Content The Forum Advisor Dr. Jonathan Gates Content Designer
Benjamin Tse Cover Designer Thomas Trott
Features:
3 Editorial from The Forum Advisor 4 Interview with Nyack College’s Valedictorian
Staff Writers Kaelah Byrom Isaiah Johnson Gianna Justo Moriah Spencer Photo-Credits Kaelah Byrom Dr. Amy Davis Abdallah Isaiah Johnson Melissa Mattson Thomas Trott Benjamin Tse The Woman Program Nyack College
“Various Nyack Clubs” Feeling inspired to write a piece . . . to share your creativity through the arts & photography, contact (theforumnc@gmail.c om) to get more information and to get involved.
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The Crucible Review
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Chorale Spring Concert
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10 Die Fledermaus 12
Humans of Nyack: Benjamin Tse Clubs at Nyack 13 Student Research Conference
18 Becoming Godly Women Through the Woman Program
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Editorial from The Forum Advisor
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ith the conclusion of the 2017-18 academic year near, many of us have questions about the future and the path to take. Many graduating seniors are asking, “What’s next?” Where will I work? Where will I live? Should I return to school? And others are asking, “Do I work at camp? Try to find a job close to home? Or how do I find a summer internship? Most of us long for clear direction for the next steps. Thankfully, many have friends with whom to discuss plans and choices, but “unless the Lord build the house, the laborers labor in vain.” Often the object of our desire, the goal of our work, the paths that we seek, and the directions that we follow promote, first and foremost, our selfish interests rather than the glory of God. To the extent that we seek to satisfy ourselves with work, things, accomplishments, and pleasures, we will be discontent because they can never fulfill beyond the moment. John Piper, in his recent book Living in the Light Money, Sex & Power, suggests that we unite the first and last of the Ten Commandments to answer the question “when does legitimate desire become covetousness?” He concludes, “[D]on’t desire anything in a way that would undermine your contentment in God. So covetousness—or wrong desire—is desiring anything in such a way that you lose your contentment in God” (63). When we seek direction based primarily on satisfying ourselves, our plans will fail. Jesus reminded his disciples to “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his
righteousness.” (Matt 6:33a) Though frequently our path will not be obvious to us, the object of our true desire which guides our steps is. In his letter to the Romans Paul urges his readers “to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service and be not fashioned according to this world… (12:1b, 2a) which aligns with Matthew’s teaching. Paul presents a positive and a negative response: “do present” but “do not conform.” Of this negative directive commentator John Murray sounds our theme: “Conformity to this age is to be wrapped up in the things that are temporal, to have all our thought oriented to that which is seen and temporal. …If all our calculations, plans, ambitions are determined by what falls within life here, then we are children of this age.” (113) Looking for direction as you graduate? Looking for direction as you seek summer employment? Looking for direction in your relationships? “Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Faithfully,
Dr. Jonathan Gates Jonathan Gates, Ph.D Language, Literature, and Writing Department Chair Director of Nyack Honors Program Volume 2: The Forum | 3
Interview with Nyack College’s Valedictorian
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BY KAELAH BYROM ‘21
had the pleasure of interviewing Christine Rose Freitas, Nyack College’s Valedictorian. Christine has spent last four years at Nyack College. She majored in Biblical & Theological Studies with a Minor in Psychology. She is originally from Curitiba, Brazil. However, she also lived in Kenya for three years. She has been active on Nyack College campus in the Honors Program, Beanfield Small Group and working in the Bailey Library and Writing Center. How do you feel about graduating? I am excited about graduating because my freshman year was hard. During my first semester, my wish was that I was in my senior year so that I could be done. I wished that I could be in my fourth year, and now it is here. Now I can look back onto what I have learned and feel like I have achieved something. If anything, I have achieved so much emotional growth. I have learned how to grow in community. I feel so content with the friendships I’ve made. It's also a little scary, because I don’t know what's next. How do you feel about being the valedictorian? It's definitely a great honor. In my high school, I got rewards. I have always been good in my academics. Right now, I’m in a place where I know that titles do not matter that much. What 4 | Volume 2: The Forum
matters is the stuff I know. What I know and what I am able to do, this is ultimately the stuff that I will carry. I am glad that I am carrying the sense of that. It is definitely nice to be the valedictorian. It is the icing on the cake. I work hard, but I know a lot of other people work hard. I am proud to represent what hard work can achieve. I am very excited about the speech. It is an honor to be able to give my friends and everyone one I've interacted with a personal goodbye. What do think are some of your greatest accomplishments? I think one of my accomplishments would be being bold to reach out to people. That is a big accomplishment. My first two years I was so mopy about not having a community and true friends. The one word I can think of is intentional. It's cliché, but it is true. I needed to get over that fear of intentionality so I could sit with people who I wanted to know. I needed intentionality to approach people who I did not know and ask to sit with them and engage with them. It was this understanding that I am able to work towards building the community I want to be in. It's not always easy. Sometimes your in an environment that doesn't fit you. At Nyack, I was given the right tools to understand people and reach out. I would also say that learning a trade has been
an accomplishment. All my work in the library and the archives has been an accomplishment. When I started, I was so scared of messing up. I was so scared to ask questions. With that, I came to realize that I don’t have to know everything. It’s okay to be beginner. I have always been so hard on myself to be perfect and know everything. It is okay to start from scratch. It almost makes the journey more exciting and enjoyable. What was a challenge that helped you grow here at Nyack? A challenge for me was realizing I am responsible for my own choices. I don’t know if I would say it was physical challenge, but it was a challenge for myself. I went through some relationships that taught me that my decisions matter and I need to be responsible for the things I choose. I had this idea that if I rely on
God, He would prevent me from making bad decisions. I did not believe that God would do everything for me, but I thought he would stop me from making bad choice. But God let me make some bad choices and it challenged me and helped me own myself. I can’t depend on others. I am a big people pleaser. I am involved with writing center, library, drama. I had a lot of friend groups. I began to be challenged with people pleasing. I was being a different person with everyone. I realized I can’t please everyone. I have to be my own self and decide who I am going to be close with. I had to be my own self and filter and who I wanted to be intentional with. I think I would also add that the academics werchallenging, in that, I soon found out that I would have to make the most out of my own academics. My professors were challenging, especially at ATS. But I realized that in the areas I was not pushed I would have to push myself. I had to take responsibility for my own education. What advice would give the freshman you? My freshman self was so absorbed in her own struggles. I don’t blame her because it was a tough transition. For the first time, I was living on my own. I had a bank account and I had to depend on other people. I know I had a reason to be sad and depressed. However, what I would tell her is you know that God is telling you to trust him. If you trust Him, God will bring you through. If you are feeling sad, sit in your sadness, but know that you can ask for help. It is okay to be vulnerable. It is okay to not have everything figured out. I understand. . . (Continued at page 11) Volume 2: The Forum | 5
The Crucible Review
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BY KAELAH BYROM ‘20
his Spring Semester, Nyack College acting troupe performed Arthur Miller’s classic drama The Crucible; this production required the largest cast and crew in many years. This show proved to be a wonderful production that addressed many issues from the past, such as communism, but also issues of our today, such as racism and the concerns of the MeToo movement. Through choices in costumes, lighting, and even stage pieces, Dr. Pinkham and his two student directors, Marissa Antonucci and Rachel Buratovich, created a worthwhile show. The Crucible was not without its challenges. As stated before, this is Nyack College’s first show to have such a large cast and tech. There are twenty members in the cast and crew. This presented many challenges with scheduling conflicts. It was also difficult to gather enough students for parts in the play. The last student to join the cast was Miguel Valentin. However, Rachel Buratovich, one of the student directors, was forced to jump in last minute and pick up a role. Not only this, but Dr. Pinkham had to take a leave of absence for a week. All of this caused issues for the show. Therefore, it is very impressive that it pulled through in the end. The Director made specific choices to make the play stand out against a specific time frame. Rather than having 6 | Volume 2: The Forum
everyone dressed in standard 1690s clothing, Dr. Pinkham choose to have all the actors dressed in variations of grey, white and black. This was a clever choice of costuming because it helped take the show out of its original historic context of The Puritans. Due to the costume choices, the story is able to fit more closely to today's time and the issues that are happening today. Courtesy of Thomas Trott Though all actors performed with great talent, there were a few who stood out among the rest. Andre Douglas does an excellent job at portraying John Proctor as a fallen hero. By the end of the play, we are sympathetic for Proctor and the circumstances that have occurred. Joanna Corl also performs strongly as Elizabeth Proctor giving layers to an often times flat characters. At times, she brings the audience to tears. She closes out the play with her final lines. Maria Paschalis, an angel in real life, plays the devilish Abigail Williams. She portrays Abigail as manipulating and evil. Her representation of the character is absolutely excellent for, Maria could not be more opposite from the character in real life. Altogether, the cast worked very well together in their opening night and pulled through to give a satisfying, thrilling and thought provoking performance.
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Chorale Spring Concert BY GIANA JUSTO ‘18
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n Sunday evening April 8th, the Nyack College Chorale performed its Spring concert in Pardington Hall. Though a traditional musical performance, this concert differed from previous ones in that this would be conductor Joel Jameson’s final performance with the Nyack College Chorale. He has provided the school with amazing performances every year without fail. Believing that each student could perform at the highest level, he has left a mark on the students that he has taught by pushing them to their limit. The Chorale and the Nyack College community offer a big thank you to Dr. Joel Jameson for all his work and his gracious spirit . Introit Gloria! -Nikos Kline, Nyack student Early Music Psallite -Michael Praetorius If Ye Be Risen Again with Christ -Orlando Gibbons Contemporary/For the Church The Glory of the Father -Egil Hovland This is My Word -Pepper Choplin I Come to the Cross -Batstone/Somma Is It Nothing to You -Robert J. Powell When I Survey the Wondrous Cross -Gilbert Martin Interlude God of Grace -Paul Manz Et Misericordia from “Magnificat” (Professor Shelley Jameson) -John Rutter
What is the Crying at Jordan -Bret Heim And I did Nothing -David Lantz III One Little Word -William Vollinger Nyack College Chamber Singers Rise up, My Love, My Fair One -Healey Willian Set me as a Seal from “Wedding Cantata” -Daniel Pinkham Spirituals Witness -Jack Halloran Give me Jesus -Robert Sterling A Blessing (Jude 1:24-25) 8 | Volume 2: The Forum
-Paul Liljestrand
A Big Thank You to the Performers: Soprano Anderson, Deborah Flanagan, Lauren Justo, Gianna Leal, Rachel Moses, Marjorie Nobrega, Misty Owalabi, Oluwafisayo Rivera, Alyssa Tamondong, Kathryn Yosick, Bryanna Alto Adorno, Isabel Cabey, Wakeema Geraghty, Madison Hamilton, Tia Horton, Crystalyne Lopez, Shayla Norfrey, Crista Pope, Myriam Scaff, Djulie Sprowls, Grace
Tenor Callan, Robert Freitas, Matthew Hartsock, James Peng, Yuehan (John) Perry, Michael Stevenson, Jesse Trott, Thomas Williams, Hakim Yang, Robert Bass Anger, Daniel Brown, Adrian Brown, Skylar Contreras, Jonathan Kline, Nikos Locke, Stephen Perez, Angelo Richardson, Dale Yoon Tae Hag
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Die Fledermaus
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BY MORIAH SPENCER ‘19
yack College’s 2018 Opera Workshop under the direction of Professor Shelley Jameson premiered April 20 with an additional performance on April 22nd. The opera, Die Fledermaus written by Johann Strauss II in 1874, was a great success. Divided in three acts, the comedy featured a diverse and qualified cast. The opera opens with the character Dr. Falke (played by Stephen Locke) desiring to play a joke on Eisenstein (played by Matthew Ciufitellli) to get revenge for a mishap in their friendship years before. Dr. Falke begins his plan by inviting Eisenstein to attend a party before he goes to jail for 8 days because he insulted someone in a place of honor. While they party, Eisenstein’s wife, Rosalinda (played by Misty Nobrega (4/20), Rachel Leal (4/22)) remains at home. Meanwhile, Alfredo (played by Jesse Stephenson (4/20), Michael Perry (4/22)) visits Rosalinda, an old romantic flame. Long story short, Alfredo goes to jail because he was seen with Rosalinda and he pretended to be her husband. Dr. Falke continues with his plan to trick at the party hosted by Prince Orlofsky (played by Kathryn Tamondong) and inviting Eisenstein and Rosalinda's maid
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Adele (played by Deborah Anderson) who pretends to be an aspiring opera singer. Rosalinde tricks her husband by dressing up as a Hungarian countess and Eisenstein takes an interest in her. He uses a watch that in the past he has “hypnotized” women into liking him, but was not expecting Rosalinda to steal it when he tries to use it on her. After the party, everyone at the party ends up at the jail where they discover Alfredo and Eisenstein. She then confronts Eisenstein and Dr. Falke reveals his plan and how he tricked Eisenstein to get revenge. The opera concludes with everyone, on and off stage, laughing at Dr. Falke’s joke. Like many other attendees who had never attended an opera, I was uncertain what to expect. As soon as the actors started singing, I was captivated. Each student performer exhibited acting and musical talent. It also helped that Strauss’s Die Fledermaus is a very engaging and funny show. Using a modern interpretation (actors used cell phones and dressed in modern garb), the actors brought the comedy to life and the audience responded with laughter and applause. The night at the opera was a success; I can't wait to see next year’s opera!
(Continued from page 5: Interview with … Valedictorian)
the pain, but there is a light right now in your presence. It’s not all about the future. It’s about how you get through in the moment. What’s next? My desire is to go for a Master’s in Old Testament Literature or something of the sort. I really want to focus on Semitic languages maybe Syrian or Arabic. I feel the old testament is deeply misunderstood, because of the time period and the cultural context. The Old Testament is not just old. It is the first testament. We can get so much from it. I would love to pursue that. If graduate school does not work, I would like to work with YWAM. I would love to do some kind of relief work. However, there are so many directions I could go for. I could hone my cooking skills. Maybe not formally, but as a side thing. I could also go back to Brazil. That is not my prime idea. I would like to keep exploring the world. Where do you see yourself in five years? I will say what I desire. I would like to have a masters. I would like to be working towards my PhD. I would also like to be doing meaningful work at the church. At the moment, I am currently researching theater techniques to help people understand the Old Testament. I would like to do some work with that. I would love to combine my scholarship with my passion for theater to empower men and women to own the bible as the staple for faith. And then, I guess, hopefully meet someone who is a potential.
Who inspires you? Two Dutch people come to my mind, Corrie Ten Boom and Anne Frank. I would start with them as distant role models. Corrie ten Boom has just had a quiet power. She did so much with the resources she had, and yet she was in evidence for who she was. What she did for the Jews was amazing and after that her book was incredible. Ultimately, I think it was who she was that had the dimension of Christianity that is so underappreciated. She had obedience and just persistence in doing what's right even if it is uncomfortable. And for Anne Frank, what she went through and how she was able to engage in what she went through is beautiful. She would never imagine that her story would be read by so many people. She felt the fears and felt the joys, in spite and because of the experience. I would like to be like that. She was so genuine in hiding. I would say a lot of my professors inspire me, Dr. Davis, Dr. Widbin, Dr. Notley, and Dr. Poston. The four of them have really made my education much more vibrant just in their scholarship and the very things they pursue. It is just so inspiring. Enjoy where you are at. I think we waste too much time hoping we are somewhere else and being with other people. Just enjoy.
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Humans of Nyack Featuring . . . Benjamin Tse
Courtesy of Benjamin Tse
“Congratulations, Class of 2018! You did it! Thank you for finishing well and being role models to the underclassmen. I pray that you will serve the Lord in all of your endeavors. For those of you who becoming seniors next school year, I can’t wait to finish my undergraduate career with you. Cheers!”
Clubs at Nyack BY ISAIAH JOHNSON ‘19
A.S.A.P.
Appointed Steppers of Anointed Praise Leader(s): Captain- Codi Bobb Our Mission: We step to honor and glory God! We also try to win souls for the kingdom!
Courtesy of A.S.A.P
What’s next for us: We want our team to be a part of competitions! At the moment, we are looking for competitions for our team to enter. Also we would love for the team to have our first showcase in the fall semester.
Loudmouths
Poetry/Spoken Word/ Rap Club
Leader(s): Current President- Stephen Locke Future President- Terry Derby Future Vice President- Isaiah Johnson Treasurer: Matt Keeler Secretary: Chaz Whitfield Secretary: Deb Anderson Our Mission: Our goal is to foster an environment where people can grow, create, and share who they are through the arts. Together we hope to to encourage each other and inspire others with what we write. What’s next for us: We have a lot of plans for next semester. We hope to start producing merch, catering events, creating group projects, seeking outing opportunities, and possibly starting an after school program. As you can tell, we have a pretty large staff coming in, but we plan on using our diversity to spearhead all these new ventures.
Courtesy of Melissa Mattson
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The Lacrosse Club Leader(s): Current President- Connor Walker Our Mission:
We are a very diverse group of different athletic types with many of us having not even having played lacrosse before. However we have a few core guys who understand the game and we all just love to teach people anything they want to learn. We are slowly developing different ways to play, we do have an inventory of equipment and this allows us to field quite a large number of people at one time. The important thing to know is that we are accepting of anyone willing to give it a shot, regardless of your background or whether you even know how to play. Our goal is to create a good community of people who want to play sports, but just don't feel drawn to what is currently being offered to them.
Courtesy o f Lacrosse Club
What’s next for us:
For next semester, we are planning on going out to grab food together and taking buses to see D1 lacrosse games.
The Nyack College Business Society Leader(s): Current President- Hunter Hennessey Current Vice President- Paige Loughran Elected Official- Karen Pimental Elected Official- Nautika Clemons Our Mission: We are a group of students on a mission to make positive changes in the lives of innovative individuals who are passionate for success in an ethical, friendly environment. We as a club believe in faith, innovation and going beyond our comfort zones to reach success in our everyday lives.
Courtesy of Business Society
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What’s next for us: For next semester, we are inducting new leaders and seeing where their vision will take us in this new season for the club.
The Gospel Choir Leader(s): Current President- Diamond Flowers
Courtesy o f Gospel Choir
Our Mission: We are a spirit led club and ministry on campus that seeks to glorify and lift up the name of Jesus Through worship. we primarily focus on ministering with gospel music to bring musical diversity on campus and a different expression of worship. If you have a heart of worship and would like to be a part of this fellowship, join us!
What’s next for us: We are looking forward to welcoming new members and continuing to bring a spirit of worship to the Rockland campus.
The Nyack College Social Work Organization Leader(s): Current President- Joanna Carrasco Treasurer: Leielt Azanaw Secretary: Brandon Melendez Committee: Evelyn Immitt Our Mission: Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson We are a student-run body that seeks to enhance the social work learning experience and to serve the needs of the social work student community and others on campus! Our mission is to “promote the Social Work profession (within a Christian perspective) as an important and positive field that deserves recognition through Social Work education, community service, and campus awareness of social and political issues.” The verse we stand by is Proverbs 31:8-9, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.” Through SWO student meetings, community service outreaches, and various events, the SWO provides support and opportunities for students to develop and serve as competent, compassionate, catalysts in Christ. What’s next for us: Some new things that we are going to be introducing next semester is to start immediately with Homework Help/Study Group with all social work majors and minors, or even those who need help in general education classes. Also, we are looking to do a community outreach downtown with SWO and the student body at Nyack College! Stay tuned for more information! Blessings to all! Volume 2: The Forum | 15
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Student Research Conference
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BY ISAIAH JOHNSON ‘19
n April 9th, Nyack College’s Center for Scholarship and Global Engagement hosted the seventh annual Student Research Conference in Bowman Gymnasium. Upon entering, I discovered that the gym had been transformed into a conference hall, filled with students in their finest attire, poster boards covered in colorful research, and a presentation area, complete with carpeting, rows of chairs, and a projector. The keynote speaker for the event was Dr. Kathy Schoonover-Shoffner, the national director of Nurses Christian Fellowship. She has contributed to the field of nursing in oncology, cardiology, cardiac rehab, clinical research, and behavioral health settings. She spoke about the negatives and positives of technology in the industry of healthcare.
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson
As part of the proceedings, one hundred fourteen students presented sixty-seven different posters, addressing topics ranging from cloning to the effects of technology in the church. During separated sessions--one in the morning and the other in the early afternoon, students stood with their posters, talking through their research and explaining concepts to judges and guests alike. Judges walked through the displays, listening to presentations and assessing based on performance, content, and organization. Anita Oolut, Alex Garcia, and Ron Dollente (image above) presented on melatonin and its use as a sleep aid. The group explained how melatonin is . . .
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson Volume 2: The Forum | 17
melatonin. The conference was very interesting and inspiring, and many of the presentations reminding me of the importance of being intentional about maintaining good health.”
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson
. . . naturally produced by the brain in order to regulate sleep cycles. They further explained that the melatonin that a person can buy over the counter is synthetic and is used to help counteract sleep issues like jet lag or insomnia. The group used research to determine whether or not synthetic melatonin was an efficient method of sleep aid, while also exploring the efficiency of other methods of sleep aid. Dollente, a nursing major, class of 2020, commented on his experience as a presenter. “The Student Research Conference was a great experience. It was my first time participating and I would like to thank Nyack College for giving me the opportunity to present and research our topic of
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson 18 | Volume 2: The Forum
Every student received a certificate recognizing their hard work and dedication, but the first place winner out of all the presentations was Nathisa Zamor, with her presentation “Phaging War Against Antibiotic Resistance.” Within the
Courtesy of Isaiah Johnson
school of nursing competition the winners were Chantel Gordon, Chinaza Ndubisi, and Jennifer Nye for their presentation “Automated Medication Dispensing Systems in the Healthcare Setting.” Students and faculty departed after a busy day with new ideas and a greater understanding of the benefits and limitations of technology in our ever changing world.
Becoming Godly Women Through the Woman Program BY MORIAH SPENCER ‘19
Courtesy of Dr. Amy Davis Abdallah & Woman
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he Woman Mentorship Program at Nyack College provides seniors an opportunity to discover what it means to live the Christian faith as a woman. To participate in this program, female students who will be seniors in the upcoming fall semester must complete an online application and interview process. For $150 students will receive a book that they will study with their mentors and other participants in the program. The book focuses on what it means to be a woman with creation, others, self, and God. In speaking with Rebecca Dominguez, a recent graduate of the program, she explained that she had heard about the program from Amy Davis and decided to take part in it because she wanted to grow in her relationship with Christ. Rebecca's favorite aspect was interacting with a female staff member as a mentor for studying the book. Rebecca encourages others to commit to this program
because it pushed Rebecca out of her comfort zone and helped her to reach out to other women and to hear their stories. Once completing the mentorship there is a final ceremony where all the woman in the program celebrate together accomplishments. Heather Butcher, one of the staff leaders, discussed some of the recent changes in the program. Firstly, this past year instead of meeting in the hub as a group, they have been meeting in the basement lounge of Christie Hall. This has given them more room to develop a sense of community. Secondly, the Leadership Team has changed this past year that work alongside Amy Davis. For the 2017-18 academic year the team included Mariella Henry, Eugenia Ko, Yollanda Morgan, and Heather Butcher. This group of women will continue to work with Amy Davis for the upcoming years to build and support Nyack College’s women to send them into the world to make a difference. They have all worked hard to provide a program to transform the live.
Check out these links for more information: http://amyfdavisabdallah.com/category/woman-rite-of-passage/ https://nyackwoman.wordpress.com/
Also. . . Dr. Amy F. Davis Abdallah has written a book on Christian womanhood. You are welcomed to check it out at http://amyfdavisabdallah.com/ the-book-of-womanhood/ Volume 2: The Forum | 19