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The Beacon, 2018-2019 The Beacon student newspaper

11-16-2018 The Beacon, November 16, 2018 Beacon Staff

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This News Article is brought to you for free and open access by the The Beacon student newspaper at NWCommons. It has been accepted for inclusion in The Beacon, 2018-2019 by an authorized administrator of NWCommons. For more information, please contact [email protected]. BEACONNORTHWESTERN COLLEGE November 16, 2018 Volume 92 - Issue 7 OC natives reflect on life at NW STUDENTS SHARE PERSPECTIVE ON ATTENDING SCHOOL CLOSE TO HOME

RACHEL SMART ENGLISH TEACHING

In a college town, it is common for high school stu- dents to avoid their local university or college like the plague, and Orange City is no different. Some Orange City natives never imagined attending college in their hometown, yet, to their surprise, found themselves called to stay. For each Orange City resident who finds themselves at NW, it’s a different experience. For some local students, NW played a huge role in their childhood, while for others it played little to none. Sophomore Vanessa Stokes recounts attending countless theater productions, trick or treating in the dorms and playing “Guitar Hero” at the AV Christmas parties. “My whole life has kind of been centered around Northwestern,” Stokes said. In contrast, because of her family’s extensive history with Dordt College, junior Lexi Van Surksum said NW was barely a part of her life until high school when her mom started working here. No matter how much of an impact NW had on their childhood, many students from Orange City did not plan on coming to NW. “I always said that after high school I would leave Northwest Iowa and not look back,” Van Surksum said. PHOTO BY: CHERISH SHUKA “There’s something about Northwestern that changed Lauren Weber enjoys the perks that come with attending school just miles from her childhood home. my mind. The students and my professors play a big part of that.” of Fern-Smith Hall and fellow Orange City resident and in a “familiar place with familiar faces” during a time in Stokes adored NW’s amazing faculty, the dorm life junior Lauren Weber loved the idea of going to a school her life of so much change. CONTINUED ON PAGE 5 Campus considers adding E-sports ATHLETIC DEPT WEIGHS million U.S. viewers for the 2018 PROS AND CONS Super Bowl, according to statis- ta.com. With the growing popu- MATT SCOTT larity of professional E-sports, it ACTUARIAL SCIENCE is no surprise colleges have been adding it as a varsity sport. Northwestern has recently The games NW is consid- considered adding a number of ering as possible options are sports to the current lineup, in- “League of Legends,” “Hearth- cluding men’s volleyball, bowling stone,” “Smite,” “Paladins” and and lacrosse. What most students “Overwatch.” According to Earl may not realize is that NW has Woudstra, NW’s athletic di- also been considering adding rector, “League of Legends” E-sports. and “Hearthstone” would have For those who have been stay- spring seasons while the rest of ing up-to-date with the E-sports the games would be fall sports. scene, this is to be expected. Pro- “League of Legends” is the most fessional video game leagues have popular professional and colle- been gaining popularity throuh- giate E-sport. gout the last couple of years. According to ESPN.com, “Rocket League,” a game best there were 36 NAIA schools of- described as 3-on-3 soccer played fering E-sports as a varsity sport in March of this year, and that PHOTO BY: CHERISH SHUKA by rocket-powered cars, held its E-sports and professional video game leagues continue to rise in popularity. world championships last week- number has only grown. Despite the adoption of E-sports by other end with a $1 million prize pot. nature of some video games, ob- stone” is the only one that could While a card game may schools, NW does have some seri- Meanwhile, League of Legends’ jectification of women and poten- be considered non-violent. seem harmless, some cards de- ous concerns. recent world championship had tial for addictive behavior.” “Hearthstone” is essentially pict violent images and a few When asked about the unique a $2.25 million prize pot and, Unfortunately, the majority an online card game where the cards contain images that objec- obstacles created by E-sports, according to esc.watch, averaged of video games do seem to con- user can customize his or her tify female characters. Woudstra commented, “The most 46.7 million worldwide viewers. tain violence and the objectifica- deck and then battle other play- common questions that have been To put this statistic into tion of women. Of the five games ers, similar to an online version raised have related to the violent perspective, there were 103.4 NW is considering, “Hearth- of the card game “Yu-Gi-Oh.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

beacon.nwciowa.edu 2|MID90s Movie 4|Professor Kao 7|Cross Country Northwestern College - Beacon INSIDE 3|Turkey Trot 5|Election Results 8|Jim Martin @NWC_Beacon ARTS & CULTURE 2 “Mid90s” produces nostalgia MOVIE REVIEW SUCCESS FROM during a finite time. diences will find plenty of has an enormous potential AUTHENTICITY The story of “Mid90s” experiences to relate to. to connect with audiences follows a young boy played The film masterfully cap- in a variety of ways. While BRANT VERMEER by Sunny Suljic. Suljic’s per- tures distinct feelings from it is obvious that the film POLITICAL SCIENCE formance is outstanding, childhood. Hill’s characters succeeds in creating a world especially for an actor of struggle with relational and teleporting its audience Film has an enormous his age. The cast is bolstered conflicts between siblings, there, the film could have potential to connect with its with the appearance of Lu- desiring to be like the older, done more to present a audience in a vast array of cas Hedges as the main cooler kids and longing to grander thematic idea to its ways. When done correct- character’s abusive older fit in with a group. audience. This lack of driv- ly, film can inspire empa- brother. The plot follows a These themes are con- ing idea does not detract thy, transport audiences to young boy as he seeks an veyed throughout the larg- from the overall experience, places they’ve never been escape from his unstable er plot of the story but are but it is a missed opportu- and present complex ideas life at home. He then finds a also emphasized in small- nity that could have caused and situations for audiences group of skateboarders that er scenes in between. The the film to be even greater. to ponder. In “Mid90s,” di- accept him. film succeeds in portray- In Hill’s directorial de- rector Jonah Hill succeeds The actors cast as ing the larger coming of but, it is clear that he has a in bringing audiences into these skaters feel authen- age narrative but also tells deep passion for the subject the world of the 1990s. tic because they are skat- smaller stories that many matter he seeks to portray. Immediately striking ers first and actors second, audience members will re- This shines through in his is the attention to detail which does not detract late to throughout. attention to detail, cast- brought by Hill in creating from their performances The film succeeds in ing choices and even the this film. Every precaution but helps them to be espe- telling a specific story that language used through- was taken to ensure that cially realistic. very well could have hap- out the film. These factors nothing on screen would Overall, the film’s pened in the ‘90s, but it culminate in a movie that betray the atmosphere cul- greatest strength is its also tells a story with ele- succeeds in authentically tivated. Everything, includ- commitment to authen- ments that have likely hap- portraying a specific mo- ing the clothes, logos and ticity. From the obsessive pened to each one of us. Its ment in history, while at the even the garbage on screen attention to detail to the success is that it conveys same time giving audiences is period-appropriate for casting of real skateboard- something that is at once something that they will be the film. This is crucial, ers, “Mid90s” is commit- specific and universal. able to relate to. because one of the greatest ted to building a world for For all its successes, the PHOTO COURTSEY OF GOOGLE successes of the film is that its audience to enjoy. film is not perfect. At the it portrays a distinct culture Within this world, au- beginning of this piece, film Jon Bellion releases his fifth album MUSIC REVIEW

LYRICS RELATABLE, in multiple songs), but he his songs sound the same, SOUND FRESH hates the fame that comes Bellion’s unique sound with it. He doesn’t want to from his past albums are LIZZY JOHNSTON be pressured by fame to still found on Glory Sound PUBLIC RELATIONS change his sound or what Prep. he wants to say through Not only are all the Jon Bellion has final- his music. And in re- lyrics profound, but the ly released his fifth album sponse, Bellion communi- sound in each track is this past week, making the cates all these factors with amazing. The tracks start world a little better. The some fine tracks. with a couple of instru- album Glory Sound Prep Not only does Bellion ments, then suddenly half- has come two years after sing about fame, but he way through drop a few his previous album The also brings up themes of more instruments into the Human Condition. genuineness in a shallow mix. For fans of Bellion’s Most people know and fake world, real and raps, there are also plenty Bellion from his hit sin- sacrificial love, preserving of those. The man proves gle “All Time Low,” a sin- memories, fake people, yet again that he can spit gle which catapulted him searching for love to fill a verse. to fame and put him into void and religion. He con- One complaint is the the music spotlight. Fame tinues to get just as deep last track, “Mah’s Joint.” is the overarching theme as he has in the past about The track is actually amaz- in Bellion’s new album, what he’s experiencing and ing — it’s an eight-minute track with thought-pro- but not for the reason one seeing in the world. Bel- lion doesn’t shy away from voking lyrics about mem- would expect — he wants ories and Bellion’s mom. to get away from it. being honest, or sugar coat The last five minutes have In almost every track, his music. no lyrics, but instead use a Bellion mentions fame in Additionally, leave it whole slew of instruments some way. He sings about to Bellion to not be afraid that create a swing sound. wanting to run from the to experiment with all If you are a fan of Bellion, spotlight, the stress of al- sorts of instruments. His you know his epic song ways being in the public tracks make use of pianos, “Hand of God” from The PHOTO COURTSEY OF GOOGLE IMAGES eye, his journey to fame, violins, cellos, trumpets, Human Condition. The trying to stay humble and violas, saxophones, or- track is an outro, where he combined songs from minutes, I automatically God” type of song. fresh and unique, and how not letting fame change gans, mandolins, drums assumed it would serve Overall, I seriously could you dislike Jon Bel- and synthesizers to create The Human Condition into or control him. He’s hap- one glorious and goose- as the next epic outro for encourage giving this al- lion’s voice? You can’t, so py with his life and the bopping electric beats. bump-inducing six-min- Glory Sound Prep. How- bum a listen several times give it a listen. talents he’s been given to There’s also a lot more ute track. ever, the track is under- through. The lyrics are make music (and he cred- bass than in his past work, When I saw that whelming if one was ex- thought-provoking and its God for these talents which is in almost every “Mah’s Joint” was eight pecting another “Hand of relatable, the sound is track. Although none of ARTS & CULTURE 3 Local church to host Turkey Trot RAISING MONEY it heads east and loops thrive. Hunger Free Kids AND AWARENESS down by the golf course of Sioux County funds through the cul-de-sac Sack Pack programs in lo- HANNAH WAMHOFF where Northwestern’s cal Sioux County schools THEATRE President Greg Christy and supports other com- lives. Finally, it runs south munity efforts that feed Orange City’s Annual via St. Paul Avenue before food insecure children Turkey Trot is coming to concluding at Trinity Re- and families.” town Thanksgiving morn- formed Church. The organization was ing. The event serves as a Past races have includ- formed in 2013 by a va- kickoff to Thanksgiving ed strollers, dogs, kids and riety of groups aiming to Day by giving participants adults of all ages. As a fun lower childhood hunger the opportunity to run or twist, this 5k race also en- in Sioux County. Events walk a 5k. courages participants to they put on include Free Turkey Trot Rac- wear costumes, and many, Will Dinner and Auction, es have been tradition of course, turn out to be Tailgate, Tip Night and the across the country since turkeys. Sack Pack program. the late 1800s, and there The purpose of the Overall, the Sack Pack are nearly a million races event is not to competitive- program reaches Sioux that take place every year ly race (although the race is Center, West Sioux, Boy- on Thanksgiving. Orange timed), but rather to offer den-Hull and MOC-Floyd City is no different and has a fun start to Thanksgiv- Valley schools. Last year, over $3500 was raised had their own race host- ing while raising money ed by Trinity Reformed through the Turkey Trot. and awareness for a mis- Church for the past several Organizers this year hope sion. This year’s mission is years. This laid-back race to raise even more money is sure to stir up hunger Hunger Free Kids of Sioux for their mission partner. for Thanksgiving feasts County, and the mission In addition to the 5k, and preemptively ward off partner is Trinity Youth a community worship ser- food comas. Ministries. vice will be held by Living The course is a roll- According to their Water Community Church PHOTO COURTSEY OF ORANGE CITY TURKEY TROT Participants running in the Orange City Thanksgiving Turkey Trot race last year. ing single loop starting at website, Hunger Free Kids and Trinity Reformed Trinity and going along of Sioux County serves to Church in conjunction 7:45am on Thanksgiving giving meal will be held at refreshments before and 2nd Street past the Orange “provide local support for with the event. The service Day and will be followed Living Water. after the race. Both the City Pool. It then loops local efforts and innova- will take place at Trini- by post-race refreshments Registration for the 5k Thanksgiving Eve worship north via Frankfort Ave- tions to ensure all children ty, Wednesday, Nov. 21 at in the lobby of Trinity. To is still open and the cost is at Trinity and Thanksgiv- nue up to 7th Street, where in Sioux County receive 6:30 p.m. conclude the day’s festivi- $32. The registration price ing meal at Living Water adequate nutrition to The 5k begins at tes, a community Thanks- also includes a t-shirt and are open to the public. A superhero with Down Syndrome NW ALUMN first superhero with Down drome, he wanted to give his CREATES COMIC Syndrome for his son Ollie, son someone he could relate who also has Down Syn- to, and created “Metaphase.” HANNAH ROSS drome. Jesse Carbert of Book Once Martin heard WRITING AND RHETORIC Riot says in her article about about him through the Public the book, “the public has Relations department, he or- Have you ever seen a begun to recognize ‘Meta- dered and read the book and Marvel movie? Do you watch phase’s importance, not only immediately messaged Reece action blockbusters just to to the medium, but to dis- to ask if he would visit cam- see a good hero story? On ability lit overall.” pus and talk about his book. Tuesday, Nov. 20, a new su- “Metaphase” is about a The comic has also gained perhero is coming to North- boy whose father has super- national attention as Reece western’s campus through powers. The son thinks he’ll has been interviewed by both the Deep Song Reading se- be just like his dad someday, NBC and CBS news. ries. Hosted by the English but his father tells him that Deep Song Readings are Department, the reading, because of his weak heart and ultimately a time of learning arranged by English profes- Down Syndrome, he proba- and exploration. Students sor Sam Martin, will be led bly won’t have superpowers. who attend have the oppor- by NW alumn, Chip Reece, “There’s a heartbreaking tunity to hear from published author of “Metaphase.” moment when the father is authors and to ask them ques- Deep Song Readings are trying to gently tell him that tions. Reece will talk about a series of reading events that you probably won’t be like me, the process he went through take place on campus each you won’t have superpowers,” to make “Metaphase” and semester. The department Martin said. “And you can see may talk about the sequel he usually brings in one reader in the artwork how crushing is currently working on. from either on or off cam- that is for the kid in the sto- “This story might not pus to read and talk about ry and he’s like, ‘Is it because have billions of dollars of their creative work. Faculty I’m different, because I have Hollywood special effects ex- members who are working Down Syndrome?’” So, the ploding behind it, but it has a on manuscripts have partic- boy embarks on a quest to much deeper humanity, and ipated, as well as alumni and gain superpowers, but he has I think a more original sto- a few critically-acclaimed to deal with the consequences ry than anything you’ll find writers like Scott Cairns, the as well. in the blockbuster theaters,” American poet. “It’s one of those pieces Marin said. “It’s a fun story, it In the past, NW has also that actually broadens the has heart, and it’s a story that brought in poets, short story imagination,” Martin says. gives hope.” writers, novelists, non-fiction Reece graduated from The Deep Song Reading writers and people that work NW with a social work de- will be held at 4:00 p.m. on in multiple genres, but this gree. However, when he saw Tuesday, Nov. 20 in the Fire- year is the first year to have a that there were not many side Room. graphic novelist introduced. superheroes with disabilities PHOTO COURTSEY OF GOOGLE Reece created the very and none with Down Syn- FEATURES 4 Kao’s journey from Taiwan to OC low the work-life balance that work environment. He ex- KAO REFLECTS ON he desired, while at the same plained that there is a cultural FIRST TWO YEARS time allow him to do some- freedom in the United States thing that he enjoyed. that is unique. He described BRANT VERMEER After finishing under- that the freedom to be your- POLITICAL SCIENCE grad in Taiwan, Kao com- self is something that other pleted one year of mandatory countries do not enjoy in the The Northwestern busi- military service in Taiwan. same way. In the U.S. people ness-economics department He pursued studying for the can be themselves, but in oth- has undergone some big exam required to apply for er countries there are often changes over the last few PhD programs while at the social hierarchies that shape years. Two long-time faculty same time working a full-time behavior. members retired or moved job. During this busy time, Kao was drawn to teach to other jobs, and two new Kao also married his wife and at NW at first by a simple econ faculty joined One of began to start his family. In- job posting. He explained these new faculty members is cluding his military service, that NW knew where to put Han-Yen Kao. this took place over the span their advertisement, as it was Kao’s story begins in Tai- of four years. the first place every recently wan. When one grows up in Kao was accepted into graduated PhD student will Taiwan, their major is often graduate school at Rutgers look. He also noted that he chosen for them. Kao was University. He explained that was happy to apply to a Chris- given the major of public fi- he chose to study in the Unit- tian institution. As he began nance, which has three dis- ed States because it has many to learn more about NW, his tinct available paths. These of the world’s best economists. interests in coming to Orange paths are accounting, eco- It was difficult to get back into City grew. nomics and law. He decided the rhythm of studying, and Meeting Professor Fan when he was a rising junior it was difficult adjusting to a Fei was an important factor in in undergrad that he would new culture at the beginning his decision. He and his fam- pursue economics and aim to of graduate school. He ex- ily were nervous about being become a professor. plained that the beginning of accepted in a community like He described the key graduate school was one of Orange City. When he met factor that led him to this de- the harder times in his life. He Fei, he was assured that his passed the qualifying exam family would be accepted in PHOTO SUBMITTED cision, which was based on Han-Yen Kao is one of two economics professor at NW, having joined the college in 2017. his professors in undergrad. at Rutgers which over half of that community. It was also PhD applicants do not pass. reassuring to have a colleague Professor Kao explained that class and I feel like the stu- ing for its lifestyle, but also students, and he explained He had originally that had gone through some- he received advice to choose dents are really learning. I try by his passion to teach and that he has already begun planned to return to Taiwan thing very similar to what he a lifestyle instead of a career. to increase those moments,” relate to students. He de- to enjoy doing so with stu- after obtaining his degree had gone through. This led him to pursue a ca- Kao said. scribed that he values dents at NW. but chose to stay because he “The moments I enjoy reer as a professor. It would al- Kao was drawn to teach- building relationships with enjoyed the U.S. culture and the most are when I’m in E-sports popularitiy continues to rise FROM PAGE 1 an arcade feel and less realistic violence. There are also other games that do not League of Legends, Smite, Paladins, contain violence or the objectification of and Overwatch, a variety of third- and women. As E-sports becomes more com- first-person shooters, face similar prob- mon, games like FIFA (soccer), Madden lems with violence and the objectification (football), and 2K (basketball) will defi- of women. nitely find their way into college athletics. While some of these games may be NW still has a lot to consider when it problematic, it is important to remember comes to E-sports, but it is exciting to see NW is not limited to these games. NW the athletic department’s willingness to could offer any number of these games consider a non-traditional sport. As more or none of them. One potential solution and more schools add E-sports, NW has mentioned by Woudstra would be avoid- to decide if it wants to join in on the fun ing first-person shooter games. Games early or wait to see if E-sports becomes like League of Legends, a two-dimension- a crucial addition to college athletic de- al third-person shooter, provide more of partments.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE Thousands of spectators fill an arena to watch the championship of an E-sports tournament. FEATURES 5 Students react to midterm elections IOWA DISTRICT the number of female can- his trade policy and Re- race was more competitive of State in Iowa in light 4 Representative Skyler FOUR MAKES NEWS didates who ran for office publicans lost two seats in this election due to Steve of the voter identification Wheeler, the Republican and were elected to office. Iowa,” senior Brant Ver- King’s provocative an- law that he advocated for incumbent, ran uncontest- EMMA VAN DRIE Before this midterm elec- meer said. ti-immigrant remarks that in 2017 and the elimina- ed this year. POLITICAL SCIENCE tion, there were 107 wom- Iowa District 4 looked resulted in criticism from tion of straight-ticket vot- In two years, there will en in Congress, which was quite a bit different from the members of both parties. ing in Iowa. be another major election. This year’s midterm an all-time high. Post-mid- whole of the nation, how- “I was definitely dis- Democratic incum- It will be interesting to see if election was marked by terms, there are now 123 ever, as Republicans have appointed to see that King bent Tom Miller was also this election sparks a contin- unifying successes, in- women holding congres- accumulated more power still won, but it was encour- re-elected as Attorney ued increase in voter partici- cluding record highs for sional seats. This election following this election. aging to see Scholten come General. pation for future elections. voter turnout rate and the has been compared to the In the U.S House Dis- so close,” Vermeer said. The Iowa State Senate “Midterms matter. number of women run- 1992 “Year of the Woman,” trict 4 election, Repub- Republican incum- was closely divided with Voting matters. This is ning for office and holding where an unprecedented lican incumbent Steve bent Kim Reynolds won 12 Democratic seats and why it is important to get congressional seats. At the number of women were King came out on top the race for Iowa Governor 13 Republican seats. engaged, educated and to same time, this election elected to Congress. over Democratic candi- after being endorsed by The Iowa State House go vote, because you can has reflected the great di- These record highs date J.D. Scholten, though President Trump at a ral- also had the Republican make a difference,” junior vision that continues to were also met with strong by a much smaller margin ly in Council Bluffs, Iowa, majority with 44 Demo- Lauren Faber said. shape the nation. party divides across the than typical in such a his- during her campaign. cratic seats won and 51 Re- The 2018 midterm One of the most en- country. This division is torically conservative dis- Republican Paul Pate publican seats won. elections have revealed couraging aspects of the revealed in the divided trict. The House District 4 was re-elected as Secretary Iowa House District just that. 2018 midterm elections legislature, as Democrats was the 47.5% nation-wide won the House for the first voter turnout rate, which time in eight years after has been the highest mid- gaining more than the 23 term voter turnout since seats they needed to obtain 1966. Percentages histori- a majority, while the GOP cally tend to be much low- still holds the Senate. er in midterm elections In the days following than in general elections; the election, Democrats however, there has been a continued to pick up many stimulating shift toward of the close seats in the wider voter participation, House and Senate, prompt- especially from young vot- ing debate over whether ers and early voting in this this election can be con- year’s election. sidered a “blue wave.” The state of Iowa also Now that the Repub- had a record number of licans do not have a mo- voters, with 61% of regis- nopoly on the legislature, tered voters casting their there is more opportunity ballot on election day. for challenges to President “It was very exciting Trump’s legislative agen- to see more people make it da and potential Supreme out to the polls and exer- Court nominations in the cise their right to vote this next two years. midterm election,” junior “The election definite- PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE Kelsey Lang said. ly feels like a referendum The midterm election that took place last week on Tuesday, Nov. 6 saw an increase in voter turnout and wins for both parties. Records have also on the Trump administra- been broken in regard to tion. Iowans were hurt by Attending school just miles from home FROM PAGE 1 “When I took one of [Professor Fynaardt’s] classes While some of us can’t last year, we had so much to imagine going to school in the talk about. It was so fun to re- same town they grew up in, tell stories from when he and the situation has its fair share his family lived on my street,” of advantages. Weber said. Free laundry is the most Best of all, growing up obvious, but these students in the area means that these also enjoy things like not students know the best plac- having to find a new job or es to eat and hang out. For church, getting baskets of those that don’t know the goodies on sick days or having area very well, these local the ability to spend time with students have a few recom- family several times a week. mendations to share. And of course, no one would Sfumato Pizza, a restau- complain about the money rant outside Orange City, students like Van Surksum uses all-natural ingredients save by living at home. to create phenomenal pizza Another interesting plus and gelato, and if you’re in of going to school at NW after Sioux Center for a Walmart growing up in Orange City is run, try heading to Olivia’s, a knowing some of the profes- completely authentic Mexican sors. When she was young, pastry shop, for a great price. Stokes was a part of the local- Next time you see a ly-made film “Prairie Pirates” friend on campus who grew along with her FYS professor up in Orange City, ask them Karen Barker and recalls the about the area. You just hilarious grouchy old wom- might hear a hilarious story an Barker played. For Weber, about one of the faculty at knowing her professors is NW or discover your new something she really enjoys favorite restaurant. PHOTO BY: CHERISH SHUKA and doesn’t find awkward at all. Students from Orange City are often surprised at how much they enjoy their close-to-home experience at Norhwestern. OPINIONS 6 The pressure of relationships

Now of course, I am super excited at the thought of someday having the opportunity I believe one’s greatest to love someone with everything I am. chances of finding the Although, that doesn’t mean I want to jump The Northwestern athletic teams person they will marry will into a relationship with just any girl. Girls have are killing it in performance levels come from just participating cooties, and that’s that. I believe one’s greatest this year. Both the volleyball and in things they love to do and chances of finding the person they will marry finding their person in the will come from just participating in things football teams have made it to Jason VanDyke midst of that. they love to do and finding their person in the playoffs. Shout out to all the Computer Science athletes who work hard day and midst of that. NW is a pretty good place for h, Northwestern College. I’m - Jason VanDyke that. But too often people go about the ‘dating night, pushing to be the best they in my second year, and things realm’ in the wrong way. I wish we could come can be. Come out and support the are still going amazingly well. I surrounding relationships. to see this relationship-status in a new light. Raiders in their advancements. The mean,A aside from being buried in the work of The pressure to be in a relationship, Now, if you’ve read this far and are football team plays this coming Sat- upper-level classes, and thus too busy to have unintentionally placed on single people, is convinced I’m condemning relationships, urday (Nov. 17) at 1 p.m. and the a social life. I still love this place so much, and almost tangible in the air. This comes in the then reread the part where I said I’m excited volleyball team plays the Tuesday I’m constantly telling people I could not have form of constantly witnessing the relationships for my own relationship someday. You’ve following Thanksgiving break (Nov. found a better school to attend. of best friends, phrases like “Ring by Spring” missed my point. No, relationships are not 27). Go Raiders! As a student ambassador, I get to show and “M.R.S. degree” being thrown around, bad, and neither is being single. They’re simply visiting students what it’s like to live here at and the feeling that two people of the opposite different. They both have their advantages and NW, and that’s what I love most about my job gender can’t walk down the sidewalk without disadvantages. (although the paycheck is a nice bonus for a others assuming something is going on. Even I think it’s mainly a matter of what season poor college student). The highs and lows of the existence of the “October Rule” points to of life you’re in. Some people have waited and being an ambassador come when I can see this – we wouldn’t have it if we didn’t “need” it. taken a long time to prepare their heart for I’ve convinced a student they should attend The anticipation and excitement of a potential a beautiful relationship. Others, like myself, NW, and when I must understand they have relationship gets to many of us. have spent a majority of their time since another school in mind. Either way, I do my NW, as a small, Christian bubble, gives freshman year of high school in and out of best to tell them what I love about this school. off a “standard expectation” that you should more relationships than they’d like to admit. But there comes a point in every meeting be in a relationship with someone, and if you NW is the place to see relationships thrive; when I’m left thinking, “Okay, so I’ve told aren’t then you’re doing something wrong. I’ve however, the next time you see one of your them all of my favorite things about this talked about this with my friends, some in close friends spending time with someone of school. Now what? What is there about NW relationships and others single, and they can the opposite gender, don’t jump to conclusions that I may not like?” Honestly, I’m hard- feel this too. This is literally the only reason I don’t feel like you’re failing if you aren’t doing pressed to find things I dislike about this place. have for saying anything negative about NW, the same thing. Not every guy-girl duo is in a Many students are overjoyed that There is, however, one subtly-obvious thing and it makes me tell my family, “You know, relationship. Now, let’s take the time as young that really irks me, and that’s the atmosphere NW can sometimes really stink.” adults to realize the difference. the Hub now serves pizza; however, students who are gluten-free do not appreciate it as much. Gluten-free students are not able to use a meal exchange to order a pizza, but instead have to pay extra and use Procrastination takes over flex. This unfair decision leaves gluten-free students saddened by to complete? Why is it that we spend so it’s the end of the day and my important the inequality in price. NW should much money on education, only to spend a projects remain unfinished. make the food options available majority of our time not doing homework? It Procrastination is ultimately the worst. It is not because we have bad work ethics. Many sets you up for failure. It doesn’t set you up to and fair to all students, no matter researchers have made their own reasons for beat failure, it sets you up to lose. their dietary needs. procrastination, but no one can agree on one However, there are ways to help prevent reason as to why everyone falls into this trap procrastination. According to the Washington called procrastination. Post’s article, “The Real Reasons You According to Oxford Learning’s article Procrastinate – and How to Stop,” researchers Brandie Marling “Why do Students Procrastinate,” most suggest that one of the most effective things English Teaching students procrastinate because they are afraid that procrastinators can do is to forgive of failure or because they think they can’t live themselves. Forgiving yourself can reduce the rocrastination. We’re all guilty up to expectations. Others just don’t see the guilt you feel about procrastinating, which of it. Every college student has importance in finishing their work. If you’re they claim to be one of the main triggers to fallen victim to procrastination like me, it’s a mixture of everything listed procrastinating. at leastP once within their years as a student. above. Another thing that is recommended, is It is completely normal to fall into the deep The feeling of being continuously to recognize that you don’t have to be in the hole that is procrastination. I am currently suffocated by all the work that you have to mood to do a certain task – just ignore how fighting it myself as I write this article, along do but also having no motivation to do any you feel and start doing it. with putting off the three other projects I have of it causes a problem. The thought process Think about what the next action is, Early next week, students will due before Thanksgiving break. of “I’ll start working after the next episode” break down the project into smaller steps. A be headed home to spend some One thing I’ve found myself leaning on or “I wrote a paragraph, time to treat myself little progress – no matter how small – can much-needed time with when procrastinating is Netflix; a site that with an episode of my favorite show” gets make you feel much better about the task and family; away from the library, heavy hands us access to multiple movies and TV out of hand too fast. Personally, I spend too increase your self-esteem, which also decreases textbooks and research papers. shows on a silver platter. There are other much time doing anything but my work. If your desire to procrastinate. The analogy that Thanksgiving is right around the ways to procrastinate on homework, such I can’t find anything on Netflix, then I go to Pychyl uses compares it to building a house. as video games, Hulu, books, music and YouTube. There’s another spiral that is waiting “Procrastinators are great visionaries – they corner, which means there are only cleaning; however, I am most familiar with to get out of control. love to fantasize about the beautiful mansion about three weeks left until the end getting sucked into Netflix’s portal. Still, why First, I watch motivational videos, then they will one day have built – but what they of the first semester. The Beacon do we procrastinate? Is it because we’re lazy? three hours later I’ve gone off on a tangent need to be are gritty construction workers, would like to wish the best of luck Is it because we’re not motivated enough? and am watching giraffes fight or an interview who methodically lay one brick after the to those who have exams, projects, Do we find things too difficult or too easy with some unknown artist. Next thing I know, other, day after day, without giving up, until speeches and papers due within the Editor’s Note The opinions published both in print and online next few days. Keep pushing a little are the opinions of the authors only. Beacon longer, break will be here soon! staff members do not necessarily support the opinions expressed in this section. Research and Get wealthy editing (other than formatting) of articles is the ...With the new responsibility of the authors rather than the editors. $ off your words... Beacon pay scale $

Write 1-4 stories = $10 each | 5-8 stories = $15 each | 9+ stories = $20 each Respectfully, the Beacon staff SPORTS 7 NW runners head to Nationals 5 RAIDERS ON TO have 36 participating teams. Au- CEDAR RAPIDS tomatic berth is earned by win- ning the conference championship KELSEY LANG meet, being the meet runner-up or POLITICAL SCIENCE ending the season ranked in the top 30 final poll. For the women, Five Northwestern College three conferences received two au- runners qualified for the 2018 tomatic berths. For the men, one NAIA Cross Country National conference received two automatic Championship race which will berths. In addition to the automat- take place on Friday, Nov. 16, at the ic qualifiers, the women were al- Seminole Valley Cross Country lowed one host berth (Mount Mar- Course in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ty) and 11 at-large berths. The men Three NW women qualified were also allowed one host berth individually. Bre Harthoorn, Au- and 13 at large berths. tumn Muilenburg and Emma Van Both the NW women’s and Meeteren are among the 93 run- men’s teams worked hard in the ners that make up the individual qualifying meet. Both teams qual- qualifiers in the 2018 champion- PHOTO COURTESY OF NWC ATHLETICS FACEBOOK ified last year and had high hopes The NAIA Cross Country National Championship race will take place on Friday, Nov. 16 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. ship field. These women earned to return this fall. The women were their spot by placing among the runners that make up the individ- With the exception of Muilen- meter race, will take place at 10:30 just one point away from automat- top six runners at their confer- ual qualifiers in the 2018 cham- burg, a freshman, all of the runners a.m. The men’s race, an 8-kilometer ically-qualifying. ence championship, provided pionship field. These men earned have competed at the national level race, will take place at 11:30 a.m. Carrie Krohn, assistant cross they were in the top 15 runners their spot by placing among the before. Muilenburg, first-time Na- This is the first time in NAIA country coach, is ready for Fri- overall and not part of a team that top four runners at their confer- tionals Qualifier, said, “I’m excit- Cross Country Championships day. “We are excited for the op- already qualified. ence championship, provided they ed to run at such a big meet. I’m history that the race will take place portunity to race with the best in Two NW men qualified in- were in the top 15 runners overall also pumped that I get to run with in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Mount the nation and to show the cour- dividually. Dylan Hendricks and and were not part of a team that al- some of my teammates.” Mercy will host again in 2020. age and grit needed to compete Caleb Benzing are among the 83 ready qualified. The women’s race, a 5-kilo- Both the women and men well,” she said Football season coming to a close SEASON HIGHLIGHTS games being the National Cham- CFP Prediction: #1 Ala- AND PREDICTIONS pionship. They are both likely to bama, #2 Clemson, #3 Michigan, meet again based on their high #4 Oklahoma. BRADLEY LAACKMANN level of play this year. For fans of local teams, Iowa SPORT MANAGEMENT As for Michigan and No- will fall out of the rankings after tre Dame, they will have tough losing to Northwestern 14-10 last As the college football sea- matchups to finish the season. Saturday. The Hawkeyes were son winds down, we have a bet- Notre Dame will face 13th- ranked #21 in the CFP Polls and ter idea of which teams will be in ranked Syracuse on Saturday and will face Illinois and Nebraska in contention for a College Football USC on Saturday, November 24. the next two weeks. Playoff (CFP) spot and the top Notre Dame will not play in a The 23rd-ranked Iowa State bowl games. Each of the top four conference championship, which Cyclones continued their 5-game schools in the CFP Rankings won creates “must-win” scenarios for winning streak last week versus. easily on Saturday, so the top four their last two games. Baylor and will play #19 Texas in Michigan has Indiana and a pivotal Big 12 matchup on Sat- will remain as Alabama, Clem- PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE son, Notre Dame and Michigan. Iowa lost to Northwestern last week and is now out of the rankings. #10 Ohio State to round out their urday. Nebraska is currently out Other schools currently on schedule. The Michigan-Ohio bowl eligibility with a current re- the outside are Georgia, Oklaho- shift frequently, but Alabama and Alabama and Clemson have State matchup will likely deter- cord of 3-7 and will play against ma, LSU and Washington State. Clemson have remained at the met in the CFP in each of the last mine the winner of the Big Ten Michigan State and Iowa to finish This year has seen the rankings top for the entire season. three seasons, with two of those East division. their season. Rocket League Championship Series recap E-SPORTS GAME HOLDS INTERNATIONAL TOURNAMENT

MATT SCOTT ACTUARIAL SCIENCE

Last weekend marked the finale of the most intense RLCS season to date. For those who do not know, RLCS stands for Rocket League Championship Series and is the largest professional competition for Rocket League. Rocket League is three-on-three soccer, but what makes Rocket League so unique is that instead of normal soccer, each player controls a rocket-powered car. The double-elimination tournament had a prize pot of $1 mil- lion and included four teams from North America, four PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE teams from Europe, and two teams from Oceania. The North American team Cloud9 won the second Rocket League Championship Series last weekend over Dignitas. Shockingly, all four of the North American teams lost in the quarter-final round and were bumped to the of the Rocket League scene, advancing to the finals with a bracket reset and another seven-game series. losers’ bracket. G2 E-sports went 0-2 over the weekend, no trouble at all. Dignitas defeated We Dem Girls in the Led by an MVP performance from C9’s “Torment,” losing both five-game series 2-3. Kristian Leppke, senior winners’ finals to send WDG to face Cloud9 in the los- the North American team was able to secure another actuarial science major and long-time G2 E-sports fan, ers’ finals. victory over Dignitas to become World Champions. C9 was disappointed with his team’s performance. “I thought Earlier, WDG knocked C9 into the losers’ bracket. fan Brant Vermeer was surprised by the win, saying, “I [G2] would do well, maybe even win the whole thing. But However, C9 would reign victorious in the rematch. This thought my boys were going to get clapped by Dignitas, instead they didn’t win a single series and were the second left C9 to play Dignitas in the grand finals. In the first but they came out with a massive upset.” team eliminated,” remarked Leppke. set, C9 handed Dignitas their first loss of the season, de- With this win, C9 became the second ever North Meanwhile, in the winners’ bracket, defending feating them in a best-of-seven series 4-1. However, since American world champions and put a cap on an incredi- world champions Dignitas continued their dominance this was Dignitas’ first loss of the tournament, it required ble weekend for Rocket League. NEWS 8 Beacon Speaker to address human trafficking Staff JIM MARTIN WILL BE several ways one can get connect- SPEAKING ON NOV. 27 ed and help rescue captives. Martin is the Vice President Jamie Prescott HANNAH ROSS of Spiritual Formation at IJM Editor-in-Chief WRITING AND RHETORIC and works with leaders and staff Alyson Eversman around the world to do the work Arts & Culture On Tuesday, Nov. 27, Jim Mar- of justice. He has a huge heart to Editor tin from International Justice Mis- see this next generation commit- sion will be at Northwestern. ted to becoming abolitionists for Anna Perrenoud He will speak in Tuesday Features Editor Christ. Before becoming the Vice morning chapel at 11:05 a.m. as President of Spiritual Formation, Bree Hodnefield well as during an Ngage session at Martin was IJM’s Vice President of Opinions Editor 8 p.m. in the Vogel Room. Church Mobilization, where he led IJM is an organization work- a team working to move churches Brant Vermeer ing to end the slavery that still ex- to a deeper level of understanding Sports Editor ists in this world. of God’s passion for justice. Emily Van Gorp Slavery is not a thing of the Before joining IJM, Martin was News Editor past. Slavery is an evident and a pastor at The River Church in San ugly mark on history. It does not Jose, Calif. Throughout the years, Cherish Shuka just exist in history, and the real- Jim has spoken at churches, mission Photo Editor ity is there is more slavery hap- events and pastors’ conferences all pening today than ever before in Jayde Logemann over the world. He received a bach- human history. elor’s degree in education from the Copy Editor IJM is dedicated to helping the University of Massachusetts. more than 40 million people en- “I invited Jim to come and slaved today. Their mission state- speak because I’m absolutely con- PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOGLE ment states they strive “to protect vinced that International Justice Jim Martin serves as the Vice President of Spiritual Formation at International The editorial staff Justice Mission. reserves the right to edit the poor from violence by rescuing Mission is one of the most coura- submissions for style, victims, bringing the criminals to geous organizations doing some “I believe our campus ought to lieves people think things like sex clarity and length. justice, restoring survivors to safe- of the most difficult work for the be a part of the abolitionist move- trafficking are an out there but For advertising rates ty and strength, and helping local kingdom of Christ,” said Mark ment, seeking to abolish slavery don’t know what to do about it. and submissions, email law enforcement build a safe fu- Advertising Manager DeYounge, Dean of Christian once and for all.” “Here’s the deal - what if Lauren Weber at ture that lasts.” Formation at NW. “This is a kingdom vision, and you could partner in the rescuing lauren.weber@nwciowa. IJM rescues people from all In chapel, Martin will lay out may His kingdom come on earth of those held in the oppressive edu. sorts of slavery, including bond- a foundational vision for how jus- as it is in heaven through your ef- captivity of sex slavery?” stated ed labor slavery where people are tice is essential to the gospel of forts and mine,” DeYounge said. DeYounge. “What if you could be forced to work 19-hour days to pay Jesus Christ and how Christians According to DeYounge, at an abolitionist, partnering with back a debt. IJM works with local should respond to the evils of in- Ngage, Martin is going to talk IJM to end this global, systemic, law enforcement to arrest slave justice in this world like sex traf- specifically about “when there is evil injustice? What if another’s owners and rehabilitate the survi- liberation starts with your com- ficking, human trafficking and sex but no love.”DeYounge be- vors of slavery. Their website has global slavery as a whole. mitment?” Christmas activities to attend around campus VARIOUS HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES staff and community members are invited to the event last year. Bringing the week to an end is the Sin- WILL OCCUR NOV. 26-30 gather in front of Zwemer Hall for a time of “The Christmas tree lighting is a great terklaas Day celebration. Every year, on the worship. The audience will sing Christmas way to get in the Christmas spirit early, and first Saturday of December, the community EMILY VAN GORP carols while the Northwestern Brass Ensem- involves the whole NW community.” said of Orange City celebrates its Dutch heritage NEWS EDITOR ble and Women’s Choir accompany. Perrenoud.” It was cool to see so many peo- with Sinterklaas Day. This year, the event President Greg Christy will say his re- ple there.” falls Dec. 1. The event celebrates the arrival Before we know it, Christmas season marks, and theatre students will read vari- If weather is an issue, the event will be of Sinterklaas, the Dutch version of Santa. will be upon us. The week just after Thanks- ous scripture passages. Individuals attend- rescheduled to at 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 27. The The event begins downtown with the giving break will provide various opportu- ing will light candles prior to the lighting of holiday activity is coordinated through the arrival of Sinterklaas on a white horse. Fol- nities for students to get into the Christmas the actual tree. Once all the candles are lit, Student Activities Council. lowing is a short parade that features chil- spirit. the Christmas tree will light up and various Later in the week on Friday, Nov. 30, an dren dressed in Christmas finery and a brass The week will start out with the annu- Christmas decorations across the campus Advent chapel will be held on campus. Ad- ensemble. The day will also feature various al President’s Christmas Tree Lighting at 7 green will follow. vent addresses the importance of patiently activities such as a puppet show, crafts, and a p.m on Monday, Nov. 26. Students, faculty, NW student Anna Perrenoud attended waiting and preparing for the celebration coloring contest. of the Nativity. The 30-minute chapel Fri- While the event is primarily geared to- day morning will discuss the importance of wards young families, everyone can find en- Advent and the role it places in celebrating joyment in it. The parade will begin at 10:30 Christ’s birth. a.m. on Main Street.

PHOTO BY: DOUG BURG The first Northwestern Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony was held last November.