The student voice since 1926
Collegedale, Tennessee
Thursday, November 30, 2017
SA to host “De-stress” Christmas party Brandon Beneche Managing Editor
S o u t h e r n ’s Student Association (SA) will be holding its annual Christmas Party on Sunday, Dec. 3 in Wright Hall from 8:30-10:00 p.m. Jake Strauss, SA Social Vice President, said that the party will have a “De-stress” theme, with the goal of helping students relax during their preparation
for final exams. The party will mainly be held in the dining hall, which he said will be transformed into a relaxing lounge. Strauss said that there will be activities held in the Student Center and other rooms in Wright Hall. In addition to having comfy chairs, the party will have face masks, eye pillows, DIY ornaments and board games, along with hot chocolate and
snacks. Strauss also said that the Christmas party will have massages and therapy dogs. “Lots of students are preparing for finals,” Strauss said, “so I am trying to create an atmosphere where students can come relax and de-stress for a little bit. It’s a lot to do in a short amount of time… But I am excited for the night, and I am excited to relax at the De-stress Party!”
Vol. 73, Issue 11
SA invites students to destress on Dec. 3 in Wright Hall from 8:30-10:00p.m.
Southern records largest enrollment of freshman international students Cynthia Salinas Staff Writer
Southern recorded its highest enrollment of freshmen international students under the F-1 student visa as of this year. According to Enrollment, 49 new international students enrolled this semester, doubling the average enrollment of international freshmen. Currently, there are 200 international students on campus. Many international students hear about Southern by word of mouth or through student missionaries. Ando Razafindrabe, junior biomedical major f rom Madagascar, said, “I heard about Southern from a fellow church member. Choosing Southern
must have been the most irrational decision I’ve ever made on so many levels. I’m usually big on making ‘rational’ decisions, but this time around I decided to trust God.” Aside from attending because of a trusted friend or family member, international students say they have various reasons for coming to Southern. Yoshiaki Suzuki, senior biochemistry major from Japan, said, “I decided to come to the U.S. to go to med school while keeping the Sabbath. There is a Sabbath issue with the college entrance exam in Japan. I chose Southern for its Japanese community and its conservative Adventist environment.” However, the decision to come
to a school in the United States may have its challenges. The current political climate has made it difficult for students to enter the United States. Vo Huy, sophomore computer science major from Vietnam, said, “The first [challenge] was culture shock. People here love sharing, keeping very few secrets and making a lot of friendships. As my English professor said, ‘Western culture values relationships; Eastern values opinions.’” Finances may also be a challenge for international students, since they cannot receive government funding or work more than 20 hours per week under the F-1 student visa. They are also restricted to on-campus jobs.
The Ad-hoc committee on campus to supports international students with the challenges they face. From the moment students land in the U.S. to the moment they graduate, and at times, post-graduation, the committee offers its services to make the students’ lives as pleasant as possible while they study. The Ad-hoc committee is co-chaired by Elizabeth Anderson, Designated School Official (DSO) and Laurie Stankavich, English professor and English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator. Other members include Cheri Durst, Retention and First Year Advising Coordinator; Geovanny R a g s d a le , A dv a nc ement Associate Vice President; and
Laurence Chaij, adjunct professor for the Student Success Center. Anderson is one of five DSOs on campus, which means she is certified to deal with international document-processing. She serves as a liaison between the school, the government and the students. Stankavich interacts with many of the international students through her ESL classes, which allows her to see and respond to their specific needs. Durst focuses on social activities such as trips to downtown Chattanooga, monthly Sabbath potlucks and Saturday night get-togethers. “Southern Advent ist See ENROLLMENT, page 2