September 11, 2014 Issue 7

Dordt College TheDiamond

In this Issue First Mondays: more than a Are you “Half-Healthy?” Pg 2

Culture Shock of Pg 3 community block Living Abroad Lydia Marcus - Staff Writer ways,” said professor De Roo. Every year, the Andreas Center and the What would bring critically acclaimed co-curricular committee compose a list GlynLyon Summer Team Pg 4 speakers and writers such as Rev. Tony of six high-quality speakers. Pastor Aaron Campolo, James Schaap, and Dr. Nancy Baart, along with professor De Roo and the Pearcey to a small college in northwest Iowa? co-curricular committee, have chosen this Dordt’s First Monday Speaker Series. year’s speakers. “Lamest School?” Pg 5 “The vision of the First Monday Speaker Professor De Roo says, “We try to get Submitted Photo Series (FMSS) is to bring people to campus speakers who will help us think more deeply who will challenge us and the broader and clearly about how God’s will, expressed Mr. Watts has worked for an organization community to ‘stretch our imaginations, in God’s Word and God’s world, should engaged in providing Christian awareness Volleyball California Trip Pg 6 grow our understanding, and engage our shape how we live in a variety of different initiatives in public schools and rehabilitation world deeply and differently,’” said philosophy kinds of relationships (student, friend, programs for the urban poor. He was also professor Neal De Roo, fellow of the Andreas employee, nurse, farmer, neighbor, etc.) a founding member of a major Australian Center for Reformed Scholarship and Service. and those who will help us understand the Christian magazine called “On Being.” Watts The Andreas Center, in conjunction pressing issues facing us in the world today.” has served as a professor at Regent College Watanbee Art Show Pg 7 with Dordt’s co-curricular committee, has The next individual in this year’s series, (), Gordon-Cromwell University, coordinated and sponsored the FMSS since Sara Gerritsma-DeMoor, will speak on Wycliffe Hall (), Latrobe 2009. Oct. 6. Ms. Derritsma-DeMoor is one of University (), and the Bible College “At the Andreas Center, we think this fits four CRC campus pastors at the University of Victoria (Australia). Music Review - Banks Pg 8 well with our desire to inspire people to live of Toronto. She is also on the Christian Students are encouraged to take advantage in healthy relationships with God and with Reformed Board of Home Missions and of the opportunity presented by the First creation, both by helping us better understand the Executive Committee of the Christian Monday Speaker Series to gain insight what these “healthy” relationships might look Reformed Campus Ministry Association. from individuals who strive to live lives of like and by inspiring us to then live in those Mr. Rikk Watts will speak on Nov. 3. obedience. Dordt offers new Art department community major welcomes Wassenaar Lauren Bird - Staff Writer Wassenaar had spent time previously Narayan Núñez Blandón - Staff Writer of development and cooperate in a more living in Florida where she was a high school New professor Sara Alsum-Wassenaar meaningful way. art teacher, and also has previous experience has loved art for as long as she can The faculty at Dordt College have created a In addition to the community in teaching middle-schoolers outdoor new major for students who are interested in remember. education. development foundation courses, students “I remember when I was little, helping others but are not sure which major Wassenaar’s love for what she does can must also take courses from two fields in even before I started going to school, I or tools will help them in their aspiration. be described simply. “I love the non-verbal which they want to specialize. Some of the would always ask for art supplies on my mode of communication that art offers,” This new major is community development. fields of specialization include: business Christmas list,” Wassenaar said. Wassenaar said. “It can communicate a huge The new community development major and economics, communication and digital Her specialty is three-dimensional art, range of ideas.” equips students to understand a community’s media, facilities and infrastructure, politics including ceramics and sculpture. Wassenaar had heard of Dordt College dynamic systems and the complexity of and social policy, and others. Originally from Holland, Michigan, through her husband, whose family is from a development program. Furthermore, it The department intends to invite Wassenaar received her B.A. in art and the area. When she heard there was an provides the students with knowledge and community developers from around the psychology from Hope College, her M.A. opening, she jumped at the opportunity. skills necessary to comprehend community world to be part of this initiative. Additionally, in education from Grand Valley State “It’s Dordt’s caring community that I University, and her M.F.A. in new media development theories and methods so that Continued on page 2 like the best,” Wassenaar said. “I always feel they, as individuals, see the wider picture from the University of Illinois. welcomed, and it’s great seeing people I know With her new position as assistant art all over the community.” professor, Wassenaar teaches classes on Her art show that was produced while she ceramics, design theory, art education, was finishing her M.FA. degree in Illinois is and a section of core 160. called “Foraging Set.” In her artist statement, She also has a passion for art in the she speaks of how the piece represents to her media, and discovering new ways that art the “foraging activities possible in the human and psychology are connected. environment.” “It’s so interesting to me how art and With Wassenaar’s strong experience in the psychology can overlap,” Wassenaar said. field of education and art, she has been able to “It’s seeing how images can affect your teach and instruct students in what she loves brain and how you can respond to them.” to do most.

Professor Ronald Vos helped create the new major. Photo by Narayan Nunez Blandon Page 2 News Student health

Megan Kaiser - Staff Writer wrap, sandwich, or salad isn’t enough. And when one adds more options to their meal, “Half-healthy” may be the correct words Defender dollars can burn up quickly. to describe a majority of students and faculty Kaylie Ogle, a junior at of Dordt when it comes to Dordt is now entering her eating. Grille Purchases third year of working in the However, more than half ordered fries as as a salad. Many would rather eat the whole ‘To be healthy, or not to commons. their side. Forty-one unhealthy sides of chips meal over risking feeling hungry twenty be healthy’ is a choice for 11:20AM-12:30PM “Just from observing, overshadows the nineteen healthy sides of minutes later. both teachers and students, Thursday, September 4, 2014 freshmen seem really that were purchased. “When I graduate, my eating habits both upper and lower 91 fresh items purchased overwhelmed when they get Students cannot be the only ones to blame. probably won’t differ from my eating habits classmen. One may think Girls: 74 in line at the commons. They Members of faculty are also a part of the stats. now. It will really depend on my income. that lowerclassmen have it Boys: 17 seem to throw it all on their “I am healthier during the summer. I live Sixty-nine cent mac and cheese is my present easier with pre-paid meal Hot Items served: 59 plates. Nevertheless, as the way more active lifestyle then too. I can’t and potentially my future,” said senior Ross plans to access the Grille and Girls: 25 Boys: 34 year goes on, I think it finally really say I blame the Commons and Grille Van Groningen. Commons, but that may not starts to dawn on them that for a lack of healthy options though,” said Still, what is offered on campus cannot be be the case. There are plenty of 19 healthy snacks purchased they aren’t as hungry as they on-campus pastor Aaron Baart. “I feel like to blame. Plenty of fresh options are offered. interfering factors. 41 unhealthy snacks purchased think they are.” there are plenty of healthy options at either The choices that are made by both members “My eating habits have In a round of observation location. It’s more the fact that I make poor of faculty and the students are what determine gotten worse since starting at from 11:20 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. choices, especially when I am in a rush, but the health status of Dordt. Being told what is Dairy Queen. I eat there for dinner because on Thursday, Sept. 4, approximately ninety- I think that some faculty members make healthy and what isn’t can only do so much. I get a discount. Unfortunately, the Dining one fresh food items were sold from the Grille. incredibly healthy and environmentally Exercise does not balance out bad eating, but Commons aren’t open for dinner before Many salads and wraps were sold, but almost responsible eating choices,” said Baart. the same can be said about healthy eating and I have to leave for work,” said sophomore everyone made chips their side of choice. Students may feel more pressure to watch inactivity. The battle is mindfully choosing Domenic Vermeulen. Fifty-nine hot meals were served during that their wallets rather than their waistline, and executing what is best for one’s body. Of course the Grille is open at this time, time as well. It cannot be determined whether especially for those about to graduate. For but the hot meals don’t start until 7 p.m. individuals ordered a healthy grilled chicken example, in the Grille, you can get a whole For many, the choice between a single or a greasy ham and cheese sandwich. hot meal, plus fries, for about the same price

Community major (cont.) New coffee shop Continued from page 1 talents with people who are in need. With the major offers a semester-long, off- this major students will have a large range campus experience (domestically or of career opportunities, varying from Eric Row - Staff Writer ventilation requirements in particular were a internationally) during which the students are mission work to city planning, agricultural challenge to meet due to the small space, but given different tasks to be involved in real-life training in developing countries to economic The licenses are acquired, the he is ready to step back and let club members experiences with organizations such as World development. equipment is moved in and students do their thing. Renew, Christian Reformed World Missions, Students are also given the opportunity to seeking study nooks have already “I don’t run it, I get it started,” said Attema. Food for the Hungry, Chicago Department of obtain a minor on community development if explored the furniture. The unnamed “Once we get rolling, the students do all the Planning and Development, and more. they have already chosen a major in another science building coffee shop is ready for ordering and pricing.” Agriculture professor Ronald Vos has field, or if they want to obtain knowledge and its first customers. In the meantime, Attema has been significantly contributed to the creation of the skills regarding the program. The new coffee shop will be organized working with Casey’s Bakery for a fresh major. He believes that this major will prepare Professor Ronald Vos has performed and run by the Dordt College Business pastry delivery that can be distributed at the students to serve adequately for the various community development work for more Club, or the DCBC. The DCBC has had coffee shop in the mornings. community development opportunities. than 20 in various regions of the world four years of experience running 55th “They would put them together,” Attema “I think Christians want to help, but they including Russia, Ukraine and, most recently, Avenue. need to see the big picture; otherwise, they said. “And we would sell them untill they’re Zambia. Experienced on the serving field, In the past weeks, business could end up hurting instead of helping,” Vos g on e .” he is passionate about helping those in need administration professor and club said. “We want people who are community in deferent ways. Vos, along with other This idea of selling what someone else advisor, Art Attema went through some development majors to have special skills, not professors from Dordt, are joyful to have this makes describes the kind of service that 55th of the same steps that he performed to just have a broad [knowledge] background. major at Dordt. provides. Their food license is a distributive help set up 55th after Kuyper apartments We think it is important to [have] areas Any students interested on the community license, which means that they are only of specialization so [the students] are development major and the opportunities was constructed in 2010. allowed to prepare and sell premade products. competent.” and courses it offers can reach Professor “Back then,” Attema said, “there was Business club marketer Hunter Weinert This major is ideal for students who Ronald Vos by e-mailing him or by stopping some skepticism as to whether a student- promised that the new shop would be are interested in helping others, or that by his office. led business could thrive and not be a reminiscent of what Dordt students have feel they are called to share their gifts and drain on the college. We had the privilege come to love. It will be more than just a coffee of building a reputation that we can do shop. it .” “It’s smaller than 55th, but it will still have When the college wanted an our specialty items like Otis Spunkmeyer establishment similar to 55th in the cookies, Gatorade, and Pepsi products,” science building, the business club was Weinert said. asked if they would be willing to run this Weinert encourages students to follow new location as well. 55th Avenue’s Facebook and twitter, as the “We told them that we could make it new facility will open up new opportunities work if they wanted us to,” Attema said. for special events and prizes this year. “They got back and said they wanted us Business Club members take shifts to try it.” manning the counter at 55th avenue. By Attema hashed out the details working two hours a week, club members get to transform the space that was the all their expenses paid on the business club administrative office of the old science trip. There are trips during both the fall and building into a store. The sanitation and spring semesters.

Dordt students may disagree on whether the new science building coffee shop is necessary, but they all agree that it needs a schnazzy name. Students are encouraged to submit their name ideas for

The coffee shop in the science building is open from 8:30-1:30. Photo by Megan Kaiser prizes in a competition for prizes through a survey monkey site at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ X6ZBS2H. Contest ends at noon on Thursday. News Page 3 Culture shock - A result of living abroad

Narayan Núñez Blandón - Staff Writer

Whether it is the smell of bacon and this is their first time traveling abroad by manure, the big extensive cornfields, the themselves, speaking a language that is not big organ in almost every church, the style native to them, or eating foods they have of worship, or the language, many Dordt never tasted before. students whose homes are hundreds of miles Dr. Curtis Taylor, dean for global education away from Sioux Center are prone to suffer a at Dordt College, points out that some social cultural shock. values or characteristics of American culture This school year, Dordt College welcomed can create conflicts with students from a variety of students coming from countries abroad. For example, students that come like , Indonesia, Mexico, the from a more collective society find it hard Netherlands, , Rwanda, and the to adjust to the social value of independence . The first days of college in a new and individualism of the United States. country might be overwhelming for many Viviana García Macías, a junior nursing students. The cultural differences became major, expressed how little details about evident quickly, and for some students were cultural differences frustrated her. “People shocking and frustrating. here shake your hand and don’t hug you when According to the Centre for Humanitarian you meet them,” García Macías said. “I come Psychology (CHP) in Geneva, Switzerland, from a place where you kiss on the cheek and Photo by Justin Pastoor cultural shock is the moment when individuals hug people even if that is the first time you living in a culture different from theirs start meet them.” from the same high schools. “Many American friends, and the new relationships in the new to notice the meaningful differences between CHP mentions that coming to a different people had their groups already formed from country, the stress decreases. their culture and the one they are living in. country might be difficult because the shock Unity or Western High Schools. It was hard to Despite the fact that cultural shock is The CHP mentions that some of the common can interfere with the students’ emotional and integrate in their groups.” difficult at first, the experiences can lead reactions to cultural shock include confusion, rational processes: it can make the students Despite the initial difficulty of adaptation students to know more about a different depression, difficulty to adapt socially, and feel disoriented, alone, or angry. to a new culture, CHP mentions that there culture, about other people, and about feeling isolated or frustrated. Making social connections at first might will be a period of adjustment in which the themselves. Although living in a diverse Although culture shock varies from be complicated also when there is little individuals living abroad psychologically world might be challenging at first, in some person to person, students who come from common background. García Macías states accept and adapt to the new environment. ways it reminds us about how in God, we are overseas are the most susceptible to suffer how frustrating it was at first when she could It could take several months for this stage all equal. from it. For many international students, not interact with other freshmen that came to start, but with the support from family,

Letter From the Editors: Hello everyone! Welcome to the 2014-2015 edition of the Dordt Diamond. We are Hannah DeVries and Jeremy Vreeken, co-editors of the Diamond. We are really excited to begin this new year with both our seasoned writers and a host of new journalists. Our goal is to represent Dordt College as a whole, both bringing news and new stories to educate and update the campus community. If you would like to join or write for the Diamond, or have great story ideas and ideas for improving your student newspaper, feel free to contact us at [email protected].

Looking forward to a great year!

Hannah & Jeremy Page 4 News Video experience for five lucky students

Megan Kaiser - Staff Writer reasoning, 17 videos were created between the five interns. Five Dordt digital media students now Over the span of two and half months, the know what working for a business takes. individuals did research on their lesson of This past summer, Kaylie Ogle, Tanner choice, wrote scripts, found locations, filmed Brasser, Lance Wunderink, Megan Kaiser, interviews, recorded b-roll, and spent endless and Courtney Samuel used their film skills hours editing, created After Effects projects, and knowledge to create educational web and color corrected. Their videos had to be videos that will air worldwide. The company first approved by digital media professor they interned for, GlynLyon, Inc., is a leader Mark Volkers, and then approved by Jen in providing educational opportunities and Salta, who works at GlynLyon headquarters in curriculum for a diverse mix of preschool to Phoenix. Once approved by Salta, the videos 12th grade students. were exported and sent off for GlynLyon’s use. The main point of the videos was not to The interns had to find their own actors teach the lesson, but to show how the lesson and individuals to interview. Most tried to applies to real life. Tanner Brasser created a schedule interviews in Sioux Center, but a video on the importance of understanding few took place in other locations. A video on the Pythagorean Theorem. He staged and fractions was filmed at the Dutch Bakery in captured a fun skit, hoping that it would Orange City, and a video on the importance spark the interest of the viewing audience. of graphs took place at Chrysalis, a bridal From showing the importance of rotation, salon, also in Orange City. Courtney Samuel, to displaying the relevance of deductive graduate of the 2013-2014 class, was able to conduct an interview with a meteorologist Tanner, Courtney, Kaylie and Lance worked for GlynLyon this summer. Photo by Kaylie Ogle at the local TV station, KCAU, in Sioux City. The interns were also able to interview a pilot The group gathered together from 6 p.m. to that Prairie Grass Productions has worked to from the Sioux Center Municipal Airport. 7 p.m. to share their videos with those who create videos for GlynLyon. “Working for Glynlyon this summer was were either interviewed or were used as an The students can now add GlynLyon truly an awesome experience. I was fortunate extra in the videos. Three of the five interns cinematographer and editor to their resumes, to work with a great team along with Professor presented their work in person; Wunderink which will benefit them when looking for Volkers throughout the summer, which made and Samuel were unable to attend. future jobs in their field. coming to work fun and exciting everyday.” “Even after seeing the videos over and “Overall, it was great opportunity and Samuel said. over again, it is great to see them on the big experience that allowed me to grow in all The finished videos were presented on the screen. They worked hard this past summer areas of Digital Media. If I could, I would do big screen at the Spark Creative, located right and it was a lot of fun to watch the progress,” it all over again,” Samuel stated. next to the Fruited Plain, on Saturday, Sept. 6. said Professor Volkers. This is the second year

Symposium Update: Welcome back! Students of Dordt: Every fall, a group of students assemble to discuss issues on campus and to represent the interests of the student body as a whole. This group is made up of members who are elected during the previous spring semester; this group is Dordt’s Student Symposium. Alex McDonald Student Symposium serves as a student representative council, using discussion to find different ways to improve student life on campus. Symposium also oversees the running and funding of Dordt’s extracurricular clubs, such as the agriculture and bee club. In its current Haley Mulder - Staff Writer “It’s hard, but I’m used to it.” form, Symposium has been meeting once a week since the 2008 school year to hear club Moving multiple times while growing proposals, vote on various funding decisions, and to assess progress on a set of goals specific “When I see the barbed wire fence, it up, her closest friends became the ones to each year. means I’m home.” that she lived with. This year, Symposium has several goals: to increase awareness of Student Symposium There’s a lot you probably don’t “When you move around so much, on campus, to improve student satisfaction, to be a resource for clubs and to promote and know about Alex McDonald. She has your siblings are forced to become your improve environmental sustainability on campus. strawberry blonde hair, a bright smile Symposium meets every Wednesday evening at 6 p.m. in the Terrace Room in the Cam- best friends.” and has been a military kid her entire pus Center. Meetings are open to anyone, and all students are encouraged to attend. Attend- But now that she’s older, she enjoys ing a meeting is a good way for students to know what Symposium does and to understand life. the traveling. more about how Dordt is run. She’s lived on military installations “I like moving around,” she said. “I If serving on Student Symposium and representing your fellow students sounds like in nine different states. North Carolina, don’t want to stop. I want to move again. something you would be interested in, there are a couple of ways to get involved. The first Washington DC, Washington, Illinois, The idea of staying in the same place for would be to come to a meeting and decide if you would like to join. If you do like what you and Iowa, to name a few. four years is so weird.” see, the next step would be to get elected to council. “It’s rough when you’re younger and She’s thinking Italy or . A member is elected to represent the different majors on campus, and to represent each learning how to deal with it,” she said. “I’m glad that I’m a military kid,” she underclassmen dorm hall. The major representatives are elected every spring, but the hall “When you get older, you learn how to representatives are elected in the beginning of the fall semester; keep your eyes on your said. “It’s taught me a lot of things, but roll with the punches. “ dorm bulletin boards or ask your LCA for more information. most importantly how essential family If you want to get in touch with Student Symposium, there are a couple different ways: Her dad is a Sergeant Major in the US i s .” you can “like” Symposium on Facebook, you can follow @DordtStudSym on Twitter, or you Army. She paused. can email [email protected]. We would love to hear from you! “He looks like a big Russian assassin “Oh, and that God is always in at work, but at home, he’s the best dad in c ont ro l .” the world.” Alex McDonald can tell the difference He was deployed to Iraq for six between thunder and artillery. Diamond Staff 2014-2015 months when she was just 12. She She’s a military kid, and she wouldn’t Co-Editors: Staff Adviser: Megan Kaiser remembers breaking down while talking have it any other way. Hannah DeVries Derrick Vander Waal Jeremy Vreeken to her dad on the phone one night when Jeremy Vreeken Lauren Bird he was deployed. Sports Editors: Narayan Núñez Copy Editing Staff: Justin Pastoor Blandón Lydia Marcus Lydia Marcus Lauren Brid Columnists: Megan DeGraaf Megan Kaiser Aaron Ladzinsky Aaron Ladzinsky Meagan DeGraaf Juan Benitez Jon Janssen Eric Rowe Jerusha Pimentel Photographers: Jerusha Pimentel Jon Janssen Megan Kaiser Jon Janssen Staff Writers: Layout Designer: Christian Zylstra Justin Pastoor Eric Rowe Haley Mulder Opinion Page 5 Juan Ladz Life Lessons Jerusha Yerusha: A monologue with my freshman self Corner from Papa Jon Venting with Style

Juan Benitez - Columnist Aaron Ladzinsky - Columnist Jon Janssen - Columnist Jerusha Pimentel - Columnist

International freshmen, what if two years I am a sophomore transfer from Joliet Ju- Iowa climate, am I right? Welcome to the Not sure if you’ve gotten a whiff of Dordt’s from now you find yourself feeling the urgen- nior College. What can I tell you about that land where the weather is made up and the latest news this summer, but our college was cy to have a dialogue with your past fresh- school? Absolutely nothing. Instead, I’m forecasts don’t matter. Even low 70s are a mentioned in a brief article titled “The Offi- man self? What if there were things that you eager to write and get to know more about danger to all grey shirt-wearers when the hu- cial Ranking Of The Most Boring Schools In wished to tell to that naïve kid embarking Dordt and what it has to offer. Through this midity is high. I wake up shivering and am Each State” by totalsororitymove.com. For a on this new adventure of going to college column I won’t be writing about my point of sweating through my skivvies by noon. Put short while I was the butt of all my friends’ abroad? What would you say? view and how I view everything on campus bluntly, Iowa conditions and I are not best jokes back home as they each took time to Perhaps you are already missing interna- as a new student. I will be informing readers friends. send me the same dreaded link. tional orientation, especially that night at the about my past and the people in my life who Just a few days ago, a friend told me that I pointed out to them that my school had bonfire pit where you all sang How Great is I’ve been able to create memories with. the forecast was predicting low 60s for the no fraternity or sorority groups, so it was no Our God, each of you in your own language, My family members are definitely the next couple days. I pumped my fist and got wonder that such an esteemed website would but together, worshipping the same God people who affect me the most, and I have extremely excited. Finally, a break in this choose Dordt to represent Iowa’s “lamer” in harmony. That night will remain in your so many great memories with each and every upper-80s madness! His revelation got my side. But even as I shooed away their teasing, memory and will remind you that the God one. Of course not all memories are cheerful. hate-train rolling as I went on to bash the ex- I couldn’t help wondering if it hit upon the you served at home is the same you encounter Some are better than others. One experience tremely high temperatures of the past weeks. truth just a little. Now, don’t get me wrong, I here at Dordt—the same one in every part of that I remember clearly is going to Ottertail, I like to think our conversation went a little am in no way agreeing with their definition the world. When days get hard, and you miss Minnesota, with my grandpa, my brother like this: of “lame,” which is the failure to have half our home, think about that night and the feeling Adam, and my dad to fish. Me: I hate shorts. students suffering from massive hangovers on of certainty that this was the right place to be Our trip started as a complete train wreck. Friend: I like them. Saturday or Sunday mornings. Our school is and that He brought you here. It all began when the ball on hitch came off Me: I hear your opinion, but I respectfully one that prides itself in focusing on its aca- You probably came to Dordt with certain while on the road. I do not recall when this disagree. demics and sustaining an authentic Christian expectations, and while some are surpassed, happened, but my family likes to assume that Friend: That’s alright, everyone is entitled atmosphere on its campus, seeing no need to there are still some things that bother you. it came off somewhere in Wisconsin. As if to their own opinion. What a good idea the support a fraternity and party lifestyle. I’m You look different than most people—some- that wasn’t bad enough, when we finally ar- founding fathers had when they made free- talking about the kind of lame that is a direct thing you never had to face when you were rived, nothing wanted to work. The motor? dom of speech, press, religion, assembly, and result of a serious lack of creativity on our at home. Americans are nice and they treat Nope! The trolling motor? Nada. The brand petition part of our code of conduct for the part as students. you well but it is a little challenging to start spanking new bobbers? Of course not. Any- entire country! When faced with the alter- As far as dances/activities/parties fund- a conversation, you do not understand the thing that could have gone wrong did go native of Orwellian societies, I feel great to ed by the school go – they’re great, but there slang words they use and most of them won’t wrong. We even got lost on West Lost Lake. live in a place where no one can censor what I aren’t a whole lot of them. So what else are take the initiative to talk to you. It is up to you Pretty ironic huh? have to say! What do you think? we supposed to do on weekends? It’s beyond to take the first step. But sometimes a random To top it off, the fish just would not bite. Me: I don’t really like babies, Chipotle frustrating when everything in town closes so person will approach you in a casual circum- We sat on the lake, staring at the water and is horribly overrated, bacon is nothing spe- early, and now one of the only bars in town stance, someone like you, curious and with catching nothing but each other’s fishing cial either, I’m really not a fan of the Beatles, has shut down. As a result, most Saturday hunger for discovering new stories—these lines. Fortunately, our luck began to change Friends is honestly pretty predictable and nights on campus will consist of your average kind of people are the ones that will become when we fished on Walker Lake. As we pulled boring, I like coffee but I don’t think it’s some guy hosting a riveting video game party with your best friends. Take care and invest in fish after fish out of the water, we decided that sort of miracle drink, I didn’t like Breaking his buddies, while your average girl is hosting these friendships. These are the people that our trip might not be a train wreck after all. Bad or The Walking Dead, and I really don’t yet another “Disney Marathon.” will introduce to their families and make you On Walker Lake, I was lucky enough to have find Jennifer Lawrence that attractive, nor do Why don’t we do something more creative feel welcome in this new land. caught a huge walleye, which, if you were I think she is a very good actress. with our weekends? We’ve got hundreds of Be ready to become the definition of your wondering, tasted amazing! It actually went nothing like that, but if it people around the same age all living within country for people that do not even have a As soon as our trip started looking great, did, the founding fathers would have had my close proximity to each other, and the best we clue where it is. From now on you will repre- huge, black, scary storm clouds rolled in. My back. can do with our free time is shut ourselves in sent your country and all of its citizens. Some our rooms – our most adrenaline-filled mo- Grandpa Floyd, screamed, “If I see lightning, But I digress. I thought about our frig- Americans have the tendency of making ment being which movie we choose to watch. we’re going in.” No way were we going to let a id winter last year and how I so desperately quick assumptions and imagining a non-plu- When I talk with alumni who went to Dordt little rain ruin this fishing trip. So what did we wanted to feel the heat of the sun without ralistic country, you will realize this when in the nineties, I’m astonished at how much do? We decided to turn the boat so that our four layers in between it and me. This got they ask you questions like, “Do people in fun they seemed to have on campus. They’ve grandpa couldn’t see the huge strikes of light- me thinking – maybe I, like all humans, want your country dress like you do?” “Do people got pocketfuls of wild stories ranging from ning hitting the area in front of us, and shock- what I can’t have. As the proverb says, “The in your country talk like you do?” “Are people massive snowball wars between dorm build- ingly, my grandfather didn’t notice a thing. grass is always greener on the other side of in your country hairy as you are?” For a sec- ings, sledding down snowy hills on borrowed We heard a huge boom of thunder at one the fence.” While this adage is normally ap- ond you will wonder how much time it took lunch trays, and trying to catch the mysteri- point. Grandpa is hard of hearing so he asked plied to jealously wanting what one’s fellow them to formulate those questions, and if ous person who showed up in a gorilla suit if it was thunder and we said of course not! man has, its application to my scenario is just they really think that everyone in your coun- to every sports game and school dance (and The fish were biting all the way up until we as applicable. try will look like you—male and female of all remained anonymous all four years). My fa- got hit with rain. On our way back the white And so, like any person seeking wise social classes and contexts, all hairy, outspo- vorite story is the “Bumble Bees Bike Club,” caps rolled over onto grandpa. As he stood on counsel, I turn to the wisest of all. “The grass ken, wearing colorful T-shirts and white male which included an initiation of riding across the dock completely soaked I thought to my- ain’t always greener on the other side, it’s capris. Your answer to that question should campus in only one’s underwear. self, “This is something I will miss one day.” green where you water it,” decrees Big Sean be just a simple, “No.” These questions may Now I’m not saying that we never have I am so thankful for the memories that on the song “As Long As You Love Me.” Such be dumb, but dumb questions can be good. fun. Last year there was an exciting mara- I have gotten to create with my family, and wisdom is second to none. At least these people are asking them are, and thon of “Mafia” held in Kuyper every Satur- grandfather especially. This one fishing sto- Maybe instead of seeking what we can’t it shows their interest in getting to know you, day that could last up to five hours straight. It ry may mean nothing to anyone else, but it have, we should fully invest ourselves in so try to not be too angry. I know sometimes was way more thrilling that watching a movie means so much to me because I got to cre- what we have. The hot weather is perfect for it is offensive and annoying, but you need to and definitely more exciting than a frat party. ate a great memory with the people I love the many outdoor activities, and the cold weath- give them a chance. If more stuff like this happened on campus most. One day they may be gone but i will er brings many cozy opportunities to share Racism and prejudice exist, but since they more often, we wouldn’t only not be lame-- hold onto these memories forever. with members of the opposite sex. Devote have such a bad connotation people don’t we’d be lively and poppin’ and all sorts of fun yourselves entirely to the present, and you Continued on page 8 that would make a hungover frat boy very, will reap much fruit from the grass you have very jealous. watered. Page 6 Sports Defender volleyball: California and beyond

Christian Zylstra - Staff Writer able to accomplish our goals and more. I was interested to see how competitive we would Before every season, the Dordt College be against some very tough opponents. In the Defenders volleyball squad meets to discuss four matches we played we grew considerably the values and goals they want to achieve in maturity, communication and effectiveness throughout the season. This year, three on the court.” goals were mentioned repeatedly: building The women’s team had two wins and two the team relationship, enjoying the game of losses on its trip to the Golden State. Both volleyball and respecting every opponent. losses came against nationally ranked teams, After the team’s trip to California and the while both wins came in five sets on the same rest of the nonconference schedule, those day, with only a two-hour break in between. goals are already a success. “Our nonconference schedule is hefty in “I think the trip went well,” said women’s the caliber of opponents we’ve scheduled,” volleyball coach Chad Hanson. “We were Hanson said. “The schools that we beat are top teams in other conferences.” It’s performances and schedules like Dordt’s that earn the respect of not only other GPAC schools, but also of schools across the nation. Respect also plays a big factor in national rankings both before and during the season. Dordt’s volleyball squad came into the season Contributed Photo ranked-13th nationally, but if Dordt wants to remain near the top, keeping opponent’s respect will be very important. reason the Dordt Defenders cannot contend and we’re really going to have to work and be “Inside our program, trying to keep our in the GPAC. But Hanson realizes that committed to our efforts.” players motivated, focused and driven to looking ahead can be dangerous, so he and Making it to the elimination rounds in daily improvement, team camaraderie and the program will continue to take it one game the national tournament made this past an identity beyond who we are as individuals at a time. season a success for the women’s team. helps earn that respect,” Hanson said. “If our “Nationals is always in the end picture, and With balance throughout the roster (two athletes enter the gym each day and have a we really want to play on Saturday,” Hanson seniors, two juniors, three sophomores and focus of what they can do to contribute to the said. “If we play on Saturday, we’re playing in three freshmen in the regular rotation) and greater cause of our competitive program, the final four. The reality of us building the experience from previous seasons, this year Since coming to Dordt in 2011, Coach Chad that will help us grow.” confidence and competitiveness to get to that could be a great year to be a Dordt College Hanson (pictured above) has an overall record Looking ahead in the season, there is no point will mean we must first take care of Defender. of 63-38 (.623) with three postseason trips and our nonconference schedule. It won’t be easy, one nationals appearance.

Football program brings record recruiting class

Aaron Ladzinski - Staff Writer defensive lineman Ben Bajama, and defensive backs P.J. Trammell and Markeis Goodman, Coming off of a 2-9 season, Dordt College while many others fill special teams positions. football has reason to believe that this could Such a large class allows the Defenders be a year where the program takes a major to reactivate a junior varsity team which step. With a recruiting class of over 60 new will play Monday nights against schools also faces bringing an influx of youthful talent, found on the varsity schedule. The JV squad the potential for positive will primarily be made up of growth is there. With This years recruitng the remaining players not a senior class of only found in a varsity rotation to 6 individuals, these class is represented gain playing experience. recruits will be looked from 17 states and 1 Even with the to right away to provide youthfulness and immediate playing time. Canadian province. inexperience of the Senior running back The furthest distance newcomers, Fennig and his Dan Fennig offered fellow seniors are optimistic his feelings toward the between any two about what their team can freshman lineup. is 4,384 miles from do. “I feel that we have a “We have a great chance Senior running backs Dan Fennig (below, left) and Trai Pickeny (below, right) look to lead this great pool of talent and Fairbanks, Alaska to to be the best we have been years offense on the ground in a multi-back system running game. we need these freshmen Panama City, Florida. since I have arrived here. to stick around. I like Saturday will be a great most of them,” said gauge to see how we do,” said Fennig. Fennig. Freshman Alex Vasquez from Carrollton, Youth often times goes hand in hand with Texas, looks forward to the challenges that a energy, something this team is hoping to new level of football will inevitably bring. be full of. With the experience and heart of “It’s definitely a challenge but also a fun upperclassmen and new life brought in this experience,” said Vasquez. “I’m comfortable year, everyone is looking for a strong season, stepping in right away to help lead the team, and a strong future for the Defenders. even if some of them are old enough to have The Defenders go on the road this weekend jobs and kids.” to Fremont, Nebraska to kick off conference Other freshmen expected in rotation play against Midland College before a two are running back Xavier Caffee, offensive week homestead against Morningside College linemen Ricky Nelson, and Sam Ackerman, and Briar Cliff University. Arts and Entertainment Page 7 Beauty Given by Grace: by Sadao Wantanabe

Meagan De Graaf- Staff Writer “I would like to be able to heed the voice of Dordt College takes pride in its Christian heaven,” said Watanabe of his Biblical designs, diversity; there are many ways on campus which have been featured in museums as to experience other cultures and share our prestigious as New York’s Museum of Modern common faith. Art and the Vatican Museum. Dordt students attend a college where so In a brilliant combination of the two most many things reflect our worldwide faith, even important cultures in his life. Watanabe found the exhibits arranged by the art department. a way to portray Biblical events through From now until Oct. 16, the works of Sadao traditional Japanese artistic media. He uses Watanabe, a Japanese Christian artist, will be a Japanese art form called katazome, which on display in the Campus Center gallery. involves hand-cutting and dying stencils. Watanabe converted to Christianity at age These stencils are then arranged on paper, Watanabe’s art on display in the Campus Center Photo by Megan Kaiser 17, then used art as a way to express his faith. which is often handmade, to create a picture. attended the exhibit were clearly affected by Watanabe struggles to maintain a balance In this case, each picture depicts a Bible story. Watanabe’s unique artistic testimony and felt between expressing his current faith and Each work of art in the exhibit features a called to react to it. honoring his Japanese heritage. Bible verse and an explanation for the piece, For even more information on this Professor David Versluis of the Dordt which brings a new perspective to the verses cultural experience, the department of art College art department said, “A key aspect Christians read so often. and design will host a reception on Sept. 17. for viewers… is to see this show as the work The exhibit features a guestbook where There is a program at 7:00, but the reception of a professional artist who took his Christian anyone who visits can leave a remark about runs from 6:45-8:00 that night, and the art faith seriously.” All believers are called to take how they have been affected by the art there. department would love to see interested their faith seriously, so it is important that we Some of the comments included words like students join them to learn more about this see examples of how this can be done. “amazing” and “beautiful” to describe the artwork they had seen. Those who have exciting cultural artwork. The Show

Lydia Marcus - Staff Writer was really good, though. The actors were good. The things they talked about were really Silence falls and the lights go up—it is interesting.” time for The Show to begin. The Show addresses serious issues college Performing The Show as a part of the students face with an honesty and humor that Week of Welcome celebrations has been a engages the audience. “Most significantly, the Dordt tradition since the late 1990s. The performance tries to ask questions about these Show began as a way to introduce new issues – not provide answers,” explained Ter students to some of the issues they might Haar. face during their time on campus. The “Now that you are on your own, you need performance also highlights the various to prioritize things and make good choices. resources available to help students during There aren’t any parents around to hold difficult times. you responsible,” freshman Stephanie Haan Though The Show may be directed reflected, “You need to be responsible, but it primarily towards the freshmen, upper is OK if you don’t do always do everything classmen are encouraged to attend as well. perfectly.” “These issues [addressed in The Show] The Show illustrates the choices and don’t go away after someone’s first year at responsibilities college students have, but it Dordt,” commented theatre arts professor also reminds us that we are all in need of God’s Teresa Ter Haar. grace. Dordt junior Taylor Leach, stage “To quote The Show, ‘I want to love, I want manager and technical support for this to be loved.’ We all share in these feelings in Professor Ter Haar directing the cast of The Show. Photo by Taylor Leach year’s performance, recalled her first some way or another…It’s our nature to search impression of The Show. for a community where we fit in and feel “I remember being shocked a little bit accepted,” said Leach, “If there is one thing that because I wasn’t necessarily expecting students need to take away from The Show, it’s Dordt to bluntly address issues like sex and that you don’t have to struggle through life Freshman Talent Show drinking, mainly because I had never had alone and that there are always people who The annual Freshman Talent Show took place on August 27 them addressed so directly,” Leach said. care even if you haven’t met them yet.” in the B.J. Haan Auditorium during W.O.W week. Acts “I thought The Show would be all about rules,” said freshman Tairin Van Tol. “It displayed a variety of talents and the classic talnet show host skits. Stay tuned for other events put on by SAC.

Winners were as follows: 1. Jeremy Louma - Beatboxing 2. Erica Liddle - Juggling 3. Ariel Gomes - Nontraditional guitar playing Page 8 The Back Page International Advice Music Review: (continued) Banks - Godess

Coninued from page 5 want to admit it. But you will experience it, and it even comes from good people, nice Jon Janssen - Staff Writer production - constructed underneath people. Those who hurt you are not mean; most of them won’t do it intentionally. But the meticulous detail of big names like Sohn, most important advice is to feel empathy, even though most people won’t try to be in your Beware: I think I may have fallen in Shlohmo, Jamie Woon, and Justin Parker - shoes. What if you were raised in their context? What if you grew up oblivious to what hap- love. coupled with her vocals, ranging from Lorde’s pens beyond your horizons? What if you were raised to believe your culture was superior? Singer Jillian Banks, known on stage as to Ellie Goulding’s register, give the album What if you were unaware of all this? Banks, should not have the large following just the right eeriness to compliment The that she does. Starting out relatively Weeknd’s shadowy, mysterious sound. unknown and releasing her music through While ’s work contains mainly the website SoundCloud, she achieved a chauvinist lyrical content, Banks’ differs here, quaint record deal through her friend Lily conveying the opposite approach. Vogue Sunday Potluck Collins. Her name gained traction when declares that Goddess “perfectly captures Cartoon by Jerusha Pimentel BBC Radio 1 DJ Zane Lowe played her first a feeling of being lost and powerless in the official single “Before I Ever Met You” on world.” Banks wanted to release an off-kilter 1 his show. love album and has succeeded in creating a The floodgates opened. Banks released perfect environment to croon about her ups EP after EP, receiving critical acclaim with and downs experienced throughout her love each new release. Earning numerous life. awards, as well as being featured in TV The first half of the album is its high point spots, and in magazines, Banks shot up in with its methodical, beat-heavy, haunting the music industry. opener “Alibi,” in which Banks desperately Her moment in the spotlight peaked in pleads, “Please, give me something to 2013 when she toured as the opening act convince me that I am not a monster.” for Ontario-based singer The Weeknd on “Waiting Game,” released before the his fall tour. Banks went on to schedule her conception of the album - and arguably, its own tour in the United Kingdom, as well high point - sees a mellow, resigned Banks in as appearing in the popular music festivals, a Weeknd-esque tone pensively assessing her Coachella and Bonnaroo, in 2014. relationship. The first single off the album, She is following up all of this success by “Brain” is a simple warning from Banks to releasing her first album. Goddess, which her lover to stop trying to impress everyone hits stores Sept. 9, is a collection of the he comes in contact with. Starting out in a best songs her numerous EPs had to offer, melting low register, she amps up the heat sprinkled with new content. With her style midway through the song to shriek out the of music described by many as PBR&B piercing reminder again. (a combination of Pabst Blue Ribbon- a While this was her freshmen effort, one 2 widely-known ‘hipster’ beer- and rhythm would be wise to look out for Banks in the and blues), she seeks to step into the shoes future. We definitely haven’t heard the last of her predecessors and idols including from her. Feist, Fiona Apple, and Erykah Badu. Songs Worth Noting: “This Is What It Feels Interestingly enough, Banks’ tour with Like” “Drowning” “Beggin For Thread” “Warm The Weeknd solidified a significant similar Water” style between the two singers. Goddess’

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