Issuu

the

VOLUME 132, ISSUE 5 NOVEMBER 16, 2023

SIGNAL The heart of Ouachita news

CONTENTS PAGE 2 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

COVER STORY.............................3 NEWS......................................4-5 ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT...............6 OPINIONS...................................7 SPORTS......................................8

CONNECT WITH THE SIGNAL

@obusignal

SCAN FOR AN ONLINE EDITION

the

Emilee Webb

SIGNAL

PRINT EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kaelin Clay

ONLINE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Kate Ellis

NEWS EDITOR

Jane Ellen Dial

Isaac Bourne SPORTS EDITOR

Camryn Manning OPINIONS EDITOR

Madison Basco COPY EDITOR

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR

Dr. Jeff Root Adviser

Ouachita Baptist University Office: Evans Student Center Email: signal@obu.edu Phone: (870) 245-5210

Matthew Cheatham

AD COORDINATOR

Chau Tran

STAFF DESIGNER

Sarah Dean

PHOTO EDITOR

Meghann Bledsoe PHOTO EDITOR

Dr. Deborah Root Adviser

Dr. Jackson Carter Online Adviser

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

Celicourt invests in OBU campus, community BY SYDNI WHITFIELD Staff Writer

Growing up in Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, Mika Celicourt spent her free time investing in elementary kids and going to the beach. She spent most weekends by the ocean with her family. As she grew older, however, the corrupt government and intense political issues in Haiti were getting out of hand. “People were protesting the government, especially in the capital,” Celicourt said. “Where I lived, it was peaceful most of the time, but when protests were happening in the capital, it was bad everywhere. There was a point when there was a lockdown because of the protests, and we could not leave our house. My parents decided that they wanted something different for me.” In January 2020, just before the United States went on complete lockdown due to COVID-19, Celicourt moved from her hometown to Little Rock, Ark., leaving her parents and everything she had ever known behind. When the United States started implementing shutdowns to prevent the spread of COVID, her family joked that Celicourt couldn’t escape the government-enforced shutdowns. “It was so funny because we used to joke about the fact that I left Haiti because of a lockdown for political reasons, and then I moved here and there was another lockdown, just for a different reason,” Celicourt said. Celicourt started attending school at Little Rock Christian Academy soon after. She did not expect to be so shocked by the cultural differences. “Ever since I was three years old, I would come to the U.S. for tourist visits,” Celicourt explained. “I have family in Florida and New York, so we would visit during the summer. I thought I knew what the culture was like. What I didn’t

realize was that when I came here in the past, I was always with my family. I could speak the same language I always spoke when I was with them, but that changed when I officially moved here.” Celicourt quickly realized that the education system and the way children grew up in the U.S. were both vastly different from what she had experienced in Haiti. “I couldn’t get my classmates’ sense of humor at first,” Celicourt said.“I couldn’t find it funny.” Since Celicourt speaks two languages other than English, she would attempt to translate any joke she heard in French before she would process the meaning behind it in English. “I realized that even when I told jokes, people wouldn’t necessarily get it once I had finally translated it from my language to English,” Celicourt explained. Celicourt stayed in touch with her parents regularly and talked with her host parents about her struggles at school. They encouraged her to keep trying and to get involved. Celicourt started participating in theater at Little Rock Christian Academy. Ever since Celicourt moved in with her host family, she has been connected to Ouachita. Her host parents and two of her host siblings attended OBU. Celicourt’s host dad used to jokingly say, “You can go anywhere you want, but my car only drives to Ouachita!” At this point, Celicourt had never stepped foot on Ouachita’s campus. Because she had visited New York and Florida when she was younger, she had always imagined she would attend school in one of those states. “My host parents were adamant that I at least visit Ouachita to see what it had to offer and what it was all about,” Celicourt said. In 2021, her host parents took her to her first Tiger Tunes. On

the drive there, her host parents told her stories about their days at Ouachita and all about the various events at Ouachita like Tiger Serve Day and Guard the Tiger. Going into the Tiger Tunes performance, Celicourt had no idea what to expect, but she was quickly filled with a deep appreciation for both the students participating and the university they attended. “I just remember being so amazed after the show,” Celicourt said. “I kept forgetting it was students who were performing. After that, I told my host parents that I was beginning to understand what they had been talking about.” It wasn’t until Celicourt toured Ouachita’s campus that she really fell in love with the school. She was still unsure of what she wanted to major in at college, so she met with Dr. Tim Knight, professor of biology and dean of the school of natural sciences. “I was very intimidated to meet with him because I felt like I needed to impress him, but we just had a normal conversation,” Celicourt explained. “He was so nice and answered all my questions. He gave us his undivided attention. It really says something about the school that a professor would be so intentional in setting aside time for a student to ask questions.” Next, she met with Jason Greenwich, director of the Grant Center for International Education. In the college decision process, it was very important to Celicourt that she would have a good community of people she could connect with. “Mr. Greenwich told me about the program for international students, what they do and what they are involved in,” Celicourt said. After this meeting, Celicourt told her host parents that she could see herself going to OBU. Celicourt quit the other applications she had been working on and decided Ouachita was the place for her.

Mika Celicourt (right) assists students during this year’s Tiger Serve Day. She was named projects chair and has begun planning for spring. (photo by Joshua Rhine)

“My host dad was so thrilled that I would get to experience Ouachita,” Celicourt said. Now a sophomore nursing major, Celicourt loves being so close to Little Rock so her sister can come visit her anytime. In her future, Celicourt would like to pursue some type of career in nursing, but she is undecided on what that career will look like. “I always thought I’d want to be a pediatric nurse because of my passion for working with kids,” Celicourt said. “Once I got to Ouachita, though, I started talking with nurses who are involved in so many different specialties that I could see myself pursuing.” Celicourt is very involved on campus as a member of the Ouachita Student Foundation (OSF), the Women of Tri Chi and the Honors Program. She is also a part of the Tiger Serve Day (TSD) leadership team. She has been on the TSD

leadership team for several semesters and will start a new leadership role in the spring as the projects chair. This job comes with a lot of responsibility and is integral to the success of Tiger Serve Day. “Being on the leadership team is rewarding because when I go to visit different projects, I get a chance to not only serve the community but also to meet the people that we are serving,” Celicourt said. “Also, the day of TSD is valuable in and of itself. We wake up early to prepare for the day, but everyone works together and brings the energy needed to finish strong. It is really amazing to hear the teams sharing about their projects at the end of the day. The stories are always unique, pleasant and a joy for all of us to hear.” Celicourt’s journey to Ouachita was full of hard decisions, but she has found a home with an amazing community and education.

NEWS

PAGE 4 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

OBU students’ small businesses flourish BY KATE ELLIS News Editor

With Small Business Saturday coming up on Nov. 25, it is a perfect time to take a look at the many students on Ouachita’s campus who juggle both school and running their own business. College students are often miles away from their hometown connections and need services in a pinch. Thankfully, several students are providing these services on campus by using their diverse talents. Kasey Dumas, junior art education major and owner of Kasey Creates and Kasey Dumas Photography, shares how she has transformed her hobbies into a business. “I started photography in high school, just shooting seniors and families,” Dumas said. “My freshman year of college, I was hired as a second shooter for a wedding pho-

tographer, and now I have booked weddings to shoot on my own. My niche is proposals and couples, but I also love taking senior pictures, too. I often shoot senior photos for my peers; it’s really fun to be a part of someone’s Ouachita journey, even though it’s sentimental that it’s the end. “Sometimes it’s hard to balance work and school, and that is when I have to remind myself that I always have time to work in the future. There are projects that I have turned down because I don’t want to miss out on college life, and right now, I am trying to soak up all the OBU things.” When Dumas is not shooting pictures of newlyweds on their big day or seniors on the steps of Cone-Bottoms, she is hard at work creating handmade prints, stickers and artwork for students to purchase and enjoy.

“I have loved walking around campus and seeing my work on people’s laptops and water bottles,” Dumas said. “But, what I love more is the community and support a business can bring. Being able to create something that will put a smile on someone’s face makes it all worth it. That’s my purpose here: to serve God and serve His people. Life is so short. If you want to do something, just do it. You don’t want to get to the end of your life and wonder ‘what if?’” When there are not enough hours in the day to leave campus for a sweet study treat, junior business administration major Audrey Fortner comes to the rescue with her popular nutrition tea business, Room 307 Teas, which offers a variety of flavors, a caffeine boost and drop-off services. “I worked at Bison Nutrition in Carlisle, and when I stopped work-

do an oral presentation on their research. The oral presentations are competitive, and so not everyone that requested an oral presentation got to present one.” Students also got the chance to listen to other students’ presentations and hear from several plenary speakers and a keynote speaker. Hamilton was given the honor of being the chemistry keynote speaker at the event. Her talk was titled “Developing Modern Materials for Biomedical Applications.” Fourteen students attended the conference to present. To prepare, they either drew from the symposium at the end of summer laboratory research or created a presentation from scratch. After the presentations were completed by students, they were put before at least one faculty member for review and approval.

Kensley Flynn, a junior biology major, gave an oral presentation about her on-campus summer research with Dr. Hamilton. “I have been working on a novel wound dressing,” Flynn said. “We are trying to make a covering that will encourage the healing process and maybe even deliver drugs that could help with wound health.” Flynn enjoyed the experience of the conference and looks forward to participating in future conferences and other opportunities for natural science majors like INBRE. “I was able to present my research to people from colleges across Arkansas and neighboring states,” Flynn said. “I was also able to hang out with my friends and professors in the department, cheer them on in their presentations, make good memories and meet new people.”

ing there, the owner gifted me with a lot of products,” Fortner said. “I started to make teas for myself and my friends, and I realized that there were a bunch of people who didn’t want to leave campus while studying to go get a tea. I was living in Georgia 307 at the time and decided to just go for it. “When I first began, I had a whole marketing week where I discounted drinks if customers posted about my business. Now, I have a constant flow of orders, and there are some weeks where I’m making over one-hundred teas. OBU students are really open to small businesses; you just need to find something that you’re good at that can fulfill a need.” Life at Ouachita is often full of events that require participants to dress in formal wear or costumes. Ashley Drennan, senior elementary education major, has seen and

met this need by diligently hemming and altering clothing from her very own apartment. “I’ve been sewing since junior high,” Drennan explained. “My aunt, who was a home economics major at Ouachita, taught me everything I know. My business started with just friends and people who knew I could sew asking for little favors. Last year, I started an Instagram account, which got the word out, and now my busiest weeks are usually before formals, outings, weddings or other events where girls need their dresses hemmed. At first, I was nervous that nobody would reach out but learned that small businesses on campus like mine are offering needed services that wouldn’t be available otherwise. If you want to start a business, just go for it. If it takes off, that’s awesome. If it takes time to grow, that’s okay, too.”

Natural science majors attend conference BY CAMRYN MANNING Opinions Editor

Students from the Patterson School of Natural Sciences traveled to the INBRE conference where they presented and listened to laboratory research from students across Arkansas. The conference was held on Nov. 3-4 in Fayetteville, Ark. INBRE offered many networking opportunities and learning experiences for the students in attendance. Dr. Sharon Hamilton, E.A. Provine chair of chemistry and faculty sponsor, commended her students and the conference. “It was a great experience,” Hamilton said. “Most of our students were presenting a poster presentation of research that they have done over the summer or during school. They could also apply to

Students take a photo following the INBRE conference. (photo by Joshua Kwekel)

Flynn encourages her peers to attend the conference in the future and fully embrace the experience. “I loved to be able to see the different projects everyone at the conference is working on,” Flynn said. “INBRE has an emphasis on biomedical research, so seeing all the different ways people are looking at things for medical applications in biology, chemistry and physics was informative and inspiring.”

Ouachita students won three awards at the INBRE conference. Junior biophysicis major Elise Knight won first place in the chemistry oral presentation category. Senior biology major Barrett Troup earned an honorable mention award for his biology poster presentation. Alex Treadway, a senior chemistry major, also earned an honorable mention award for his chemistry poster presentation.

NEWS

WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 5

Ouachita breaks ground on track and field complex BY ISAAC BOURNE Sports Editor Left: Elisha Thomas, Olivia Hobson and Yu Chan Jeong greet students as they enter International Club TWIRP. (photo by Meghann Bledsoe) Right: Senior Isabella Bejarano works a booth at the inaugural TWIRP event. (photo by Meghann Bledsoe)

Students travel “Around the World” at landmark TWIRP

BY EMMA DONLEY Staff Writer

TWIRP, or “The Woman Is Required To Pay,” is a longstanding tradition at Ouachita to help students in the freshman class get to know each other and upperclassmen. Students are given the opportunity to meet new people in the fun and casual environment of a dance. Historically, TWIRP dances have all been hosted by the five women’s social clubs and Campus Ministries; however, the International Club hosted its very first TWIRP to conclude the 2023 TWIRP season. “Student Life invited us to host a TWIRP this year, and even though our leadership team was a bit intimidated to start such a big tradition, we truly have a heart for engaging with campus and our community. We thought this would be a great opportunity to start a new tradition for our club,” senior and president of the International Club Isabella Bejarano said. The theme for the dance was “Around the World.” Activities were set up around the Village Circle including origami folding and spring roll making. However, a TWIRP would not be complete

without dancing. Several students taught dances from other cultures to the attendees, including dances from Columbia, West Africa, Australia and more. Bejarano mentioned that dancing was her favorite part of the night. “One of the things that I miss from back home is dancing to the music from my country with friends, and it was so sweet to get to share this special moment with so many of my friends from campus,” Bejarano said. There was also a tournament-style shootout where students had the opportunity to try to score a goal on one of Ouachita’s own goalkeepers. “We as a community decided that the one thing that a majority of people from around the world enjoy and can bring everyone together is the love of fútbol,” sophomore Elisha Thomas said. More than anything else, this event was an opportunity to break down barriers among students. “The international students know how to accept each other and embrace their own differences in a way that I have not known any other group to. They actually unify over those differences,” said junior Tiffani Chew. “Also, as you get to

know international students, you get to know their culture. I did not realize how much of my perception of different cultures was based on Hollywood portrayals until I began spending time with international students and realized that Hollywood gets a lot wrong.” Thomas explains how important it is for all students to gain new perspectives from others. “The reality of being surrounded by students with different knowledge and backgrounds was very awakening,” Thomas said. “I believe wholeheartedly that it is important for students to engage with international peers.” Students came away from the International Club TWIRP having heard music from new cultures, experienced activities that are popular in different countries and hopefully engaged with someone they hadn’t met before. Students of all different backgrounds are welcome to join the International Club, whether they want a community to celebrate their culture, to go to another country in the future or simply to have a new group of friends to hang out with. Students interested in getting involved can email Jason Greenwich at greenwichj@obu.edu.

Coming in summer 2024, Ouachita Baptist University will have its own track and field facility next to Kluck Field, directly across from Cliff Harris Stadium. The ever-growing cross country and track and field teams have made it a campus-wide objective to welcome the new complex. With record enrollment at OBU, the new complex is also adding to what has been a long time coming for Ouachita. Ouachita Baptist University president Dr. Ben Sells, in an interview with obutigers.com, gave his ideas on the new facility. “Ouachita is experiencing significant institutional momentum, including increased enrollment, high graduation and placement rates and record giving, all as a distinctively Christian university,” said Sells. “We continue to attract growing numbers of outstanding students, including the student-athletes that participate in our cross country and track and field programs. We’re very proud of how they have succeeded athletically, academically and personally.” For the 2022-23 season, the women’s cross country team was the winner of its first Great American Conference Championship, with the men’s team in the running for the title as well, and with a new track and field complex, improvement can only be certain. Steve Guymon, head coach of OBU’s cross country and track and field teams is elated to have the new complex on campus, both for athletes and the school as a whole.

“A track complex is very important to our student-athletes, to give them a place to practice and call home,” Guymon said. “We’ll be able to host meets and bring other students here – junior high, high school [and] other colleges. In fact, we believe this venue will become a preferred location to host meets in south Arkansas and beyond. But, it’s not just for us. It’s also for all students, faculty and staff and the Arkadelphia community.” Overlooking the Ouachita River, the facility will be surrounded by the other athletic complexes and add to student-athlete amenities.

“ “We continue to attract growing numbers of outstanding students... we’re very proud of how they have succeeded athletically, academically and personally.” — Dr. Ben Sells

“We’re going to be one of only about five colleges in the United States that will have a track and field complex and a cross country course right next to each other,” Guymon said. “That’s just not heard of. So, I think the community, the school and the athletes that will actually be using the facility will be very proud of it.”

ARTS/ENTERTAINMENT PAGE 6 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

Festival of Christmas to kick off holiday season BY MADISON BASCO Copy Editor

With the holidays quickly approaching, students can’t help but get into the Christmas spirit. Luckily for those itching to celebrate, the 31st annual Festival of Christmas put on by the School of Performing Arts is right around the corner. Attendees can expect to be dazzled by a multitude of classic Christmas songs, cheery Christmas sweaters and an ode to the true meaning of Christmas: Christ’s birth. Many people are involved in Festival of Christmas including concert choir, student dancers, Ouachita Singers and even those from the Arkadelphia community. This year’s show is being directed by Adam Wheat. Sophomore Kayla Johnson has enjoyed preparing for the performance through the concert choir this year. “We practice during concert choir class time from 8:30-9:45 on Tuesdays and Thursdays,” Johnson said. “It’s a lot of fun because we get to wake up on Tuesdays and Thursdays and sing Christmas music. We also get to learn dances from our director.”

Johnson says that students should come out and see Festival of Christmas this year to get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate the true meaning of the holiday. Students can look forward to supporting their classmates who are performing through song and dance, as well as faculty who spent time picking out music and choreographing the dances. “Who doesn’t love Christmas, and who doesn’t love supporting fellow students?” Johnson asked. “Everyone can do just that by watching a quick hour and a half show that’s all about Christmas, snow falling and presents, but also about the real reason we celebrate Christmas. There is something so fun about getting to watch a Christmas show right when December starts. It really gets people in the Christmas spirit.” Senior Avery Stahl is helping direct a small ensemble for Festival of Chrimas this year. She explains her experience in the leadership role and what she’s learned. “There are three small ensembles, each with around 10 to 12 singers, and it is all student-led,” Stahl explained. “We rehearse once a week, and it’s so fun being a part

of a smaller group because it feels more like a solo performance than being in the huge choir does. It’s a great opportunity for the more reserved singers to step out of their shell, hold a mic and sing different styles of music that might be out of their comfort zone.” Students have been practicing for this performance since August. “We’ve been working so hard to bring the best quality music, choreography and entertainment we can,” Stahl said. “All dances will be done by the Ouachita Dance Company, a student-founded, student-led organization. Memorizing upwards of 12 songs in just a couple months is truly a feat, but it’s been very rewarding.” Stahl expects there to be a good turnout this year, not just of students, but of those in the surrounding community as well. “Arkadelphia has always been a huge supporter of this show and the students in it,” Stahl explained. Stahl believes that all those who attend will find something to enjoy at Festival of Christmas. “Whether it’s the singing, the dancing, the joy of attending a live performance or simply getting into the Christmas spirit, you won’t

Students sing and dance during Festival of Christmas 2022. (photo by Levi Dade)

leave Festival of Christmas without a smile on your face and a Christmas song stuck in your head,” Stahl said. Stahl is excited for people to come out and see all the hard work they have put into this performance. “You should expect huge choral numbers, lively and impressive dance routines, incredible lighting and staging, a kids chorus and much more,” Stahl said. “We don’t want to give all the surprises the audience will see away just yet, though.” Stahl elaborates on her feelings about the show and how it is much more than a simple performance for the participants.

“Festival of Christmas has a huge place in my heart,” Stahl said. “Christmas is my favorite time of year, and getting to sing Christmas songs alongside all of my closest friends is the very best way to enter the season.” Performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 2 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www.obu.edu/boxoffice or at the Jones Performing Arts Center Box Office weekdays from 1-5 p.m. for $12 each. Students can claim a free ticket using their student identification number.

Stage Door dazzles audience, becomes favorite BY MARIAH HALBERT Staff Writer

The Ouachita theater program put on their production of Stage Door Nov. 9-12. The play is set in 1937 and centers around Terry Randall, played by Maddy Moore, a young actress taking on the challenges of finding a job in a time when entertainment is moving from the stage to the screen. Getting a job during the time of transition seems almost impossible for the play’s characters, and the chal-

lenges take their toll on so many young, striving actors. Fortunately for Terry, though, she lives in a boarding house full of other young actresses that help lift each other up through all the waiting, callbacks and rejections. Throughout the play, the characters change their opinions about the entertainment world’s transition from theater to film, and in turn, they change their position on the stage. These shifts were intentional and told a story through only the actors’ movements.

Brynlee Beams, the stage manager, explains that the actors migrations toward stage left were representations of that character supporting Broadway acting, and their movements toward stage right represented their support of the transition to Hollywood. “The audience may not have picked up on that, but the cast knew that there was a division on the stage, and that when a character moved to a side, they were on that side. It was an important aspect of the play,” explained Beams.

As students who are working hard to perform on stage one day, the actors found themselves and saw their own motivations in Terry’s story. “Since most people in the cast are looking to join the professional ranks or even work on Broadway, as the lead character Terry is trying to do, we all see a part of ourselves in her,” said Noah Warford, who played David Kingsley. This production quickly became a fan favorite. As the students had a blast creating and executing the work behind the play, their audience

soaked up all the fun radiating from the stage. Professor John Forkner was the director of the play and was instrumental in its success. He has made an impression on the theater program and so many express their thankfulness for the joy he is bringing through productions like these. “Director John Forkner has pushed us so hard so that we can put on a show in which we are truly connected to the characters,” said Warford. “He has made such a big difference.”

OPINIONS

WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM | PAGE 7

How early is too early for Christmas spirit? BY JORDAN DALLIMORE Staff Writer

One of my favorite times of the year is the Christmas season. From cutting down and decorating a Christmas tree, to making gingerbread houses and listening to holiday music, this season and all of its activities bring me so much joy. Since the holiday season is approaching, you may find yourself wondering whether or not it is too early to begin celebrations. Some choose to get into the Christmas spirit immediately following Halloween, while others enthusiastically believe that celebrations cannot begin until Dec. 1. Starting Christmas celebrations on Nov. 1 allows some to enjoy a longer-lasting holiday season, get their fill of Christmas music and decorate with enough time to fully appreciate the lights, garland and ornaments that adorn their home. However, there happens to be an

important holiday that falls right before this joyous season- Thanksgiving! In my opinion, Thanksgiving cannot be overlooked. In my household, Thanksgiving is a time of giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives as well as coming together as a family to enjoy a delicious meal. We laugh, tell stories and reminisce on the past with each other. It truly is a time of thankfulness for us. It can also bring us closer together during a time when I am away from home. My friends and I have even brought the Thanksgiving celebration to our dorm rooms on campus with an annual Friendsgiving. This is just like regular Thanksgiving, but it is with friends instead of family. I love when my friends get together to eat and have good conversation before we leave campus to spend time with our family. It’s been a great new tradition to celebrate with friends that keeps thankfulness at the center of it all.

I think it is extremely important for Thanksgiving to be celebrated fully before the busyness of the Christmas season begins. It is also imperative to me to experience every season for what it is and not rush to get to the next holiday. Take in this season for all that it is, and then move on to the next. We can celebrate both holidays without one taking away from the other. Now, this does not mean that you won’t catch me dancing and singing along if someone plays “All I Want for Christmas is You” by Mariah Carey before Dec. 1. It simply means that my own Christmas spirit will not begin until Thanksgiving has come and gone. Do you agree with my opinion that Thanksgiving deserves its time to shine, or do you feel like Christmas celebrations can begin right after Halloween? Let us know by scanning the QR code on the right and casting your vote in the campus-wide poll on our website.

Choosing education despite challenges BY ANNA MARIE PLASTIRAS Guest Writer

Choosing a major is something that incoming college students typically worry about. However, I didn’t have any trouble with that because I have always known that I wanted to enter the education field. Ever since I was a little girl, I only ever imagined myself becoming a teacher. Education is a field that is humbling and underappreciated, but it is also so rewarding. When I mention my future career, many people ask why I want to become a teacher when there’s so much unknown regarding new legislation, school safety and more happening every day.

As I am about to enter student teaching next semester, I have been reflecting on why I have chosen to enter the field of education. Not only has it felt like a calling that the Lord has placed on my heart, I also can’t imagine myself doing anything else. I believe that, no matter the unknown, the classroom is full of opportunities to minister to and help others. With a full classroom of students, I have an opportunity each and every day to show my students and their families the love of Christ. If I have learned anything from my education classes here at Ouachita, it would be the fact that we should always be teaching like the Master Teacher Himself, Jesus. This has encouraged my faith walk

but also has motivated me even more to go into the field and impact students like my professors here have impacted me. Growing up, I had so many amazing teachers. They were adults that I looked up to, learned from and gained inspiration from that helped me grow into the person I am today. I love when someone says to me, “Think of a teacher who has inspired you.” This is because at least one person’s name comes to mind instantly. The teachers that I’ve had that inspired me the most were all resilient, wise, compassionate, genuine and Christlike people. Their consistent leadership and mentorship have been things that I have closely watched and

admired in my time from primary school to my senior year of college, where I am now. So, why am I going into the field of education? I want my name to come to my students’ minds when they think of a teacher who has inspired them. This is not in an attempt to gain popularity or to be recognized for my work, but its with a hope that in the future, my students remember feeling loved, seen and heard in my classroom. I want them to remember the times when I asked them how they were doing or the times when I gave them a hug when no one else would. Teachers are there for the little moments in life. These mean the most because they’re memories that will never be forgotten. Small

things like kind words, a high-five, going to their athletic events, going to their concerts and always being there for them mean the most, especially during elementary school. When those students grow up, they may not remember all of the things that teachers taught them how to do, but they will remember how their teachers made them feel. In the education department, we like to ask the rhetorical question, “What’s your ‘why?’” Each education major’s ‘why’ is different, but mine has remained constant throughout my college years. My ‘why’ consists of all of the things I have mentioned here. My future students are my ‘why,’ and I hope to make a difference in their lives during my time as an educator.

SPORTS

PAGE 8 | WWW.OBUSIGNAL.COM

Tigers fall short to Reddies in BOTR thriller

Left: Tiger fans show their support following a successful onside kick in the fourth quarter. The fans filled the stands to cheer on the Tigers at the historic game. (photo by Sarah Dean) Center: OBU and HSU football players shake hands at the 96th annual Battle of the Ravine game on Saturday, Nov. 11. (photo by Sarah Dean) Right: Junior Eli Livingston celebrates after scoring a touchdown. (photo by Sarah Dean)

BY SAM BENNETT Staff Writer

In the heart of Arkadelphia, Ark., the 96th annual Battle of the Ravine unfolded at Cliff Harris Stadium, showcasing the fierce rivalry between Ouachita Baptist University and Henderson State University. At the game on Nov. 11, the Reddies unfortunately came out ahead, defeating the 10th-ranked Ouachita Tigers 31-27 in another BOTR classic. Henderson State strategically played keep-away, controlling the time of possession with a dominant 39 minutes and 35 seconds, leaving Ouachita with the ball for only 20 minutes and 25 seconds. This ball-control strategy proved effective as the Reddies executed an admirable 13 out of 18 thirddowns successfully, allowing them to sustain crucial drives and keep the Tiger offense off the field. The turning point of the game came in the third quarter with Henderson State capitalizing on an 11-minute possession and outscoring the Tigers 14-0, giving

the Reddies a commanding 28-13 lead heading into the final quarter. Despite the odds stacked against them, the Tigers roared back in the waning moments of the game. Junior Eli Livingston orchestrated a 77-yard drive, culminating in a rushing touchdown with only 1:38 left on the clock. A two-point conversion narrowed the gap to 31-21. A successful onside kick by Gabe Goodman and a subsequent 50yard drive led to another Livingston score, bringing the Tigers within striking distance at 31-27 with just 44 seconds remaining in the game. However, Henderson State was able to secure the win by recovering the subsequent onside kick and finished the matchup by running out the clock. The game’s highlights extended beyond the on-field action. Ouachita senior QB Riley Harms set a new single-season passing touchdown record with 22, senior kicker Gabe Goodman claimed the single-season extra point record with 55 and junior RB Kendel Givens became the Ouachita career scoring record-holder with 378 points.

As history has shown, the Battle of the Ravine is more than just a football game. It’s a week-long celebration of school spirit and tradition on both campuses. Students eagerly anticipate this annual showdown. One such tradition, “Guard the Tiger,” involves different classes protecting Ouachita’s beloved Tiger statue from Henderson’s interference each night of the week. The excitement reached its peak on Friday night, with social clubs hosting events that brought the entire Ouachita community together. In the end, the 96th Battle of the Ravine goes down in the books with Henderson State snagging the win, tightening the series to 4644-6, favoring the Tigers. As folks reminisce about the game’s highs, lows and record-breaking achievements, next year’s clash is already on the mind. Ouachita will be itching for payback, and Henderson State fans will be hoping for a repeat performance. The Battle of the Ravine saga continues, furthering a historic rivalry and promoting school spirit in the years to come.

SCOREBOARD VS

Sat Nov. 11 Arkadelphia, Ark.

Thu Nov. 9 Russellville, Ark.

FOOTBALL

VOLLEYBALL

Fri Nov. 10 Arkadelphia, Ark.

Sat Nov. 11 Fort Smith, Ark.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Wed Nov. 8 Arkadelphia, Ark.

WRESTLING

GAC Championship Game Sun Nov. 12 Shawnee, Okla.

WOMEN’S SOCCER