A new semester has begun. If you’re anything like me, then the transition back into a class schedule has been an interesting one for sure! At the end of last semester The Patriot newspaper graduated two amazing editors, and I’ve been lucky to know and work alongside them for the past few years. While working as a staff writer I’ve had the opportunity to grow as a journalist, and foster skills that I wasn’t sure I possessed.
I’m following the example of very talented journalists who have worked tirelessly to be the voice of UC, and I want to continue to build upon their good work. This semester UC has had an influx of many new freshmen, and it’s The Patriot’s honor to serve and inform the entire student body.
If you’re a freshman and this is the first time you’ve picked had the chance to pick up a copy of the paper, fantastic! If you’re a senior and want an entertaining update on campus life, keep reading! I encourage new students to get out of your comfort zone, meet new people, join a club, and stay informed.
This semester we have a group of eager volunteers, full of ideas; similar to the rest of the student body we at The Patriot are ready to thrive, grow and flourish. I’m excited for this semester to take off, and for everyone to find his or her semester’s groove.
I appreciate the gravity of the role I get to play on this campus. It will be my honor to help guide and serve this campus as your editor-in-chief.
Please keep an eye out for future issues of The Patriot.
Editor-In-Chief
Eric Ford Edwards
Best regards,
Eric Ford Edwards
Faculty Advisor
Shandi
Brian Mahadeo
John McCoy
Megan Muggridge
Zane Ross
James Saylor
Editorial Review Board
Lisa Bartram
Marianne Worthington
Award-winning
Megan Willoughby
New dining options excite students Pioneers and Patriots
BYMEGAN WILLOUGHBY Managing Editor
On Aug. 23, UC students were able to return to campus with an improved variety of food options due to the university’s decision to sign a new contract with Pioneer Food Services. Students are now able to use their meal plan at Chick-Fil-A and “Tossed,” a salad, pizza, and wrap restaurant located in the Boswell Campus Center. In addition, Starbucks, which is not included in the meal plan, is available for purchase in the middle BCC.
Emily Coleman, the vice president of Student Services at the university, said she’s excited about the switch from Chartwell Food Services to Pioneer that occurred in early July. “We have been tickled to death,” Coleman said, “We have received great feedback from students in the community. Personally, I have eaten at all the food service venues and have loved the food and the quality they are providing.”
Coleman also discussed a new feature for students. “Patriot dollars is new. You can load money to your ID to be able to spend at
your convenience. So, if you load $100, you get a $10 bonus. We are going to start promoting ‘Patriot dollars’ more.”
UC made this decision to offer a better environment for the student body and give them plenty of options when looking for their next meal.
“We knew we wanted a better variety. We had heard from students who wanted to have venues like a Chick-Fil-A or a Starbucks. Pioneer presented a great opportunity to do that,” Coleman said.
Not only is the faculty responding in a positive way to the new changes on campus, but the students are thrilled to have new options. Zachary Culver, a UC senior, expressed the gratefulness he has toward the administration’s decision “It was such a good decision by the college itself,” Culver said, “Bringing the ChickFil-A and Starbucks was without a doubt the best thing they did. The student body didn’t have the option of getting coffee until now. It’s nice to see a new variety at the University.”
Culver also described his view on healthy meal options and the benefit it is giving students and faculty. Culver added, “The food was good before, but there wasn’t as many healthy options. The new food provider has brought in healthier options, such as ‘Tossed,’ and that’s what the student body needed.”
Students wait for their meals at the on campus Chick-Fil-A.
Photo by Megan Willoughby
More than just a UC Patriot
UC hosts a tribute to those who serve
BY MEGAN MUGGRIDGE Staff Writer
On September 8 at 8 p.m., the University of the Cumberlands hosted“1,000 Lights, 1 Purpose: A Glowing Tribute to Those who Serve.” This event payed tribute to our veterans, active military, and first responders. It was held on the practice soccer field across from the Hutton School of Business.
The event consisted of a campus and community-wide candlelight vigil that featured patriotic music and observances. It also presented a display consisting of 1,000 glowing luminaries to honor our servicemen and women. UC sophomore Seth Pebley said, “The 1,000 Lights, 1 Purpose ceremony is a great way to honor our military men and women and first responders. My father was in the military for several years and I know that he would love to see more events like this one take place.”
This event was co-sponsored by Sigma Tau Delta (the English Honor Society) and USA Cares. Sigma Tau Delta was presented a $2,400 donation to USA Cares: a non-profit organization located in Radcliffe, KY, near Louisville. They provide emergency financial assistance for veterans and active military families post the tragic events of September 11, 2001.
This donation is the result of a fundraising effort focused on PTSD Awareness. Master Sergeant Donald Gross, the JROTC instructor of Whitley County High School, spoke about the psychological aspects of returning to civilian life after serving in combat.
Special performances included the presentation of colors by the Whitley County JROTC, a wreath placement ceremony by a local fireman who lent his services to the World Trade Center on 9-11, and music by the University of the Cumberlands chorale ensemble. The ceremony concluded with the candlelighting and a moment of silence in honor of 9-11 and our military.
“It was enjoyable to listen to the speakers and the songs for the celebration, especially with some of the volunteers that were involved in the clean up of 9/11,” Michael Garnon, a UC junior, said. Garnon added, “It was extremely somber and interesting.”
Photo by Emilee Agee
Miah Carry looks at a flyer for the 1,000 Lights One Purpose event on Friday.
Tertulia y Juegos
UC students gather to practice the Spanish language
BY LEANNE GREGORY Staff Writer
Learning how to speak and write in an entirely new language can be a very difficult and time consuming task. For students and faculty at the University of the Cumberlands who are learning how to speak and write in Spanish, there is a new and unique opportunity available that will allow them to make this task a little bit easier.
This opportunity is known as Tertulia y Juegos, or Conversation and Games in English. It is an event that will be held every Thursday at 1:45 p.m. in room 221 in the Gatliff building on campus. The event is open to all UC students and faculty who have an understanding of the Spanish language, regardless of their skill level.
“I hope that, through this event, students can feel more comfortable speaking Spanish in an informal setting,” said Ms. Jennifer Marsh, an associate professor of Spanish at UC.
The event itself is comprised of general conversation and games spoken, and played, completely in Spanish, although English translations of all conversations and games will be provided for students and faculty who need them. Some of the games that may be played during the event are: Hangman, charades, 20 Questions, Pictionary, and skit making. There are no fees or materials required for students and faculty to participate in the event, though attendees may bring along items such as Spanish textbooks or dictionaries to help them participate in the activities.
The idea behind the Tertulia y Juegos event came from Morgan Huenergarde, a double major in Spanish and psychology at UC. Huenergarde came up with the idea for the event after a six-week study abroad trip to Costa Rico. During the trip Huenergarde spoke Spanish consistently, but upon returning to campus found that the opportunities to continue speaking Spanish consistently with other students and faculty in the community were limited.
“I missed speaking Spanish,” Huenergarde said, “and other then class I didn’t really have the opportunity to speak Spanish. So I contacted Ms. Marsh with the idea of getting a group of students together outside of class so that way we could have more conversations in Spanish.”
For students who are enrolled in any level Spanish course for the semester an extra credit opportunity may be available, but for more information regarding any extra credit opportunities pertaining to student participation in the event, students are encouraged to speak with their professors. Students and faculty who have questions or concerns about the event can contact Ms. Jennifer Marsh in room 220 of the Gatliff building.
“We want everyone to come,” Huenergarde stated, “even if you just have an interest in the language.”
Photo by Leanne Gregory Morgan Huenergarde examines her Spanish book between classes.
Setting a trap
UC theatre department holds auditions for “The Mousetrap”
BY TYLER KOHN
Staff Writer
The theatre can have the reputation for being a cutthroat business. Actors face rejection every single day. What many of us don’t know, however, is how it feels to be in those shiny shoes, to be faced with the make-it-or-break-it style of the theatre audition. Recently, the UC theatre department held auditions for its fall production of “The Mousetrap” in the Kohn Theatre within the Grace Crum Rollins Building.
Upon entering the front doors, the excitement in the air was palpable. A chummy group of five was laughing and joking at the table in the center of the room, their eyes alight with the excitement of the auditions, and their voices warm with the affection of being reunited with old friends. This group shared a look inside the minds and motivations of those who so bravely and willingly face the prospect of rejection only for a few minutes of applause.
Some of the veteran performers were quick to emphasize the deep feelings of comradery that come with the territory. Kristen Lorenz, a UC senior, described it well. “You basically become a family. These guys are like my
brothers,” said Lorenz.
The family quality among these people was very apparent. The loose, conversational style of our interview was often punctuated by silly jokes and joyful, contagious laughter, and the way the actors wholeheartedly supported one another was enough to convince anyone that these people truly have a connection and care deeply for one another.
Another veteran of the program explained that it isn’t just the actors that you connect with. Foster Colvin, a junior and fourth-time performer here at UC, added, “It’s a great environment to be in work study (with the theatre department). Since we have a little more freedom in there, we get to form a bond with the tech people too!” The happy family atmosphere seemed to be a big part of what kept these actors coming back to the theatre, but these thespians weren’t done explaining what draws them back again and again.
Katelyn Lewis {foreground}, Austin Fletcher and Nick Kidd rehearse “The Mousetrap.”
Photo by Eric Ford Edwards
Many of the prospective stars grew up loving the theatre. Sam Cozy, a fifth-year-senior explained, “I actually grew up with a passion for the theatre, but when I got to college, life happened and I haven’t really got a chance to appreciate it. This semester I decided to come back!”
Others have more personal reasons to be involved. Leshae Smiddy, a 16-year-old freshman told a very different and extremely emotional story. “I used to have to go to therapy for anxiety and depression. Last year I did a play called “Desdemona and the Afterlife” and that character is still a part of me because of the things she had to go through. She committed suicide and I understood the feeling of what it’s like to want to do that.” She continued with tears in her eyes, “But in the theatre once you get into the character your problems don’t matter anymore. Sometimes it really can change you.” Her story is one that many of the actors could relate to. Some people come into the theatre with problems like those that Leshae was facing, and most of them find a support group in the “family” that is the cast and crew. And like any family, the thespians here at UC have some interesting traditions and superstitions.
One of their biggest pet peeves is common in the world of theatre, but sometimes not so well known to those on the outside. Lorenz said, “We don’t ever want to say, ‘good luck.’ It’s bad luck to say, ‘good luck‘!” Actors would rather you say, “Break a leg,” to wish them luck before a performance or audition.
As the actors pointed out, performing, “The Mousetrap,” the longest-running show in the world (it has been running for 65 consecutive years) doesn’t come without its own superstitions. Their biggest request: don’t spoil the ending! Nick Kidd, one of the more experienced actors, emphasized, “If you know this play you’re not supposed to spoil it!” The rest of the crew agreed, claiming it was bad luck and just plain annoying to ruin the ending to “The Mousetrap,” a murder mystery.
You can see this crew in action when UC theatre presents “The Mousetrap” on October 26th, 27th, and 28th at 7:30pm, and on October 29th at 2 p.m.
Katelyn Lewis and Ashley Hulgan read through their lines during play practice.
Photo by Eric Ford Edwards
A whole
BY ZANE ROSS Staff Writer
This semester the University of the Cumberlands have set their sights on new horizons with the creation of its new eSports program. For those who aren’t aware, an eSport can be considered as any multiplayer video game that is played competitively against another multiplayer team.
“Many other schools have already adopted eSports, and we thought that it would be a great opportunity to reach a group of people who are not necessarily involved with conventional athletics, especially since this campus has a large quantity of athletes,” said UC residence hall director Devon Goings. Goings was a major supporter and convincing voice for the adoption of the eSports program over the past year.
Currently the program is only consistent of the popular online multiplayer computer game “League of Legends.” However, there are talks of adding other games to the program within the next year based on student demand.
“We originally decided that we were only going to do ‘League of Legends’ this year,” says eSports coach Jeremiah Brown, “We have had a few people show interest in the game ‘Hearthstone’ and that is being discussed right now. It is not 100 percent on whether or not we will have a team for that this year, but next year we definitely will as long as enough people are interested. This year is
UC adopts new eSports program
more or less a trial run to see if students are interested in eSports and obviously they are. I’ve had people come up to me and ask me for, what feels like, 100 different games.”
The “League of Legends” team will not be competing during the 201718 school year. However, Brown expresses hopes that the team, and any other team that is adopted into the program, will begin traveling to other schools for competition and hosting competitions on campus in the 2019 fall semester.
Brown has also stated that scholarships for the “League of Legends” team are not available this year, but will be available starting the fall semester of 2018 when it will be considered a varsity sport. When asked if he felt that eSports were as skill intensive as any other sport, “League of Legends” team member Will Thomas said, “Fundamentally they are the same. Sure, in practice they are different due to the differing mediums and rules, but the underlying philosophy is consistent. E-sports, like physical sports, requires individuals to fulfill specific roles that serve specific functions that allow a team to win. Similar to how not everyone can be a quarterback in the NFL, not everyone can fill a specific role in the various eSports.”
Alex Dople, Alex Hensley, Josh Owen, and William Thomas .
new game
UC lacrosse player George Shunnarah and UC football player Connor McJunkin shared their thoughts on the inclusion of eSports within the UC athletics department, as well.
“I think it’s awesome,” says Shunnarah, “As an athlete it doesn’t offend me that they call it e-sports even though it isn’t necessarily an athletic sport; eSports are shown a lot on ESPN, so I don’t see any problem with having a team and supporting the school.”
McJunkin added, “It’s a cool thing to get more people involved. As an athlete I think that even though it’s not a typical sports setting that it is still competitive in nature and a great opportunity that is being added to UC. I don’t know much about it, but I think that even if you don’t understand it you have to realize that it is still competitive and that it still involves a lot of strategy, like a lot of other sports.”
The current “League of Legends” team is consistent of six students who have met the criteria to join and compete on the team. The original stipulations
for joining the team was to have a level 30 account, to have reached rank Silver in a single game season, to have a minimum of a 2.5 GPA, to be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credit hours and to own a laptop in which to use for practice outside of scheduled team practice.
Brown has expressed interest in recruiting at least four more students for his team this year and asks that anyone interested in joining the “League of Legends” team contact him at jeremiah.brown@ucumberlands.edu.
All photos by Eric Ford Edwards
Climbing up the ladder of success
How to transition from high school to college life
BY CHELSA E. BOWMAN
Staff Writer
Breathe in, breathe out; you’ve finally finished your first few weeks here at UC. At times, you’re going to feel overwhelmed, and that’s totally okay. At times, you’re going to find it hard to transition from a senior in high school to becoming a freshman at college.
Coming into college, you’re stepping out of your comfort zone. It is as if you’re starting all over again, not knowing where to go or what to do. Cheyenne Eckerd, a freshman at UC, feels like how majority of the freshman feel when they step out on campus; nervous, jittery yet excited for the opportunity to attend college.
“During my time at UC, I really hope that I will be able to make memories with the friends that I make on campus. I hope to one day graduate and get a degree in something I can enjoy doing, but of course I’ll always have the fear that I won’t be able to accomplish those things,” said Eckerd as she picked up one of her textbooks, flipping through the pages to scour the contents before her next class. Of course, before leaving to go to class, Eckerd made sure that she knew where she was headed, because the scenery of the campus is new to her.
After a while, it all starts to tie into a routine and soon enough you’ll feel like you’re finally getting the hang of it, and hopefully you found a group of friends that will last a lifetime. Even though it’ll seem like college isn’t easy at all, with a lot of hard work, patience
and determination, the time will fly by and you’ll find yourself improving every day.
UC sophomore Ashley Carter reflected about the experiences she’s had on campus saying, “I’ve learned that if I keep on pushing myself, I can do anything. My advice to those who are coming in or feeling like they are falling short of what they are doing is to never give up. It’s not always going to be easy, but you have to keep on keeping on.”
Another thing to keep in mind as you go throughout your college career would be to use your time wisely and meet requirements from your professors to get things done. Of course, you will want to get out and have fun with friends and participate in the things that go around on campus.
“If I had to give any kind of advice to incoming freshmen or anyone who is struggling, I would advise them to get things done in a timely manner. It is so easy to procrastinate and cram assignments the night before something is due, but it is better and less stressful to just get it done,” says Kayla Griffith, a junior at UC who is majoring in both human services and criminal justice.
There are also ways to break out of your comfort zone once you’re done with your classwork. Don’t just sit in your room and stare at the wall; get involved with events that take place on campus, or even around the campus. There are a lot of ways to be
involved in the activities on campus, and it also a great way to make new friends and make new memories that will last a lifetime.
“I have met some of my greatest friends through the events on campus. If I had not gotten out and participated in the events, I wouldn’t have the great friends that I have now. Get involved, you’ll enjoy your time if you do,” said Griffith, sharing her experiences about the events that happen on campus. The more you get involved, the more fun and memories you’ll make.
Even though there will be hardships throughout the school year, never give up. All things are possible, just keep up the hard work and one
day as you walk across the stage to get your degree, it will all be worth it. In the meantime, get involved on campus, do your work, make memories and friends and have a great time.
Photo courtesy of Flickr’s CollegeDegrees360. Used by permission.
Commuter life: The college dream?
BY ANNA BROWN Staff Writer
When students are in high school, they dream of the college life. They think about all of the freedom that college has to offer: coming and going as they please, long nights and mornings that come too early. When they get to college, though, that dream doesn’t always become a reality. Perhaps it’s because they are on the swim team and their day begins at 4 a.m. Or maybe they get the long nights they wanted, but those just happen to be spend at Huddle House where the coffee never ends just like the homework. For others, though, college life isn’t what they dreamed of because, instead of living on campus, they are a commuter.
At University of the Cumberlands, the commuter life is often what residents daydream about.
UC senior Sarah Pettit says she enjoys commuter life. Pettit said, “I like getting to go home and be with my family in the evening. Also, in the end I’m saving money.” While the added perks of saving money and lack of rules are nice, nothing beats going home after a long day and being with loved ones.
Sophomore Bryan Ball had a different answer when asked what the best part of the commuter life was. Ball said, “The best part is having your own bathroom…and own room.” Apparently he isn’t the only one who appreciates life outside of the dorm.
Freshman softball player Madison Tabor adds that she likes having no curfew. Tabor added, “And having space, I don’t have to be in a small dorm room.”
Sure, more space and not having a roommate are nice, but senior Jordan Floyd
likes to appreciate the little things and said, “I just like having a quiet place to study.”
While all of these commuter life perks may sound like the college dream, students should be warned that off campus housing doesn’t always come with a bed of roses. Instead it comes with bills to pay and added responsibility. We all know that campus food isn’t always ideal, but imagine cooking and then having to do dishes every day. Makes the Caf food seem a little more doable.
The worst part for the majority of these commuters was literally commuting. When asked what the worst part of the commuter life was for him, Floyd replied, “Definitely getting up earlier and driving to campus.” Tabor agreed with her response, saying, “I have to get up a lot earlier and if I forget something, I never have time to go back for it.” Pettit added. “It takes longer to get to class, then sometimes you can’t even find parking.”
However, Ball said he doesn’t even mind the commute to class, but he explained, “I hate coming back to campus for required events.”
These students agree that the commuter life isn’t always as good as it seems. When residents are stressing over deadlines and bad Caf food, some commuters are stressing about paying the bills and buying groceries…in addition to their homework.
When life seems hard because the Chick-fil-A line is out the door, send up a prayer for that commuter who is eating cold SpaghettiOs out of the can for lunch.
Sincerely, Shandi
Q: Do you have any tips for dealing with time management for classes, homework, eating, and making time for friends?
A: College can be super stressful, and time management is one of the main reasons most of us freak out. I suggest you go to sleep earlier and get into the routine of waking up earlier too; I know all of us would love to stay up until 3 a.m. watching “The Office” on Netflix, but seriously, getting an earlier start on the day will make the days seem longer and give you more time to get what you need done. Another tip would be to get homework in whenever and wherever you can. Do homework when you have some free time, even if it’s not due until later in the week. I promise it won’t take as long as you think and getting it over with will leave more time for friends! Plus, waiting for the last minute for anything is never a good option.
Need advice? Have a question? Send your queries to thepatriot@ucumberlands.edu. Your question might be answered in the next issue.
Photo courtesy of Flickr’s SafeAutoPhoto. Used with permission.
Photo by Shandi Lindsay
Get with the times, UC
Why you should put down your phone and engage with the people around you
BY NICHOLE SHARP Staff Writer
How many times do you check your Facebook on a daily basis?
How long do you typically spend going through news feeds, checking Instagram, binge-watching Netflix or playing video games? Believe it or not, Americans are now spending up to 10 hours a day staring at their screens. Don’t be ashamed, I’m guilty too. I spend more than enough time scrolling and double-tapping and reacting to posts throughout the day. However, unknowingly we are wasting one of the most precious resources known to man. Time.
“There’s not a day that goes by that you don’t see someone’s face hunched down staring at their phones crossing campus without really noticing anything that’s around them,” UC student Austin Nantz says.
“We are all so tied to our devices that although a day without them would seem peaceful, I would honestly hate to see what students would be like without them,” he continued.
UC is known for its beautiful mountainous region and the flowers that cover it throughout the year and its beautiful reputation is continuous; however, students miss out by keeping their noses down and their headphones in. I urge you to look around, unplug, listen to the
birds, smell the fresh, crisp air and engage in the people around you.
“My best advice for anyone that really wants to get the college experience or just be able to live life to the fullest, is to put your phones down. I’m a firm believer in stopping to grab a picture, but that doesn’t mean what’s going on should stop. It’s the moments after the flash that count,” UC student Shelby Householder said.
Don’t miss out on crucial parts of living because you’re too busy with your phone; interact with other people and engage in meaningful experiences. You’re not living a full life if your phone is glued to your hand and you’re unable to really know what’s even going on.
There is so much you can engulf your time in versus wasting it “creeping” on people who post about their adventurous lives on social media. Put your phone down and be like that person you’re following online. Go to that park that you liked all those pictures of, check out that G&E place to eat at and, yes, do go chasing waterfalls if you see someone post a cool photo of one.
Photo by Rebecca Lewter
BY BRIAN MAHADEO Staff Writer
When some people think about summer, that famous last day of school scene from “High School Musical” comes to mind. Everybody is counting down the last few seconds on the clock and immediately as the last bell goes off, the whole school breaks out in song and dance because summer has finally arrived. However, if you’re a missionary, your summer might look a little bit different when compared to the average college student. For the men and women involved in mission teams such as Appalachian Ministries and Winshape Camps, their summer took a different route.
For the students that helped with WinShape camps, they used their athletic background to reach out, mentor and encourage younger Christians. Henry Quaye, a junior at the University of the Cumberlands and midfielder on the men’s lacrosse team, spent his summer on the WinShape staff. When asked about his most memorable moment from his summer, he didn’t hesitate to bring up a kid that decided to be a follower of Christ.
Quaye said, “Before he left he came up to me and said he gets it now, because of the love some other counselors and I showed.” Quaye then said that through this encounter with one of his campers, he learned that God puts
A summer of service
Students devote their summer to ministry work.
everyone in certain places for a reason and that it’s all for the building of his kingdom. Quaye stated he also wants to keep the momentum he gained from the summer going into the fall semester, “My goal for the semester is to stay focused and trust in God and not care about how others view me.”
Robbie Garvin and the crew of Appalachian Ministries from UC’s campus went through different neighborhoods in Kentucky during the summer to help and serve. Garvin, a redshirt sophomore defensive end on the football team, said his favorite moment came from working with two teenagers at Hawesville, Kentucky.
Garvin said, “I felt like I wasn’t getting to them, but on the last day they kind of just broke down and hugged me and told me how much they appreciated me.” Thanks to Appalachian Ministries, Garvin went from wanting to be a therapist in the military to wanting to mentor teenagers. His goals for this upcoming year include to helping people out as much as possible. “I just want to touch as many souls as possible spiritually and lay myself out there for people,” said Garvin.
Photo by Joel Henson and Nate Chappell
Henry Quaye serves at WinShape camp.
Faith is following
UC has first Engage event of semester
BY EMILEE AGEE Staff Writer
On Tuesday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. University of the Cumberlands students gathered in the O. Wayne Rollins Center for the first Engage event of the fall 2017 semester. Guest speaker Tom Richter, who is pastor in Jamaica Queens, New York City, preached on a passage in John chapter 21 after Dr. Emily Coleman, vice president for Student Services, introduced Christian rock band 7eventh Time Down to the stage to lead students in worship. Richter revealed what he said was God’s will for student’s lives.
“Follow Christ. I know what you’re thinking; you want it to be more specific than that. You want to know what to major in or who you’re going to marry, but it’s that simple. That’s God’s will,” said Richter.
Richter’s message was that if students listen to the Bible’s teachings and follow them, the other details of their lives will work out the way God has intended. He continued on to say that if people cared less about what their peers thought of them, they could be free to obey God’s will.
“Being a freshman, when I heard someone call it convocation, I expected a ceremony, but the concert aspect was surprisingly fun. It was definitely my favorite part,” student Sara Sherman said.
The goal of the first Engage event is usually to have high energy and attendance to generate excitement for the school year and begin on a positive note that encompasses the university’s beliefs. Attendance was required in order to help students get a credit and jumpstart involvement.
“I loved this night. I actually rededicated my life to Christ. Worshipping next to other people is my favorite thing. You never know what other people are going through and we all need different things. I needed this,” UC freshman Maddie Lee said.
A number of students came forward at the end of the sermon; then campus ministry leaders took them to a quiet place where they could pray and or talk further about finding a church or developing their faith.
“The only thing I wish would have been different is the time of the event. I had a lot of homework. I think it would be good to see more Engage events on the weekend so I could be more involved with other things, but I had a great time,” Sherman said.
Many students stayed after the sermon was preached to continue in worship with 7eventh Time Down or to purchase their music.
Photo of 7eventh Time Down courtesy of BEC Records . Used with permission.
a devotional
BY EMILEE AGEE Staff Writer
I’m sitting in a class a few days ago and I abruptly remember a fast-approaching deadline for a project in a different class. In between taking notes, I start mentally planning out the next two weeks in a panic.
I am reminded just how busy I am and how maybe if I skip lunch or forgo sleeping I can have time for other things, but this only adds to the anxiousness.
This does not just apply to our schoolwork; this carries over into many aspects of our lives. We can easily end up making the mistake of giving up or wondering why we should even bother in the first place. I know this sounds familiar to students, especially at the beginning of a semester when everything is new and our goals for the year are fresh. If we are Christians and we know that God’s plan for our lives is revealed through obedience, how do we silence the worry?
Matthew 6:25-34 say not to be anxious about our lives. Verse 26 says that birds don’t sow or reap seeds but they are still fed because God provides for them. If God provides for birds, don’t you think he’s going to provide for us? After all, we’re made in God’s own image.
We are then hit with a harsh reality in verse 27 which says, “And which of you by being
anxious can add a single hour to his span of life?”
As much as we plan and stress about homework, sports, or how we look, it does not give us one extra second on earth.
Verse 28 says that lilies don’t worry about being the brightest or the prettiest and they are all designed differently and are still beautiful.
Matthew reminds us in verse 30 that these are just flowers, often ones that no one has seen before, and we are made to reflect God, so once again why would we consider ourselves to be any different? We want the good grades, we want the security of a degree that will provide for our future, we want to look good and succeed, but God knows what we need. Verse 33 says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” This does not mean we will get everything we want if we ask God, but that if we have faith that He is enough, his plan for our life will come to fruition.
We have to talk to God. We have to ask Him to give us strength and to calm our hearts and nerves because today, right now, has its own concerns and tomorrow can wait.
This doesn’t mean that we should not prioritize our time, but it means that we should not be consumed by all our own plans because it leads
to discontentment. Being anxious speaks of a lack of faith that God is going to pull us through something, but the truth is that His love for us is abundant and by remembering this, we can trust his timing, not our own.
Photo courtesy of Connie Smith on Flickr. Used with permission.
