Vol. 79 Issue 6

Mental Health | 5

Opinion | 6

Religion | 6

Lifestyle | 7

How to face the 'Sunday scaries'

We need more politicians like Ramaswamy

How to help a suffering friend

A skater's journey of practice and passion

October 18, 2023 Collegedale, Tennessee

Southern Accent

Vol. 79 Issue 6

The student voice since 1926

Ron Halvorsen Jr. prepares Southern adapts to to lead Collegedale church education in

Ron Halvorsen Jr. and his wife, Buffy, are longtime associates in team ministry. Halvorsen will be the next senior pastor for Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists. (Photo courtesy of the Georgia-Cumberland SDA Conference)

Amanda Blake Editor-in-chief Matthew Orquia Managing Editor Editor’s Note: The Accent published the first version of this article online on Oct. 7. The following version adds additional perspectives to the story.

Ron Halvorsen Jr., senior pastor of North Cascade Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) Church in Burlington, Washington, will be the next senior pastor of Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists.

Gary Rustad, president of the Georgia-Cumberland Conference of Seventh-day Adventists, announced the decision on Saturday, Oct. 7, during

worship services, emphasizing Halvorsen’s background as a praying leader who has already pastored three Adventist college and university churches.

In a press release issued by the conference, Halvorsen was quoted as saying: “I like working with all the different age groups, but I like the life and vitality that comes with campuses of kindergarten through [graduate] level work and the dynamics of that setting.

“I am excited to again be in a setting working with the schools, working with the church team,” he continued. “While it is a local church, it is also a university and a [K-12] academy church. How can we be a church that reflects Christ to these young people?”

At the Oct. 7. Adoration service, Rustad said Halvorsen will officially begin his tenure in Collegedale alongside his wife, Buffy, on Nov. 1, and he is excited to have him join the team.

“Ron is an experienced pastor and administrator,” Rustad said. “He brings with him a passion for prayer, and he has a gift in leading members closer to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ron has pastored university churches before, and he knows and loves this setting, so much so that when he accepted this week, he said, ‘I’m gonna be there in two weeks.’ So on Oct. 21, Ron and Buffy are going to be here to celebrate with y’all the fall festival.”

Halvorsen’s Vision The search committee’s selection of Halvorsen follows an extensive period of transition for Collegedale church, which started five months ago with the departure of David Ferguson, the congregation’s most recent lead pastor. As reported in a recent Accent article, Collegedale church has lost four pastors in the past year.

When the Accent asked Halvorsen via email about the difficulty of assuming the role of Collegedale’s senior pastor at this time, Halvorsen replied stating that God’s call is of the utmost importance, a lesson he’s learned throughout his career.

“I’m not sure why, but God has brought me to places in challenging times before,” he wrote. “I know the kind of difference He can bring to such circumstances. Early in my ministry, when I had a call to a place, I tried to learn as much as I could about the problems, etc. But the last half of [my ministry], I don’t even ask anything about that. So, for years now, the question isn’t how hard or easy it is, it’s just: ‘Is God asking me to it?’”

the age of AI Sienna Day Staff Writer

Carole Verrill, the church’s pastor for children’s ministries, was quoted in the previous Accent article saying that

Nearly one year ago, ChatGPT was released to the public, making artificial intelligence (AI) more easily available and popular among students. Although AI can be used as a tool to enhance learning, educators have encountered students using AI to cheat or avoid doing assignments altogether. At Southern Adventist University, the rise of AI has forced Southern professors to adapt and adjust their courses.

Corneliu Rusu, a professor in the School of Social Work, spoke with the Accent about his experience with AI in the classroom.

“Last semester was just very destabilizing,” Rusu said. “I can’t rely on [tools like Turnitin] to identify who is using AI and who is not using AI. So I said, ‘If I can’t do that, I will teach students how to use AI in an ethical way.’”

Rusu explained how AI can benefit a student’s education.

“You can engage in a beautiful, deep, meaningful and informative conversation … with AI. You can bounce off ideas. It can give you perspectives, make suggestions, check your ideas, evaluate your ideas — it can do a lot. It’s like you are talking with a tutor,” Rusu said.

Although AI can be an effective tool, Rusu explains that detecting improper use and preventing cheating has proved to be a challenge for professors since the resource is still fairly new to the public.

“At this point, I had to change all my assignments,” he said.

“Not that there is a way to totally avoid AI use, but I’m try-

See PASTOR on page 2

See AI on page 2

"Ron has pastored university churches before, and he knows and loves this setting, so much so that when he accepted this week, he said, ‘I’m gonna be there in two weeks.’"

Counseling Services AdventHealth to bring race car introduces online therapy Emma Boughman Reporter Southern Adventist University’s Counseling Services is now offering online therapy to students. This new service, called Virtual Care, is an addition to the university’s counseling program, not a replacement.

The Accent conducted an interview with Amy Ortiz-Moretta, Southern’s Counseling Services coordinator, via email about Virtual Care. She wrote that Southern partnered with telehealth provider The Virtual Care Group (VCG) in August to provide a virtual therapy option for students.

This partnership allows students free access to all of Virtual Care,

Students can still visit the Counseling Services office to access therapy, but they can also use the VCG app. Monday, October 16, 2023.

(Photo by Preston Waters)

including remote counseling, life coaching and an all-hours crisis hotline, plus additional information on mental health.

Students can now access Virtual Care for free by registering through the VCG app with their Southern email and zip code. The VCG app is available both online and on mobile devices. Counseling Services posted flyers around campus with a QR code to the app. “[VCG] provides four main services: mental health counseling, life coaching, 24/7 access to a crisis hotline and a variety of helpful mental health information on their app,” Ortiz-Moretta wrote.

Students’ virtual health appointments with VCG are with licensed professional counselors on the company’s staff, not the university’s staff members, according to Ortiz-Moretta. She said increases in enrollment, in addition to high demand for counseling services, prompted the university to look for more options to best serve students conveniently.

Southern invested in the virtual counseling service so students can access care they need at no additional cost, Ortiz-Moretta added.

She stated in the email: “We are grateful to Southern’s administration for investing in the mental health and wellbeing of all their students.”

For more information, contact care@thevirtualcaregroup.com or amyo@southern.edu.

to campus for student seminar Htet Myint Reporter AdventHealth is bringing a NASCAR show car to Southern Adventist University’s campus on Oct. 24. Organizers will park the car in front of Brock Hall as part of a special event planned by the university’s Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) chapter.

The evening will include a seminar geared toward students, focused on branding strategies and AdventHealth’s approach

to maintaining a public image.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. on the first floor of Brock Hall, Room 1010.

The seminar promises to be an educational experience for individuals interested in marketing and branding, according to Lorraine Ball, Southern's PRSSA staff sponsor and a professor in the School of Journalism and Communication (SJC). Anna Lowman, AdventHealth’s director of Strategic Partnerships, will be the keynote speaker,

providing students with unique insights, Ball explained further.

According to its website, AdventHealth has partnerships with sports organizations such as the Orlando Magic, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Daytona International Speedway. The speedway is the home of the Daytona 500, considered the most prestigious race in NASCAR, according to information on the Sports Car Club of America website. Lowman has See NASCAR on page 3

AdventHealth will bring a NASCAR show car to Southern’s campus next week. The Seventh-day Adventist healthcare system partners with the Daytona International Speedway. (Photo courtesy of source)

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

2 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

NEWS AI

continued from page 1 ing to make it a little bit more difficult … in the sense that it requires higher thinking skills and application.”

When asked if a lot of students have been using AI to cheat, Rusu said, “Yes. The problem is that when students are stressed … they end up cutting corners. I do

see this as a problem. I’m all [for] advocating for AI, but I think that many people are just using it in the wrong way.

[They] are replacing learning, not enhancing learning.”

In response to AI use on campus, Southern professors have inserted a new AI statement into their class syllabi.

This syllabus insert opens with, “As an institution committed to the Christian values of honesty and integrity, each student is expected to take

Hunter Holland uses ChatGPT. The AI tool was made accessible to the public one year ago and became popular among students. Saturday, September 30, 2023. (Illustration by Andre Ottati)

responsibility for all work they produce and to abide by the University’s standards for academic integrity.”

Improper AI use is specifically addressed in the statement’s closing sentence: “This includes plagiarism from other students, professional paper writers, and artificial intelligence chat programs.”

Gus Martin, director of Online Campus, highlighted in an interview with the Accent the best practices to follow when using AI for learning.

“Use AI programs as smart search engines that present information in ways that are easy to understand … for clarification or explanations when you need help and [to] generate ideas, topics and writing prompts,” Martin said.

Martin advises students to always fact check and research plagiarism issues before using AI text or images. He also encourages students not to use AI programs as a way to avoid doing their own work.

Martin added that if a professor allows students to use AI text or images in their assignments, the students should use proper attribution and explain how they used AI for the assignment.

Student Association proposes ‘Prep Week’ Matthew Orquia Managing Editor Southern Adventist University’s Student Association (SA) is pushing for the university to implement “Prep Week” in an effort to relieve students’ stress before final exams. SA members proposed the idea to faculty at the Oct. 2 Faculty Senate meeting, according to Kilah Runnels, senior social work and international studies-Spanish major and SA senator.

According to Jared Chandler, senior finance major and SA president, the idea for Prep Week came from the “Dead Week” that some other universities have.

“We’re calling it ‘Prep Week’ to get rid of any negative connotation that the ‘Dead Week’ name brings with it,” Chandler said.

“Our version of a Prep Week that we proposed was the week right before finals where there

would be no tests, projects or essays due for students.”

Runnels, the senator who worked with Chandler on the Prep Week proposal, said she was passionate about the idea because of its possible mental health benefits.

“As a social work major, I realize the importance of self-care,” Runnels said. “And I know that word is kind of a buzzword right now, but the idea of academic burnout and academic resilience is so important. And we don’t talk about it a lot, [but] in my department we do. If I can advocate for those skills to be incorporated in other departments, I [am] absolutely for it.”

Chandler said he first had the idea for Prep Week at Southern when talking to a friend who had a unit test the Friday before finals week and their final exam on Monday of finals week.

Amber Kishihara prepares for the week by getting ahead on homework.

Sunday, October 1, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

“This caused a lot of stress, and this was this person’s first semester at the university. They were a freshman,” Chandler said. “So what we wanted to do with this Prep Week is we wanted to make sure stuff like that didn’t happen.”

Prep Week would give students more time to prepare for final exams and reduce their stress, according to Chandler.

Runnels said the increased study time could help students retain more information from their studies.

“When we give students the ability to have that time before finals week to actually apply the material or really think about the material, … I think this will help them in the long term,” Runnels said.

According to Chandler, some professors at Southern already have a class schedule with something similar to what SA is proposing, but others would have to adjust their schedule if Prep Week is implemented.

When asked if he thinks students will disengage from classes during the week before finals if Prep Week is instituted, Chandler said it is not meant to be a break, just a normal week of classes.

“There [are] other universities that don’t have classes at all. That’s not what we’re doing here,” Chandler said. “It’s gonna be a regular week of school. …

Students will do whatever they want, but we’re not trying to make this a week where students can go off to Florida. …

We’re just trying to reduce the stress for the students.”

Runnels said she thinks students will be able to stay engaged with classes during Prep Week because professors will still be teaching, and small assignments could be due.

“This is not taking away [the] responsibility or integrity of the students,” Runnels said. “And I think that’s a really big thing to understand … because you still have to study; you still have to go to class.”

PASTOR

continued from page 1 the conference plans to involve the new lead pastor in hiring individuals for the other three vacant pastor positions.

Halvorsen wrote in his email to the Accent that he will seek input from members of the church and university regarding the hirings.

“I will need to lean more heavily in this instance on those with a knowledge of the church, school and community since I will be new to Collegedale,” he stated, “because in building a team, you need more than a person with the right talents. You need a person who works well with others and also would work well in the local environment.”

“I’m not sure why, but God has brought me to places in challenging times before.

I know the kind of difference He can bring to such circumstances."

Halvorsen hopes church members will work and pray together to develop a vision for the church, he wrote. He added that he personally will strive to bring the community closer together, and, in every aspect of his work, he will aim to help the church serve as a witness for Jesus.”

According to Halvorsen, church attendance and participation in ministry has declined since the onset of COVID-19. He plans to challenge the Collegedale church to strengthen its dedication to God. “We in the West have such a rugged individualism, but that is not necessarily a strength when it comes to being what church was created by God for,” he wrote. “I will be calling the campus and church to something more. I will be calling us to greater unity and love. We must grow in our commitment to God, His cause and each other. And, frankly, the ‘each other’ part is a big part of His calling to us.

“I look forward to being with you soon SAU,” he continued. “I hope you will give me the chance to be your pastor. I would consider it a great honor.

Through the journey of seeking God’s will about this call, I already know it’s what He is asking me to do. See you soon.”

Who is Halvorsen?

Halvorsen is the son of the well-known Seventh-day Adventist evangelist Ron Halvorsen Sr., who passed away in 2015. In a 2006 Southern Tidings article, Halvorsen wrote about his life and the life of his sister, Diane, as children of the well-known and well-traveled evangelist.

“Growing up Halvorsen meant living in every region of the country, in more states than I care to count,” he wrote. “ … It meant a life of serving God and caring for others.”

In the conference’s press release, Halvorsen said he came from a family that consistently incorporated prayer into its ministry. He and his wife have participated in a continent-wide prayer group for nearly three years, the release added.

Bridgett Massengill, a search committee member and head

Lifestyle Editor Allison Grundy

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elder at Collegedale, is quoted in the release saying that Halvorsen has a “deep passion, a heartfelt passion for God. The kind that literally, when he spoke with the [search committee], when he spoke with the church board, there were tears in that room. His heart for Christ, his heart for our church, his heart to follow the lead that God has, with a servant leadership mindset, it was amazing to see.”

The North Cascade church’s website describes Buffy as not only Halvorsen’s partner for many decades but also his longtime associate in team ministry. Halvorsen and Buffy have two adult children: their daughter Stephanie, who is a counselor living in Washington state, and their son Ronnie and daughter-in-law Josie, both nurses, who, along with their three sons, live in California.

His mother lives in Florida.

According to additional information on the website, Halvorsen was president of the Ohio Conference of Seventh-day Adventists before moving to Washington. He also has pastored College View Church at Union College in Lincoln, Nebraska; Sligo SDA Church at Washington Adventist University (WAU) in Takoma Park, Maryland; and Keene SDA Church at Southwestern Adventist University in Keene, Texas, according to a WAU biography on the pastor.

"I will be calling the campus and church to something more. I will be calling us to greater unity and love. We must grow in our commitment to God, His cause and each other. And, frankly, the ‘each other’ part is a big part of His calling to us."

According to Halvorsen’s Facebook profile, he studied at Union College and Andrews Theological Seminary at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan, in the 1980s. In 2016, he received a Doctor in Ministry degree from Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, California.

The Search Process In his email to the Accent, Halvorsen wrote that he was first asked if he would be willing to be considered for the Collegedale senior pastor position in June. Later that month, he met with the church’s search committee on Zoom, and in August, he met with the committee and church board in person. He officially accepted the position on Oct. 2.

He wrote that the process of learning about the position and eventually accepting it was a prayerful one.

“I am not one who feels like I know without a doubt one way or another if I haven’t had time to pray and think on it,” Halvorsen wrote. “If it’s not obvious to me, I say, ‘Go ahead and leave my name on the list.’ And that’s what I did. I’ve found that the journey will make it clear before it’s over.

“It was a long prayer process,” he continued. “Lots of wrestling, not so much with pastoring a colSee PASTOR on page 3

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3 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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NEWS Fostering Unity: Students create Coalition of Black Social Workers club Tenci Reid Staff Writer The Coalition of Black Social Workers (CBSW) is a new student organization on campus created to facilitate a community for black social work majors. The club aims to connect members with professors and black social workers working in the field and give them a safe space for collaboration, according to Alayna Crawford, senior social work major and president of CBSW. The officers and sponsors of the organization attended a CBSW conference in March and were inspired to establish a similar community on campus. Crawford said she learned at the conference that CBSW helps facilitate a community where people can relate to each other.

CBSW is an inclusive club that welcomes individuals beyond those of African American descent, according to Candy Dolcy, assistant professor in the School of Social Work and CBSW sponsor.

“We have a category, or friends of CBSW, which allows those who don't identify with those from the African American diaspora to be a part of the conversation,” Dolcy said.

Dolcy emphasized the importance of understanding and celebrating the unique experiences of those from the African American community. She said even those not identifying with the culture can demonstrate support by acknowledging the challenges the community faces and engaging in the conversation.

“It is [important] to understand that those who are from that diaspora have a different experience compared to those who aren't,” Dolcy said.

The club strives to build a close-knit community among its members, facilitating networking opportunities with School of Social Work faculty. According to Kilah Runnels, senior social work major and CBSW treasurer, the club aims to raise awareness about its presence on campus and dispel fallacies surrounding the role of social workers.

"There's a lot of misconception about what social work is," said Runnels.

She wants others to understand that social work encompasses more than the foster care system or exclusive work with

children. Runnels emphasized that there are various opportunities available in the field beyond child-focused roles.

“With social work, you can work with substance abuse (my personal passion), hospice/end of life care (my current intern-

ship), mental health, medical social work, forensic social work [and] criminal justice,” Runnels wrote in a message to the Accent.

She hopes that debunking this misconception will attract more individuals to pursue a career in the field.

(L-R) Professors Candy Dolcy (grey) and Stephanie Guster (red) pose alongside students Safiyya Phillip, Alayna Crawford and Michelle Johnson at the CBSW conference. (Photo courtesy of source)

Guam-Micronesia Mission seeks missionaries amid worker shortage Gracelyn Lloyd Contributor Schools in the Guam-Micronesia Mission (GMM) of Seventh-day Adventists are experiencing an extreme worker shortage. Currently, 47 student missionaries serve in GMM schools, and 11 are Southern Adventist University students, according to Steven Manoukian, director for Student Missions.

However, 47 filled positions represent less than half of the church school system’s 108 needed positions, according to numbers listed on the mission’s website at the beginning of the calendar year.

Administrators are calling for eight more missionary teachers to serve as soon as possible, according to Nancy Lynn Edward, GMM Education Administrative Assistant and GMM Adventist Volunteer Service Coordinator. The mission's schools offer early childhood to high school education across nine Pacific islands. Edward said its most pressing needs are elementary teachers on the island of

Ebeye in the Marshall Islands and the island of Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Some GMM schools began the school year late due to a lack of teachers, including Ebeye in the Marshall Islands, according to Edward.

“Ebeye has 300 students but is short-staffed and has the greatest need of more teachers,” she said. “Elementary students are taught in the morning, then teachers return after lunch to instruct the high school.”

Edward added that, lacking sufficient help, some mission schools cannot provide high school classes.

Referring to two schools in the Federated States of Micronesia, she said, “This year, Chuuk closed their high school, and Yap is trying to keep up to 10th grade open.”

The GMM Education Department reported that COVID-19 closures brought the number of missionaries from 85 in the 2019-2020 school year to just 23 last year. Now at 47, Edward hopes the upward trend continues. When asked about longterm effects of the worker

Kiley Allen takes a selfie with students from Yap SDA School. (Photo courtesy of source)

shortage, Edward said student missionary vacancies also mean a loss in the momentum to recruit future missionaries.

Edward said more local staff have stepped up, but students’ parents prefer teachers who are native English speakers.

Kiley Allen, a sophomore nursing major at Southern, was one such teacher. She recently returned from her 10-month service as the fifth- and sixthgrade teacher on Yap. “All the parents of my students were so happy that I was

there, coming from the U.S. system,” she said.

Allen hopes more student missionaries will help GMM continue providing Christian education so her students can have the same academic opportunities she has enjoyed, including attending college.

“Every location has its needs, but because they are islands and are confined, they do not have all the resources that the states have,” Allen said.

Referring to the difference that missions have on many of

the islands’ students, Allen said, “Coming to school is the only Christian atmosphere they have.”

Allen added that her mission experience significantly impacted her life and deepened her dependence on and confidence in God, as she often prayed for God to be with her so she could better serve her kids.

Surveys filled out by returning student missionaries from Southern echo similar experiences. “[Student missionaries in GMM] always had positive experiences,” Manoukian explained. “They’ve been able to be a blessing to the community because the need is great, so they come back fulfilled.”

He said student missionaries have reported positive transformations and strengthened devotional and prayer lives.

“The beautiful thing about GMM,” he said, “is that they have been doing this for many years, so they know what they’re doing.”

Individuals interested in volunteering can email Nancy Edward at nedward@gmmsda. org. Southern students can visit Manoukian in the Office of Ministry & Missions, located on the second floor of the Bietz Center for Student Life.

Open calls for GMM will remain posted on HeSaidGo. com until Dec. 31. Volunteers can apply now to serve for the second semester, which runs from January to June.

of committee members” as they searched for a new lead pastor, according to the press release.

“Every individual person in that room expressed their opinions, their thoughts [and] listened to their own stakeholders that they were there to represent,” she is quoted as saying.

Southern President Ken Shaw, who also served on the search committee, wrote in an email to the Accent that he specifically appreciates Halvorsen’s love for young people and Adventist education.

“I am delighted that Pastor Halvorsen and his wife have accepted the call to come and serve,” Shaw wrote. “ … I know he will have an instant connection with our students, staff and faculty. I look forward to their arrival.”

NASCAR

Students pose for a group photo at Ebeye SDA School. (Photo courtesy of Ebeye SDA School)

Graduate Studies announces ‘Meet the Firms’ winners Amy Mejias Reporter Students who attended this semester’s "Meet the Firms" may have noticed, or even participated in, a scavenger huntlike activity conducted by Graduate Studies. Participants received cards that could be stamped at booths representing various graduate programs at Southern Adventist University.

Individuals who received stamps from each of the present programs entered their names in a drawing for a chance to win a $50 Amazon gift card. More than 100 students participated in the activity, and three emerged as winners.

Rosa Mayr, graduate studies program manager for the School of Business, expressed her gratitude for the students who visited Graduate Studies booths and listened to descriptions of its different programs. The department plans to organize a similar activity at next semester’s “Meet the Firms.”

Winners: Ruslan Zavricico Ethan Jiao Janice Sanabria

PASTOR

continued from page 2 lege church again, [but with] how it would work for [my] family.”

According to Halvorsen, the last time he pastored a college church was almost 10 years ago at Union College. He accepted the call to return to a college campus because he believes God is leading him to Southern.

Massengill and Franklin Farrow, another search committee member, described the search process as Spirit-led, the conference’s press release stated.

“We stopped many times mid-meeting and had prayer to ask the Holy Spirit’s guidance,” Farrow said, “and the process was extremely spiritual.”

Massengill is especially appreciative of “the integrity and spirit

continued from page 1 been instrumental in managing Adventhealth’s partnership with the Daytona International Speedway as well as cultivating new relationships in the sports industry, according to her LinkedIn profile.

AdventHealth also has a relationship with Southern, according to Ball. The healthcare system’s support extends to university’s nursing and business schools, as well as the SJC. The seminar is geared toward students interested in marketing and public relations. However, all students are welcome to attend.

Ball said Lowman’s knowledge of branding tactics will be extremely useful for those pursuing careers in the communication and business arenas.

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

4 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

NEWS

Meet the Firms

Christian Drexler engages with a Tennessee state trooper. The Tennessee Highway Patrol was one of many employers that attended Meet the Firms. Thursday, October 5, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

Ethan Smith (left) and Ruslan Zavricico (right, blue) speak to representatives of Volkswagen Chattanooga. Thursday, October 5, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

Katie Knight (left) and Kiana Oliver (right) speak with students at a booth representing Southern's graduate studies in professional counseling program. Both are pursuing masters’ degrees in clinical psychology. Thursday, October 5, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

Students and representatives of McKee Foods Corporation discuss job opportunities at the Collegedale-based company. Thursday, October 5, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

(L-R) Freshmen Jaymie States, Ellie Anderson and Emma Cuellar visit a booth and collect giveaways. Thursday, October 5, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)

5 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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

MENTAL HEALTH How to face the ‘Sunday scaries’ for a stress-free start to the week Khloe Mace Contributor Editor’s Note: The following articles are written by counseling professionals from Counseling Services in partnership with the Southern Accent.

The feeling of dread that many people experience on Sunday nights is commonly known as the “Sunday scaries.” This phenomenon often occurs as the enjoyment of the weekend winds down and preparations for the week begin. Individuals can often experience overwhelming feelings of anxiety and dread.

Psychologist Susan Albers from the Cleveland Health Clinic explains that the “Sunday scaries” refer to intense anxiety and dread that regularly occur on Sundays. These feelings often start in the late afternoon or evening, but for some, they can even begin as soon as they wake up on Sunday morning.

Some people might experience physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat, sweating, trembling, difficulty breathing, headaches, depression or upset stomach.

The reason why the “Sunday scaries” are so common is because, as the weekend draws to a close, we start thinking about work tasks and responsibilities, and we make mental to-do lists.

This shift from relaxation to work mode can be challenging for many of us.

According to a 2020 Healthline article, while experiencing the “Sunday scaries” is widespread, it is essential to understand that it is not a clinical diagnosis; it is a normal reaction to the transition or change between different roles and routines.

Thankfully, there are ways to cope with the “Sunday scaries.”

One approach is to avoid overbooking yourself during the weekend, as excessive work can lead to stress and anxiety when it is time to return to work.

Making your Sundays more enjoyable and exciting can also help.

Start by tackling chores early in the day and then engage in relaxing activities like yoga or reading.

Treating yourself to something special on Sunday evenings can create a positive anticipation.

However, if feelings of dread and anxiety persist, seeking help from a professional therapist might be beneficial. They can assist you in managing your emotions and figuring out the root causes of these feelings.

Remember, it is okay to seek support when needed, as taking

care of our mental well-being is essential for a balanced and healthier life.

The “Sunday scaries” are a common experience for many people, marked by feelings of anxiety and dread as the weekend comes to an end. While not a clinical diagnosis, these emotions can be challenging to cope with, impacting our well-being as we transition back to work mode.

However, by taking proactive steps such as avoiding overcommitment, making Sundays enjoyable and seeking professional help if needed, we can better manage these feelings and promote a healthier work-life balance. With the right strategies, we can face the start of the week with a more positive outlook and increased resilience.

Instead of worrying about the week’s upcoming responsibilities each Sunday, make the day enjoyable. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

SPORTS NBA teams gear up for another thrilling regular season Jacob Nevis Sports Editor As the MLB season starts winding down, the NBA regular season starts winding up for its triumphant return after four months of silence.

This season promises to be as exciting as the last, when fans watched as the Nikola Jokic-led Denver Nuggets captured their first-ever NBA finals since the team joined the NBA in 1976. Jokic and the Nuggets will look to continue their dominance and become the first back-to-back champions since the 2017-2018 Golden State Warriors.

The Miami Heat will look to bounce back from last season’s finals loss, with “emo” Jimmy Butler leading the charge.

Out in the west, the Sacramento Kings and last season’s coach of the year, Mike Brown, will try to head back to the playoffs for consecutive years.This offseason, the Golden State Warriors traded young guard Jordan Poole to the Washington Wizards for veteran and future hall of famer Chris Paul.

Stephen Curry and the Warriors will look to add their fifth championship win of the decade.

The two teams in Los Angeles will rely on their veteran players to lead them to playoff appear-

ances. The Lakers will be led by veterans LeBron James and Anthony Davis, while the Clippers will be led by Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

The Phoenix Suns will hope to push their recent success.

In recent years, the Suns have continued to play successful regular seasons but face seemingly inevitable playoff woes.

The Suns traded for three-time all-star guard Bradley Beal in the offseason, hoping the trio of Beal, Devin Booker and Kevin Durant can finally capture their first championship.

In the east, the Milwaukee Bucks will hope to win another championship since their victo-

NBA players prepare for a tip-off. This year’s NBA regular season begins on Oct. 24. (Photo sourced from Flickr)

ry in 2021. The Bucks made one of the splashiest trades of the offseason after trading for one of the best players in recent years, longtime Portland Trailblazer Damien Lillard. Lillard will pair up with Giannis Antetokounmpo to lead the Bucks.

Other players and teams in the East who will look to continue recent successes are the Philadelphia 76ers and their reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum and the Boston Celtics and Donovan Mitchell and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

This season will also see a new and exciting addition to the regular season. Starting in November, the NBA will host

an in-season tournament. All 30 teams have been randomly paired up with four other teams from their conferences to play against each other in groups of five. All games will be counted for each team’s regular season record.

To learn more about the in-season tournament, please visit https://www.nba.com/news/ in-season-tournament-101.

Editor’s Note: The Miami Dolphins rolled to 5-1 this week as Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill prove to be the best QB-WR duo in the NFL.

6 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

OPINION Talk less, listen more: We need more politicians like Ramaswamy Preston Waters Contributor “Who the heck is this skinny guy with a funny last name, and what the heck is he doing up there on a debate stage?” Vivek Ramaswamy said after receiving his opening question during the second Republican presidential primary debate on Sept. 27.

Ramaswamy is the youngest person to ever run for president of the United States. Forbes described him as a “38-year-old entrepreneur that was born and raised in Cincinnati” who first made headlines when he created investment holding company Roivant Sciences. The company’s premise was described

by Forbes as: “Pharma giants had plenty of abandoned drugs that could be worth a fortune if someone focused on them.”

Ramaswamy, like Donald Trump, the 45th president of the United States, has several extreme ideals that will either cause you to love him or hate him.

“God is real; there are two genders; fossil fuels are a requirement for human prosperity; reverse racism is racism; an open border is not a border; parents determine the education of their children; the nuclear family is the greatest form of governance known to man; capitalism lifts us up from poverty; there are three branches of government, not four; and the U.S. constitution is the greatest guarantor of freedom in human history,” said Ramaswamy as he finished out the debate with his closing statements.

Like Trump, Ramaswamy has shown through his debates and speeches that he is not afraid to speak his mind and share his ideas. For example, during the

Sept. 27 debate, he explained his idea that all citizens under the age of 25 should be required to take a civil service test in order to vote, as well as his ideas to disband certain government agencies, such as the FBI and IRS. However, I view Ramaswamy as more politically correct compared to Donald Trump. Ramaswamy shows this in the way he listens and speaks to the American people on his campaign trail. Although many people disagree with Ramaswamy, he does not appear to hold their differing opinions against them or try to persuade them. He would rather have a civil discussion of differing beliefs than stop someone from sharing their opinions.

I believe the way Ramaswamy handles disagreements is exactly the type of attitude we should have in government. Showing up for the American people with a willing, listening ear is a quality many of the nation’s politicians have lacked in the past.

That being said, I do not agree with Ramaswamy on all of his opinions and ideas. For example, his views on climate change and the idea that China should be held responsible for COVID-19 are two I do not agree with.

However, I believe he can make a positive change. The way he leads with listening is very admirable and something we can learn from. Nowadays, we see politicians disagreeing and arguing back and forth all of the time.

It seems like if you cannot agree with someone, that means you cannot work with them either.

Ramaswamy believes differently.

A prime example of politicians with differing views refusing to work together happened just two weeks ago, when Matt Gaetz, a congressman from Florida, started the vote in the House of Repre-

sentatives to oust Kevin McCarthy, then Speaker of the House. Gaetz accused McCarthy “of cutting ‘a secret side deal’ with President Joe Biden to provide additional funding to Ukraine,” according to an article published in the Guardian earlier this month.

An article on Businessinsider. com stated that the side deal dealt with $6 billion in aid for Ukraine being withdrawn from a spending bill that was being voted on by congress. McCarthy denied the bargain, claiming to reporters that there was no secret plan.

Throughout his time in office, Gaetz publicly criticizes others for their views on side deals, im-

migration and big tech. During an invitation-only fundraiser, Gaetz called Biden’s impeachment a “political stunt,” according to The News Republic.

“They’re trying to engage in, like, a ‘forever war’ of impeachment,” Gaetz was quoted as saying.

As we pay attention to Ramaswamy’s future campaign speeches, advertisements and Q&A town halls, notice how he listens. He says on his website: “To put America first, we must first rediscover what America is.”

What are the fundamental values that we stand on as a country? And how can we use these values to bring us together rath-

er than constantly tear each other apart? Ramaswamy seems to care about finding the answer.

He certainly has stances that I disagree with, but I do agree with the way he is running his campaign. Too often, politicians try to shove their ideals in your face no matter what your opinion is. I wish more would emulate Ramaswamy and present themselves as listening politicians.

Editor’s Note: The Accent invites those with differing views to submit a piece or pitch an idea to the opinion column by emailing our opinion editor at apdewey@ southern.edu.

Vivek Ramaswamy speaks to a crowd. The young politician has garnered much attention since participating in the first two Republican presidential primary debates. (Photo sourced from Flickr)

RELIGION How to help a suffering friend: Practicing the art of ‘with’ Madison Wilcox Religion Editor Suffering is difficult to understand from the outside.

Watching someone suffer is like waiting on the steps of a church while a funeral goes on in the sanctuary.

Sometimes you hear crying over the dirge of the organ. Other times, the silence lasts for minutes, and you wonder if it’s all over. But you can never go inside to see how things are proceeding, much less peer into the coffin to stare at the face of the loss.

It’s possible you know someone right now who is facing this kind of loss, and you find yourself stuck outside of it, wishing you could go in and help. I applaud you for your desire. I also remind you that no human can enter the sanctuary of another person’s suffering. (As Job learned, only God Himself can step inside.)

At the same time, your involvement in your friend’s suffering is essential. So what does your role include?

First, it includes remembering. It is now your friend’s turn to suffer, but I’m sure you’ve had yours. Remember?

Remember when you realized that to suffer is to be alone?

That no matter how hard people tried they would not be able to enter your suffering completely? That they would never be able to say, in all honesty, “I understand?” Remember that pain isolates.

Remember when you realized that being a sufferer means becoming a receptacle for suffering? That not only do you have to carry it inside, but you must watch it continually spill out on the people who try to comfort you? Remember putting your pain away after a few weeks because you realized that it’s

no fun to sit with someone who won’t stop crying, day after day?

Remember that people avoid pain even when pain is a person.

Remember when you realized that no human could really answer your suffering? That the mystery of your suffering was so great, so astonishing, so overwhelmingly huge, that to try to explain it would be mockery? Remember the moment of stillness when a still, small voice whispered — “Only some-

thing as mysterious as suffering could answer this” — and your heart whispered back, “God?” Remember that human answers are always too cheap.

This act of remembering brings understanding — mostly of how little you can explain and how wrong it would be to try to. But remembrance is not the end of your contribution to your friend’s need. From the empathy grows the second element of your role: a necessary

willingness to stay with, to sit on the steps of the church until the funeral is over and not try to hurry it on.

With is difficult work, especially when it is purely with and nothing else: not with so I can fix you, not with so you can heal up faster, not with so I can pat you on the back long enough and whisper the right platitudes in your ear so you perk up and get on with life. With is only meaningful when it’s all you bring.

If you’re willing to give this gift and resist the giant temptation to give other gifts that seem to lead to a fast track for recovery, your friend will be truly helped. When you realize that you can’t enter the sanctuary of their suffering but you choose to stand outside the door anyway, your presence will pave the way for your friend to meet God Himself undistracted. And when God does show up, prepare to get a glimpse.

Only God Himself can answer the sufferer. But you can wait with them until He answers. (Photo sourced from Pexels)

7 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

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

LIFESTYLE They see me rollin’: A skater’s journey of practice and passion Allison Grundy Lifestyle Editor Although there are many skaters on campus, Isaiah Jelani Lawrence is, in some circles, known at Southern Adventist University for practicing his skateboard tricks on the promenade, dormitory parking lots and various paved roads around campus.

Lawrence is a junior at Southern majoring in theology and computer science. In an interview with the Accent, he said he started skateboarding his freshman year around Christmas break. Some of his friends had encouraged him to start skateboarding and helped him learn how to do tricks. After being taught the basics, Lawrence said he didn’t give up on learning more about the sport. He puts a considerable amount of time into practicing his skating.

“Whenever I have time, I try to skateboard for at least, like, two hours a day,” Lawrence said. “Or, if it’s like Friday or Saturday night, I try to skate for, like, three to four hours.”

The practice pays off.

Lawrence said he has progressed a lot since starting and has almost completed all of the eight basic tricks of skateboarding. After completing these, he plans to move on to intermediate tricks, including the varial heelflip, and bigger gaps and rails.

He doesn’t practice rail tricks on campus because it is not allowed, Lawrence explained, and has no intention of trying to deface the school or break any rules.

“Probably my most favorite accomplishment was that I jumped the five stairs at the church. … It was a good time,”

he said. “You know, I was working at it for like three days, two hours each, and I finally hit it.”

According to Lawrence, some students like to watch him skate.

“I just have been told they think I have a lot of fun with it,” he said, “especially because I like to bomb hills a lot.”

Although skateboarding may be a good way to get around campus, the sport is more than a form of transportation for the athlete.

When asked how skating makes him feel, Lawrence said, “Whenever I’m skating, … I feel just like I’m going with the wind.

It’s cheesy, but I feel like the stress of life comes off my back.”

Lawrence spends a substantial amount of time skating, and despite the challenges of learning a new trick and the physical strain of falling, he always tries again.

His advice to others who are challenging themselves is: “Just send it,” meaning it’s ok to mess up; it’s ok to fall. Sometimes skaters must throw caution to the wind.

“You’re never going to be good the first time,” Lawrence said, “and when I say ‘send it,’ I really mean it, because … you have to fail at something to be good at something. And that’s okay, you know?

“It’s not like a judgment of your skills or your character or who you are,” he continued. “It’s just the fact that you did something you don’t have the muscle memory, knowledge or anything for. But the important thing is getting back up and trying it over and over again, calming yourself and telling yourself that it’s okay, then doing it again.”

Lawrence said he does skateboard giveaways on his social

media when he can, aiming for one a month. He finds skateboards for a good price and gives them away to students who want to start learning.

To be entered into the give-

away, Lawrence encourages those who are interested to direct-message him and state why they would like to start skating. He later chooses a winner based on their answers and

Isaiah Lawrence ollies down stairs behind Hackman Hall. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)

SOCIAL

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

Dear Kevin Dear Kevin, My parents are getting a divorce, and I don’t know how to process my feelings. I know I need to focus on homework and my classes, but it’s just been weighing me down. I can’t stop thinking about it.

What should I do?

Dear friend, I’m sorry that you’re having to go through that. Divorce is never an easy topic to talk about.

I think the most important thing to remember is that your parents love you no matter what, and their separation does not change that.

I recommend trying to talk about it with someone you trust, maybe a close friend.

Counseling could also be extremely helpful. Southern has counselors that you can talk to for free, and they can help you navigate through your emotions during this difficult time.

And remember, it’s okay to have negative feelings and be sad about a loss like this; it’s a part of life. Just don’t force yourself to go through it alone.

announces them on his social media page. “I want people to skate with; it’s a good time,” he said.

#SAUlife N

Nathalie Jacome

S

Sierra Ureta

Dear Kevin, I’m starting a band with my friends, what should we name the band?

Dear Musical Marvin, Here are some names that I think would be band-tastic: Waddle Rockers Bill and the Beaks Duckstep Divas Pond Side Serenade The Quirky Quackers Mighty Mallards DucktoberFest The Lucky Ducks

nathalie_jacome i am so lucky to have these ppl by my side God sent y’all to me and you are a blessing in my life <3 Photo Credit: Clarissa Alberto

🍂☕

C

Conrado Tojino

sierra_youreta am i a horse girl yet?

Photo Credit: Brisa Petravicius

A

️

Amelia Duerksen

Those are just a couple of suggestions. Good luck on your musical endeavors! I hope I get to see you all in concert one day.

Do you have a question for Kevin?

Scan the QR code or click on the link in the Accent’s Instagram bio to submit your question. roddytojino one thing at a time Photo Credit: Jaden Durand

This week’s winner is @ruthr0que. To collect your prize, go to the Student Development office.

J

Jaylen Gomes

mia_may_the_great Softball was so much fun with these girls. Definite core memories were made playing in the dirt, with my team the dirt eaters.

L

Lauren Ogle

Knowing that students love waffle fries and milkshakes, Kevin is offering a

$10 Gift Card to Chic-Fil-A DM us on Instagram with a photo of where Kevin is hiding! jay.gomes04 see it Photo Credit: Emmanuel Bhokeye

_laurenogle_ sunshine and lattes Photo Credit: Nyah Banks

☕️🌞️

8 | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

If you would like to be a contributor, contact Amanda Blake at ablake@southern.edu

CHATTER Today — 18 71 - 47

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Weekly Birthdays

Faculty Development. 12:00 p.m. @ Presidential Banquet Room 3 on 3 Basketball Captain’s Meeting.

5:00 p.m. @ Hulsey Wellness Center SA Senate. 8:00 p.m. @ Bietz Center

TODAY |18

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Friday ­— 20 65 - 47

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Payday: Hourly/Students Floor Hockey Sign-ups Reminder SA Smile Initiative SOAP Overnight Backpacking. 4:00 p.m. @ Outdoor Education Center.

Fee: $25.00 Sunset. 6:58 p.m.

Vespers - Christian Service. 7:30 p.m. @ Collegedale Seventh-day Adventist Church Star Watch. 7:30 p.m. @ Hickman Science Center Afterglow. 8:45 p.m. @ Collegedale SDA Church - South Atrium

Sunday — 22

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Saturday — 21 Connect. 9:00 a.m. @ Goliath Wall // Rain: Collegedale Gym Collegedale Church Service: Adoration.

9:00 a.m. @ Collegedale SDA Church Sabbath Morning Chats. 10:00- 11:15 a.m. @ The Grid Collegedale Church Service: Renewal.

11:45 a.m. @ Collegedale SDA Church Merge Worship. 11:45 a.m. @ Collegedale Academy Elementary Evensong. 7:00 p.m.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. 7:30 p.m. @ Iles PE Center

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#PurpleThursday DEEP Retreat at Oakwood (10/1910/22) @ Oakwood University Wind Symphony Tour (10/19-10/21) Convocation - GYCSE - Ilcias Vargas & Felicia Sanders. 11:00 a.m. @ Collegedale SDA Church Graduate Council. 3:30 p.m.

General Music Recital #2. 7:30 p.m. @ Ackerman Auditorium

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Tuesday — 24 73 - 49

Senior Exit Exam (10/23-10/27) @ Bietz Center for Student Life 3rd Floor

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Student Missions Emphasis Week (10/23-10/27) Senior Exit Exam (10/23-10/27) @ Bietz Center for Student Life 3rd Floor University Assembly. 4:00 p.m.

Archeology Museum lecture - Klaus Wagensonner. 7:00 p.m. @ Lynn Wood Chapel General Music Recital #3. 7:30 p.m. @ Ackerman Auditorium

Jackson Crouch

Rachel Cooper

Candace Drake

Selma Ayon

Thomas Copley

Caleb Hoffman

Pearl Camel

Tina Duncan

Caleb Jackson

Sarah Delaware

Christina Ford

Rex Letchworth

Josh Dietrich

Grant Graves

Lauren Park

Michaela Dimick

Verona Perrin Harrison

Oswin Shin

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Sylvia Wade

Monday |23

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Saturday |21

Diego Luna

Greta Baraks

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Samuel Morales

Will Dieppa

Sam Pak

Abi Niemeyer

Conner Fortune

Jailene Tincopa

Alyssa Stojkic

Jovana Frans

Rachel Wilkens

Tommy Ziesmer

Emily Heilbron

Amelia Zimmerman

Thursday |19

Lauren Kim

Tuesday |24

Michael Francis

Kelsie Fairbanks

Rode Martin Rodriguez Owen Braunecker

Sungrae Kim

Shinny No

Nathan Chung

Amelia Magan

Mileidys Pinero Velez

Damian Doyley

Salvador Montes de

Sherrydon C. Pringle

Mark Granados

Oca IV

Cayla Vito

Josie Kennedy

Alaine Rempart

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Sunday |22

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Friday |20

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Student Activities Announcements

Monday — 23 •

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Sabbath Chats Join us every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. in the Bietz Center for Sabbath Chats! Sabbath Chats is a Student Association Sabbath school led by students in collaboration with professors to answer relevant questions through the Bible.

3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Come on out to Iles P.E. Center for a 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament! Doors open at 7 p.m., and games will start at 7:30 p.m.

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