Vol.76, Issue 3

Collegedale News | 5

Opinion | 6

Religion | 6

Lifestyle | 7

Development plans for Sandy Trail withdrawn

Does Southern's dress code need to be updated?

Painful reminders of Earth, small glimpses of Heaven

Tips to pursuing a healthy lifestyle

September 16, 2020 Collegedale, Tennessee

Southern Accent

Vol. 76 Issue 3

The student voice since 1926

Diversity GEN Z Voters : Southern students Advisor gear up for November election plans week of civic activities Lesieli Heimuli Lead Reporter Southern will host a five-day civic engagement campaign in celebration of Constitution Week, a national observance commemorating the signing of the United States Constitution. The event, scheduled for Sept. 17 to 23, will cover topics about the Constitution, the First Amendment, and the importance of voter registration, as well as civil dialogue in today’s political arena.

Guster and the planning committee are working on ways to educate students about voter registration and how to vote by absentee ballot.

Senior Advisor for Diversity, Unity and Inclusion Stephanie Guster sees Constitution Week as an opportunity to encourage voting among students.

“It’s an invitation for our campus to get involved and become informed,” she said.

See CONSTITUTION on page 3

Taylor Dean News Editor María José Morán Lead Reporter As the 2020 presidential election approaches, clubs and organizations across Southern Adventist University’s campus are creating opportunities for students to obtain the resources they need to participate.

Among those fueling voter advocacy are members of Southern Votes, a student-led, independent group not associated with any particular club, but focused on supporting other groups that are hosting events geared towards the election.

Xavier Snyder, junior history major and president of the Society of Political Sciences, said the main reason for the program is to provide students—many of whom are non-residents of Tennessee—with the information

they need for voter registration and voting by absentee ballots through the mail.

Born after 1996, most members of this generation are not yet old enough to vote, but as the oldest among them turn 23 this year, roughly 24 million will have the opportunity to cast a ballot in November.

“I noticed that while our generation is pretty vocal about what

WSMC Radio Station moves under the auspices of SJC

we believe now, a lot of us don’t know how to vote,” said Snyder, a member of Generation Z (Gen Z). “Every year, there are these big movements for people to register, but there's not a lot of follow-up. [So], people can figure out how to do that. The main reason we're doing this is to make sure our generation knows, now—with such a big election— how to get registered.”

Snyder is not the only person focusing on college students and voting. As the presidential election quickly approaches, many political experts and demographers are trying to predict the impact that voting-age members of Gen Z could have on the results.

“One-in-ten eligible voters in the 2020 electorate will be part of a new generation of Americans—

Generation Z,” according to a May 14 article published by the Pew Research Center. “Born after 1996, most members of this generation are not yet old enough to vote, but as the oldest among them turn 23 this year, roughly 24 million will have the opportunity to cast a ballot in November.

And their political clout will continue to grow steadily in the coming years, as more and more of them reach voting age.”

According to a 2017 Pew Research article, Millennials outvoted Baby Boomers and older generations in both the 2016 and 2018 elections. This may suggest the extent to which voting has been emphasized among younger generations in recent See GEN Z on page 2

Southern eliminates food discounts and administrative fee Estefania Sanchez Lead Reporter One week before students returned to campus, Southern’s President's Cabinet decided to remove discounts and the administrative fee from student meal plans.

Prior to removal, discounts were applied at all food locations on campus, giving dorm students 40 percent off on their meals and commuter students 20 percent off.

Scott Kornblum, WSMC Director. Photo courtesy of Marketing and University Relations Department.

Patrick Scriven Staff Writer This summer, WSMC radio station announced that it would be brought under the administration of the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC). The changeover, planned for this fall semester, is expected to provide students with increased academic opportunities as well as professional hands-on experience.

Scott Kornblum, general manager of the station since 2009, is excited about the range of opportunities the transition will bring to students from various departments.

“The_transition_to_the_SJC

umbrella is a big deal,” Kornblum said. “Not only will more students be able to get involved with WSMC through projects, internships, and practicums, but the station will be infused with all of that new energy and fresh ideas about how to delight and serve our listeners even more.”

Rachel Williams-Smith, dean of_the_SJC,_also_expressed excitement for the potential of these programs.

“The SJC has always been strong on the practical side of things, and this adds yet another chance for students to gain

experience,” she said.

The wide range of student opportunities is not limited to the SJC. According to Williams-Smith, in an effort to boost student engagement, the School of Music plans to encourage its majors and minors to host programs and to share original pieces over the air.

The_100,000_watt_station reaches up to 25,000 weekly listeners and remains the only classical music station in the Chattanooga area. Kornblum sees the SJC integration as a “huge opportunity to increase awareness of See WSMC on page 3

When added all together, the 40 percent discount students would receive throughout the semester would roughly equal the $450 fee that was taken.

This decision was made due to COVID-19's impact on Southern’s campus. To make food services safer, the President’s Cabinet believed it would be in the students’ best interests to remove the discounts and fee, according to Verrill. This conclusion was based on the new Food

Services CBOARD GET app.

The app allows students to order food, pick it up quickly and avoid contact with large crowds as much as possible.

While it is a great way to help students feel safer picking up food, the app doesn’t have the appropriate technology to differentiate between dorm and commuter meal plans when attempting to pay.

Senior Vice President for Financial Administration Tom Verrill explained that because the app could not differentiate between the various meal plans on campus, the Cabinet decided to remove discounts altogether and return the $450 fee to the meal plan balance.

“It was last minute when we realized this app is not going to work well with the discounts,” Verrill said. “That was a primary driver. We felt these were important things for the students, and we were not able to accomplish them while having this structure. So we thought changing the structure was the best thing to do.”

Verrill said the new system may become permanent, but See CAFETERIA on page 2

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

2 | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

NEWS GEN Z

continued from page 1 years, but it is not conclusive enough to predict the impact of young voters in the 2020 presidential election.

Gen_Zers,_who_are_coming of age at a time of unexpected economic turmoil, differ from their Millennial predecessors, according to the May 2020 Pew Research article. In a survey conducted by the center two months earlier, 50 percent of Gen Zers, 18 to 23 years of age, reported that they or someone in their household had experienced a job loss or pay cut due to the pandemic.

Only 40 percent of Millennials reported similar implications.

Gen Zers were “particularly vulnerable” even before the pandemic because of their overrepresentation in service sector industries, which were among the hardest hit after the coronavirus outbreak, according to a jobs analysis cited by Pew Research.

“Unlike the Millennials—who came of age during the Great Recession—this new generation was in line to inherit a strong economy with record-low unemployment,” according to the Pew article. “That has all changed now, as COVID-19 has reshaped the country’s social, political and economic landscape. Instead of looking ahead to a world of opportunities, Gen Z now peers into an uncertain future.”

At Southern, many students are looking forward to exercising their political muscle in November. In an Instagram poll conducted by the Accent, students answered a series of questions related to the upcoming election and their potential involvement.

Of 227 participants, 177 (78 percent) said they plan to vote this year, and 50 (22 percent) said they did not.

In addition to helping various clubs prepare for the election, Southern Votes is working with Stephanie Guster, Southern’s senior advisor for diversity, in planning a campus-wide Constitution Week observance to encourage voter awareness and registration. The observance, from Sept. 17 to 23, will involve various academic departments and organizations.

However, Southern Votes activities won’t be limited to just one week, said Snyder. The initiative will be divided into two phases: The first phase will run through the beginning of October and will focus on registration. The second phase will run until Election Day and educate students on how, where and when to vote.

In the upcoming weeks until Election Day, the program will have booths set up on the Prom-

Corrections and Clarification The Southern Accent takes complaints about inaccuracy seriously. To fix errors or misinformation, we will publish, with some limited exceptions, corrections or clarifications. To report mistakes, email us at accent@southern.edu or reach us through our social media accounts.

enade,_where_students_can engage with about 40 Southern Votes volunteers to receive resources about voting. Snyder said the organization will follow up with students who may have questions or a need f or help.

“A lot of people are confident about who they're going to vote for,” he said. “But they just don't know how to vote.”

Junior marketing major Kirsten Clark said it would be helpful if Southern provided more resources that explain how to vote for students living away from home.

the university should educate students about voting the same way that it provides community service opportunities. In the meantime, she’s doing her part to ensure that students get the necessary information.

“If you truly care about your

community, you will want to help it by voting for good policies and leaders,” said Van Arsdell. “Your vote can make a difference, so please vote!”

Before the changes, commuter students could customize the amount they wanted on their meal plans and would receive a 20 percent discount when purchasing food from campus eateries.

For dorm students, there are three meal plan options: bronze, silver and gold. Each plan allows students to spend a different amount of money on meals for the semester and previously included a 40 percent discount for food purchases. The administrative fee was a $450 amount

taken from the selected dorm meal plan that helped fund the cafeteria budget, according to Frood. To compensate for the money that was deducted, students would receive meal discounts based on their living arrangements on campus.

After the $450 deduction, the remaining balance left in the meal plan was for students to spend on food anywhere on campus. . Essentially, the fee and discounts were put in place to fund the cafeteria while still allowing residents to get the full

meal plan value. This enabled students to freely decide where they wanted to eat on campus while helping the cafeteria stay funded.

“We set an admin fee to say, ‘This is the fee that equates to the 40 percent off,’” Frood said.

“We were attempting to make things flexible. We wanted to protect the financial situation of the café while allowing you, the students, some flexibility about how you wanted to spend those dollars.”

We all have our own political opinions. But at the end of the day, what we agree on is that it’s important that we get out to vote and make sure people know how to vote.

“Getting an absentee ballot is a little bit of a pain,” she said.

“I’m registered to vote in Washington, but I’ll be at school over the elections. I had to do some research to understand what I had to do to be able to vote, and I’m currently taking an overload at school. I don’t really have time to be doing research.”

According to Snyder, the 40 volunteers that will be helping out with the Southern Votes program will be equipped not only with the knowledge of how to vote in each of their respective home states, but will be able to provide knowledge for all 50 states.

“Let's say, for example, we have a guy come up to a booth and he's from Arkansas, and he doesn't know how to vote in Arkansas,” Snyder said. “So, what we'll do is connect him with our Arkansas voting expert, and that person will work with him to make sure he knows what he needs in order to get his ballot and be registered to vote. We’ll also make sure he knows his deadlines, too.”

Additionally, Snyder said the program is completely nonpartisan. He said volunteers have been told that under no circumstance should they attempt to sway anyone to vote a certain way.

“We're not a political campaign for one direction or the other,” Snyder said. “We all have our own political opinions. But at the end of the day, what we agree on is that it’s important that we get out to vote and make sure people know how to vote.”

Southern Votes posters and a social media account will

CAFETERIA

continued from page 1 he’s not completely certain.

“Now that we have made the change, I believe this will be our structure moving forward,” he said.

To better understand the recent changes, Executive Director of Budgeting and Financial Analysis Douglas Frood explained why students had the discounts and administrative fee to begin with.

Southern Accent The Accent encourages readers to write articles and voice their opinions.

However, the views expressed do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Accent, Southern Adventist University, or the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

be up and running within the near future, Snyder said. In the meantime, students can contact him via email at xsnyder@ southern.edu.

Freshman history major Amy Van_Arsdell,_a_Gen_Zer_and Southern Votes volunteer, said

Lifestyle Editor Elise Deschamps Editor-in-Chief Paola Mora Zepeda

Opinion Editor Paula Macena

Managing Editor Qualyn Robinson

Religion Editor Sarah Klingbeil

For any questions, comments, and article submission information email us at accent@southern.edu

News Editor Taylor Dean

For all advertising inquiries, email studentadmgr@southern.edu

Collegedale News Editor Bailey DuBose

Sports Editor Zach Roberts Photo Editor Xander Ordinola

Copy Editors Megan Yoshioka Christina Coston Layout Designers Nick Nieves Allison Bradley Web Manager Timothy Morgan Circulation Manager Samuel Mora Zepeda

Lead Reporters María José Morán Amanda Blake Aubri Dancek Estefania Sanchez Gia Arroyo Lesieli Heimuli Zoe Kanas Xavier Quiles Staff Sponsor Alva James-Johnson

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

3 | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

NEWS

WSMC

continued from page 1 WSMC across campus.”

Junior mass communication major Cameron Reel is one of many students eager to see what the station has in store.

“We have a full-blown radio station here on campus, and I don’t even know what happens there,” Reel said. “I really want

to learn more about the inner workings of the radio station, and I feel like this is a really great opportunity for me to do so.”

When asked about the student-station relationship, Kornblum added, “Those students are our lifeblood, and our audience forms relationships with them…

The potential for integration and collaboration across campus is

SALT brings program closer to home

CONSTITUTION continued from page 1

Guster and the planning committee are working on ways to educate students about voter registration and how to vote by absentee ballot. Organizers also plan to disseminate information about the shortage of poll workers and how students can earn extra income by working in that area.

Along with the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC), the planning committee will also use this platform to emphasize the five freedoms stated in the First Amendment— the freedoms of speech, religion, and the press, and the rights to peaceably assemble and petition the government for a redress of grievances. Each day will focus on a different freedom.

On Sept. 17, History and Political Studies Department Chair Lisa Diller and a student panel will have a critical conversation during convocation in commemoration of Constitution Day. On Sept. 18, campus-wide activities will focus on “Freedom of Religion.”

Additionally, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th_Amendment,_which granted women the right to vote in the United States —Tennessee being the last state to do so. On Sept. 21, there will be a Women’s Suffrage Parade on the Promenade in celebration of freedom of assembly. Guster said she hopes to bring attention to this subject because many people don't know about this pivotal moment in history.

“That’s a privilege that we don’t talk enough about,” she said. “If not discussed, it could be easily taken for granted.”

Next week, the SJC will hold two events. The first is a spoken word competition based on the five freedoms, which will be held Sept. 22 to reaffirm the importance of free speech. Students, alumni and members of the community are invited to participate. The prizes are $250, $100 and $50 for first-, second- and

Dawson Stephens and Courtney Savage engage in SALT evangelism. Photo by Xander Ordinola.

third-place winners, respectively.

The second event is a “Social Justice and the Five Freedoms” virtual town hall meeting scheduled for Sept. 23. The next day, on Sept. 24, history professor Kevin Burton will deliver a presentation titled: “Is Social Justice Anti-Adventism?”

That’s a privilege that we don’t talk enough about. If not discussed, it could be easily taken for granted.

Through_the_week-long observance, Guster hopes to encourage civil dialogue among Christians about the current political climate.

“We need to figure out a way to be engaged and talk through issues as [Christ] would have us to do,” Guster said. "...Being civically engaged as a Christian means knowing the reason you've chosen to do something or knowing the reason you've chosen not to do something.”

Other departments, clubs and organizations participating in Constitution Week include Southern Votes, the School of Social Work, the Social Work Club, the League of Women Voters and the Society of Political Sciences.

“What we would love to see happen at the end of this week is that students of every major make a connection [to] their life choice of study,” Guster said.

“Professors [can] encourage civic activities toward understanding civic engagement and having the dialogues in their courses...helping students [recognize] how their major connects with civic responsibility and voter registration."

Patrick Scriven sets up a voting poster in preparation for Southern's Constitution Week. Photo by Xander Ordinola.

Ciarah Clark Staff Writer Southern Adventist University’s Soul-winning and Leadership Training (SALT) program is expanding outside of its usual agenda to reach out to Southern students, according to senior religious studies major and SALT leader Noah Banks.

“SALT is a Bible-working program where you’re taught how to share your faith...in local communities or even across the world,” Banks said. “They really wanted to reach deep into the campus and give people the opportunity...to learn more about who God is.”

According to Banks, SALT has previously focused solely on sending students doorto-door throughout the Chattanooga area to offer Bible studies. This semester, SALT students also will be organizing an evangelistic prayer week for students in October.

According to Banks, another change to SALT’s program will be leading LifeGroups and offering Bible studies to students on campus as part of an “in-reach” initiative.

“While they’re out in the community, they’re going to be reaching into the campus and giving Bible studies to people that are questioning, that need help and would like to learn more about their own faith,” he said.

Freshman psychology major Justin Mertz is looking forward to leading his LifeGroup.

“I want to use what God has given me to reach others at Southern,” he said. “I know [there are] kids here who want that, who are hungry for it, who have a calling for it.”

According to Banks, SALT aims to provide students with a variety of evangelistic methods.

“Now, they get to learn how to reach out to people on multiple different platforms,” he said.

Banks said that the COVID19 pandemic has not affected SALT’s outreach apart from wearing masks and practicing social distancing. He believes the pandemic is a blessing in disguise.

“In a way, it’s kind of made us come together more,” he said.

“We’re all so happy to be here.

Since all of us are willing to come here in the pandemic, we all know that we all want it. This is our priority.”

To students considering joining SALT, Banks said, “Even with the fear of a pandemic or a fear of natural disasters or racism or riots or whatever fear it may be, you have to believe that your faith is stronger, that God is bigger than anything possible...If you think you know your faith, join SALT and test it.”

Campus Safety reminds students of crosswalk rules, etiquette

Joseph Dietel crosses VM crosswalk. Photo by Xander Ordinola.

Gia Arroyo Lead Reporter Class of 2012 alumnus Andrew T h o m a s _ A n d e r s o n _ J r. _ h a s encountered Southern students crossing the street at night without activating the crosswalk signals. The area that concerns him the most is the crosswalk near the Village Market.

“I have experienced students not stopping and looking both ways before crossing,” Anderson said.

Southern’s student handbook states “pedestrians crossing the streets on campus should cross at the designated crosswalks.”

It further states, “If the pedestrian does not allow reasonable time and distance for the driver to stop, the driver has the right-of-way.”

Campus Safety Officer Josh Fraker said that Southern abides by Tennessee pedestrian laws, which say, “No pedestrian shall suddenly leave a curb or other place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.”

Fraker wants students to remember: “Crossing at dusk or dawn can be particularly dangerous. While there are street lamps, there are times when lighting conditions may render you hard to see. Use the flashing lights button each time you cross. Local residents are used

to seeing the flashing notification lights indicating someone is in the crosswalk and look for them to be activated.”

Bicyclists using the crosswalk should also be cautious when crossing the street.

Riders are not required to dismount from their bicycles to use the crosswalk. Tennessee bicycle laws do not require cyclists to wear protective gear unless they are under the age of 16.

pedestrians crossing the streets on campus should cross at the designated crosswalks. If the pedestrian does not allow reasonable time and distance for the driver to stop, the driver has the right-of-way.

“There are requirements that bicycles follow all vehicle laws when operating on the road and all pedestrian laws when on a sidewalk,” Fraker said.

Unless they are walking with their bicycles, riders are considered a vehicle and not a pedestrian.

Senior mass communication-media production major Kehiry Castillo said, “When crossing the street at a crosswalk, I always look both ways before crossing. I think it’s so important to be aware of my surroundings.”

On the contrary, senior social work major Caleb Olmedo has noticed many people press the crosswalk signal and keep their heads down while crossing.

“I can’t put my trust in drivers that I have no control over,” Olmedo said. “Accidents happen, so I have to press the button. Because if those cars are moving at 20 mph, I could still get hit.”

Campus Safety's Rules for Pedestrians: 1. Cross street at marked crosswalks only.

2. Crossing elsewhere forfeits your right as a pedestrian.

3. Make eye contact with car driver to make sure they see you.

4 | Wednesday, September 9, 2020

NEWS

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

5 | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

COLLEGEDALE NEWS Community development plans for Sandy Trail withdrawn Aubri Dancek Lead Reporter A proposal to build a single-family residential Planned Unit Development (PUD) that would span over 91 acres from near Sandy Trail to the Collegedale city boundary has been withdrawn and original plans are being altered for a later date.

The application was brought to the Collegedale Municipal Planning Committee in July by Mike Price, of MAP Engineers, on behalf of the property owners, Blue Mountain Company.

The proposal was to rezone what is currently marked as agricultural land located west of the railroad crossing at the end of Sandy Trail to the Collegedale city boundary with an access point on Orchard Drive.

The first general site plan depicted 198 buildable sin-

gle-family lots. According to the rezoning request form, the PUD would provide a “community space to include existing wetlands and streams with buffers, walking trails, clubhouse and pool.”

Kelly Andrew Martin, planning economic director for the City of Collegedale, said using Sandy Trail is problematic because the developer must request and receive permission from the railroad to cross its tracks with a new public road.

Such a request is not usually granted due to safety concerns, according to Martin.

“The Collegedale Municipal Planning Commission first heard the case in July and agreed with staff’s recommendation to defer until August,” he said.

“ Prior to the August meeting of the Planning Commission, staff did not receive the requested information from the applicant in a timely manner.

Therefore, staff’s recommendation to the planning committee was to deny the request.”

In the planning committee meeting that took place on Aug. 10, concerns were expressed that the proposal did not include proper sewage and infrastructure plans.

“After reviewing the site plan’s technical aspects as well as a qualitative review of its appropriateness, staff recommended that the Collegedale Municipal Planning Commission defer the request pending additional information regarding access and sewer accessibility to the site,” Martin said.

In the same meeting, Price defended the project to the committee.

We’re basically taking the plan and starting from scratch. There is no timeline right now, but we will look at everything and re-evaluate. Right now, we’re looking at using the same entry point but will consider different property zones.

“The project covers 98 acres in total, 35.7 acres is community space,” he said. “That’s creek

areas, buffers, community space and playgrounds. Almost 40 percent of this development is community space, which I think is positive.”

At the end of the Aug. 10 meeting, the applicant requested a deferral, meaning that another meeting would take place on Sept. 14 to look at the proposal again. However, in a recent interview with Mike Price, he confirmed that the company would be withdrawing the application.

“We’re basically taking the plan and starting from scratch,” he said. “There is no timeline right now, but we will look at everything and re-evaluate.

Right now, we’re looking at using the same entry point but will consider different property zones.”

Master site plan for the single-family residential Planned Unit Development (PUD). As of now the proposal has been withdrawn.

Plans drawn by MAP engineers. Diagram from collegedaletn.gov.

SPORTS Intramurals ramp up, adjust to COVID-19 precautions

Davy Ondrejka Contributor

Xavier Snyder Contributor Intramural softball is now at the halfway point, and teams are beginning to find their rhythms during this unusual season. The COVID-19 pandemic did not cancel the season, but it did create a series of rules and regulations to help protect players from possible exposure. Team players are required to wear their masks when in the dugout and are required to socially distance-- although players that are on the field are exempt from the mask rule. The Southern intramurals program has taken necessary precautions to allow this season to take place. And, so far, students seem to be adapting well.

“Sometimes, it can feel like an inconvenience. But at the end of the day, we are just glad to be out here playing softball still,” said Aden Sikes, sophomore math education major.

Despite these changes, a number of teams seem to have adjusted and continue to play well across the board. In the women’s softball league, both the Southern Breeze and Lucky 13 2.0 are leading in the standings. Team SOS trails these two teams, but still has a chance to win and move up.

NFL kicks into gear: an overview of the first week

In men’s softball, A-League only saw four teams sign up this year, but there has been no shortage of excitement between them. At the time of writing, Los Bandidos has a strong lead over the other teams in the standings while currently remaining undefeated. Behind them is Keeping Softball Great Again, followed by Average Joe’s and Old School.

Sometimes, it can feel like an inconvenience.

But at the end of the day, we are just glad to be out here playing softball still.

In contrast, B-League Men’s softball has seen 12 teams sign up this season, creating the need to split the teams between an East and West division. In the East, the Rich Athletes and Who’s on First lead, while in the West, Dingers Only leads with five other teams closely tied for second. All-night softball is still planned for September 26th, and will be held on campus this year.

That’s right football fans, the NFL is back! Week 1 of football has just begun, and with it come answers to many questions about how the season will unfold. During the off-season, we saw some big names sign to new teams, with two of the most notable being Cam Newton, former Carolina Panther now New England Patriot, and Tom Brady, the long-time New England mainstay now as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.

Cam Newton should be fine as the new star QB for Bill Belichick. If we know anything by now, it’s that Belichick

can work with just about anyone to be a contender for the Superbowl. On the other hand, Tom Brady has a lot to prove in Tampa Bay. He has been gifted with a lot of offensive talent. But will that be enough for a proven yet aging QB? Last Sunday was filled with upsets. The Eagles, which just two years ago won a Superbowl, lost to the still-to-be-named Washington Football team. The Eagles have some work to do to take the division. Another surprising loss was taken by the 49ers who were a heavy favorite going into Sunday’s game.

Last year the 49ers were up 20 to 10 on the Chiefs in the Super Bowl before letting Patrick Mahomes score 21 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. The Cardinals were in last place last season.

Understandably, there is a lot of rust from all of the teams.

This can be partially attributed to the fact that players could not begin normal practices due to COVID-19 until way later in the year. It’s still just Week 1, but expect teams to begin improving and looking like their normal selves. Just remember not to underestimate the underdog.

6 | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

OPINION

Does Southern’s dress code need a change?

The right to self-expression without sexualization

A stepping stool to professionalism

Luisa Macena Contributor

Marisa Negron Contributor

Southern’s current dress code is based on a conservative ideology, which is understandable considering the ideologies of Southern’s founders and many donors. To follow the dress code is to respect their ideas and ways of living.

However, it is necessary to understand that this is a new generation that grew up differently than those before us.

We shouldn’t be so strict with dress code because it perpetuates rape culture. I have personally witnessed that most professors and deans are more strict about dress codes with girls than with boys. I grew up hearing teachers say that we shouldn’t distract boys from their education, but that just tells us that our education doesn’t matter. All the dress code has done is promote the objectification and sexualization of women and blame the person wearing the clothes for the onlooker’s perception and actions.

If we, as a community, are so worried about a boy’s attention in school when a girl is wearing a skirt that’s just a little too short, why are we allowing them to drive? How can they focus on the road when there are women on billboards wearing short dresses and lingerie? It should be considered a public safety hazard, but it’s not.

I feel certain items on the

dress code should be taken away. Yet, we shouldn’t get rid of it all. We should be allowed to wear what we want without being punished or criticized for our choices. Clothing is a way of self-expression and we should be able to have fun in

choosing the colors and styles of our clothes. If my skirt is a bit above my knees, I should be allowed to wear it. And no one should be sexualizing my body for the items I choose to wear.

Growing up in an Adventist family and attending Adventist schools exclusively up through college, I always had a dress code. Until college, I always had a uniform to wear, which I hated then. Looking back, I now realize it was the school’s way of blurring the lines between rich and poor students.

Of course, my high school held the students to a certain standard. So, when I got to Southern Adventist University, I actually appreciated the ability for students to express themselves a little more freely with what they wore instead of having to wear monotonous uniforms.

A dress code that encourages us to dress modestly prepares us for what will be an expectation later in our careers.

Although Southern has rules and regulations that seem, at times, a little inexplicable, I believe that the dress code overall is a positive thing for the university. We, as students, are not going to be in school for the rest of our lives and will someday have to face the professional world. A dress code that encourages us to dress modestly prepares us

for what will be an expectation later in our careers.

Yes, casual dress is becoming more and more prevalent in businesses like ones geared toward creative work environments. However, in this case, I would say it is better to be safe than sorry. Dressing professionally in college will build the habit early on.

A dress code can be defined as a boundary, and I believe boundaries are made to be pushed. If the dress code is set at a more modest level, then those who choose to cross the lines are still going to be within the lines of modesty.

For example, Southern’s handbook states that ripped jeans and jewelry are not technically permitted, but not outright banned either. Some faculty and staff will not tell a student to remove such articles of clothing if he or she wears it to class. If Southern’s dress code was more lenient, the boundaries would be even closer to immodesty. The lines would be crossed, and students would ultimately show up to class in short shorts and crop tops. Therefore, I believe the dress code is lenient enough to allow for individuality, but strict enough to teach students professionalism.

RELIGION Painful reminders of Earth, small glimpses of Heaven: The now and the not yet David Wolf Contributor I’m going to be honest right from the beginning. I’ve been a bit of an emotional mess during these last couple of weeks. Even now, as I listen to the peaceful sounds of crickets outside my open window, I feel this tension in my chest. It feels heavy and achy, but it also feels hopeful and warm. I’ve been feeling this way since I returned to campus several weeks ago.

As a returning student, I can’t help but see campus life through the eyes of what used to be. In some ways, it feels like I’m seeing double. I see the mostly empty cafeteria in sharp contrast to the packed place I once knew. The smiles I used to see on the promenade are now hidden behind masks, and the only indication of emotion is expressed in eyes, postures and voices. The singing, hugs and closeness I experienced last year are currently postponed as we all work together to protect each other from a virus that has taken way too many lives. My heart aches and is heavy as I see daily reminders of how different this current season is. I’m constantly reminded of the now.

Yet, my heart is also hopeful and warm because I continue seeing little glimpses of Heaven.

It’s in the golden sunrise and the purple sunset. It’s in the gentle breeze that’s currently blowing through my window as the crickets sing their song. It’s in the smiling eyes of someone studying with me in the library, and it’s in the raw and honest stories of how God has been beautifully breaking, molding and reshaping the lives of my friends during this season. It’s in these moments that I catch glimpses of Heaven, somehow shining into this earthly space.

These moments remind me of the not yet.

Friend, doesn’t Jesus feel this too? His eagerly anticipated heavenly reunion with hugs and closeness has been delayed, and His desire for harmony and perfect peace is daily disrupted by a virus of sin and an earthly quarantine. Our God feels the hate, sorrow, joy and laughter that are all running parallel in this time of tension. Each feeling is a constant reminder of the now and a gentle whisper of the not yet.

Inside of this place and amid this tension, Jesus stoops low and sits on my level. He joins me on the floor of my heart and says, “I’m hurting too.”

God can meet me in this place because He has felt what I am feeling—and on a much grander scale than I could ever imagine.

Jesus created this world, died to save it and then daily engages in our spaces of joy and pain because He believes pursuing us is worth it. He knows that the current reality, filled with small glimpses of Heaven and painful reminders of Earth, is but a small moment in comparison with what is to come.

He sees you, friend. Jesus chose to make His home in our humanity. He’s sitting with you when you hit rock bottom, when the now seems overwhelming. He’s standing beside you on the mountain when you catch a holy glimpse of what is to come. I invite you to join me in embracing this beautiful tension. There is beauty in the humanness of the now and in the glory of the not yet.

For more related news, visit our website at southern-accent.org

7 | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

LIFESTYLE

Getting back to the basics: Seven tips to pursue a healthier lifestyle Alexandra Lang Contributor As Seventh-day Adventists, we have a unique message of leading a holistic lifestyle that can be more than passively part of our identity—it can be actively lived out.

Deuteronomy 6:5 says to “love the Lord with all your heart, soul, and strength.” The word for strength here translates more accurately as “very” or “much.”

Basically, we should love God with all our being, using every possibility, capacity and opportunity we have to serve and honor Him.

There is a massive amount of advice and opinions out there. I encourage you to not be afraid of trying things and putting ideas to the test!

millions of people in the world live without access to clean water, adequate nutrition and proper health education. Not only that. Our society’s standards of beauty and strength often distract us from nurturing the health of our minds and souls as much as our bodies.

I want to share some practical tips with you that I’ve found helpful in my pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. There are massive amounts of advice and opinions out there. I encourage you to not be afraid of trying things and putting ideas to the test! I believe that when it comes to health, there is a lot we can do to get back to the basics:

Water Drink at least half your body weight in ounces every d a y. _P r e l o a d _ m e a l s _ w i t h _ water_instead_of_drinking_ during meals. Drink water instead of snacking.

To me, the pursuit of optimal health is important in helping serve God and loving others as I can, with a fullness of energy and vigor.

Health has always been a big passion of mine. I was blessed to grow up in a home where healthy eating and physical activity were valued and prioritized. Like most of us, though, I often take my health for granted. It’s easy to forget that

Whole foods Eat foods in their unpro(e.g. an apple instead of apple juice, or oatmeal instead of dry cereal).

Keep moving In

-

day (e.g. squats in the bathroom, push-ups or jumping jacks as a study break, parking farther away or standing up while studying).

Front-load your calories You’ve probably heard the phrase “breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, dinner like a pauper.” Calories eaten in the morning burn more easily than calories eaten at night. Not only that, but a light dinner will help you sleep better.

Eat mindfully This means putting away the screens and being intentional about enjoying meals and people you’re with.

Walking Low the body burn more fat at rest.

Fifteen minutes of walking or ing at all!

Laughter It’s a sign that you aren’t taking life too seriously.

I hope this has inspired you to keep walking towards the healthiest version of yourself!

keep moving throughout the

SOCIAL MEDIA

For a chance to be featured, use #saulife or tag @sauaccent on Instagram or Twitter in your posts!

Twitter

#SAUlife Natalie Hutchins

Emmanuel Marte

Joel Guerra @j8war Theo majors are just Public Relation majors that study their Bible

Luis Moreno @realluism Already failed week one of Fit for Hire

Samuel Kumendong @samm_ek No one: Nursing students after tests: alright, time to cry

itsnatalie_h birthday love #SAUlife

Trisney Bocala

_.emmanual_ southern sunsets #SAUlife

Aimee Anunciacion

Monica Mendoza @monicafoorever Tell me why there is someone on campus driving a Tesla Model 3 and I’m driving a Honda Tesla 2007

Cameron Reel @thereelcameron I’m friends with the stray cat that lives in village … Well it looked at me when I said pspspsps … So basically bffs

trisneyyy smiling through september #SAUlife

Congratulations @i_l_r_s! Come pick up your gift card in the Accent office.

Byron Montenegro

aiancn happy me ft the wristband of the day :-) #SAUlife

Leah Lauzon

Kevin is hungry after a busy week of classes, so he is going out for some sandwiches this weekend. Find him in this issue to recieve a,

$10 Firehouse Subs Gift Card!

DM us on Instagram with a photo of where Kevin is hiding in this issue for a chance to win! byron_moontenegro ft my girls watch #SAUlife

leahlasagna Wear a mask please!! #SAUlife

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Paola Mora at paolam@southern.edu

8 | Wednesday, September 16, 2020

CHATTER SA Announcements ATTENTION SENIORS: Seniors, your senior portraits are coming up! They will be held in the Sherrie Norton Room, located in the Student Center, on Tuesday and Wednesday, September 15 and 16, from 12:00-5:00 PM.

Today 16 66-75

If you want your Senior portrait in the yearbook, make sure to be there.

Bring a pen! It is not by appointment so, first come, first serve!

11:00 a.m. – Senior Portraits, Sherrie Norton Room

Check out our new website!

Thursday 17 Friday 18 57-76

12:00 p.m. - Deadline for Graduation Contracts for December/May Graduation 6:30 & 8:00 p.m. – Vespers 7:42 p.m. – Sunset

Sunday 20 51-78

9:00 a.m. – Ocoee Rafting Trip

11:00 a.m. – Critical Conversations 1:00 p.m. – ACT Exam 5:30 p.m. – Student Organization President’s Orientation

Saturday

www.southern-accent.org 64-75

19

55-76 Flag Football Sign-Ups begin 9:00 a.m. – Connect, Goliath Wall 9:00 a.m. – Outdoor Family Sabbath School, Student Park 10:30 a.m. – Adoration: Pastor David Ferguson, Student Park 10:30 a.m. – Collegiate Sabbath School, facebook.com/theexperiencecollegedale/ 11:30 a.m. – Merge, mergeatsau.com 11:45 a.m. – Renewal: Pastor David Ferguson, Renewal Livestream & Live in Church 7:30 p.m. – Evensong 7:41 p.m. – Sunset 9:00 p.m. – SA Event: Moonlight Film Fest

Monday 21 Student Missions Emphasis Week 12:00 p.m. – Alumni Think Tank 3:30 p.m. – Undergraduate Council

Tuesday 22 55-78

Student Missions Emphasis Week 12:00 p.m. – Student Organizations Advisors’ Meeting 8:00 p.m. – Chapel, Thatcher Hall Chapel

53-76

Weekly Birthdays TODAY|16

Fernandez

Calle Turk

Anna Bennethum

Rebecca Pierce

Monday |21

Noah Gloudeman

Lauren Powell

Corban Acker

Annie Jeong

Nathan Ray

Woobin Cho

Armando Nieves

Keyshma Theodule

Misael Iadisernia

Keelie Puckett

Josh Vollberg

Cindy Jumuad

Justin Ross

Joshua Yim

Judy Ornelas

Jomari Villoso

Saturday |19

Deepa Philipose

Dominik Werner

Sheryl Barreto Acuna

Lis Rosales

Thursday |17

Jennifer Castellon

Branyely Vega

Jared Chandler

Bradley Culpepper

Emmanuel Venegas

Emma Gibson

Myles Dean

Dominique Williams

Jamie Henderson

Lorie Godoy

Tuesday |22

Lucas Kim

Nick Gonzaga

Timothy Ashley

Nathalia Levterova

David Hernandez

Annah Brown

Daniel Marquez

Amanda Kalumbang

Katherine Chavez

Samuel Mora

Josiah Kumpel

Estefany Fernandez

Emily Parker

Allen Sangar

Lexi Gillard

Friday |18

James Sherard

Brittany Howard

David Alvarez

Jenn Walker

Patrick McGraw

Mia Chedalavada

Adhey Waworuntu

Zachariah Reich

Ana Guerrero

Amariah White

Brett Seasly

Angeline Harper

Sunday |20

Kimberly Sencial

Aron Mariano

Dulce Hernandez

Genesis Ventura

Adrian Morales-

Josh Tsai

Benya Wilson

MASTER’S DEGREE IN COUNSELING Let Us Help You Help Others

Southern’s counseling program provides practical knowledge combined with a highly-supervised clinical experience.

Scheduled for Your Convenience Hybrid classes support your work-life balance.

Designed for Your Success Southern’s CACREP-accredited programs in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling prepare students for state licensure and provide practical knowledge and clinical experience.

Grounded in Christian Principles The training you receive at Southern will be grounded in Christian principles and designed to prepare you for work in a variety of settings.

Master of Science in Counseling • Clinical Mental Health Counseling • School Counseling

1.800.SOUTHERN • southern.edu/graduatestudies