trips, the learning continues.
For most mission trips, students serve in an under-resourced community where poverty abounds, yet it is common to see locals smiling at them. We can jump to conclusions, thinking, “even without as much monetary luxury as us, these people are happy.” Having a wide worldview can help us to stop making these kinds of assumptions without being aware of the bigger picture. Maybe these people are just being polite.
“ YET,
THE MOST IMPORTANT PART OF HAVING AN OPEN WORLDVIEW IS TO RECOGNIZE THAT WE ARE NOT ABOVE OTHERS, AND WE ARE NOT HERE TO SAVE ANYONE.”
DON’T BE GREEN JUST BECAUSE IT’S TRENDY ISHITA WILSON A “green” mindset is nothing but a way for people to feel good about themselves and for businesses to take advantage of those who want to feel good about themselves. Most studies on current trends show a shift towards this “green” mindset, and companies use this information to try their level best to increase their profitability. They exhibit their corporate social responsibility by donating to various environmental non-profits, swapping a measly amount of plastic in their packaging for paper, and marketing themselves as “environmentally friendly” companies—all to appeal to the masses. It might increase their number of customers, but it increases their operating and marketing costs, as well. It is a hassle, and they do not put up with it because they love the planet, but because it benefits their bottomline.
ly “green” stems from inherent human selfishness, and such a mindset is not sustainable. If we don’t have a deep-rooted love for the earth—the sky and the ocean and the trees and lakes and animals, the momentum of an environmentally friendly consciousness will only take us so far. Love for the earth is something we have to nurture and grow. Sometimes, it is easy to forget how blue the sky is, and living close to the city, it is also easy to forget that somewhere out there exists a field of flowers that appears to be as vast as the sea. It is easy to forget that the earth lives and breathes as we do, and we must take care of it because we love the earth, not because we love ourselves.
As customers, why are we determined to be environmentally friendly? Because we love the earth? No. It is because we live on this planet and must take care of it. This need to be conscious-
“WHEREVER THERE’S NO WIFI SO I DON’T’ HAVE TO ZOOM INTO CLASS” - NYSSA MORGAN
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: THE TEMPEST CAST
WHAT DID YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THIS PARTICULAR PLAY? NYSSA MORGAN: The Tempest has always been one of my favourite Shakespearean plays because it exemplifies why William Shakespeare was a genius. The language in this play is so complex and rich that I always discover something new when I read it. From nobility to a sorcerer to even a fish monster, The Tempest has a diverse group of characters that are very well-rounded and full of life. This play is the perfect combination of drama, comedy, and magic which is why I love it so much. Hopefully, one day, we will see it come to life on the Trinity Western stage. WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE PART OF THE PROCESS OF CREATING THIS SHOW? YSABELLE HOHN: I have loved watching the actors grow into their characters and observe them come more to life with every rehearsal. They began with scripts in hands and stumbled over lines; but they became commanding presences and magical personas. It was inspiring and motivating to watch the actors connect with their characters, experience their emotions, and devote their time to honouring the true thoughts and feelings of Shakespeare’s characters. I have so much respect for these actors who brought genuine life and passion to The Tempest.
WHAT WAS THE COMMUNITY LIKE WITHIN THE CAST, DIRECTORS, AND CREW? EMMA SELLE I was most struck by the supportiveness in our cast and crew. It’s the most kind and collaborative experience I’ve ever had in a rehearsal space and process. The crew—especially Cathy, our stage manager, and two assistant stage managers, Ysabelle and Madi— were an indispensable, hardworking, creative group. Kate (director) was always super open to our ideas as actors. As a newbie, the cast was always there for me when I wasn’t sure what was going on, and I’ve made some amazing new friends and adopted family in this cast. We created a kind, collaborative, funny, hardworking community in The Tempest, and I am so grateful to have been a part of it.
WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WORKING ON THE SHOW? BRAEDON GROVER SUNNES: What I find so intriguing about Shakespeare, I also find makes it difficult: how much it is done. Having experienced a different production of The Tempest, shifting my frame of mind for this show was difficult, yet completely rewarding. Our director, Kate Muchmore Woo, always has a strong driving idea for her shows, and having to relearn The Tempest under new metaphors, themes, and a new character proved challenging. That being said, the end product by the time we had to cancel was something that I am most proud of, and very hopeful to get a chance to share it in the fall. WHAT DID YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER? AMARIS HENRY I love how complex Prospera is. The stakes of the situation are so high for her because she has to make this choice between exacting revenge or forgiving her enemies. It’s this internal battle that wages within her the entire time. You see both sides of Prospera from her introspective and logical mind to her mysterious and temperamental side. These are the components that make her so complex, but it’s the balance that she demonstrates between each part of her that makes her wise and relatable.
“STR 116” - GRACE TAN
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ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT: JACOB KERN
“ ON MY END, IT IS VERY UNFORTUNATE
THAT ALL OF THESE FINAL OPPORTUNITIES WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM ME IN UNEXPECTED FASHION. REALITY STILL HAS NOT SET IN THAT I WILL NEVER PLAY ANOTHER GAME IN A TWU JERSEY.”
Following the recent cancellation of all USPORTS competition remaining in the 2019-2020 school year, we talked with TWU Men’s Volleyball player Jacob Kern. Unfortunately, Kern is one of the many athletes who will not receive a conclusive end to their USPORTS career. MARS’ HILL: TELL US ABOUT YOUR CAREER AS A MEMBER OF THE TWU MEN’S VOLLEYBALL PROGRAM. JACOB KERN: I have definitely learned a lot since coming here. Not only have I experienced personal growth here, but I have grown as a volleyball player thanks to the talent that I have been surrounded with, as well as Ben Josephson’s coaching. I am a far better player now than what I was when I came to TWU. The winning formula that we have developed here is a true testament to coach Ben’s leadership as well as the guys that he has recruited. All in all, this ride was a lot of fun. My teammates have become some of my closest friends and it has been an absolute privilege to contribute to the success that we have had at TWU. MH: WHAT WAS THE COMMON FEELING AMONG THE MEMBERS OF YOUR TEAM IN THE MIDST OF THE USPORTS CHAMPIONSHIPS BEING CANCELLED? JK: When we found out that the tournament had been cancelled, we were absolutely crushed. Our entire team felt that we had an amazing opportunity to win another championship. I know that every single guy on our team would have rather had the feeling of losing the national final than this unfortunate ending. Our team loved the spotlight of playing in big games and rising to the challenge in order to reach our goals. In the end, it sucks that we won’t have the opportunity to bring another banner home. For me, personally, it is very unfortunate that all of these final opportunities were taken away so unexpectedly. The reality still has not set in that I will never play another game in a TWU jersey. MH: THIS WAS YOUR FINAL SEASON AS AN ELIGIBLE MEMBER OF THE TEAM. DO YOU FEEL LIKE THERE IS SOME UNFINISHED BUSINESS YOU WANT TO TAKE CARE OF? JK: Absolutely. Going into nationals with the mindset of having three more games and another opportunity to compete for a championship took over all reality of my career being so close to its end. All I cared about was going out with my team and finishing the job that we intended on doing for the entire season: winning it all. I never had the opportunity to knowingly play my final game as a Spartan and compete with my best friends for one more title. Being denied our team goal has made this season feel empty, I feel dissatisfied with the way that my career ended. With that in mind, everything we did together this season was a success. Our amazing fans supported us in our Canada West Championship at the Langley Events Centre, making it a great way to end my playing career at TWU. MH: DO YOU PLAN ON PURSUING YOUR VOLLEYBALL CAREER? JK: Yes! I plan on playing in Europe. I will most likely be starting my playing career in Germany, so I’m excited to see what opportunities present themselves as I move into my professional volleyball career.
“CHAPEL, OF COURSE” - KAITLYN LOZ
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EMMETT HANLY
AMARIS HENRY
THE FUTURE IS MEANINGLESS BUT THE BLUEGRASS IS NOW (THE EXISTENTIAL GOSPEL OF THE ONE TRUE MUSIC GENRE) CATHY MOREHOUSE I don’t think anyone needs to give a justification for why they don’t want to listen to bluegrass music at 6:00 a.m. on a Sunday morning during a four-hour drive to the airport. However, when its presence is heard and felt at the initiation of one’s day, thoughts of the existential meaning of such a long-lasting musical genre arise with uncomfortable immediacy.
In this moment you realize that bluegrass cares not for you. It can abandon you at any moment. Yet, to stop there makes you a fool. You do not realize, you cannot hear the truth. We are already abandoned. Every trace of bluegrass on this earth is merely an echo of what true bluegrass left behind. Those of us cursed to listen are confronted with this paradox of divine joy and hellish despair, knowing we are neither known nor cared for. We can find no rest, for there is none on an earth devoid of the Original Tune. Bluegrass is. Bluegrass was. Bluegrass shall ever be. In the name of the banjo, the fiddle, and the mandolin, amen.
It’s a surreal experience to go to sleep to the cheerful strumming of The Osborne Brothers and to wake up in the similar and yet frantic twanging of Ricky Skaggs. Bluegrass has become eternal, invading both waking hours and slumber. Bluegrass does not wait; it continues, regardless of the pleadings of mortal listeners. Whether or not you believe in—or have experienced—the personal influence of bluegrass in your life, the omnipresent nature of bluegrass remains unchanged.
THE QUARANTINE COOKBOOK NYSSA MORGAN Grocery shopping as a student has always been challenging with trying to balance proper nutrition and saving money. However, this endeavour has recently reached a new level of difficulty as grocery stores are cleared out by shoppers who feel the need to stock up for the next six years, you know, just in case. This situation may seem discouraging to some but this is the perfect opportunity to expand your cooking repertoire. Here are a few out-of-the-box ideas for any student to create with whatever is left in the pantry or on the store shelves: La-sad-gna: To create this masterpiece, you need shredded cheese, cocktail sauce, and lasagna noodles. Preheat your oven to 350º F then boil the lasagna noodles until they can easily flap in the wind. Put several noodles in the bottom of a casserole dish. Layer cheese and cocktail sauce with alternating layers of noodles until you have filled the dish. Bake for 20 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top. Sure, Gordon Ramsay would probably hate it but we can’t all be master chefs. Corn Dippity Dog: For this recipe, you need frozen corn dogs, brussel sprouts, and lite mayonnaise. Preheat your oven to
375º F. Slice up the corn dogs and lay them out on a baking sheet. Chop up the brussel sprouts and place them on a separate sheet. Bake both for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Mix the brussel sprouts in with the mayonnaise. Dip your corn dog slices in the sprout-mayo sauce and enjoy this semi-nutritious fever dream of flavours! (Jube)tter Believe It: For dessert, you need sweetened condensed milk, hot chocolate powder, some kind of fruit, jujubes from last Easter, and the stale rice cakes at the back of your cupboard. Combine the sweetened condensed milk with hot chocolate powder until it becomes a syrupy liquid. Slather a thick layer on the rice cakes then slice up your fruit item of choice and put it on top of the cakes as well. Chop up the jujubes and throw them on as garnish. Serve with a nice glass of water to wash this sweet confection down and voilà! These are only three of the hundreds of combinations you can create using the random stuff you didn’t even know you had in your kitchen. Remember, no matter what you’re cooking up these days, have fun and wash your hands!
“GO HOME. MY HOUSE IS THE BEST.” - LEAH GOERTZ
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NEWLY ONLINE TWU TO BE CONDUCTED VIA INSTAGRAM MICAH MORGAN
To ease the transition of Trinity Western University’s (TWU) newly online school system taking the place of live classes, it has been announced that all curricula will now be implemented through Instagram. “Though Moodle has been the go-to system for information exchange for the last few years, it has been determined to be too square for these Gen Z kids,” said a hip young representative of Student Life. “To make this online transition just a little more rad, we’ve decided to administer courses through Instagram.” Various faculty have laid out in detail what the new Instagram-hosted classroom environment will look like. What are the new changes? To start with, all syllabi will be posted in the professor’s Instagram bio. “I often tell students ‘look in the syllabus’ when they ask me questions they can already find the answers to,” said foundations professor Liv Goodlyfe, “Now I tell them ‘check my bio, it’s got all the deets.’” A second key difference will be how assignments are submitted. While assignment instructions will be posted immediately as a regular image post, the dropbox will be an Insta story poll posted exactly 24 hours before the due date. If students post
their paper into the poll before it disappears, it won’t be marked late, but if you try to send it to the professor’s regular DMs, it will lose 5 percent for every day missed. “This also provides the professor the opportunity to grade assignments easily,” said business professor Earnest Summocash. “If I give your comment a like, you’ve earned an A. If I leave you on ‘seen,’ that’s a C- right there.” Another notable difference will be the way final exams are to be conducted, which will make use of Instagram’s live feed feature. Each student will live stream themselves writing the exam, and the professor will rotate between their various feeds to ensure they are not cheating. Instagram is not the only social media platform slated to become part of the TWU repertoire. “I frequently had students give oral reports to the class,” said human kinetics professor Olive Long, “Now, I’m going to have them use Snapchat to record their reports. The more filters they use, the more bonus points!” Other professors have confirmed that, despite opposition from the entire SAMC department, TikTok will be used to record and post all theatre performances for the rest of the school year.
CARTER SAWATZKY “WHEREVER MICAH BRON IS” - QUEENIE RABANES
“AN APARTMENT” - BETHANY SPYKSMA