the
VOLUME 130, ISSUE 3
SIGNAL
OCTOBER 14, 2021
A P U B L I C AT I O N O F O U A C H I TA B A P T I S T U N I V E R S I T Y
CONTENTS PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
COVER STORY.............................3 NEWS......................................4-5 ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT...............6 OPINIONS................................... 7 SPORTS......................................8
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SIGNAL
MacKenzie Hall
Langley Leverett
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
NEWS EDITOR
Wyatt Ashlock
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT & OPINIONS EDITOR
Dr. Jeff Root Adviser
Ryan York
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COPY EDITOR
Valeria Gomez SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Dr. Deborah Root Adviser
Caroline Derby
AD COORDINATOR
Abby Blankenship PHOTO EDITOR
Levi Dade
PHOTO EDITOR
Jackson Carter Online Adviser
Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center Email: signal@obu.edu Phone: (870) 245-5210 The Signal is the student newspaper of Ouachita Baptist University, and is published twice a month on Thursdays during the fall and spring semesters when school is in session. The newspaper is distributed free of charge; 1,200 copies are placed in more than 20 locations across campus. Opinions expressed are those of the writer and not necessarily those of the newspaper staff or university. The Signal is a member of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association and the Associated Collegiate Press and is printed by the Nashville Leader. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Letters to the editor are encouraged and accepted, unless libelous, irresponsible or obscene. Letters should be typed and include a signature and contact phone number, and must be less than 500 words. The Signal reserves the right to edit letters for space and style. Letters should be sent via campus mail to Box 3761 or via email to signal@obu.edu.
COVER STORY WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 3
Olatunji sees God at work in journey to OBU BY MACKENZIE HALL News Editor
For Ben Olatunji, coming to America was something of a dream. Olatunji is a junior international transfer student from Northwest Arkansas. His story, however, begins 6,546 miles away, an ocean apart from Arkansas. Olatunji is from Nigeria, Africa. He grew up moving around the continent as his parents were missionaries. “It’s never easy to pinpoint one place that I’m from, but I was born in Malawi, raised in Mozambique and Kenya, but I only have Nigerian citizenship. The simple answer I give is that I am from Nigeria, but most of my life has been spent elsewhere,” Olatunji said. In the 6th grade, Olatunji and his siblings began attending Rift Valley Academy in Kenya. It was here that he was introduced and exposed to American culture. This education would benefit him in the years to come. “The boarding school I went to was an American school. For the most part, I was already used to American culture,” Olatunji said. In 2020, God began to open doors for Olatunji to attend an American college. In perfect timing, he moved to Northwest Arkansas right before COVID-19 stopped internation travel. This once far-fetched dream now became his reality. “My time as an international student began in Northwest Arkansas where I lived with Andrew and Bethany Marshall, a couple that opened their home to me while I attended community college,” said Olatunji. “I didn’t really know what to expect coming to the U.S. for the first time, but I’m thankful that the Marshalls made me a part of their family and helped me settle into life here.”
Olatunji met his host family, the Marshalls, through connections his parents had at First Baptist Church of Rogers. They asked a church member if there would be a family in the congregation interested in hosting Olatunji as an international student. The Marshalls expressed their interest and a few months later Olatunji landed in Arkansas and enrolled at Northwest Arkansas Community College. As his two years at community college were quickly coming to an end, the Marshalls advised Olatunji to tour Ouachita. As alumni of OBU, they talked highly of the school. Olatunji took a chance and scheduled a tour. “There were several things that drew me to OBU, one of the main things was the admissions process. Throughout it, I felt like the people I interacted with genuinely cared and wanted me to come here which was appealing. I also liked that it was a smaller campus which would allow me to know my professors better. Being an accounting major, I learned that the business department here was very good which made it a great fit for me,” Olatunji said. “Another factor was being able to afford coming here, this played a major role in my decision. I was able to get some scholarships and further support which allowed me to attend Ouachita.” As Olatunji settles into life at Ouachita, he is most surprised by the campus’ interconnectedness. “The first couple months have been good, they’ve gone by quickly. One thing that has surprised me is how interconnected people at Ouachita are. Though it’s a small school, it seems to be influential. I’m looking forward to the opportunities and people that I’ll meet.” Attending college at Ouachita has proved to be quite different from the two years Olatunji spent
attending community college. Transitioning from a nearly all online experience to in-person one is an opportunity Olatunji has embraced. “OBU has been completely different from my other school,” Olatunji said. “Because of COVID, most of the classes at my other college were online, so I am so glad to finally have classes in person and have the opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. I’ve been looking forward to intramurals too, especially soccer, which my other school didn’t have and so far, it’s been a lot of fun.” Over the next two years, Olatunji has several goals he seeks to accomplish. Between academic and personal goals, he is set to experience much growth while at Ouachita. “One of my main goals is to be successful academically during the two years that I’ll be here. However, I am also hoping to grow personally in several different aspects to prepare myself for life after Ouachita. I also hope to make an impact, however large or small, during my time here,” Olatunji said. Olatunji hopes that he can make an impact at Ouachita by sharing his testimony of how God provided opportunities and used people in his journey so far. “I hope people can learn from the way God has really worked and made things work for me. Being a missionary kid, options weren’t necessarily limited, but my parents didn’t earn a salary,” Olatunji said. “I wasn’t sure where I would end up going to pursue my university education. I hope others can learn to not limit their aspirations because God can use people to open doors that you could never even imagine. I didn’t think I would end up here, but I’m grateful that I did and I’m looking forward to the next two years that I have at Ouachita.”
On the cover & on this page: Ben Olatunji is a junior transfer student at Ouachita. Olatunji hopes that his life story will teach people that God often works in ways people cannot imagine. (photos by Levi Dade)
NEWS
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(photo courtesy of adventisthealthcare.com)
Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates cultural diversity BY MALLORY GATSON
Staff Writer Hispanic Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates the extensive history, diverse culture, community and contributions of the Hispanic community. The month is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 of every year. At Ouachita, Hispanic Heritage Month features different events showcasing Hispanic culture. This month is important because it allows Hispanic students to share their culture with the rest of campus. The first event Hispanic Heritage Month hosted was the kick-off luncheon, which served a variety of Hispanic dishes. Senior Keren Hernandez’s favorite dish was served, reminding her of her home country, Honduras. Her favorite dish is called tajadas con carne molida, which is ground beef with plantains. “The cafeteria did an incredible job at recreating it, the flavor was great and it totally made me feel at home,” Hernandez said. “I think a lot of students enjoyed it and were excited to try something new.” Following this event was the Fiesta Mesa. This event was sponsored by La Fuerza, the Latino+ Hispanic Organization. Fiesta Mesa was held in the Evans Student Center where a table was
set up with horchata for students to try. Horchata is a cinnamon rice drink that is common in Mexico. “Everyone seemed to enjoy the food,” Reyna Cabrera, La Fuerza Ambassador, said. Along with the horchata there were cookies, candy, bracelets and fans that students were able to take. At this table there was also a photo opportunity with an Instagram prop handle. Karla Montiel, a junior who is involved in La Fuerza, gave a live performance of “Como La Flor” by the late Selena Quintanilla. Montiel values Hispanic Heritage Month for the cultural education it provides each year. “Hispanic Heritage Month is important to me because I not only learn about other Hispanic cultures but I learn more about my own. It helps me connect more every day because each year there is something different each country does and/or celebrates.” Montiel said. Montiel is thankful to be a part of La Fuerza and the work they do to create a welcoming community. “La Fuerza is here to create that community of learning about the cultures, feeling welcomed for those parts of it and an empowerment movement for many Hispanic/Latino students at Ouachita Baptist University,” Montiel said. “It is a home away from home.”
Students enjoy Barn Bash hosted by Campus Ministries during TWIRP week in 2020. This year’s Barn Bash will take place on Oct. 16, in the middle of the two-week lineup of dances. (photo by Abby Blankenship)
Clubs to host TWIRP dances BY CAROLINE DERBY
Staff Writer TWIRP, an acronym for “The Woman Is Required to Pay,” is a long-standing tradition of date nights at Ouachita. TWIRP is put on by each of the women’s social clubs on campus and Campus Ministries. In past few days, campus has been buzzing with questions of who is asking who to which date night and figuring out what to wear for each of the themed nights. In years past, TWIRP was a week-long event. This year, however, TWIRP will be hosted over two weeks. Three nights of parties will take place Oct. 14-16, and the other three nights of parties will take place Oct. 21-23. Each TWIRP party has a small admission fee. The money raised from TWIRP goes back to the clubs as these nights serve as fundraisers.
The lineup for the first week of TWIRP includes Chi Mu Masquerade, Tri Chi 80s Night and Campus Ministries’ Barn Bash. The schedule for the second week includes EEE 50s Night, the Chi Delta Carnival and the Gamma Phi Angels in the Outfield party. The parties are fun for those who attend, but also create a strong bond between those planning the parties as well. TWIRP dances require a much time spent planning from the members and leaders of each of the clubs. “The most fun part is most definitely getting to grow closer to the girls in my PC and getting to work together as a team to put on a super fun event for the school,” Kinley Ritter, a Tri Chi member, said.. Ritter helped plan Tri Chi 80s night last year. She not only loved attending the event herself, but also loved making preparations leading
up to the event. “There is a lot that goes into putting on this event for our peers and trying to make it as enjoyable as possible. It was really cool getting to see everyone use their individual talents to create such a diverse event,” Ritter said. The freshman class and those who have never attended TWIRP before look forward to this new experience. “I am really looking forward to spending time with friends outside of the classroom environment and getting to experience my first TWIRP,” freshman Haley Shourd said. Shourd plans on attending the majority of the TWIRP nights, and looks forward to being immersed in this Ouachtia tradition. TWIRP week, and for this year, TWIRP weeks, are fun, enjoyable and memorable for all who attend.
NEWS
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Isabella Bejarano seeks to bring awareness to human trafficking. Bejarano planned and coordinated The Walk for Freedom set to take place Oct. 16 at the Arkadelphia High School track. (photo by Levi Dade)
Bejarano hosts walk to end human trafficking BY JULIA SHANDS Staff Writer
Isabella Bejarano became passionate about human trafficking when she witnessed it firsthand on a family vacation in Cartagena, Colombia at the age of 16. At the time, Bejarano did not fully understand what had taken place, but she knew it was not right. After that experience, Bejarano knew she wanted to make a difference. Soon after, she began researching information to become educated on the topic and to help others become aware of the problem. “I started to research a lot about it and I discovered that if one percent of the world population found
out what to do in a human trafficking scenario, we would have twice as many people who are aware and are advocates against it than we would have victims,” Bejarano said. “Currently 5.4 out of every 1000 people are trafficked, so there are potentially 54 people that could be trafficked here in Arkadelphia, and we wouldn’t know.” While scrolling through Instagram, Bejarano came across a post from the A21 Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization, advertising The Walk for Freedom. A21 organizes the walk annually and puts it on globally by having cities around the world plan a walk in their own town. After discovering A21, Berajano applied to host a
walk in Arkadelphia and was later accepted by the organization. The Walk for Freedom will be held on Oct.16 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Arkadelphia High School track. Participants will walk a mile around the track in a single file line in silence. “People can take the time in silence to pray, or A21 also has a podcast that you can play with headphones, and it explains a lot of what trafficking looks like and what you can do to make an impact in your town,” Bejarano said. After the walk has finished, there will be a raffle and a silent auction. “We’ve gone to many local businesses and visited with them and a lot of them have been really happy
to contribute to the cause,” Bejarano said. “It’s just been so crazy to see people realize that it’s an issue here in Arkadelphia and then be so excited to donate.” Through this walk, Bejerano is hoping to raise awareness in the local community by helping people see the significance of maintaining basic human rights. “I feel like this generation is one that is looking for change in the world and this is a very relevant cause because it ties into so many others,” Bejarano said. “It ties into so many things because it’s about the right to freedom that any human being has. It’s important to ask ourselves how we can use our freedom to help others be free as
well.” To sign up to participate in the Walk for Freedom on Oct. 16 at 3 p.m., scan the QR code on any of the Walk for Freedom posters on campus or go to a21.org/arkadelphia to register. “The most important thing to know about human trafficking is to know that it’s close because it’s really easy to dismiss things that seem very far off, but it’s right here. As I’ve been planning this, some survivors of trafficking have contacted me and have told me their stories,” Bejarano said. “I’d really love to amplify their voices because you never know who will see the impact that you’re making or what life you’re touching.”
ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM
Sanders, Taylor to perform senior recital BY WYATT ASHLOCK
Arts/Entertainment & Opinions Editor Senior year is a stressful and emotional time for every senior. This is especially true for music majors as they each prepare for their senior voice recital. Every year, senior music majors must preform a recital as a fulfillment of part of the requirements to graduate in the major. These recitals take a lot of time and effort to prepare, from planning to rehearsing to passing a hearing before the recital. Many make preparations for their recital for over a year. This this is true for music education majors as well. Karlee Sanders from Caraway, Arkansas and Clara Taylor from White Hall, Arkansas are two of three choral music education seniors this year. They met their freshman year in a music class and became friends their freshman spring semester. Since the choral music education majors are few, Sanders and Taylor have become close friends. After being friends for three years, spending countless hours studying together and experienced many summer adventures together, they decided to do their senior recital together. “Clara and I just hit it off and we helped each other through different things in our lives,” Sanders said. “It just made sense that we would do our recital together because we are such great friends.” Taylor has been a voice student of Dr. Margaret Garrett since her freshman year, while Sanders had Mr. John Briggs, who retired last year. She is now under the instruction of Dr. Garrett as well. They have been working for a long time on their repertoire that will be performed during their recital. Taylor has been working
on “Messiah” by George Frideric Handel since freshman year. “I had one of my pieces picked my freshman year and I am so excited to finally perform this piece for everyone,” Taylor said. “Freshmen are not usually given pieces like this and it was a lot to take on.” Unlike a musical theatre senior recital which has one long story, this classical recital has different cycles and each cycle has their own story. The repertoire being performed in their recital is far ranging from a French cycle to a German cycle to Mozart. The recital will end with the musical theatre song “I Will Never Leave You” from “Side Show.” “It is a really sweet song and to hear about how we will never leave each other, and how we will always be friends is a sentiment and emotion that is completely true,” Sanders said. “I might cry, so it’s good that it will be our ending song.” Sanders and Taylor have spent so much time preparing because of the many standards that must be met for them to pass their recital. They must have all of their music memorized and must be able to fully pronounce all of the foreign language pieces. The recital cannot go over 50 minutes including transition time. “Our current runtime is 47 minutes and 57 seconds which does not give us much time in case something might happen which would slow us down,” Taylor said. They must perform at a hearing, meeting all of these requirements and get approved by the voice faculty before the performance. Taylor and Sanders will perform their senior voice recital on Oct. 22 at 11 a.m in the Mabee Fine Arts Center and will have a reception following their performance in the lobby.
Top: Karlee Sanders is from Caraway, Arkansas. Sanders is excited to perform the song “I Will Never Leave You” from “Side Show.” (photo by Coleman Callan) Bottom: Clara Taylor is from White Hall, Arkansas. Taylor has been working on music for her recital since freshman year. (photo by Coleman Callan)
OPINIONS
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Planning for leisure invites joy into busyness BY SARA PATTERSON Editor-In-Chief
Tiger Tunes, what many consider to be the busiest time of their semester, has come and gone. If you weren’t involved in Tiger Tunes, there is likely another busy season that you’ve experienced, are in the middle of or are awaiting. Whatever that busy season may look like, they all pass after some time, leaving us with more normal schedules. Once these times of busyness pass, we must face this question: how will we spend our time now? We don’t think about time very intentionally in our culture. From my personal experience, this is because we are so task-oriented. I know I tend to think of time as merely an opportunity to cross items off of my to-do list. While time can be useful, we are not feeling the full benefit of this gift if we limit time in this way.
As college students juggling more responsibilities than many of us have ever had before, how are we supposed to spend our time any other way than working, so that we have time to do more work later? Planning our time with a new focus may be a good first step. When I remember to write in my planner, I only include things I need to work on. I wonder if I would get more out of my time if I planned to take time for things that I simply enjoy. As you’re reading this, you might be thinking about your hectic schedule and doubting that you even have time available to plan for anything other than getting things done. If this is true for you, it’s important to create some space in your schedule as far as you’re able to. Jesus himself took time away to recharge. As the only person on earth who could heal people, he easily could have spent all of his time working.
Luke 5:15-16 says, “Yet the news about him spread all the more, so that crowds of people came to hear him and to be healed of their sicknesses. But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” Jesus was fully God, so he could have worked all the time, right? Well, Jesus was also fully human and human bodies need rest. Jesus also served as an example for his followers to learn from. He made a practice of rest to show us that we should and what that looks like. The second half of that passage from Luke should be said about us too. Though we have many responsibilities and many people depending on us, we withdraw and talk to God. I went on the Campus Ministries and RecLife retreat to Shepherd of the Ozarks over fall break. On one morning of the trip, I spent the morning sitting on a cliff looking at the mountains and talking to God. I was in awe of the many
Campus Ministries and RecLife hosted a fall retreat at Shepherd of the Ozarks over fall break. Spending leisure time outside can be restful, enlightening and life-giving. (photo courtesty of Sara Patterson)
ways I encountered God all at once. I was looking at his creation right in front of me, having a conversation with him and reading from his Word. When I look back on that moment, I realize that I have all of those things available to me each day. My schedule is what keeps me from finding myself in another spectacular moment like that. As we orient our schedules
to invite leisure time, we may experience the side effect of better relationships. When I think of activities I want to make time for, I often think of people I haven’t seen in a while that I could invite. As I return to my busy life, I am challenging myself to plan to spend time alone with God and in fellowship with others. I hope you can do the same in your busy life, and I hope it brings you joy.
Fashion tips for sweater weather this season BY VALERIA GOMEZ Staff Writer
Fall is finally here and that means it is time to put your war weather clothes away and start planning your fall outfits. Most college students are on a budget. Make sure you check your closet for these trending pieces before buying anything new. With that being said, here are a few of the fall 2021 fashion trends you do not want to miss out on. Bright, colorful sweaters are in this season. While neutral colors are always essential, it can be fun
to get out of your comfort zone and try the colorful trend with a brightly colored sweater. Pair your fun sweater with a neutral bottom for a balanced outfit. Leather jackets have been around for years but are the staple that seems to never go out of style. You can easily dress them up with a dress and heels, or you can dress them down with jeans and sneakers. The jacket will keep you both warm and stylish on chilly days. Skinny jeans have been the goto denim in fall weather for a long time. This fall, however, loose-fit denim like mom jeans, flares, bootcuts and boyfriend jeans are
more on trend. You can often find this kind of denim at a thrift store. Shopping second-hand is good for your budget and for the environment. Pair your jeans with a slim-fit top for balance and add a colorful blazer. Complete the look with tennis shoes, and you will have the perfect outfit. Oversized button downs are a longstanding fall fashion staple. You can play with different materials like corduroy or stripes and pair them with skirts or denim. If you want a business casual look, wear gold jewelry and put your hair up in a high ponytail or a low sleek bun. It’s all about the details.
These will be your go-to when you want to look sophisticated and comfortable at the same time. For the guys, varsity jackets are back in style. They come in different colors and are easy to throw on. These will make your outfit go from basic to trendy. Baseball caps also remain a staple accessory. When in doubt, wear a baseball cap that matches your outfit to elevate it. When colder weather hits, layering will be your best friend. Starting with a turtleneck as your base. Turtlenecks make you look classier and can add a touch of color to a neutral outfit. Add an
oversized jacket on top and trendy sneakers. Don’t let the cold weather stop you from dressing up. Sandy tones are all the rage in men’s fashion this fall. From beige to brown, you can mix and match and create a casual college look. For example, wear a beige V neck sweater with a white shirt underneath, jeans and white sneakers. Who said college guys can’t be stylish? All of these trendy items were on the 2021 fall runways, and you can implement them into your casual college student outfits. Have fun changing up your wardrobe for the fall weather this season.
SPORTS
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Castillow succeeds in sport despite adversity BY EMILEE WEBB Staff Writer
Lexie Castillow is a senior volleyball player from Greenwood, Arkansas. She plays libero, or back-row defensive specialist, for the Ouachita Volleyball team. She was also an Honorable Mention for the All-Great American Conference during the 2020-2021 season. Deciding to come to Ouachita to play volleyball was exciting, but her athletic career has not been without challenges. Castillow recalls the adversity she has faced throughout her career. She lost her right kneecap and part of her lung, but this did not stop her from continuing to play the sport she has loved for years. Since beginning her volleyball career at 12-years-old, Castillow has grown up around the sport. She began playing volleyball simply because all of her friends played for the local club. She wanted to join them and play a school sport. So, in the seventh grade, she tried out for the travelling team and made it. Since then, Castillow has had a strong love for the sport and the decision to continue her athletic career in college was a no-brainer. After her freshman year of college, Castillow decided to play volleyball for Ouachita. OBU Volleyball Head Coach Allison Frizzell-Kizer, or “Coach Frizz,” had a large influence on her decision to make the move to Ouachita. “I decided to come to OBU after my freshman year of college. Coach Frizz just really put a belief in me that I was meant to be here and that this is where God wanted me to be,” Castillow said. “OBU just felt like God was telling me I had a purpose there, so I chose to play for Coach Frizz. ”
Top left: Castillow (in white) goes for a bump to continue play for OBU while Rileigh Fielder gets in position as the right side hitter. (photo by Mikaela Monahan) Bottom left: OBU huddles together before the next set against Texas A&M Kingsville. (photo by Mikaela Monahan) Right: Castillow celebrates with teammates during the game against Mississippi College. (photo by Abby Blankenship)
Playing with injuries is a challenge, but Castillow finds the team aspect of her sport to be a huge help in facing adversity. “[It] was definitely a challenge when going back to playing. Wearing a bulky brace is not my favorite, but I make it work. As a team, we face adversity every day and we grow stronger as a team because of it,” Castillow said. Castillow cites her faith in Christ and her consistent drive to overcome anything as the two things that have allowed her to continue her volleyball career.
“I don’t like when people tell me I can’t do something, because I’ll always do my best to prove them wrong. Playing for my dad and my family, my teammates and my coaches motivates me to get through the tough times because they have all made sacrifices for me,” Castillow said. Castillow has had an accomplished career at Ouachita, even setting a record for Ouachita-career digs. During the 2020-2021 season, Castillow played in all 11 matches and recorded a season-high 39 digs at Southern Ar-
kansas. She also led the GAC with 284 digs and 6.76 digs per set. During the 2019 season, she led the GAC with 5.32 digs per set. Castillow cites the sport itself as a major motivator to continue to work hard as well. “I love how competitive volleyball can be, and how there is something constantly going on within our sport,” Castillow said. Aside from actually playing the sport, volleyball has had an impact on Castillow’s life in a number of ways. In addition to the motivation and drive she has learned from
volleyball, Castillow has made lifelong friendships from the sport. “I love all the relationships the sport brings. All of my teammates are like my sisters, and I have so many unforgettable memories with them,” Castillow said. After she graduates college, Castillow plans to pursue a career that still involves the sport. “I’ve been around athletics my whole life. My dad was my first coach,” Castillow said. “When I graduate, I want to be a coach. I really can’t imagine my life not playing the sport I love.”