International Food Fest Returns Sept.21
Kyla Wetmore
Reporter
Jehiely Balabarca Reporter
The International Food Festival, an event showcasing food from various countries represented by student vendors, is scheduled to take place on Sept. 21 from 4 to 6 p.m.
Originally launched in the Student Missions Office over two decades ago, the International Food Festival began as a small-scale effort led by returning missionaries, according to Byard Parks, Student Missions director.
“The student missionaries would cook, and there was a lot of variety,” he said. “It grew in its popularity to where they started inviting other foreign clubs.”
Byard said the load eventually became too much for the office, so the Student Association took on the event.
Lily Mutai, SA social vice president and the officer responsible for this year’s
Charlie Kirk
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ple idolizing Kirk despite his controversial statements.
“Of course, his murder was absolutely shameful, but many make him out to be some sort of martyr or hero, which he was, in fact, not,” Kim said. “I contest many of the opinions and views he openly had about various marginalized groups in America and other bigotry he vocalized.”
A significant number of students who hold views on all sides of the issue said they felt uncomfortable commenting due to fear of backlash and judgment.
Controversial statements
Controversy surrounds Kirk’s various statements involving race, gender, sexuality and other bigotry.
On his podcast, Kirk reacted to a video of a white woman and a black man in a disagreement over a rental bike.
"Happening all the time in urban America, prowling blacks go around for fun to go target white people. That's a fact," he said.
In December 2023, at a Turning Point conference, Kirk called the Civil Rights Act of 1964—which according to the National Archives, "prohibited discrimination in public places, provided for the integration of schools and other public facilities and made employment discrimination illegal"—a mistake, according to a 2024 Wired Story.
The Accent reached out to representatives of Southern’s Black Christian Union, who did not wish to comment.
Another comment of Kirk’s that has received mixed responses is regarding the concept of empathy, and his preference for sympathy.
“I can't stand the word empathy, actually,” he said. “I think empathy is a made-up, new age term that—it does a lot of damage.”
At a Turning Point USA event in June, Kirk also said that although he thinks col-
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event, appreciates that the International Food Festival builds community and celebrates diversity not only within cultures, but also within majors.
“I feel like this event just gives a way for anyone who has an idea or has a dish to just come and be part of something,” she said. “I think the event is really cool, and college students love to eat.”
Mutai notes that students benefit from participating because vendors keep 95% of the profits, and the remaining 5% is donated to the Office of Ministry and Missions. To jumpstart participation, SA is offering $50 in seed money per booth and hopes to reach 40 vendors.
“A lot of clubs that aren't specifically for certain cultures are participating because they know it'll be a great way to make money,” Mutai said.
For Aly Lopes, president of the History Club, this was a strong motivator to get involved in the International Food Festival.
lege is a scam, attending college simply to find a husband is a “really good reason.”
Supporters of Kirk
Some students expressed agreement with Kirk’s beliefs and sadness for the loss.
“I found Charlie [to be] not just an influential right-wing activist, but as a God-fearing man, a leader and an American patriot that I have and will look up to,” said Andrés Cabrera, a junior finance major. “It’s sickening that an event like this has taken place, and it reveals the true state of turmoil and desensitization that our great country has been victim to.”
Aleena Hurd, a senior health science major, said she was shocked and devastated at hearing the news.
“Charlie Kirk was a good, faithful Christian man, and to hear he was murdered in front of hundreds of people for speaking his beliefs is so sad,” she said. “It really made me worry and reflect on the current state of our country, and what this divide has done to us.”
Expressing political opinions
Kirk’s death has reignited conversations about dialogue, disagreement and the ability to express political viewpoints on college campuses.
Lisa Diller, interim chair of the School of History and Political Science, has spent the last 24 years at Southern guiding students through an ever-changing world of politics. In an interview with the Accent, she expressed her worries that moments such as Kirk’s death fuel the fear of expression.
“What [Kirk] was doing was trying to have people engaging in dialogue with each other who believe differently...,” said Diller. “That was something he believed in and has wanted to bring to college campuses. So, I would hate for anything to get in the way of us being able to have different opinions and people speaking different opinions on our college campuses.”
Diller explained her concern
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“We want to be able to raise funds to put on events for our members,” she said. “It’s for the fundraising opportunity.”
According to Lopes, the History Club will be selling their version of onigiri, Japanese rice balls wrapped in seaweed, and calling them “Samurai Snacks” due to their history of samurai commonly carrying the food in their pockets.
In previous years, the event was held during the winter semester, which has caused some confusion about the new dates.
In an email to the Accent, Dennis Negrón confirmed the changes moving the 423 Market to spring and the Food Festival to fall.
“Since the Social Vice President has to plan a mid-September event, it was logical to us that [International Food Festival] be the event,” he said.
Mutai sees both pros and cons for moving the International Food Festival to September. Since it is earlier See Food Fest on page 3
that fear-driven reactions may limit student engagement in difficult conversations.
“I don’t want our students to start feeling afraid of talking about anything that’s hard,” she said. “I want students to have diverse ideas...I want students to feel like they can engage in those interesting ideas and wrestle with that without it being an existential crisis.”
“Our department remains committed to protecting the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and stands firmly against all acts of violence that threaten or undermine the liberties we are privileged to enjoy as Americans.”
Safety Concerns
According to End It Now, an Adventist organization that raises awareness for violence around the world, the church stands on a strong belief in anti-violence. As a professor at an Adventist school, Diller emphasized this belief in her comments to the Accent.
“The idea that our church comes from a non-violent tradition where we do not take up weapons against other people...is the official stance of our church,” she said. “That is a culture that is changing partly out of fear. Fear builds on fear, so we arm ourselves more and more.”
Some believe that reactions to Kirk’s death miss a bigger picture.
“It’s ironic how many people have drawn so much attention to his death,” Kim said, “rather than addressing the actual, much deeper issue: unnecessary gun violence due to lack of gun control.”
In an email to the Accent, Jamie Heath, the assistant chief of police for the Collegedale Police Department (CPD), emphasized the department’s dedication to safety.
“Our department remains
Opinion Editor Samuel Guerra
committed to protecting the freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution and stands firmly against all acts of violence that threaten or undermine the liberties we are privileged to enjoy as Americans,” he said.
Following Kirk’s death, the importance of collaboration with local authorities is evident, according to Southern’s Campus Safety.
“Campus Safety works closely with local law enforcement to monitor and respond to potential threats on our campus,” said Shawn Haas, associate director of Campus Safety. “We maintain partnerships with the Collegedale Police Department and other local agencies.”
The Utah Valley campus shooting has also shed light on the need for increased security at large campus events.
“For larger events, such as the upcoming David Brooks lecture, additional security measures are taken,” said Haas. “These may include hiring off duty law enforcement and additional campus safety staff.”
Heath said, “When an event or visitor requires additional security, the university typically hires off-duty officers through our off-duty management program to provide that support.” He further explained that the CPD and the university are making efforts to increase police presence on campus.
“It’s common to see a Collegedale officer walking or driving around campus and interacting with students or faculty,” he said. “The safety of any community depends on collaboration between law enforcement and the people and organizations it serves. ...We are fortunate to enjoy that support here in Collegedale.”
Kirk and the Sabbath
In March, Kirk spoke about the Sabbath at the “Will You Be Made Whole” conference hosted by The Wisdom Pearl, a Christian organiza-
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“My message to churches is that you are missing out so sorely by not honoring the Sabbath,” Kirk said in a panel discussion with Raj and Danny Shelton, founder of Three Angels Broadcasting Network (3ABN).
Kirk said honoring the Sabbath strengthens a marriage and deepens one’s connection with God. He said if a Christian felt something was missing despite attending church, tithing and worshipping, a lack of Sabbath-keeping might be the cause.
“By honoring the Sabbath, whether you realize it or not, you are pushing against all the dark nihilism that has infected our world,” he said.
During a Turning Point USA tour, Kirk explained that he shut his phone off from Friday sundown through Saturday.
“It is the best 24-25 hours,” he said. “If every young person took a legitimate Sabbath from Friday sundown to Saturday night, I guarantee you anxiety would go down, depression would go down, you’d actually spend time with people you care about and meaningful conversations would happen. ...Take the Sabbath. Take it seriously.”
Doug Batchelor, an Adventist pastor and founder of Amazing Facts, posted on Facebook after learning of Kirk’s death.
“I understand from a common friend that he watched Amazing Facts programs and was a Sabbath keeper. We will have to meet in the kingdom. Please pray for his wife and family,” the post read.
Regarding the aftermath of the tragic shooting, Diller believes that in times of violence and divide, it is important to stand on a foundation of faith.
“I would hope that what we are doing is trusting God more [and] developing policies that allow for trust-making rather than seeing people as enemies,” she said. “When you see them as enemies, you dehumanize them.”
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Ethan Jiao and Michael Chang sell curry, noodles and fried rice. Sunday, March 5, 2023. (Photo by Ron Cabacungan)
Southern’s Adult Degree Completion Program comes to a close this year
Southern Adventist University’s Adult Degree Completion (ADC) program, launched in January 2022, has ended due to low enrollment and unsustainable operations, according to university administrators. The program allowed individuals to finish their degrees online while still working.
Bob Young, vice president for Academic Administration, explained in an email to the Accent who the ADC was for.
“The program was designed to meet the needs of working adults who had some prior college credit but who had not completed a college-level credential,” he stated. “...The program had been in operation for several years and had failed to meet its enrollment targets or to break even financially.”
Corjena Cheung, associate vice president for Academic Administration and dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, shared her thoughts on the matter.
“The program [was] fully online with flexible learning options and [offered] a great fit for many adults,” she said.
Cheung went on to explain the university’s stance on the end of the program.
“This was a difficult decision for the administration, but it makes the most sense as the university aims to be a faithful steward of its resources,” she said. “Southern applauds each of the students who have
graduated from the program, along with the leadership and dedication of our faculty and staff in implementing it.”
According to a previous Accent article, planning for the program began in the fall of 2014, when then-Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence, Cynthia Gettys, requested to chair a committee to develop the idea.
The university Senate later voted in April 2016 to move forward with the plans. The Accent reached out to Gettys via email, but she declined to comment on the matter.
Rachel Williams-Smith, dean of the School of Journalism and Communication, was a member of the original team that started the ADC.
“Though I’m sad to see this program being shut down, I’m thankful to have had a part in getting it started,” she said, “because I believe it made a difference for quite a few students and helped them to move from where they were to where they want to go.”
Since the 2024 school year, the ADC program has offered a variety of online degrees, such as Business Management, Communication, General Psychology, Integrative Studies and General Education.
Gracelyn Lloyd, who completed the communication program in 2024, shared her experience in a recent interview with the Accent.
“[The professors] were very approachable,” she said. “Even though it was all online, they
made they themselves very accommodating if there was something that was getting in the way of a deadline, because it was put in place for adults that may have run into things throughout their lives that made it difficult for them to complete their degrees. They were really interested in helping you finish the degree now that you’re facing things with your full-time job and family life.”
For students still enrolled in the ADC program, Online Campus is helping them finish their studies.
“Online Campus reaffirms its commitment to supporting ADC students as they complete their degrees,” said Gus Martin, Online Campus professor. “This includes
providing technical assistance and ensuring access to the courses needed to fulfill each student’s academic plan. For us, ADC students are a valued part of our community and will remain so through the completion of their program.”
When asked whether the university plans to start any similar programs in the future, Young confirmed that it does not.
In an email to the Accent, Cheung listed several online graduate programs for those who have completed an undergraduate degree and are looking for flexible options.
“Southern offers a number of graduate degrees in a primarily online format— such as a Master of Business
Administration and Master of Science in Nursing,” she said.
“Southern is also planning to begin offering a new graduate program, Doctor of Education: Innovation in Leadership, and Learning, starting in Fall 2026, pending approval by the SACSCOC accreditation board.”
Though faculty are saddened by the program’s end, the impact it had on participants remains, according to Williams-Smith.
“It may not have succeeded from a marketing standpoint at this time,” said Williams-Smith, “but the real value of what we do is measured in the lives that are changed and improved by the efforts that we make.”
Fewer automatic doors installed than what was expected after $100k senate donation
On April 8, the Southern Accent reported that Student Association (SA) senators voted to spend $100,000 on installing automatic doors and renovating a university-owned van to accommodate students on campus. However, those actions have not materialized in the way that students hoped.
“It’s not accessible,” Heidi Burke, a junior history major, said about Southern’s campus. According to Burke, being a student in a wheelchair is difficult due to a lack of automatic doors on campus.
Food Fest
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in the school year, she thinks more students are likely to participate in the event because they are not as busy with school. However, she said that having the event so early in the year makes it difficult to make it a huge event.
“So many of the things, like performers, that might be a little bit more difficult to come by because everybody's still settling in,” Mutai said. Still, she doesn’t feel like this is a huge setback.
Fred Hutagaol, a junior business administration student, participated in the 423 Market last year, selling clothing and drinks, including a matcha pandan drink and a green Thai tea drink. He believes holding 423 Market in the winter semester will be different because he used to see the event as a beginningof-the-year get together.
“I think it being [in] April kind of makes the association towards the whole event a little different, but I don't think
“Oftentimes, I’m carrying papers or carrying a textbook…so I have to sit outside my actual home department, just hoping some people would show up and open the door for me, which is really frustrating,” said Burke. To increase accessibility, senators Amy Van Arsdell and Nema Ogal proposed the Accessibility Initiative last school year. According to the Senate minutes taken on March 26, 2025, the initiative’s goal was for Southern to purchase a wheelchair accessible van and install more automatic doors using SA’s contingency fund of $240,000. SA donated $100,000 towards
it'll be a negative difference,” he said. “I think there'll just be something more to look forward to.”
Hutagaol also plans to participate in the International Food Festival as Indonesia’s country leader in the Asian Club. He adds that the food fest is a great starting place to help students build up to 423 Night and encourages new students to attend as many events as possible.
“It's super fun,” he said, “a good place to talk to a lot of new people, buy a lot of stuff, and then also to just explore because I feel like you can always find something fun.”
Caleb Hoffman, a junior computer science major also shared positive memories of running into friends at the International Food Festival and sharing food recommendations with them. He looks forward to discovering new cuisines again this year.
“I love trying new foods all the time, especially foods that are not from the US,” Hoffman said. “Pull up, because it’s going to be awesome.”
the Accessibility Initiative. The cost breakdown states that retrofitting a Southern van would cost $16,000, and insurance for cost overruns would total $4,000. They also wrote that each door opener would cost $5,000, which amounts to $80,000 for sixteen doors.
According to Dennis Negron, vice president for Student Development, the $100,000 was transferred towards the project goals. $16,000 went to Transportation Services for the wheelchair accessible van, which has been finished and is actively serving Southern students. The remaining was given to Associate Vice President for Financial Administration Vincent Schober’s budget to fund the automatic door project.
According to Schober, Southern has finished installing the openers that the Student Senate funded on campus. However, only six doors have been added around cam-
pus. Southern installed three doors at Wright Hall, two at the Bietz Center and one at the front doors of Hulsey, all currently operational.
“The ADA door openers run approximately $15,000 each to purchase all the required components including installation,” Schober said. “Moving forward, Southern plans to install more ADA door openers on future buildings, including the new School of Business.”
The price was much higher than what Senate was originally told, resulting in fewer doors being installed.
Students who had been looking forward to the automatic doors are disappointed with the results they are seeing, so far.
“The library, they have a button there, but it doesn’t work,” said Burke. “At least, it’s never worked yet. I’ve been pushing it, and I keep having hope.”
Burke said she stayed on
campus over the summer and went around to see if the automatic doors had been installed. Not only are she and other students disappointed by the lack of doors on campus, but so are Senate members who voted for the Accessibility Initiative.
John Hargy, a Senate member last year and now SA President, said, "We're here to advocate on students’ behalf. That includes all students, and that includes the students we have on campus who are handicapped and have disabilities.”
According to Hargy, one of the biggest parts of his campaign for president was to advocate for students with disabilities. He plans to continue to push for a more accessible campus by creating a disability advocacy board to consult when planning events to make sure that “everything’s being looked at from every perspective.”
Graduates from Adult Completion, fall semester. December 2024.
(Photo courtsey of Southern's Marketing & University Relations)
Nyah Jackson Reporter
Chloe Smith News Editor
Entrance to second floor Bietz Center, leading into CK2. Sunday, September 7, 2025. (Photo by Christian Bass)
Editor's Note: The Southern Accent has produced a two-page Collegedale News section this issue as part of a national initiative to enhance community news coverage. The local effort, led by Southern's School of Journalism and Communication in conjunction with the Center for Community News (CCN) at the University of Vermont, places student journalists at the forefront of addressing the news desert crisis, a phenomenon caused by the decline of newspapers in local communities. The Accent believes local news is vital to a thriving democracy, and we remain committed to reporting about important issues, novel occurrences and interesting people in the greater Collegedale area. We will publish this special section in five issues of the newspaper this semester. To submit tips or press releases, go to https://southern-accent.org.
Big changes in little Collegedale: City Manager Wayon Hines steps down from his positions
Hayden Kobza Editor-in-Chief
Wayon Hines, Collegedale’s most recent city manager and engineer, resigned at a Sept. 2 commission meeting, surprising the mayor and other officials.
Hines had worked for the city since 2016, starting off as a city engineer. In 2021, he served as interim city manager before transitioning to a permanent position. In the meeting, right before he announced his resignation, Hines listed several projects the city completed under his leadership, including the developement of Little Debbie Park and the remodeling of the Katie Lamb Library.
Loss of trust in commissioners
In a dramatic turn, Hines said that due to his lack of confidence in certain individuals he could no longer work for the city.
“Unfortunately, I have lost trust and faith in some members of the commission and the decisions being made,” Hines said. “I'm resigning from both my roles as city manager and city engineer. I believe doing so immediately is in the best interest of the city and the staff as it will aid in the transition to different leadership. Thank you.”
Hines explains his reasoning
The Accent reached out to Hines for further clarification for what he meant by his “lost trust” comments, in reference to the commissioners. In an email, he stated that he believed the letter of resignation best explained his reasoning without further details.
“I came to the realization I was not the right leader for this specific commission,” Hines stated. “I felt so strongly about the disconnect that I resigned without another position lined up.”
Later in Hines’s email, he explained how he is very grateful to have worked with the team over the years and that he believes Collegedale is one of the best places to live in the region.
“...[I] have taken a ton of
pride in serving the citizens for more than nine years,” Hines. “I will be eternally proud of the team we built and the items achieved. The team that remains at the City is the best I have ever worked with and they are dedicated to serving the Citizens.”
Contract negotiations and disagreements
The Accent reached out to Tim Johnson to get his comments on the matter.
According to Johnson, the commission was negotiating a contract for Hines concerning his request to eliminate the city engineering responsibilities that he took on in addition to being the city manager.
"Due to the Tennessee Sunshine Law, the outside attorney only wanted to communicate via email and brief calls,” Johnson stated in an email. “There were several areas that I suggested, and the attorney indicated the other commissioners did not support my suggestions. These included: Accepting Wayon’s current salary of $154,000. There are some that felt his salary was too high and did not want to accept the salary of approximately $154,000. In speaking with our attorney, it was clear others wanted a reduction in Wayon’s salary. I felt his salary was reasonable and did not need to change. Our attorney added language that the city manager could not hold a second job even if it did not interfere with the city responsibilities. Other commissioners agreed with it.” Johnson continued stating that years ago the commission allowed city managers to hold a second job if it did not disrupt or interfere with city operations. Because Hines is an engineer, it allowed him the opportunity to offer his services after hours or on weekends, according to Johnson. “I suggested paying Wayon’s salary after resignation or paying him as a consultant,” Johnson stated. “My suggestion was that with three months’ salary in return, he would offer input on projects underway with the city.” However, Johnson stated that several commissioners
did not feel the same way. He explained that the responsibilities of the commissioners are to be financially responsible to the citizens of Collegedale, review planning commission projects, approve or deny recommendations, along with recommendations for the city, ordinances resolutions.
“Outside of the above listed responsibilities, the commission has no responsibility for involving themselves in projects or giving direction to employees,” Johnson stated.
“This is not the responsibility or role of a Collegedale Commissioner.” He continued.
“The commission needs to stay in their lane. I feel this could hurt us in finding the right city
manager going forward.”
Commissioner Baker’s reaction
At the meeting, Tonya Sadler, vice mayor, then made a motion to approve the resignation, a move Commissioner Debbie Baker immediately said she did not support.
“I think that we're losing somebody that has helped put us towards our future,” Baker said. “Contrary to what other people may think on this board, I think that we're losing somebody that has cared for this city and has been treated unfairly by certain members. Though I understand the questions that people may have, I think that this is wrong.
It is very wrong, and I think personal feelings should not take a part of it.”
The Accent reached out to Baker to get her comments, she responded by email stating that due to “deep respect” for Hines she would not speculate on why he resigned. However, Baker shared that she was shocked but respects his decision.
“I will greatly miss working with him,” Baker stated. “He is a man who loves the citizens and community of Collegedale. He contributed greatly for the betterment of the city/citizens. He is a man of integrity and deserve the respect of all. He has earned the respect and gratitude of all the employees
Photo of Wayon Hines, former city manager and city engineer. (Courtesy of Asst. Chief Jamie Heath)
The dais City Hall at Collegedale. Monday, September 12, 2022. (Photo by Adam De Lisser)
and many others. He will be greatly missed. The city will miss him, and I wish him much happiness and success.”
Baker then explained that even though she will miss Hines, she believes that everyone can be replaced, even if some are harder than others.
“Mr. Hines will be difficult to replace due to all that he did for Collegedale.” Although Baker said she still believes Collegedale will continue positively and will move forward in future endeavors.
Planning for leadership transition
Shortly after Hines left the meeting, Commissioner Tim Johnson discussed how the city needed to act to delegate the responsibilities of the city manager position.
COLLEGEDALE NEWS
He recommended utilizing the Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS), a Tennessee state–sponsored agency that provides consulting, research and training on a wide range of municipal issues to assist with interviews for the next city manager. Johnson also suggested that Michelle Toro, assistant city manager and finance director, be appointed as interim city manager. City Attorney Sam Elliott endorsed the idea and proposed that Toro be appointed for two weeks.
“Delegate those powers to Michelle,” Elliott said. “... And then maybe you can come back at your next meeting and maybe have a better idea what you want to do, because this is the bomb that got dropped on all of us.”
Mayor Lloyd responds
Mayor Lloyd said he was surprised by Hines’s announcement and expressed gratitude for his service at the meeting.
“I may not have agreed with some of his conclusions, but I've always felt like he wanted what was best for the city of Collegedale, whether we agreed on what that was or not," he said. “In terms of the employees, I think he has garnered the faith and the respect of the vast majority of city leadership, and I'm sad to see him go.”
Lloyd then emphasized the need for temporary leadership during the transition.
“Michelle, we do look forward to working with you, and I think as a city, we need to take our time,” Lloyd said,
referencing the search for a new city manager. “We need to be very diligent in this search for finding the right person to help lead this city.”
The Accent reached out to Lloyd to comment on the night. He responded by email stating that he was shocked that Hines resigned. “He and I had our disagreements but had a mutual respect for the other’s opinion, Lloyd stated I appreciate his many years of service to the City of Collegedale and would like to have continued that relationship. He has not shared a reason for his resignation, and I wouldn’t want to speculate. That question would be best answered by him.”
He believes that Hines’s sudden resignation will have an immediate impact on the
City of Collegedale. In the meantime, Lloyd shared that Toro will serve as the interim city manager as they diligently search for the next city manager. “As a Commission, we are committed to finding the right person for the job. With the proper choice, I don’t believe there will be a long-term impact on the City of Collegedale,” Lloyd stated.
The Accent reached out to Commissioner Laura Howse for her comments, she declined to comment.
The Accent tried reaching out to Vice Mayor Tonya Sadler, but she did not respond.
“I felt so strongly about the disconnect that I resigned without another position lined up.”
- Wayon Hines
Wayon Hines' resignation letter. Thursday, September 2,
(Photo courtesy of Wayon Hines)
Cultural CLub Parties!
Alejandro Robles blends drinks for attendees at the LAC Welcome Back party. Sunday, September 14, 2025.
(Photo by Christian Bass)
Breanne Harris wears a crown at the BCU Welcome Back party. Sunday, September 14, 2025. (Photo by Christian Bass)
Maryjoy Guiirnalda serves food at the Asian Club Welcome Back party. Sunday, September 14, 2025.
(Photo by Christian Bass)
Nolwin Guilarte laughing with peers at the LAC Welcome Back party. Sunday, September 14, 2025. (Photo by Christian Bass)
Alissa Sampson presenting at the BCU Welcome Back party. Sunday, September 14, 2025.
(Photo by Christian Bass)
Jaren Vitangcol singing at the Asian Club Welcome Back party. Sunday, September 14, 2025. (Photo by Christian Bass)
Dismantling Negative Stigmas Surrounding Therapy Alternatives
Abby Dizon Contributor
While therapy offers support in addressing negative thoughts and behaviors and helps individuals push closer to their goals, several barriers can deter someone from reaching out for professional help. Factors such as money and time constraints or doubts on the effectiveness of therapy can be significant obstacles. Furthermore, some may think that alternative mental health methods remain ineffective for them, such as keeping a journal and reaching out to professors and staff. In this article, I will
share my personal experiences with these mental health alternatives and how they have been beneficial for me.
Keep a journal
At first thought, keeping a journal may sound like an overused suggestion for improving your mental health. Personally, I used to dismiss journaling, believing that it could not help with my mental health, as I preferred direct feedback and problem-solving to my challenges. Additionally, I felt that my writing couldn’t capture the overwhelming and constant thoughts overflowing my mind. However, I had a breakthrough when I realized that
journaling provided an outlet for my thoughts, helping me in two significant ways: I realized that my journal is always there. Whether in the middle of the day or late at night, it is a constant companion when I need to vent. While people, whether friends, family, or therapists, are supportive and encourage reaching out, they may be unable to be available 24/7 due to their commitments and responsibilities. This is when my journal becomes invaluable, creating a safe space to express my thoughts and emotions with no limitation of time.
Another advantage of
keeping a journal is that there is unrestricted freedom to express a thought without limitations or constraints. With people, you may feel as though you have ventured too deeply into a thought and that they are tired of hearing it, or that you need to hold back your true emotions. Journaling allows you to express how you truly feel about a subject, regardless of how often you think about it.
Furthermore, journaling allows you to go at your own pace. You can take time to process your thoughts before putting them on paper, and you have the freedom to revisit and expand on your
initial thoughts. Reaching out to professors, staff, etc.
Students may feel conflicted about expressing their feelings to college professors and staff because they may be concerned that they may not care, cannot be trusted with confidential information, or will respond with criticism. While these concerns may be valid in some instances, many staff members genuinely care about their students and are trustworthy. I was fortunate enough to be surrounded with professors who kept open doors for their students, offering non judgmental, unhurried conversations whenever we needed them. Furthermore, reaching out to professors gives the potential to receive practical assistance. Understanding the mental challenges you face, they can offer academic accommodations, such as extended deadlines for assignments, to help manage your workload more effectively. In conclusion, while therapy is vital for addressing negative thoughts and behaviors, several barriers can hinder individuals from seeking professional help. By exploring and utilizing alternative mental health methods, you can enhance your well-being and ability to self-manage. By keeping a journal and reaching out to supportive staff, you can build a strong support system to navigate the challenges of college life.
SPORTS
Why 2025 is the best year for students to start watching the NFL
Matthew Taylor Sports Editor
The National Football League (NFL) is two weeks into the 2025-26 season and has already delivered a handful of exciting matchups and nail-biting conclusions. Coming from record-breaking viewership of Super Bowl LIX, which averaged 127.7 million viewers in the U.S. and reached nearly 191 million overall, the league has continued as a national phenomenon. Streaming platforms have also played a major role in this growing success, with viewers on Tubi 38% more likely to be between 18 and 34 than the overall audience, and Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football attracted one
of the youngest audiences in sports. The NFL is more accessible than ever and students can enjoy the games while finding community on campus.
Of the thirty-two games across the first two weeks of the season, fourteen have featured division rivalries, raising the stakes early in the season. Week one featured a showdown between 2024’s Most Valuable Player, Josh Allen, and his runner-up, Lamar Jackson. Week two highlighted a Super Bowl rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs, with the Eagles beating the Chiefs as they did in the Super Bowl.
As part of their growing initiative, the NFL is also expanding to seven inter -
national games through the season in the U.K., Germany, Spain, Ireland and Brazil.
For many students, football serves as a consistent study break for students during the busy fall semester. Zach Chacon, a junior physical therapy assistant major, shared, “Each week is stressful for me, and knowing that there’s football to watch each week gives me motivation.” He added that 2025 feels especially exciting because “there is a lot of young talent that have high expectations on their shoulders to show out.” He adds that “there have been major off-season trades that make watching those teams more exciting.”
For others, football, especially Fantasy Football,
serves as an opportunity to meet new people. Student Association Videographer Braden Larson said, “Fantasy Football is a great way to connect. I met a lot of new people through my fantasy league last year who are now my friends.” His experience is in line with national trends. According to the Fantasy Sports & Gaming Association, 19% of U.S. adults play fantasy sports, and roughly 50% of all players are between 18 and 34 years old.
The Bietz Center provides a place to watch the games on campus. “Students are allowed to rent out study rooms to watch football games,” explained Bietz Center Student Supervisor Ryan Kelch. The Student
Association has also made efforts to host a Super Bowl party in past years to provide students opportunities to come together for food, fun and football. Though no official plans are in place for this year, SA Social Vice Lily Mutai said that “there’s still a possibility to have an SA Super Bowl Party if there’s enough interest.”
With record-breaking viewership, international games, and expanded streaming opportunities—the 2025 NFL season is quickly becoming one of the most accessible and exciting seasons of the sport to date. Through NFL fantasy football and watch parties, students have the opportunity to strengthen friendships and create new ones.
Watching
One therapy alternative Dizon offers could be writing in a journal. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
In defense of the “performative reader” OPINION
Samuel Guerra Opinion Editor
A few weeks ago, the image of the “performative male” surged into the cultural spotlight, flooding social media feeds. If you missed it, here’s the gist: the meme satirizes a certain archetype, a man intent on meticulously curating his image to be perceived as intellectual, indie, and cool. Picture this: oversized sweaters, canvas tote bags, wired earbuds playing indie playlists, cups of matcha and crucially,
a conspicuously displayed book he’s probably not actually reading. All part of a staged performance designed to attract admiration, intrigue, or romantic attention.
That last detail, the book, quickly spawned its own viral sub-trend: “performative reading.” What began as lighthearted and funny internet satire soon spilled into the real world. People started snapping candid photos of strangers “caught mid-performance” on park benches, public transportation seats and café corners.
These photos were often accompanied by captions calling out the theatricality of it all. The line between playful observation and mocking blurred, turning a meme into a cultural commentary on authenticity and the lengths we go to be seen, even when we think no one’s watching.
I wonder why we label public reading “performative”? If everything we do in public is, by nature, a performance, why single out books? The truth is, reading a physical book in public has become such an
unusual act that when someone does it, we often assume it’s for show rather than substance. If you’re holding a printed copy of The Southern Accent in public, what might people think? Maybe that you’re outdated for clutching paper in a digital age. Maybe you’re trying to signal intellect. Or maybe, just maybe, you’re simply reading the news, and that’s perfectly okay. Not every act of reading needs to be a performance for others. Historically, reading was a
RELIGION
The Great Controversy IRL
Nina
Bueno Religion Editor
What would you say if your friend came running up to you today, panting and nervous, and said, “We’re at war!” I bet you would immediately pull out your phone and check the latest news releases to see what new conflict we are engaged in. If you were really scared about it, you might start thinking about how you could get away, hide or defend yourself if the war came right to your front door.
Perhaps you reacted when recent global conflicts began. But after a while, the nervousness probably wore off. Unless you have family members that live in any of those countries, those wars seem far away. They usually have little to no bearing on how you live your day-to-day life. However, for those who do live in war zones, or have family members or friends that do, these wars are close to home, scary and real. People really do spend their lives wondering if they will live to see another day. The wars they are in the midst of shape many facets of their lives.
So now what if I told you that we are at war right now. All of us. You and me and your best friend and your family. And we have been at war for as long as anyone can remember, since before you or I were born, and for centuries. Let’s take a look back in history.
The book of Ezekiel speaks about the angel who had the premier place in Heaven, God’s right-hand man. “You were anointed as a guardian cherub, for so I ordained you. You were on the holy mount of God; you walked among the fiery stones.” The name of
this angel may be familiar; he was called Lucifer. But then God said, “You were blameless in your ways from the day you were created till wickedness was found in you. Through your widespread trade you were filled with violence, and you sinned” (Ezek. 28:14-16 NIV).
Revelation then reaches the climax of this issue. “Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. The great dragon was hurled down— that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him” (Rev. 12:7-9 NIV, emphasis added).
We can see that the war, which began decades, centuries, millennia ago, continues. And it is a war that is not confined only to heaven, far away from us. It is here, on this earth—and we are in it. We have been caught up in a deadly war, and most of us don’t even notice.
That’s because this war we’re in isn’t always people fighting around us. There’s not necessarily any blood, visible weapons, or hand-tohand combat. Paul talks about this battle in his letter to the Ephesians. “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12 NIV).
If you’ve ever watched a
war, action or apocalypse movie, you probably wondered what you would do, and how long you would survive if it were you there. Maybe you and your friends have debated on who would survive the longest.
But in our real-life war, we all have the same chances, which look something like this: try to survive by myself and lose or join the winning side and win.
There’s no survival skill of our own that’s going to help. There’s no chance of staying neutral. Either you’re on the winning side and you live or you’re on the losing side and you die.
The winning side is Jesus’s side. And the losing side is anything other than Jesus’s side. Most people aren’t going to outright declare themselves
luxury reserved for the elite such as tutors for aristocrats and private libraries as symbols of wealth. Even for centuries after the invention of the printing press, literacy was a privilege, not the norm. Today, if you’ve achieved high school-level literacy—congrats! Statistically speaking, that puts you ahead of half the country. According to the 2024 report from the National Literacy Institute, 54% of U.S. adults read below a sixth-grade level, and a staggering 21% are illiterate. Amidst deadlines, all-nighters, and the chaos of student life, it’s easy to forget that for millions, reading isn’t a habit, it’s an aspiration.
In an era where anti-intellectual policies are increasing, even “performative reading” can be useful because it normalizes books in public spaces. It dismantles the myth that reading belongs only to academics. In 2023, 46% of Americans didn’t read a single book(YouGov). Rather than creating policies to farther stimulate learning, in May, the National Science Foundation slashed new grant funding by more than half , its lowest level since at least 1990, and the previous month, the National Endowment for the Humanities canceled more than 85 percent of its existing grants.
In this context, picking up a book, whether alone or in public, should not be considered performative or pretentious. It’s a reminder that knowledge, curiosity and the simple act of turning pages remain vital, even when institutions abandon them.
to be on Satan’s evil side. But in reality, if your loyalty isn’t fully to Jesus, if you’re not a fully committed soldier of His army, then you’re not on His side. Any noncommittal attitude only counts towards the losing side. Every action you make, every word you say, every thought you think displays where your loyalty truly lies. Jesus knows we can’t survive without His help, that we cannot even maintain our loyalty to Him without His aid. He offers everything in His power, even His own life, to help us win the battle.
Satan’s side offers death. And Jesus’s side offers life. There’s no time to lose, the battle is on and it’s closing in around you and me. I choose Jesus. Which side do you choose? Where does your true loyalty lie?
The term “performative male” has put some stereotypes on male readers. (Painting: People in the Sun by Edward Hopper).
Decisions, Decisions: Navigating the Challenge of Indecisiveness
Rhett Seitz Lifestyle Editor
I have a confession to make:
I am really bad at making decisions. In fact, when I served for a year as a student missionary one of my students jokingly called me “inDeanSeitzive”. However, I wasn’t always this way.
Back in high school, life seemed simple,the path ahead felt clear, like a straight road stretching into the future. I had an idea of who I was and what I wanted to do, and for the most part, I followed that plan for me to eventually graduate Southern and eventually go into the military.
Then I came to Southern, and everything started to slowly change. College forces you to grow up fast, to make decisions that can affect the trajectory of your life. New experiences, new people, and new perspectives challenge your beliefs. The more you learn about life, the more you realize that nothing is certain. It’s part of the process of becoming an adult.
One of the biggest decisions I’ve faced so far has been choosing a major and, by extension, a career path. It easily has been one of the hardest decisions of my life. I know I’m not the only one who has had to face this decision.
According to a 2022 study published in BMC Psychology, “negative perfectionism plays a positive predictive role in career decision-making
difficulties.” In other words, students who put constant pressure on themselves to be perfect often struggle more with choosing a career path, underscoring the influence of mental health and personality traits on the decisions students make. In some ways, trying to be perfect can make students more indecisive. And it’s not just career choices that young people struggle with. A 2024 study of nearly 400 adolescents found that many do not simply experience temporary indecisiveness, but a sustained struggle. One of the four identified trajectories was “chronic intermittent indecision,” especially among students whose motivation was driven more by pressure and external expectations than by personal interest. This shows that indecisiveness isn’t always about not knowing what you want. Often, people do know — the real challenge comes from the bigger pressures, consequences, and feedback that these students may receive from others or society because of their decisions.
So how does one properly make a decision then in a world full of decisions to make? Over time, I have discovered some strategies that have helped me navigate the uncertainty of certain decisions, and they might help others too:
1. Flip a coin (and listen to your gut). When I’m stuck between two options, flipping
a coin has been surprisingly effective. Here’s the trick: while the coin is in the air, notice which side you secretly hope it lands on. That little feeling often tells you what you really want, even if you’re not consciously aware of it.
2. Give yourself permission to change your mind. Many of us feel that once we commit to a decision, we must stick with it forever. But life isn’t linear. It’s okay to pivot and realize that the path you chose isn’t the right fit for you. Reflect on your choices and adjust when necessary—it’s part of the growing process.
3. Seek advice wisely. Friends, family, and mentors can provide valuable perspective, especially those who
know you well. Remember, no one else can live your life for you. Take advice as guidance, not a mandate. Ultimately, the decision is yours.
4. Don’t let regret control you. Every decision carries the possibility of regret. You might hear that nagging voice saying, “You should have done this” or “You shouldn’t have done that.” Ignore it. Regret can distort reality, making you feel guilty for choices that were reasonable at the time. Learn from mistakes, but don’t let them paralyze you.
5. Trust God: In the end, trust that God has the best path for you no matter what decision you make. One of my professors said that that even if I don’t accomplish everything
in this lifetime, I have all of eternity to make the decisions that I wanted to in this life. Learning to make decisions, even small ones, has been a journey of self-discovery. College is full of opportunities to practice, experiment and sometimes fail—and that’s okay. Indecisiveness doesn’t mean you’re weak or incapable; it means you’re thoughtful, considering multiple angles and learning to navigate complexity.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: making a decision is rarely about choosing the perfect path—it’s about taking action, learning from it, and trusting that you can adjust as you grow. In the end, that is how we move forward.
Payday: Hourly/Students 6:30 pm Vespers: Latin American Club, Vanessa Hairston @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 6:30 pm SOAP: Bat Vespers @ Wright Hall
• 7:30 pm AfterGlow @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 7:41 pm Sunset
• 8:30 pm Vespers: Latin American Club, Vanessa Hairston @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm International Food Festival @ Iles P.E. Center
11:00 am Convocation: Latin American Heritage, Vanessa Hairston @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
• 12:00 pm Dean’s Luncheon @ Presidential Banquet Room
• 1:00 pm ACT On-Campus Test @ Bietz Testing Room, 3rd floor
• 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Physical Therapy Assistant Student Research Presentations @ Fleming Plaza PTA Department, Room 1800
• 7:00 pm R. Lynn Sauls Lecture Series: David Brooks @ Iles P.E. Center
• 10:00 am SOAP: Hiwassee Rafting, Outdoor Church @ Wright Hall
11:45 am Merge Worship @ Collegedale Academy Elementary Gym 11:45 am Renewal @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
7:00 pm Evensong: Alumni Spotlight @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
Intramural Schedule: Wed
Futsal
6:00 pm
- All Stars vs team ian (Men’s B)
- Inshallah vs Espaldas Grandes (Co-Ed)
7:00 pm
- Perfectly Aged vs Shalom Yahweh FC (Men’s B)
- Inter FC vs Chicken Tikka Mo Salah (Men’s B)
8:00 pm
- Team vs Crudinhos FC (Men’s A)
- No Manches United vs Copacabana FC (Co-Ed)
9:00 pm
- Team 1 vs Mo Salah (Men’s B)
- Asado FC vs Chopped FC (Men’s B)
Softball
6:00 pm
- Outta Your League vs Hits and Giggles (Ladies’)
- Pitch Perfect! vs Bat Biddies (Ladies’)
- Super seniors vs Jorts Boys (Men’s B)
7:00 pm
- FOUL PLAY vs That’s Foul (Ladies’)
- there’s no place like home vs LPC (Ladies’)
- Munenyo Masters vs Trey Tucker (Men’s B)
8:00 pm
Last Day for 80% Refund
• 8:00 pm Fall Week of Worship @ Collegedale Church of Seventh-day Adventists
- sarang stealers vs Handball (Ladies’)
- Soft Launch vs BAT INTENTIONS (Ladies’)
- Let Andrew Hit vs Bench Warmers (Men’s A)
9:00 pm
- Batties vs Base-ically Tired (Ladies’)
- Jabase Stealers vs Doot Doot (6 7) (Men’s B)
8:00 pm
- Hosers vs The Hardballs (Men’s B)
Indecisiveness can be a huge challange for anyone, especially college students. (Photo sourced from Pexels)
CHATTER
Ask the Accent!
What should I do if I’m nervous to go to Vespers alone?
Dear Anonymous Reader,
Going to Vespers alone can be quite an anxiety-inducing event when you haven’t found your friend group. At first glance, it seems everyone attending Vespers has figured it out, but that’s not entirely true. If you look carefully, there are often students sitting alone. We’ve all had to sit alone at some point in our lives. Please know that you will find your group, but until then, we hope our thoughts can help change your perspective on attending alone. Vespers is a time for you and God. A time to enter His Holy presence after a rough week of classes. Many people focus on what to wear, who to sit with, and where to eat after. But, many have lost the point of vespers: worshiping God. Going alone to vespers could be a blessing in disguise. A blessing you might miss if you are consumed by your anxious thoughts. It’s easier said than done, but don’t worry about going alone. You are never alone; God is always with you.
- The Southern Accent
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