The Voice Issue #2 May 2021

VOICE

May 2021 | ISSUE NO. 2

Editor’s voice I’ve always wanted to master the art of meditation. The physical act of switching my mind off and focusing on the moment I’m in; for preservation, mindfulness, or just giving the moment I’m in my full attention. However, I then equally struggle with the notion that everything is marketed to us to make money in today’s society. Perhaps I have been conditioned to think that I need to stay in each moment and that every moment lost is lost forever.

Whilst you now battle with the existential struggle, I’d like to say that the moments leading up to this issue have been…educational.

I’ve continued to learn the struggle of time management and how I’m still the worst person to rely on when it comes to setting important times and dates.

I’ve learnt that, even though every single person at Avondale will, at some point in their degree, do a written assignment, they still believe that they don’t have a voice and ‘can’t write to save their lives’.

I’ve also learnt about the importance of a good team and how, in a creative setting, each person truly brings something so unique and individual to a project that you never thought possible. But overall,

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I’ve learnt to continue to be thankful for all the work my team puts on a day-today basis without asking for anything in return.

So, I thank you. Yes, you. Whoever you are. For thinking about this issue, for planning for this issue, for taking personal time to write for this issue, for replying to mine and Bailee’s million messages about ‘have you finished yet’ for this issue, for designing this issue, for shooting and editing the photos in this issue, for proofreading this issue (shoutout Eilish), for being excited for this issue, for talking about this issue and finally for reading this issue. Cause it’s all for you.

Sally-Mae Herford

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CONTENTS .

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02.

EDITOR’S VOICE

04.

CONTACT INFORMATION

06.

CONTRIBUTORS

08.

THE AFTERMATH

10.

SPOKEN WORD FROM FOF

12.

FIRSTYEAR FIVE

14.

WELLNESS WITH SAM

18.

BAI’S CORNER

20.

WO//MAN

22.

THE AVONDALE OGS

26.

THE UNPRESIDENTIALDEBATE

28.

MESSYMEDIA

32.

INTERVIEWWITH A BARISTA

34.

#AVONDALE XP

36.

WHEN ITNO LONGER FITS

GET IN CONTACT. SECURITY: Phone: (02) 4980 2333 Email: scott.hill@avondale.edu.au COLLEGE CHURCH: Phone: (02) 4980 2272 Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au Or message the College Church Facebook Page.

CHAPLAINCY CENTRE: Pr Brock Goodall Phone: 4980 2283 Email: chaplain@avondale.edu.au Located: The rear of College Church near Café Rejuve.

COLLEGE COUNSELLORS: Phone: 0403478994 Email: counsellingclinic@avondale.edu.au

Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns.

PAGES TO LIKE .

The Voice College Church ASL Student Association Avondale University

Avondale sport We are ella boyd we are watson Cafe Rejuve

SALTAvondale 05

CON TRIB UTORS

Assistant Editor EDITOR & cheese

SALLY-MAE HERFORD Sally-Mae is a fourth year secondary Visual Arts and English education student who really just wants to be sleeping in and complaining about how she didn’t get enough sleep. As well as dark chocolate covered pretzels, Sally-Mae loves breaking the fourth wall in the A24 feature film that is her life.

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BAILEE MCLEOD Bailee is an English and Visual Arts Major, who is ‘no, not doing teaching!’(and yes, she’s considered it). If she is not doing yoga or drinking coffee, she will be at the beach with a good book or listening to The Lumineers on her way to the shops.

Graphic designer

JACINDA RALPH Jacinda is a Bachelor of Arts student studying Communications, Graphic Design and Human Resources. Half of her diet consists of banana bread or peanut butter, and she loves a good hammock sleep with lots of blankets.

Interviewer & Photographer

JASMIN RINGROSE

Jasmin is in her final year of studying International Poverty and Development studies. She is frequently asked to say; “fish & chips”, “deck”, and “pig/peg” #KiwiThings. She loves all things artsy and would be quite content living out her days doing pottery.... in a little studio...by the beach.

Guest Writer

BROOKLYN CHAN

Brooklyn Chan is a third year counselling student.

Her special talent is falling asleep at any point in time, no matter where she is.

Four-wheel driving, on the floor, in the middle of a conversation? you name it.

She can do it. She has quite a passion for asian food and lychees. It is a guarantee that she will always be carrying/ giving out asian snacks.

Photographer EMILIE JACKSON Emilie is a second year Art, English and Business Secondary teacher. She likes eating blueberries, can be convinced of most conspiracy theories, thinks 45 minute naps are the most effective, tends to avoid butterflies and if given the choice would have her life narrated by David Attenborough.

Wellness writer SAM WHITE Sam is a student studying Counselling with a minor in Communications. She has a passion for reading and psychology. Spends the majority of her time working at Rejuve or with her nose in a book.

Guest writer HANNAH WOLVERTON

Guest writer JAY BORROTT

Hannah is a fourth year secondary Geography and Religion education student who loves herbal tea and constantly has a messy room.

You’ll find Hannah hanging out on level one, watching marvel or talking about how much she loves everyone.

Jay is in his third year of Primary teaching. Most people call him legend, though he calls himself Jay. He thoroughly enjoys a well organised cupboard and can often be found at KFC most evenings despite having the rear end of a dinner plate.

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The Aftermath with Brooklyn

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AN INTERVIEW WITH BROOKLYN CHAN, CREATIVE PROGRAM DIRECTOR OF AVONDALE UNIVERSITY COLLEGE’S 2021, FESTIVAL OF FAITH.

WHAT WAS YOUR MAIN THEME/IDEAS GOING INTO THIS SEMESTER’S FOF, AND DID THEY END UP COMING TO FRUITION? Our main goal was to come together again. After last year we just wanted to get back to the basics of just coming together and worshipping. I did, however, want to add creative elements that kept people on their toes, which some definitely came to life and others didn’t, but watching a whole room of people worship makes me think we definitely hit our goal.

WHEN PLANNING SUCH A BIG EVENT LIKE THIS, WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE? It’s honestly all over the place. I’ll talk to A LOT of people, see what other churches have done, I’ll sit in a room, shut my eyes and envisage what it could look like, and I’ll definitely have a secret Pinterest board in the mix. So, there are a lot of things that I think about to try and create programs that are fun and engaging.

WITH ALL THE STRESS THAT COMES WITH OVERSEEING MULTIPLE PEOPLE AND PROGRAMS, HOW DID YOU STAY SANE? I definitely didn’t. There were many, many breakdowns and my stress/panic were at least an 8 out of 10 for the whole week, but there is nothing that many visits to Sushi Hub and countless lychee lollies won’t fix.

WHAT WERE YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO COME OUT OF FOF?

Seeing my

ideas come to life was pretty cool, but my personal favourite was seeing our teams come in day in, day out ready to go, stoked to be there even though everyone was prepared to have a five-day phat nap.

WAS ALL THE HEARTACHE, LATE NIGHTS AND STRESS WORTH IT IN THE END? It was worth it if just one person caught a glimpse of the God I know.

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NOW Minnie Evans For as soon as he spoke, “let there be light”, there was light, no moment in between.

From that day on, everything he spoke would be seen.

No opportunity wasted, for my God likes to put on a show.

And then he went, let there be the skies and the oceans and the birds and the fishes that fill them.

His imagination went wild with the greens and the yelped and the purples and pinks too.

All that could fill this earth and the sky that’s blue as blue.

I want to put the animals that roar and tiny ones that scatter—the eagles that soar and the butterfly that flutters.

of air or as we cry out as infants as we cry out of despair.

We live in moments, chances, opportunities, passing, acting like it will always be there like it’s everlasting.

He has given you time, purpose, gifts, opportunity, and you let it walk straight by you.

You only get one chance to make a difference, one chance you can make a change and your assignments pass due.

What if Martin Luther King didn’t have that dream, Or Muhammad Ali didn’t have that fight.

Noah didn’t have that faith, or Jesus didn’t give that man back his sight.

And it was there, no moment in between, no opportunity wasted for my God wanted to be seen.

Day after day, night after night, he spoke it into existence and gave it life, gave us life.

He gave us meaning and purpose.

He breathed it into us.

All his love and all his trust. He got down dirty, stopped that low showed us all we could be all the places we could go.

Mother Theresa didn’t show her kindness; Nelson Mandela didn’t come to teach.

Mabo didn’t make a stand, or Rosa parks didn’t take that seat.

But we are wasteful. Wasteful of our time, wasteful of our talents, wasteful of our gifts, wasteful of our opportunity.

We have become wasteful creatures.

What if Esther didn’t show up to the king?

Daniel decided not to pray.

Moses didn’t lead Gods chosen people put of Egypt how different would it be today.

From the moments our lungs are filled, and we take our first breath

You see, they all saw an opportunity, and they took it.

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What if David didn’t stand up to the giant?

Abraham didn’t have that commitment.

Joseph didn’t listen to God, or Job wasn’t resilient.

They were willing to make a difference even if it might or would have cost them everything.

It was worth it.

God has given you everything you need and more to succeed.

There’s no lying, no hiding, no running you can do.

God will always, always find a way to find you.

Just like Jonah didn’t like the plan and decided to run away, God will find your whale swallow you up and spit you out to face your day.

And don’t act like this position you’re in will affect the way you perform, for Paul wrote some of the most inspiring books in prison and didn’t conform.

The time to act is now.

No opportunity wasted, right?

Start your journey with God now Reach out to others now Live a meaningful life now Seek God now Do your own ministry now Take up your God-given purpose now God has already started moving.

It’s up to you.

No opportunity wasted.

What are you going to do?

Written and performed by Minnie Evans, on opening night, at the 2021 Festival of Faith

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First Year 5 Hannah Wolverton Do you want to take advantage of the Avondale XP in your first, second or even third year? We have sourced the ultimate checklist from the queen of hype herself.

Swim at the ocean baths in Newcastle

Jump off swing bridge

Ditch the caf for KFC

Break into the pool at night

Play all the sports

Ring the bell

See bioluminescence at square jetty

Sleep at the beach

Find a significant other

Jump off Cathos bridge

Take someone to Lovers Ledge

2 am Maccas run

Explore Sydney

Pull an all-nighter

Do boys/girls walk at night

See a sunrise

Play chaseys with the sheep

Sunset at shingles

See how long you can last without doing your washing

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The the Voice voice

Wellness with sam The Never-Ending Road of Self-love.

Through my own experience with self-love, I have come to realise there is no one way to achieve it.

In reality, different methods work better than others, depending on the person. As I delve into the wondrous world of mental health and the human psyche, I have gained a new perspective of what self-love really is and how to practice it in day-to-day life.

Unfortunately, it is not accomplished only through face masks or bubble baths. It can be very simple things that may be challenging at first.

Basically, treating yourself how you would like a friend or family member.

Self-care is one of the most significant elements of upholding self-love. It includes maintaining your mental, physical, and spiritual health through various acts or rituals, including (but not limited to) routine, exercise, compassion, and forgiveness towards oneself and so on. It can be easy to fall into negativity. It’s comfortable and takes minimal effort to put yourself down or be unempathetic towards yourself. A form of self-neglect is ignoring the fact that your body needs specific upkeep that suits your own needs. I believe self-care is unique to the individual and is ever-changing as you discover more about yourself. I used to give myself pep talks in the mirror as a form of

self-love, and now I keep a journal that I fill with many thoughts. It is all up to you!

Another essential practice I have discovered is self-acceptance.

Carl Rogers, a profound pioneer of person-centred therapy, once said that accepting yourself in this very moment is when you begin to change (Rogers, 1995). I was once at a point in life where my goal was to be ‘happy’. I find this to be entirely arbitrary now because happiness is not a state of being but a fleeting emotion. Experiencing emotions is human, and you will never be completely devoid of bad feelings.

It is the conscious choice to struggle for things that result in achievement and work through battles that establish understanding and cause growth as a person. Low points in life are going to occur; self-love through these is what counts and builds strength. Self- care is being kind and forgiving to yourself in the worst of times while accepting that life can be challenging and not letting failures change your feelings towards yourself.

A way to establish these feelings towards yourself effectively is highlighted in Mark Manson’s famous self-help book, which provides methods in having a more streamlined and careful mindset. He talks about setting up productive goals. Manson writes about setting goals that are within your range of control, for example, setting goals that are realistic for you to reach

and do not rely on outside forces (Manson, 2016). For example, if you set a goal, you want everyone you meet to love you, that is unrealistic and can lead to self-resentment when it is inevitably unachievable.

Setting goals within your control lead to higher success rates and have higher chances of being achievable, for example, being a hard-working person. This goal is determined by what you perceive to be hard work. Failures are a part of life, but setting goals that are out of your control and relying on other people or external phenomena can lead to self-loathing and low selfworth.

I have begun to imagine life as a long stretch of road that can be smooth at times and at other times it can be bumpy and covered in potholes, and when you hit a pothole, your self-love can be challenged; however, having the conscious effort to constantly move with the road and sustain a level of self-care and acceptance can help you along the journey.

Manson, M. (2016) The Subtle Art of Not Giving A F***. Macmillan.

Rogers, C. (1995). On Becoming A Person: A Therapist’s View of Psychology. Constable.

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Bai’s Corner sitting, waiting, wishing – seasons Growing up, I spent too much time and energy waiting for my life to start. I spent too many hours entertaining thoughts like, ‘when I get to this age, I will have it all together’, ‘when I am in my 20s, I will know what I am going to do with my life’, ‘when I am older, I will be enough’. I felt like I was in a constant state of limbo.

In retrospect, it was probably fifteen to seventeen-year-old Bailee just having an existential crisis every five minutes [LOL].

I was stoked to bid adieu my teen years, but I realised recently that I still carry those questions of uncertainty with me.

Surprise! I do not know what I am going to do with my life, and I do not have it all together. And that is OK! From my limited experience on this tiny blue dot, I have learnt that sometimes waiting means being obedient to what the Lord asks of you. Sometimes He asks you to wait so He can work and prepare you in those seasons. You might feel like you are going nowhere and that everything is too much, but after the waiting comes burgeoning. Sometimes in the waiting, all you want is an answer to your prayers.

Well, sometimes, we are the answers to our own prayers. So don’t lie dormant in the waiting. There is still so much life to live in those seasons.

We must be crushed; we must sit through those uncomfortable and mundane moments; we must be undone. For it is the crushing and undoing that produces the good stuff.

Those seasons redefine and shape us into the people we are. They make us stronger and wiser [I hope].

Now is it just me, or was April the new “Mad May”? April was hectic, so what does this bode for May? The second coming?! Here I go again, so many questions! This time of the semester can be overwhelming. The Lord and lots and lots of coffee will help get us through it.

Hey, the existential crises still happen.

Try not to get caught up in them. We are constantly growing and evolving in this life. Some seasons are better than others. Sitting can be boring; waiting can be excruciating; wishing can be deceiving. At sixteen, my dad told me, ‘don’t sweat the small stuff, and it’s all small stuff’.

So, I just wanted to say that same thing to you.

One thing that completely changed my mindset was the concept of ‘even though I will’ faith. This idea comes from Pr Louie Giglio, and he speaks of when Paul and Silas were imprisoned in Philippi. Even though they were imprisoned, they offered up praise to the Lord. Even though you may feel lost, you may be in the fire; you still offer up worship to the Lord because he is so worthy of it. He brought you here; therefore, He will direct you through it.

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WO / WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MASON HAS DONE OVER THE YEARS THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH EVERY TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT? He’s a character,

but it’s funny that we always unintentionally match outfits. At summer camp, Mason and I both walked into dinner with the same watermelon shirt on, with the same black pants and thongs... it also happens all the time here at college #twinthings

Mia Windus

WHO WAS MASON’S CRUSH AS A CHILD? CELEBRITY OR SOMEONE FROM SCHOOL?! · · ·

Hailee Steinfeld Bailee Madison Madison Beer

WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT YOU SENT TO EACH OTHER? “Are they still dating?” - Mason “I have your washing” - Mia

NICKNAME Mimi & if you sing/drag my

DESCRIBE MIA IN THREE WORDS.

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING HERE AT AVONDALE? Secondary teaching,

For the boys

majoring in Religion & minoring in Geography.

HAVE YOU EVER STOLEN ANYTHING FROM MASON, AND HE STILL DOESN’T KNOW WHAT? No. I’m actually the best sister and don’t do things I shouldn’t.

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON ONE OF HIS FRIENDS? Oh man.... well.... this seems to be a recurring theme. In a simple word... yes... most of them...

WHAT NICKNAMES DO YOU HAVE FOR EACH OTHER? · Dirty dog · Just yell, he’ll respond to anything

ANY TEA MIA HAS TOLD YOU ABOUT THE ELLA GIRLS? SPILL IT! Well, we may or

may not combine “tea” and see if they match up.... but the boys are pretty boring, so I don’t have anything at the moment.

name out, for example - meeeeeya

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IF YOU COULD PICK ONE GAL FROM ELLA FOR MASON, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Look, I

can think of two girls, but I don’t want to say anything because if anything happens, I can say that I knew!!

WHAT IS THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS THING THE TWO OF YOU HAVE DONE TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS? Yea, I agree; we’re not bad children.

ANY LIFE LESSONS MASON HAS TAUGHT YOU SO FAR? Just be nice to

everyone even if you don’t like thHe’s taught me that people (or siblings) can be annoying and how to deal with them...

/ MAN WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT MIA HAS DONE OVER THE YEARS THAT MAKES YOU LAUGH EVERY TIME YOU THINK ABOUT IT? Where do I begin?

Mason Windus NICKNAME

Dirty Dog

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING HERE AT AVONDALE? Bachelor of Nursing

There have been some doozies. One time Mia was sitting in my friend’s 4x4 (who she liked at the time).

She was really awkward and asked, “how do you see over the front of the car?!”

The time she fell down the stairs at church, it was livestreamed and can still be accessed today. Whenever I’m sad, I think back to these incidents and have a good laugh.

WHO WAS MIA’S CRUSH AS A CHILD? CELEBRITY OR SOMEONE FROM SCHOOL?! · Dwayne ‘the Rock’ Johnson (but can you blame her. That man is fine) · Penrith Panthers · Literally any islander boy

WHAT WAS THE LAST TEXT YOU SENT TO EACH OTHER?

“I have your washing” - Mia “Are they still dating” - Mason

IF YOU COULD PICK ONE GUY FROM WATSON FOR MIA, WHO WOULD YOU CHOOSE? Literally

HAVE YOU EVER STOLEN ANYTHING FROM MIA, AND SHE STILL DOESN’T KNOW WHAT? I’ve stolen money from her

WHAT IS THE MOST OUTRAGEOUS THING THE TWO OF YOU HAVE DONE TOGETHER OVER THE YEARS? We are good

HAVE YOU EVER HAD A CRUSH ON ONE OF HER FRIENDS? No comment...

anyone. Please, anyone, date this girl. She needs a man in her life.

children of the Lord and haven’t really done anything outrageous.

ANY LIFE LESSONS MIA HAS TAUGHT YOU SO FAR? Just be nice to everyone even if you don’t like them.

DESCRIBE MIA IN THREE WORDS. Live, laugh, love

room (if she didn’t want it stolen, she would have hidden it better). She doesn’t even know. But I think it’s ok because I probably paid her back by buying her stuff.

WHAT NICKNAMES DO YOU HAVE FOR EACH OTHER? Smelly or Oi you ANY TEA MIA HAS TOLD YOU ABOUT THE ELLA GIRLS? SPILL IT! She may or may not have told me the tea. I don’t want to spill because it could ruin some lives.

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TheScott OG’s Hil

An Interview by Jasmin Ringrose The next OG to feature in this issue is a friend, mentor, leader, and unofficial but qualified “lecturer”. That’s right, we are talking to the one and only Scott (Chewie) Hill, head of on-campus security here at Avondale. If you have ever had the privilege of having a D&M late at night with Chewy whilst he does his rounds, you know that it’s always a good time – this is no exception.

So can you tell me about yourself and your family?

My name is Scott Marc Hill - all one-syllable names and quite dull unless you look into the meanings etc. Scott = Tattooed Warrior. Marc is named after Marc Bolan, lead singer of T-Rex (apparently my mother had a celebrity crush on him when she was younger), which will mean absolutely nothing to just about or maybe all of you reading this because it’s from 40-50 years ago. Still, as I LOVE music, I think it’s pretty cool. But most of you will likely know me as

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Chewy. Short for Chewbacca (the big loveable hairy beast from Star Wars). Short story, I hit puberty young and was pretty hairy years before most of my peers. I was born and bred in Invercargill in southern New Zealand. I also lived in Wanaka (near Queenstown) and then in Christchurch before moving here to Cooranbong.

I am very happily married to Mandi Hill, the best woman in the world (not even biased). She is a year six teacher at Avondale School and has been for the last 11 years. She may have taught a few of you?!

Mandi and I have two children, both adopted, tiny, much hairier than me and walk on all fours. You may have seen Billie-Jean and Macy on campus with me at some point. They’re pretty adorable, even if I do say so myself.

What are some of your hobbies/ passions or interests?

In my own time (when I’m not at work), I like time alone. I’m a bit of

an introvert. I like to use my hands to build things, paint pictures and draw, help people and fix things.

I love to listen to music, walk through show homes and watch renovation shows with my wife.

I like to hang out with close friends, have deep conversations, eat burgers and Mac n Cheese, watch movies and laugh at memes. I like nature; I like to swim in rivers and the ocean and revel in God’s creation. I love animals, and I’m a big softy at heart.

I like longboarding (although I haven’t been out in ages). I love Go-Karting (I don’t do it nearly enough). But what I like more than just about anything is going fast!

I LOVE riding my motorcycles!

They are my favourite form of adrenaline injection and therapy.

I’m an actual acceleration and speed junkie!

What is your position here at Avondale?

My official title is Security Coordinator, but I’ve been here so long, like many others, to help Avondale function as best we can (whenever necessary). I wear many hats.

Did you study here? If so, what did you study?

I did. I originally came to Avondale in 2007 to study Theology and return to New Zealand 4 years later…God had other plans.

I studied Theology for one semester, loathed it, quit, and started working at Sanitarium.

For 11 months, at least once a week, I had it out with God as to why he had taken me away from a profession (in signwriting) that I enjoyed to bring me over here and pack Weet-Bix! I had

some severe BEEF with God!!!

11 months ended up with me in the equity office at Sanitarium, after healing over a few days off from an old wrist injury from high school, which I had tweaked on the job. I had to go home immediately and was not allowed back on site until I had medical clearance. After a bit of back and forth, I decided to make it easy for them, and I quit. Minutes later, I was out the front door, and I immediately regretted my decision, as I was paying our (my wife and I) rent, tuition, etc., and I was the breadwinner. I figured I better start looking for work first thing tomorrow.

Meanwhile, I would go and blow off some steam with my mates in Watson Hall; I started crossing the road and received a phone call from Avondale’s newly hired Security Manager. Long story short, 20mins later, I was verbally hired to start work that night at 7 pm. On June the 12th this year, that will be 15 years ago! And God, through those 15 years, has now made it very clear His intentions of bringing me here. I love my job!

What has been the best chaff that you have seen between Watson and Ella Boyd?

The best chaff I can remember since being here between Watson and Ella that I was a part of, we (Watson Hall) posted flyers for a couple of weeks leading up to it, inviting the girls to a ‘Special Pancake Breakfast’ on the lawn between Ella and Bethel Hall.

We had a large BBQ, a massive batch of pancake batter, syrups etc. Orange juice, dressed up, tea towel over the arm, waited on them hand and foot and

then when they were finally unsuspecting, we pulled out the hidden eggs, bags of flour, leftover pancake batter, and a hose. We turned them into walking breakfast batter. Of course, there was a return fire, but it was awesome! We all got hosed off on the grass, cleaned up and then ran back for showers before class.

During your time here, has there been a time where you have seen a vibrant on-campus life?

Absolutely! The period of years surrounding the short time that I lived in the dorms was AMAZING! There was such a deep camaraderie between the students, and there was just ALWAYS something happening!

A lot of us didn’t have cars, Facebook etc. It was only kicking off. So, we socialised the old fashion way. We played rugby and basketball, we wrestled, and we always had all our doors wide open, almost 24/7. And there was always a good conversation going on. I believe that a lot of this was facilitated because most of us were stuck on campus with no transport. So shopping and beach trips etc. were a bit of a treat, but also, we had two dorm directors at the time in each dorm who were very actively involved in all of our lives, helping us whenever we might have needed it and being our Dads or Mums away from home. Kicking our butts if we needed it, but being great mentors and friends as well.

Do you think fining is an effective way to discipline students?

In short, in our current model, yes. I also believe there are more effective methods, but I don’t think

we have the staffing or system to implement them effectively.

When it comes to student safety, do you think a complete prohibition of on-campus drugs and alcohol effectively keeps students safe?

I believe that it certainly helps! But that goes for anywhere, especially where young people figuring life out and starting to make their way are concerned. Unfortunately, that answer comes from significant experience in the area; yes, I’ve had a life.

If there was one area that you would like to see Avondale improve in, what would it be?

I feel I’ve watched Avondale do a lot of assimilation to keep up with other tertiary systems over the years I’ve been here and lose a lot of its unique character in the process. Maybe I’m an idealist, but if there were one thing that I’d like to see improve or change at Avondale, it would be a move back to being unapologetically Christian and Christ-focused. With a strong focus on community and growing young people to go out not just with a degree but with real-life skills and a heart for Christ, community and service.

We once intentionally offered those things. We were recognised worldwide for being one of the most well prepared and capable tertiary institutions around, above and beyond just being workready. I believe that we currently have leadership in place that is prayerfully steering us back to that vision, and it has been exciting to start to see answers to prayer come to fruition in those areas.

THE AVONDALE EXPERIENCE!!!

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The Unpresidential Debate Ellie Penman and Gerado Montalvo spill the beans on their experience at Avondale’s finest eatery.

DIY The Caf! It has been quite a journey, filled with many memorable meals! My favourites have to include the delicious ‘Fasian’, ‘Findian’ and of course those days where I got to eat mushrooms wrapped in a delightful wet lettuce leaf. Despite the excitement of experiencing a lucky dip situation every day and the curiosity of wondering what type of potatoes we will be served, I am happy to conclude my relationship with the Caf. After two long years of paying for all the meals but only eating one meal a day (your welcome Avondale finance btw), I’ve been generously allowed the freedom of being an adult and preparing my own meals.

Preparing my own meals has been a learning experience. I realised that you could have a wider variety of more than just five meals! But in all seriousness, preparing meals in dorms has been made a lot easier thanks to the renovated kitchen (not kitchens). Having access to a working oven and stove have 24

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definitely come in handy. I’ve also really loved determining when and what I will eat each day—being able to eat food with a wide array of nutritional value… how novel.

I have found that food prepping on my days off and making salads is the easiest way to go. I’ve really enjoyed being able to do ‘homecooked family meals’ with my friends each week – definitely been one of the biggest things missing in my Avondale XP. As great as it is being in charge of my food, I do miss the convenience and community of the Caf.

- Ellie Penman THE CAF The Caf has got to be one of the most social places on campus—a place where we all get a good feed. While the church is the place for spiritual feeding, the Caf is a place for social and physical feeding. Yes, we come for food, at least some of us, but most of the time, we stay for the people, for the convenience, for the juices.

The Caf is the place for on-campus students to have time to meet each other and get to know one another, sure we have socials, and yeah, the dorms are great. Still, at the Caf, we are all there together, girls and guys, talking and eating, and there is never a better place to meet people than when you are all sharing a meal together.

Also, convenience is something that just can’t be matched. Many people have to think about studying and have to think about getting themselves a good meal.

There is a fantastic convenience in knowing, three times a day, that there will be a meal all made for you. You don’t even have to do the dishes after; you just put away all your dishes on a conveyor belt, and it’s gone—no need to think about it anymore.

How thankful we all should be for all those that work in the Caf and the excellent job they do. I am always so grateful whenever I think about how much food there is for us to eat, how Avondale has made sure that those coming right out of high school can come to Avondale and get their food all taken care of for them.

Even once a week, for pulse, the Caf shares its generosity with the outdoor students. Making all that extra food for those that are outdoor students and giving it to them for free. Last year when Covid was all anyone could ever talk about, the Caf made sure that we were safe and still had the food we needed. They tried to make things as easy and usual for us when everything else around us was chaotic.

And the staple of the Seventh Day Adventist church, the haystacks, the gluten steaks, the questions of does the cheese go on top of the bean sauce or on top of all the salad? How many gluten steaks can you do? Even for breakfast, there are Weet-bix, and if you are lucky enough, you might even get some Weet-bix bites!

How much more could you ask for when coming to university after leaving your family for the first time? The Caf, in my opinion, is the place where friends are made, new people are met and where memories are made at Avondale.

- GERARDO MONTALVO

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Messy Media Jay Borrot OCCUPATION: RAINFALL By no means do I call myself an accurate critic or even a movie buff. But I do like a good oldfashioned opinion. Thus, I have been tasked to write about that popular film genre that we all know and love – Strayan’ Sci-Fi. To be honest, I am not sure if what you’re about to read will spoil much as I am not too sure myself what went on during the 128 minutes that plagued my retinas...nevertheless, I hope you enjoy!

Out of all the Aussie Sci-fi films I’ve seen…this is the best one.

Granted, though it is the only one I’ve seen, it was definitely not a complete waste of time.

Aside from the mediocre CGI, lack of originality and most of the actors having the emotional range of a sausage, this is a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat - it could be because you cannot wait to leave.

A sequel to Occupation, also written and directed by Luke Spark, Occupation: Rainfall continues the battle against an alien civilisation slowly taking over planet Earth. With a tantalising budget of only $25m, every single buck has been put to good use from

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outrageous Hilux’s predisposed for the apocalypse to fighter jets, laser rifles and evil galactic mother ships that resemble the underside of a worn-in, colossal thong.

The movie follows a band of appropriately diverse ‘Aussies that form a resistance to take back what was questionably ‘theirs’ in the first place. The aliens they’re fighting against, fixated on nonsensical ploys to decimate all major cities of Earth, are referred to as ‘The Greys” - whether this is a comment on the racial prejudice stemming from historical humanoid invasions or a lack of creativity in the writer’s room, I’m not too sure... However, it does force you to consider who really are the monstrosities causing the most damage. Now, if you’re questioning how ‘true blue’ this film actually is - I present to you the two main [bogan] alien characters followed throughout this exorbitant yet budget motion picture, Gary and Steve.

We observe Gary the Grey (not to be confused with Gandalf the Grey) in his own astronomical moral inquisition throughout the film as he comes to realise what ‘his kind’ have done to the ‘unintelligent’ human race.

It is at this point when we are introduced to Wing Commander Hayes, responsible for the

development of the anti-alien, celestial bug-spray that will destroy ‘The Greys’ for good.

While not liking the fact that aliens have seized their world, somehow, the resistance starts teaming up with aliens to fight this commander before entering an all-out war that makes Ben Hur look like a preschool picnic.

You’re probably wondering what happens next... All I remember is the baffling bewilderment of the Event Cinemas’ usher waking me up with the blinding haze of their torch. To put it simply, Occupation: Rainfall is a movie like nothing else. Perplexing, tense, cheesy and downright Aussie...what’s not to love?

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The New Face of Rejuve AN INTERVIEW BY SALLY-MAE HERFORD WITH CHONTELLE HOGAN

Chontelle Hogan is a home-grown kiwi with a lot of energy that could probably power Avondale University College until we solve global warming. She also happens to be my neighbour in Ella Boyd res halls, and I also had the pleasure of serving next to her for a year (more like six months, thanks Covid) in our on-campus cafe, Rejuve. I sat down with Chonnie to chat about a new position she has taken on for the next few years. The new position being the new manager of cafe Rejuve. I get to the bottom of how she got this position and what she thinks the future holds for our beloved on-campus coffee fuel station.

Here’s what she had to say.

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First things first, what drew you to apply as a barista at Rejuve in your first year of college [2020]?

The most significant factor was money. I’m originally from New Zealand, and as an international student, I, unfortunately, don’t get any government help. My parents don’t contribute to my financial situation either. Rejuve is also on campus, so I didn’t need to worry about figuring out transport either. I’ve also worked in the hospitality business for a while, so it’s familiar to me, and I love it. I’ve had some of the best times working in hospitality and created some of the best memories. I’d much rather do something I enjoy than work at, say, the caf. So, it was a combination of paying my rent and being able to work in an atmosphere that I love.

What do you think makes Rejuve a staple space for on and off-campus students?

It’s such a vibrant social gatherings space, unlike the caf or other places on campus used mainly by on-campus students. It’s a social hub that allows all Avondale students to get that social XP that Avondale is known for. It’s also super cute, safe, comfy and not specific to any kind of people; it’s an inclusive space for all sorts of people. It also happens to be the centre of campus; everything happens there, often that’s where you hear all the goss too.

How did you get the manager position, especially so early on in your time at college?

Honestly, I’m not entirely sure. I spoke to Cassie [the previous manager] about it last year when she searched for a replacement manager after

she graduated [2021]. She needed someone who could be there for the next 2-3 years, which can be challenging considering most degrees go for 3-4 years. I never thought it would be me, but many of the staff put my name forward and here we are. I guess I also get along with everyone really well and I’m super organised, and I also have barista experience. That was a big reason. Rejuve wouldn’t be Rejuve without its killer brew.

Do you have any plans for the future of Rejuve whilst you’re the manager?

There’s a few joint ideas Cassie and I have. A mural was one, hopefully, to brighten up the aesthetics of the space, which is a bit dark. I’d be keen to create a cute photo area for people to be able to tag Rejuve or take cute photos with their friends. Cassie and I have always loved the idea of installing some bar tables and stools against the big window for the awkward people who are waiting for their coffee and are only there for a few minutes. I’d also love to redo the outdoor deck eating area between the church and Rejuve to expand seating. Lastly, I also want to bring in specified meal menus. For example, different breakfast and lunch menus so that we can offer specific foods at specific hours to cut down on food prepping but also expand our food options.

Well, I’m very excited to see what you’ll be able to add to our much-loved Rejuve in the next few years.

So am I!

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keep tagging #avondalexp pics to be featuredeven if it’s a fav avondale memory or throwback!

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When It No Longer Fits

Sally-Mae Herford

My uniform, like many others, for the first few months of 2020 was my trusty Nike sweatpants and the baggiest jumper from the deepest corner of my wardrobe. However, coming into the first few months of 2021, I found myself retiring my sweatpants and beginning the painful journey of rifling through my closet for something that would still fit. All my ‘outside’ clothes seemed tighter in all the wrong places. Now buckle in because here comes the metaphor for which you were so patiently waiting. After push and pulling my clothes in hopes of making them fit again, I realised that not only did my clothes no longer fit but neither did anything else in my life.

Day-to-day post-rona life was like a mini party every day. We had our basic freedoms back, and we could, for the most part, return to our lives as usual. However, the deeper I found myself venturing into 2021, the more alien the world around me seemed. My past life seemed as though it had been living my own personal Truman Show and that I was finally feeling and experiencing the things that went on around me so much more vividly. I became more hyperaware of the saddened inflections in my friends’ conversations; their choice of words began to hold so much more weight. In the past, I usually overlooked these seemingly tiny happenings in conversations.

My commonplace reaction to these conversations was one of ‘she’ll be right’ or ‘he’s just having

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a hard day’. I tended, like most people, to focus on how this person’s ‘inconvenience’ affected me, and without wanting to point a finger, I found that most of the people around me also practised these kinds of reactions. However, it was only once I was no longer the on-looker peering over the fence in pity that I realised I was the pitied individual on the other side of the fence. I had unknowingly climbed over, as if in a vague fever dream, and become the very thing that I had been so willing to distance myself from for the last twenty-three years of my very comfortable life. I now felt the sting of people brushing off my pained comments. I experienced the frustration when someone would change the conversation back onto what they were struggling with whilst ignoring my obvious hints of pain.

When everything fits you, you have no tightness of mind or surroundings; the very life around you seems simplistic. You pull your perfectly fitted clothes over your head. And yes, you may find that something might rip or fray here and there, but these ‘problems’ will inevitably find themselves a solution through one way or another, and you can rest easy knowing that there are worse people out there that can’t fit, but that’s their problem, not yours.

Whilst on the other side of the fence, not too far away, there is someone that is bursting at their seams, practically dying for the

comfort you so easily receive and so easily overlook. This may seem harsh, and trust me, I am no stranger to this notion myself; however, I genuinely believe our post-corona world no longer holds patience for our ignorant daydreamers. The mental health epidemic that we find ourselves in can longer be shunned to the other side of the fence because it has well and truly reached its capacity.

We now have a choice. We need to choose to be silent in those conversations and allow people to talk. We need to choose who in our lives we must put first and wholeheartedly commit to those people. We need to choose not to brush off the small comments but to dig deeper and ask the hard questions we always avoid.

We need to choose to be more intentional in how we treat the marginalised around us. And yes, sometimes we need to put ourselves first, but we also need to be intentional about putting others who need our support first as well. And we need to choose not to choose but let others tell us what they need and accommodate accordingly.

I know it all sounds like a big, jumbled mess and that it is much easier said than done; however, sometimes to be reminded is all that is needed.

So, this is your reminder.

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