Marching Diamond Women Students into ranks Defend win History jobs on March National campus Awards

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February 6, 2017 Issue 2 Follow us online

Repeal and replace: Understanding the Affordable Care Act Joshua Meribole – Staff Writer Most people in the United States receive health insurance through their employer. As such, the Promising that he will “repeal and replace” ACA’s purpose was to provide insurance for Obamacare – known officially as the Affordable the 42 million who were uninsured, especially Care Act (ACA) – on his second day in office, those individuals with pre-existing conditions newly elected President Donald Trump issued or those who are self-employed. These people an executive order to repeal the healthcare bill. are considered to be high-risk, and are placed The executive order will give health care in a high-risk pool, by insurance companies. providers a choice in how these companies Being a member of a high-risk pool means that interpret various aspects of the Affordable Care an above-average amount of money is needed Act. to pay for that individual’s healthcare. The Congressional Budget Office said that ACA aimed at closing the gap between the if portions of the ACA are removed and others insured and the uninsured. In the past, the remain, approximately 18 million people will increasing cost of health care forced people be left without insurance. to spend a greater percentage of their incomes According to President Trump’s website, his on healthcare. However, when the ACA was vision for health care is to “create a patient- introduced in 2010, it eliminated annual Contributed Photo centered health care system that promotes maximums and preexisting condition issues and people to buy insurance. Since 2010, premiums longer just one person demanding that their choice, quality and affordability.” Trump also increased Medicaid. Medicaid uses taxpayer have increased substantially and therefore healthcare be covered by someone else, but seeks to give states more control over how to money to subsidize healthcare costs for those imposed the opposite effect that the plan was millions, all using the government as their administer Medicaid. who cannot afford it. intended to have. hitman—which of course gets its own cut for Donald Roth, professor of criminal justice, The ACA also pushed for hospitals to become “The problem with the Affordable Care Act is doing the dirty work in the name of the public said the actual effect of President’s Trump’s more technology-focused, a change that most it doesn’t quite take a free market approach… good.” “repeal and replace” could take more than 5 people did not a problem with. more of a conservative approach,” said Roth. Holly Hiemstra, a sophomore nursing major, years to come into effect. Even though the ACA People were not happy with the economic And yet, he said, “it doesn’t quite take a liberal, experienced the effects of ACA first hand. was introduced in 2010, some aspects of the bill impact of the ACA, for the expansion of you know, state-provided insurance approach… “From what I have observed, it has caused have yet to be put into effect. Medicaid caused an increase in taxes and forced it does not accomplish either.” a lot of confusion,” said Hiemstra. “I have Contributed Photo “This is an instance where compromising is interacted with patients, and they do not know not a good thing,” said Roth. if they are covered...it’s very vague.” Cadean Tinklenberg, President of Student Yet other students are not so opposed to former Symposium, shared his opinion on the ACA. President Barack Obama’s healthcare bill. “Most people would think it absurd if I “I like the idea behind it,” said Jonathan walked up to a random guy on the street, stuck Beltman, a sophomore history and political a gun to his head and forced him to pay my science major. “I am in favor of getting people medical bills,” Tinklenburg said. “Likewise, easier access to healthcare and medical needs.” most people would think it absurd if I stuck up “There is room to repeal and replace,” 100 people and demanded they each pay their Beltman said. “However, a transition is needed ‘fair share’ of my medical bills.” to move between Trump’s repeal and replace “Yet, many of the same people repulsed by and when it is put into place.” the thought of me using violence directly to pay President Trump and other Republicans have my bills have no problem with the government begun to make changes to Obamacare. However, doing literally the same thing. Now the gun is it could be years before change becomes reality. held by the government and the cost is spread over 200 million people. Moreover, it’s no Matchmaker, matchmaker, make me a match Jenna Wilgenburg – Staff Writer The multiple-choice questions ranged from only given the first names of these individuals. “What height do you prefer?” and “How late Two compatibility percentages were given Back in the day, 25 cents proved valuable. do you stay up on the weekends?” to “What do for each name – the chance they would like With just one coin, you could take your turn at you think of ‘ring by spring?’” Each survey was the participant, and the chance the participant the kissing booth. sent off to a fundraising website and matched would like them. Yet over years of rising inflation, not even the up with other participants’ surveys according to The Matchmaker Extraordinaire functioned as pursuit of love and romance could be spared. responses. The results were then distributed to a fundraiser for the Psych Club. Until now. participants. “It’s just a fun, quirky thing,” said Jenna In lieu of Valentine’s Day, for little more than Given two dollars and pressured to fill out a Van Ravenswaay, Psych Club president. “It’s the cost of a load of laundry, Dordt students survey by his friend, sophomore Justin Banks not like we’re trying to get the MRS degree might be able to find new love, a new friend or chose to participate. happening. If something comes of it, so be it.” at least a good laugh thanks to the Psychology “I don’t really feel desperate,” he said. “I feel One hundred and sixty-four students Club. like I just maximized the opportunity that was participated in this pre-Valentine’s Day event. Essentially, Dordt created its own version of given to me at the time.” Some students have no intention of meeting Christian Mingle. Banks thinks the Matchmaker Extraordinaire a spouse in college, but terms such as “ring During the “Love is in the Air: Matchmaker could become a “Dordt-ified” version of by spring,” “freshman frenzy” and “senior Extraordinaire,” members of the Psych Club matchmaking websites. scramble” are common jargon around Dordt’s attempted to arrange students with prospective The Matchmaker Extraordinaire provided campus. Whether students filled out the surveys love interests and possible friends. At the end names for possible love interests, as well as the with hopes of finding a valentine, meeting of January, club members set up tables in the names of participants’ same gender who could new friends or just participating for kicks, Commons and Grille area and invited students match up as potential friends. For two dollars, the Matchmaker Extraordinaire provided to fill out a 36-question survey. For those too they received their top 15 matches of both participants with lists of names to stalk on DCC, shy to fill out a survey in front of their buddies, males and females from their own year, the top and maybe – just maybe – the spark needed to the club also made a link available that allowed 10 matches from other years and the top five set off a new relationship. students to take the survey from the privacy of least-compatible matches. They also received their dorm rooms. the names of two mystery matches and were page 2 · News ·

Dordt students aid the state Coffee Beant: The Fruited of Iowa Plain Jaden Vander Berg – News Editor “I don’t get the obsession with coffee and Lydia Marcus – Staff Writer literacy standards are released this summer. coffee shops, but I like the price and their gelato “It was really discouraging to face the fact that Walking up to the ordinary brick building on smoothies,” junior Clarissa Kraayenbrink said, The Dordt College Center for Economics Miranda and I had to basically realign everything N. Main Avenue, you would expect the Fruited in reference to Two Dollar Tuesdays. Education (CEE) helped the Iowa Department that had been completed that summer, but it was Plain to be like every other “hipster coffee The location is perfect for a college of Education (DOE) develop new standards exciting to hear that new standards with broader shop.” community, as it is within walking distance of for economics and financial literacy. These ideas and more applicability were coming up,” But walking in the door, you are hit with campus. standards will be released in the summer of Ponsen said. a warm, welcoming vibe, not at all what you “It’s a chill place off-campus to hang out with 2017, and Dordt students have been involved in “I think the new standards will be easier for anticipated. friends and enjoy a good cup of joe,” senior the process through the CEE. teachers to use in their classroom.” Scattered throughout the café are booths, Mikaela Kiers said. CEEs are resources for K-12 teachers that aim In the fall, Hulstein accompanied Dordt CEE tables and worn couches reminding you of Senior Jaden Vander Berg enjoys a quiet to help these men and women gain the skills Director Vicki Vermeer to Des Moines, where home. The constant lull of conversation creates and knowledge necessary to teach economics they met with about 20 other people at the Iowa afternoon at the Fruited Plain. a cozy environment for chatting with friends Photo Credit: Jaden Vader Berg and financial literacy. The Dordt CEE – along DOE. or relaxing alone. Dutch art and photography with other schools, banks and teachers – helped “We got to read through the new standards, sprinkle the walls, reminding you that you are determine how the standards were worded see the new layout and give them our feedback,” still in Sioux Center, even though the shop feels and organized. The Dordt CEE intends to Hulstein said. “Overall, we were extremely like it’s a world away. remain involved with the Iowa Department impressed with how they are now organized and The Fruited Plain is home to more than of Education (DOE) by aligning existing how much easier they should be for teachers to just your typical slew of coffee drinks. The economics and financial literacy resources to follow.” stop offers specialty cold drinks like gelato the new standards. Dordt students will conduct Currently, Hulstein is formatting the smoothies, as well as a wide selection of wine much of the realignment work. economics and financial literacy resources so and beer. Senior elementary education major Fayth they will be easily accessible to teachers and is Beyond the drinks, the Fruited Plain offers a Ponsen began working for the CEE as a brainstorming ways to advertise the resources variety of food options from flatbread pizza to sophomore. After spending the year learning to local teachers. soup and sandwiches. about the economics education resources “Although I am not a teacher, I have found Owner Laremy DeVries said the Fruited Plain available, Dordt hired Ponsen for the summer that I have a passion for teaching kids about would not exist in a town like Sioux Center to help align these resources to the then-current economics and finances,” Hulstein said. without the Dordt community. economic and financial standards. “I think this is an easy subject to overlook, “Parents, professors and students are what “I became really familiar with the standards! but it is so important for kids to learn because it keep us running,” DeVries said. “We try to This is huge for me as a teacher,” said Ponsen. really applies to ‘real life.’” foster a community here where people can The new standards address teaching Contributed Photo interact with people who might not be their complicated concepts in age-appropriate ways. age.” “For example, in the 1st grade standards, the The Fruited Plain hosts events featuring live main idea is ‘Analyze Credit and Debt Levels’ music or karaoke for the community. They with a benchmark of ‘Explain why something also have weekly specials such as Two Dollar borrowed must be returned.’ Complicated Tuesday and an all-you-can-eat spaghetti night idea— appropriate approach,” Ponsen said. on Wednesdays. “I became really familiar with the standards! This is huge for me as a teacher,” said Ponsen. “Being a part of this project allowed me to see how much variety there can be in reaching those standards and discovering how practical the standards can be.” Recycling art competition falls Last semester, Ponsen also trained then- junior business administration major Miranda Hulstein. Unfortunately, the realignment work through Ponsen and Hulstein completed will become outdated once the new economics and financial Allison Wordes – Staff Writer from homework. Freshman Lexi Meendering said she would Last Saturday night, the 55th Ave. coffee love to see more cultural activities arranged on shop… remained quiet. The recycling art event, campus. As a commuter, she doesn’t spend the coordinated by Student Services, was cancelled weekends here, but the Cultural Fair, which will Property for the Future due to a lack of participants signing up. be held Saturday, Feb. 18, is a priority for her. Justin Banks – Contributing Writer Officer Howard Wilson, a home like this only While posters around campus did advertise She said it’s just cool to see, and it shows an goes up for sale every 20 to 30 years. Wilson the event, junior Heath Brower said there was “openness to different groups” that she really With word of an expected enrollment increase made it clear this was a great purchase for the “not enough information on them to get people appreciates, having a half-Hispanic heritage. for the upcoming fall semester, many students future of Dordt College. talking.” “Meeting new people is great, but it is easier are beginning to realize just how much this The hope is for the house to serve as housing Students still had the opportunity to take to do in a group of friends,” said Brower. Rather change will impact them. for single graduate assistants. advantage of a Dordt-associated weekend than just creating events that students can float For instance, the upperclassmen apartments The Houtkooper house is in need of a newly event, but it fell through. The Student Services in and out of, he suggested designing events will likely be filled to maximum capacity this renovated bathroom, along with improvements proposed a snowman-making contest in place with an atmosphere that lets students meet new fall. concerning both the Wi-Fi and the electricity. of the cancellation, but few people showed. friends. Junior Alex Vasquez currently has two The second house that Dordt purchased is a “Yeah, sure, it’s important,” said Brower, “I think Dordt has trouble realizing roommates in his East Campus apartment. 50-year-old, three-bedroom house bought from about recycling and the recycling event. He what really matters to students,” said He said based on the enrollment increase, he Vern Mouw, who was a local businessman. thinks that it is hard for this Dordt group to Brower. believes additional roommates will invade his The most valuable aspect of this home is the capture students’ interest. He believes we expect Photo Credit: Kyle Fosse privacy and hamper with the comfortable living four-and-a-half acres of land that come with the a lot from Student Services. Originally, he said arrangements he has come to enjoy. house. he was going to sign up with his friends, but the The question on many students’ minds is what Plans for the use of the Mouw house have yet two-foot size limitations discouraged him from Dordt will do about this inevitable overcrowding to be determined, but at this point, the land will participating. He also wanted to know what that is only months away. be used either to build more academic buildings was going to happen to the sculptures once the Dordt has recently purchased two houses – the or to provide more parking. competition was over – would they be shown Houtkooper house and the Mouw house – both Wilson made it clear the purchase of these around campus as a promotion for recycling? located on 4th Avenue. properties is not part of Dordt’s “global plan to “I think Dordt has trouble realizing what The Houtkooper house is a 110-year-old home take over Sioux Center.” really matters to students,” said Brower. that was originally referred to as the Te Paske Only timing will tell us that perhaps the Jordan Kooima, a member of the Dordt house, receiving its original name for its late purchase of these properties coincides with the College Business Club (DCBC), knew about owner, Mr. Te Paske. Te Paske was one of the housing problems that await the upperclassman the event, but forgot that it was supposed to be first mayors of Sioux Center and regarded as a in the coming year. The question now is how that night. prominent attorney of his time. soon will Dordt act on the current housing crisis Advertising is crucial to making students For many years the Te Paske house was and how long will students be subjected to the on campus aware of events, especially those recognized as the nicest home in Sioux Center. compact living conditions? Could it be that that take place on the weekends, said Brower. The home is a big white house located on the Dordt is actually planning on tearing down the His favorite events are the club fairs, because southwest corner of campus close to President Mouw house and using the land for apartments? he can “know his options” for the semester. Hoekstra’s house. The properties are still technically under He recognized that many of the most popular The name of the home was changed after being contract to purchase. Dordt is predicted to events are the ones which are not instigated purchased by Virgel and Dittie Houtkooper. take legal ownership of the houses in the early by Dordt. By highlighting clubs, they could This five-bedroom, three-bathroom home most spring. promote student-led interests while involving recently served as a bed and breakfast, operated all years of students. Having events before by the Houtkoopers. breaks would also make them more effective, According to Dordt’s Chief Administrative because students would be ready for a diversion · News · page 3

Marching into history Kate Van Weelden – Contributing Writer the most powerful moments I experienced was when I saw a group holding signs that said, “I Marches can be powerful demonstrations of regret my abortion” and “I stand for my aborted protest, resistance and even celebration. On sibling.” And I will never forget the image of Friday, Jan. 27, 2017, I not only witnessed a woman openly crying and holding on to a history, but I marched in history at the March fellow marcher. for Life in Washington, D.C. When I think of Once our Dordt group reached the outskirts historical marches, I am reminded of people of the monument, we quickly realized it would who marched in Alabama during the Civil be hard to see the activities taking place. Rights Movement from Selma to Montgomery. Thousands upon thousands of people gathered My mind also reflects on last week’s Women’s to see Vice President Mike Pence, the highest- March when thousands of people marched elected official ever to attend the March for Life. across the nation for women’s rights. Other speakers included Kellyanne Conway, The March for Life started at the Washington President Trump’s campaign manager and Monument with a rally at noon and the March counselor; Iowa Senator Joni Ernst; Cardinal proper began at 1 p.m. on Constitution Avenue, Timothy Dolan and former Baltimore Ravens bound for the Supreme Court. Our Dordt group tight end Benjamin Watson. (including sophomores Ryan McDermott and Since we were not able to see or hear the Tianna Top and juniors Jonathan Beltman and speakers, our group decided to get a little closer Kate Van Weelden) made the long walk from to where the March would begin. We journeyed our hotel to the Washington Monument, but down to the frontlines of the March, where we we were not alone. The closer we got to the waited until 1 p.m. monument, the more fellow marchers we saw. As 1 p.m. neared, thousands of marchers As I walked, I found myself amazed by the started to rally together and a loud buzz grew large groups of students from Catholic schools all around us. A Hispanic church was dancing who were there with their parents and teachers to music, groups of students were chanting the to participate in the March. Large groups of popular chant “Hey, hey! Ho, ho! Roe v. Wade Catholic priests, some being groups of young has got to go!” and police cars were starting to seminarians, also marched. Organizations such show up to manage the crowds. Once we started as “Save the Storks” handed out signs on street moving, cheers echoed amongst the marchers. Sutdents kneeling to pray in front of the Supreme Court. corners. Others made homemade signs. One of I have never experienced such powerful unity Photo Credit: Kate Van Weelden Dordt students and faculty marched in this years March for Life in Washington, DC. among groups of people and denominations protests with vastly different messages. About Photo Credit: Kate Van Weelden within the church. I remember walking next to twenty minutes passed and a few students the National Museum of American History and decided to get on their knees and pray directly tearing up just thinking of what my marching in front of the opposition. An elderly group stood for. I was actively choosing to stand up from a church sang hymns. for life, especially for the unborn. Although I will never forget this March. I couldn’t there was a lot of joy in our marching, there was believe the incredible boldness and bravery also some sorrow. Some groups chose to show I witnessed. Although it is difficult to know terrifying images of aborted babies to remind us what exactly will happen in the future to further of the horror that surrounds abortion. regulate or even outlaw abortion, I do see hope. Once we reached the Supreme Court, we Because of President Trump’s current pick for observed some of the opposition. I have never the next Supreme Court justice – Neil Gorsuch seen a truer image of the First Amendment. – the pro-life movement may have a brighter Right next to pro-lifers chanting “We are the pro- future. After attending the March for Life, I life generation!” were large groups of mostly was reminded, once again, of the importance of women chanting, “My body, my choice!” It was standing up for what is right, for what I believe hard to look away from the chaos. All I could do to be true. was just stand and stare at the different acts of International students ponder Executive orders protested at effects of immigration ban Battery Park Joshua Meribole – Staff Writer engineering – to work in the United States for a Danny Mooers – Staff Writer of people who had left their homes and families limited amount of time. This visa is provided by behind to immigrate to America in hopes of Courts in the United States recently revised the employer and is used by many technological On the evening when protests broke out in starting over. Now, 150 years later, the park was Trump’s executive order that seeks to ban companies. The U.S. government’s fiscal response to President Donald Trump’s recent set to be the location of a protest in the name of immigrants, student visa holders and green cap of these visas lands at 65,000. There executive order on immigration, Battery Park the one thing it is fondly remembered for. card holders from the countries of Iraq, Iran, has been speculation that President Trump’s in Lower Manhattan was empty. While John F. The Jan. 29 protest at Battery Park officially Syria, Yemen, Sudan, Somalia and Libya from administration would reduce this cap; however, Kennedy (JFK) airport in Brooklyn was full of began at 3 p.m., but crowds were already entering the States. As of right now, the courts no official statement has yet been made. thousands of protesters begging for the release gathering around 9 a.m. have allowed people with valid visas back into For junior accounting and business: finance of the detained immigrants, the most important “I can’t stand to see what Trump is doing to the United States. major Tony Zou, President Trump’s plan may geographical location for immigration in the the immigration system,” said Miguel, 31. “My By blocking citizens from seven different pose a threat to his future. history of the United States stood silent. family came as immigrants and we were able countries, and threatening to build a wall, Trump “There is no predictability with him,” Zou The setting maintained a haunting atmosphere: to establish ourselves and I want the same for and his agenda are being met with hostility from said. “I am looking for a job after college in the walking through the unoccupied park and others.” several Dordt international students. U.S.” seeing the Statue of Liberty illuminate the calm When asked about how he would react when “I feel uncertainty,” Gala Campos, a Mexican Because of Trump’s claims that businesses New York Harbor, it was too still. Even Castle the ban was lifted after 90 days, he refused to psychology major, said. “What happens if he should favor American citizens, Zou believes Clinton, the structure located on the south comment. [Donald Trump] bans Mexicans from coming to that it will be harder for him to find a job in the shores of Battery Park, stood barely visible in Most protesters held signs with phrases such the United States?” United States. the darkness. as “Not My President” or “All Immigrants Yet not all students feel the same level of fear The reason why immigrants are hired is Built in 1808 to protect the mainland of Welcome” written on them. People chanted, or anticipation. because Americans are not willing to do the America from invasion, Castle Clinton saw “The people united will never be defeated,” a “I don’t feel threatened by Trump’s back-breaking, low-paying jobs that are issued 11 million immigrants walk through its gates noise that reverted down to Wall Street, located presidency,” Jose said. “I feel like he could by some employers, Zou went on to explain. from 1820 to 1892. From 1855 to 1890, the four blocks away. decrease some advantages that we have like the “Employers have say,” Zou said. building acted as America’s first immigration Photo Credit: Danny Moers OPT.” For Dordt College, the effect of President center. Today, nearly 100 million Americans When an international student is done at Trump’s ban – of which certain sections have have ancestors who encountered the fort while Dordt, they have the opportunity to use their been reversed by lower courts in the U.S. – will immigrating to America. It was built to protect OPT – Optional Practical Training – to work as likely not reduce the number of international the mainland of America from any invasion. a student in the U.S. in their field of study for students who choose to attend this institution. Castle Clinton has deep roots both fending off one year. STEM students can extend this visa to However, according to Adam Adams, Director and welcoming outsiders into the United States. three years. Also, student and non-immigrants for Global Education, President Trump’s “Walking through the park the night of the JFK with specialized training can request for an hostility to international students could give protests was sort of an out-of-body experience,” H1B visa. other countries, such as England, Germany, said Nate DiCamillo, 21. “It was hard to know Hostility with President Trump’s policies Canada, etc., the opportunity to gain more that at one time Battery Park was a symbol of comes from his statement regarding H1B visas – international students who choose these nations hope and promise. Now it’s used as a ground to cards that allow people from different countries over the United States. protest our government.” with specialized skills, such as in medicine or In the 19th century, Battery Park was often full page 4 · News ·

Fed Employees Use Encryption Dordt Students Leadership Software, Messaging Apps Conference in D.C. Danny Mooers – Staff Writer problem with [President Trump’s executive Jonathan Beltman – Contributing Writer course of the conference. order]? I think they should either get with the On two occasions, students had the President Trump’s election is causing mayhem program or they can go.” President Trump is During the last full week of January, Dordt opportunity to meet with senators’ staffs to among federal employees. POLITICO released determined to prove there will be a positive students Ryan McDermott (SO), Tianna Top advocate for issues we cared about. On the third a report describing how government employees influence in this order and isn’t willing to (SO), Kate Van Weelden (JR) and I had the day of the conference, the other Dordt students are using encrypted messaging apps and budge, Spicer said. opportunity to participate in the National and I accompanied President Hoekstra to services to discuss the security of their positions This determination has caused Labor Association of Evangelicals’ Christian Student advocate for Christian private higher education and opinions of decisions made by Trump. Department employees to join the efforts and Leadership Conference. This conference drew in the offices of Iowa’s Senators. I thoroughly Employees are worried Trump will fire anyone send around a Google Doc asking senators about 100 college students from Christian enjoyed advocating on behalf of Dordt and who opposes his executive orders, so they to sign in opposition of the hiring of Andrew colleges and universities across the nation other Christian colleges in Iowa with President are taking extra precautions not to get caught Puzder, the Secretary of Labor nominee. The together to learn and discuss what it means to Hoekstra. I did not fully realize the complex speaking negatively about any of his orders. letter already has hundreds of “signatures” be a faithful Christian college student operating relationship between the federal government The recent firing of acting Attorney General from former and current DOL employees, within the realm of politics. and private colleges before we discussed the Sally Yates has put federal employees on edge, according to POLITICO. Labor employees are the report states. against the hiring of Puzder due to some of the According to POLITICO, employees have advertisements used by his fast food franchises. Pro-Life marchers gather on a brisk DC afternoon to advocate for the unborn. Photo Credit: Ryan McDermott begun purchasing more secure cell phones and The Government Accountability Project, a using apps such as Signal or WhatsApp because non-profit organization that works to discover these companies encrypt all conversations and any discrepancies amongst governmental are more difficult to hack. Employees are also employees, has been flooded with calls in recent using private emails and speaking face-to-face days. to avoid any incidents. “We’ve had a significant number of federal Some federal employees, however, aren’t employees who have contacted us in recent afraid to let their voice be heard. More than weeks,” CEO Louis Clark said in a recent 1,000 have signed the “Dissent Channel” interview with POLITICO. “It has to be the memo in an effort to show their frustration largest influx of people trying to reach us that with Trump’s recent immigration executive we’ve seen.” order. They are hoping the memo will cause the executive branch to rethink its decision. Earlier This article was originally published on Feb. in the week, White House Press Secretary Sean 3 by the International Business Times, where Spicer spoke on the “Dissent Channel Memo” Mooers is interning this semester. and said, “These career bureaucrats have a AMOR takes on Tanzania Christina Ybema – Staff Writer jobs included giving children physicals, touring schools, scrubbing in on surgeries and helping On Dec. 29, a minibus filled with students and film interviews for prosthetic legs. faculty set forth on a journey to Tanzania as part A rewarding part of the trip, these travelers of the college’s AMOR mission trip. Among said, took place when they visited a leper colony. the 10 members of the group were five Dordt These people have been shunned and outcast students: Michaela Schotanus, Bethany Borup, by their families and friends who believe that Caty Wiese, Rachel Jensen and Kelly Johnston; leprosy is contagious, while it actually is not. two Briar Cliff students: Luke Manganro and “They were so thankful for us,” Schotanus Clare Hollman; and three Dordt chaperones: said. “As much as I thought that they needed Beth Baas, Kim Brinkerhoff and Jake Byma. God’s love the most, they were the ones who After getting lost on the bumpy gravel roads impacted my life instead. It opened my eyes to in the dark, the group arrived at their Tanzanian the suffering of the world with some [people] destination early on Dec. 30 . Their location? A missing fingers, some having deformed faces lodge in the mountains of a large city in Arusha, and more. It shows me that God’s love truly Tanzania. The lodge had a view of Mt. Maru, does reach out all around the world. There and from their hotel in Moshi they could see Mt. was such a great amount of emotion in such a Kilimanjaro in the distance. deprived place.” That day, the group went to the children’s As one may expect, traveling to a third-world village where they played with the children and country revealed various challenges, including met some of the staff of the organization they a language barrier. The group wanted to interact Throughout the conference, students listened issue with our Senators’ staffs. worked with. The next day was New Year’s Eve, with the people, specifically the children, of to a plethora of speakers talk about current On the fourth day of the conference, each so they celebrated with the children, tricking Tanzania. Yet, the few words they knew made issues and how to use our faith to address these student met with the Senate offices from their them into going to bed on time. On Jan. 1, the it difficult to communicate. topics. The speakers served in a variety of home state. Top and Van Weelden met with the group worshiped at the local church, meeting Another challenge this group faced came in occupations related to politics and policy. We Minnesota and Wisconsin offices respectively, more staff and beginning to work on the abodes. the form of parasites. All group members had heard from senators and representatives, a few while Ryan and I met with the Iowa offices for On Jan. 2, they went to Tarangire National to take antibiotics to kill any form of malaria or ministers and a handful of presidents and CEOs a second time. Ryan and I were accompanied Park and stayed at a country lodge overnight. other parasite they may have come into contact of non-profit advocacy groups. The conference by two Northwestern students, also from Iowa. The next day they went to N Gorro Gorro Crater with while they were there. They began their aimed to include speakers from across the We decided to discuss U.S. foreign aid and Conversation Area, where they began a two-day dosages of Doxycycline two days before they political spectrum, and our group spoke with immigration, since Donald Trump had issued safari. left and continued to take the drug for 30 days both Republican and Democratic Congressmen the executive order to build the wall along the “We got to see animals that most people don’t after returning to the United States. about how their faith influenced their political southern border on the previous day. Ryan get to see and I feel blessed that I was able to Another major challenge was the culture identity. Some of the more notable speakers also talked with the offices about Sarah’s Law witness it firsthand,” Schotanus said. shock upon returning. from the senate included Senator John McCain, because of his close connection to the bill. The group then began to build abodes, homes “The realization of how materialistic and a Republican from Arizona, and Senator Sarah’s Law is a bill that addresses the issue the local school needs for their teachers and gaudy the United States is and how much we Sheldon Whitehouse, a Democrat from Rhode of how to deal with undocumented immigrants staff. They worked with Ty Pennington, the TV take it for granted as a whole,” Schotanus said. Island. Both individuals spoke on topics that who have committed violent crimes while in host for Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, and “Just seeing how little they had and how much are important to their constituents. Senator the United States. This law would ensure that became a part of the filming for his new show, we have is insane.” McCain addressed the issue of immigration, illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes “What is Home?” Some of the group’s major while Senator Whitehouse spoke on creation will be detained by Immigration and Customs care and its effect on the coast of Rhode Island. Enforcement (ICE). Sarah Root, whom the Contributed Photo In terms of non-profit advocacy groups, bill was named after, was killed in a drunk we listened to leading CEOs talk about their driving incident that involved an undocumented organizations’ work. Grover Norquist, president immigrant who fled the country after being of Americans for Tax Reform and well-known released on bail. Sarah was also a friend of economist, spoke about immigration’s effect on Ryan’s family. the economy. In addition, Prison Fellowship Amid the busyness of the week, the NAE senior vice-president for advocacy and public Christian Student Leadership Conference acted policy Craig DeRoche presented his incredible as a great opportunity for Dordt students and testimony and thoroughly explained the issues faculty to spend a week in the nation’s capital surrounding the criminal justice system today. learning about Christian advocacy, and I am We heard from speakers from many other grateful for the opportunity to participate. organizations including Focus on the Family, the Evangelical Environmental Network and the Progressive Baptist Church throughout the · News · page 5

Student Employment Showdown Janelle Cammenga – Copy Editor the 4th and 5th place range. sits at the bottom of the heap. Let’s start with those at the top of the totem Just like any other job, the Commons has You’ve heard people complain about the dish pole: its good points and bad points. The hours are room. You’ve heard people – at least me – brag #1: Residence Assistant a big drawback when it comes to working for that their campus job is the best. To find out if Points: 5.5 the Commons, but free meals on your shift help this bragging is warranted (and if the dish room Speaking only by the score, Residence offset the inconvenience. really is as bad as its reputation), I did some Assistants take the proverbial job cake. When “It doesn’t take brainpower,” freshman Ellie digging. you consider they don’t have to pay for housing Jaspers said. Lots and lots of digging. and still get paid a salary, it’s no surprise. For her, this is a good thing, since she enjoys There are more than a couple on-campus “My favorite part is that I am literally paid the break from her rigorous coursework. student positions to examine. Everywhere to get to know girls,” sophomore Jalyn Vander Even the infamous dish room can be fun. you go on campus, from maintenance to tech Wal, RA of West Second South, said. “You can just have fun and chit chat in the services, student employees try their best to But the job is not for everyone. Not only dish room,” said freshman Alisha Geisselmann. keep things running smoothly. is it hard to get hired, the job comes with As expected, the Commons also has its bad To determine the best and worst student jobs intentionally high expectations, and therefore points. on campus, I talked to 28 Dordt students from holds downsides. Jaspers found that she like Commons food different jobs and asked them the following “It’s continuous and I love it, but I feel like I less after working with it all day. Geisselmann wishes there were options to work at times other Sarah Dyskstra works the sound booth in the BJ Haan Auditorium. than meals. Photo Credit: Jenna Wilgenberg The Takeaway The scale is useful as far as it goes. It does a good job of factoring in different working conditions and ranking jobs accordingly. But it doesn’t cover everything. Different jobs fit some students better than others. For example, Jaspers left a job as a department assistant (one of the #6 jobs) for the Commons (#8) because she wanted more regular hours. Even though being an RA is empirically the best job on campus, I find that I’m perfectly happy in my own job: the costume shop. It seems I’m not alone in my contentment, since 72% of the surveyed students thought their own job was the best. In the end, deciding the best and worst jobs has a little to do with the actual job and a whole lot to do with your attitude. “If it sucks, you’re making it suck,” Geisselmann said.

Above Cammenga ranks Dordt’s top eight workstudty positions. Graphic Credit: Kaitlyn Baljeu questions: Can you do homework on the job? can never do enough,” Vander Wal said. “Instead Below: Dordt student mans the front desk at the Rec Center, while another works on the video Are your hours during the regular workday? of homework, I could be out there talking with crew. Can you listen to music on the job? Do you get my girls. But it’s college and homework has to Photo Credit: Jenna Wilgenberg enough hours? Do you sometimes get too many be done.” hours? What would YOU say is the best job on The job changes as the school year marches campus and the worst job on campus? These on, with students needing less help from their are not all the questions that may be asked, or RA’s during second semester. necessarily the best questions to ask, but they “I got back from Christmas break and realized gave me a starting point for a ranking system. that they are all perfectly capable of handling To explain the handy graphic nearby, I college now,” she said. “I’m having a little bit started out by giving each position four points of a helicopter mom issue.” and then subtracting a number (either 0.5 or #2: Tech Services and KDCR 1) for drawbacks (bad hours, no opportunity Points: 5.0 to do homework, etc.) and ranking them If you’ve ever attended a Dordt event like the accordingly. Predictably, a lot of jobs tied for in freshman talent show, TX or NCDC, you’ve their rankings, so I also decided to add a point come across the folks in tech services. They go for high satisfaction on the job (if the student behind the scenes running lights, cameras and thought their own job was the best on campus). the sound system. A lot of positions still tied with this addition, but Senior Andrew Cammenga said his favorite it made the spread a little wider. part of the job is “being able to show my skills Due to limited time and contacts, I did not as part of high-profile events without having to get to speak with those who work as rec center really prepare or be on stage.” assistants, Sunday van drivers or worship Not only do tech services students get to arts assistants, but from what I know of those attend campus activities and get into high- positions, they would most likely fall between profile events (like presidential rallies), they get paid to be there. The only downside is that large Graphic Credit: Kaitlyn Baljen events like the Trump rally mean they spend most of their day working. Cammenga firmly believes his job is the best on campus. “It’s as fun as it SOUNDS,” he said. Pun intended. KDCR, Dordt’s on-campus radio station, also scores high on the employment scale. The hours are convenient, there’s some time for homework, and there’s plenty of good music to listen to. “You get to say you’ve been on the radio, and you can listen to it online,” sophomore Anna Jordan, a former KDCR employee, said. She enjoyed that the job taught her more about broadcasting. Her favorite part of working at KDCR, though, would have to be dancing on the job. But, if we’ve looked at the top of the scale, we should take some time to look at the bottom. #8: The Commons Points: 1.0 Well, we can’t say we didn’t see this one coming. In the case of the worst student job, students knew what they were talking about. According to our scoring system, the Commons page 6 · News ·

The Buffington Post In-Class Laptop Note Taking – the Keys to Failure Elizabeth Bouwkamp – Staff Writer notes, students continued to engage in this means to verbally, or through the written word, transcription – a matter of understanding over habit. Researchers found, yet again, longhand express what has been learned. Encoding is the mindless work. Let’s put a scenario on this. A junior biology participants scored higher on conceptual/ process of information going into the brain, The cliché saying “No pain, no gain” comes major sits in a lecture hall for an upper-level application questions after the lecture. while decoding is the process of information to mind. Without a stretching of the mind, science course. Her professor covers too many In the third and final study, the researchers going out of the brain. learning does not occur. It is harder to pay chapters, on too many slides, with too many addressed whether greater content of notes In a final discussion of their study, Mueller attention and engage in an 8 a.m. lecture, but words. Her solution? Laptop note-taking! After through laptops pays off later when students and Oppenheimer noted, “Laptop use can what is gained if going-through-the-motions all, typing is faster than writing. study for tests. Students from UCLA viewed negatively affect performance on educational replaces long-term recall and what happens if While this use of deductive reasoning – four lectures and returned for a test on those assessments, even – or perhaps especially – quick fixes cover an ability to succeed in the lectures contain too many notes…my science lectures the following week. when the computer is used for its intended classroom? class is a lecture…therefore, my science class After studying, the longhand note takers function of easier note-taking.” Think about it. The next time your laptop contains too many notes – may be correct, the still exceeded their laptop-using peers in Although a few situations might call for slides into the designated driver seat in class, laptop note-taking solution is incorrect. recollection of factual content and conceptual direct transcription (such as business meeting consider the way it felt to learn and remember In the SAGE Journal of Psychological understanding. dates, times, phone numbers and contact a new play in basketball, a new song on the Science, Pam A. Mueller and Daniel M. Mueller and Oppenheimer’s study suggested information), in-class note-taking calls for radio or a new card game with your friends. Did Oppenheimer published an article entitled, that “longhand notes may have superior external learning – not copy sessions. learning those new things come from mindless “The Pen Is Mightier than the Keyboard: storage as well as superior encoding functions.” The laptop note-taking increase cannot be effort or listening and engaging? Knowledge Advantages of Longhand over Laptop Note To encode notes means to understand the blamed on too many notes and too many slides. acquisition and learning are great, but only for Taking.” Mueller and Oppenheimer conducted notes while they are presented. To decode notes It is a matter of choosing engagement over those who retain it. three studies addressing laptop and longhand (pen and notebook) note-taking methods. Contributed Photo In the first study, students from Princeton University listened to a lecture and chose their preferred method of note-taking. After the lecture, students engaged in two distraction games followed by a memory recall test from the lecture. In the memory test, laptop and longhand note takers scored equally well on factual questions, but the longhand note takers scored significantly higher on conceptual/ application questions. The study said students using laptops are more likely to take longer, word-for-word notes. But are the length and depth of one’s notes equivalent to reading and listening comprehension? According to Mueller and Oppenheimer’s study, “Mindless transcription seems to offset the benefit of the increased content, at least when there is no opportunity for review.” The second study consisted of students from the University of California, Los Angeles. Researchers asked students not to take word- for-word notes. Even though they were asked to refrain from direct transcription of lecture Reformed colleges get political “La La Land” is For Fools Who Meagan DeGraaf – Staff Writer Education. DeVos attended Calvin, but some alumni are unhappy that she is considering a Dream Seasons of political tension are often position about which she has no political and Jaden Vander Berg– News Editor singer or about Sebastian being a musician. The synonymous with seasons of political protests, a experiential knowledge. movie was about those two as an actress and case already proven by national events this year. While the college itself has refrained from Fourteen Academy Award nominations. pianist, respectively; not their ability to sing. If People of all ages, races, genders and religions taking a political stance on the issue, many Twelve Critics’ Choice Award nominations they would have chosen powerhouse singers, are protesting various causes, many of which students and alumni are less than thrilled by and eight wins. Seven Golden Globe Award the theme of the movie and the point they were are related to Donald Trump’s presidency. the possibility, as DeVos only ever attended nominations and seven wins. trying to get across would have been lost on just While Dordt has not been the center of many private schools. They feel she does not have “La La Land” is capturing the hearts and that – their singing. protests, some students on our campus did hold the experience necessary to be in a position of minds of Americans. This movie speaks to every person who has a quiet protest in the spring of 2016 when then- power that affects such a large realm of people. In this film, an original, modern concept takes a dream. Some people go for their dreams and presidential candidate Trump visited campus Students from Trinity Christian College, on the old musicals of the 1950s and 1960s. “La even though they encounter multiple obstacles, and spoke in the B.J. Haan. They wanted to call a reformed school in the Chicago area, also La Land” is the classic boy-meets-girl story they never give up. However, some people give attention to his racist and sexist remarks and appeared at the inauguration and protests. of aspiring actress, Mia (Emma Stone) and up right before the only thing they have always use these instances to protest his fitness to be “We’re just here to be patriotic, spread a struggling musician, Sebastian (Ryan Gosling). wanted is just about to happen. So what can we president. little love, a little laugh, take some pictures, Filled with color, music and dancing, the film take from this? When Trump won the electoral college have some fun,” said Tony Dykstra, who drove goes through the seasons of Mia and Sebastian’s Don’t be afraid to live in la la land. in November, protests erupted all over the 12 hours overnight with his friends Gabriel relationship. Audiences watch their love grow, Contributed Photo country. Most of them were led by supporters Fennema and Dyvon Melling in order to make see the struggles they experience and personally of the Democratic Party, yet people from all it to the inauguration. invest in the emotion of the film as these two backgrounds joined the “Not My President” “It’s really just the love of America.” characters chase their own dreams. I know I felt protests. heartbroken with each audition rejection Mia Calvin College, a private Christian Reformed received, and I felt Sebastian’s passion for jazz school in Grand Rapids, Mich., saw many of its every time he sat at the piano. students rise up in opposition to the president- Contributed Photo Director Damien Chazelle sprinkles the film elect after the election. Megan Plumert, a senior with odes to Fred and Ginger, Gene Kelly, at Calvin, defended the position of herself Debbie Reynolds and movies of that time. and her fellow students by saying that she Chazelle’s goal in doing so was to recreate the may not agree with everything said under the feel of old Hollywood and classic musicals. #NotMyPresident hashtag, but she still wanted The time and dedication the cast put into the to protest the hate. movie is quite evident. From the three months Another Calvin College student, Lorin Birch, Gosling spent learning the piano, to the leads went to Trump’s inauguration and the Women’s having to learn tap, ballroom and jazz, to March at the end of January while on interim. choreographing routines on exit ramps with She did not choose between Trump and Clinton, 100+ extras, it is clear that passion exudes from but attended both events because she thought the cast. the experience would be an interesting one. After leaving the theater, I had very little to say “It’s been nice and respectful,” Birch said. that was bad about the movie except for I didn’t “This is a bipartisan respect Women[’s] March.” care for Stone’s voice. A friend who I went Calvin College is also in the news for its to the movie with offered her own reflection simultaneous support and criticism of Betsy as well: the movie wasn’t about Mia being a DeVos as Trump’s pick for Secretary of · Editorial · page 7

Finding motivation for exploration Ashley Huizinga – Staff Writer (yet, because it’s the middle of winter) and I’m going to be passive about it. One of the Delft blue knick-knacks only in the souvenir most difficult things for me to have to learn this The Netherlands (or “Nederland” as it’s shops and secondhand stores. I saw my first pair semester is how to take charge of my own life and called in Dutch): windmills, wooden shoes, of wooden shoes on a construction worker, but make adventures happen. I could spend every tulips, parades decked out in the color orange only after more than two weeks here. I haven’t afternoon in the computer lab doing homework (“oranje”), Delft blue plates in every household, even seen any castles, although the ruins of (reflections, so many reflections) or I could find sheep and farmland and bridges over canals. Zwolle’s city wall sent dreams dancing in my a quiet little café in the City Center (“Centrum”) Prostitutes on the street corners of Amsterdam, head of epic sieges and heroic battles, with and spend all of my moments there. I could sit coffee shops (here’s a tip: they don’t just sell armies of knights and archers storming the back and watch four months pass from the big coffee) in the cities and flags of LGBTQ pride city’s gates. brick and concrete structure of the Viaa which flying high. But Holland is a lot more than the stereotypes some students have affectionately labeled as These images used to come to mind when and tourist spots. There’s so much to discover “the ugliest building in Zwolle.” I thought of the Netherlands. In imagining about the history and current events of this Or I could break out of my comfort zone and Europe, I drew up pictures of castles, rolling country: people to meet, tourist spots to buy a train ticket to wherever the train will take green landscapes, museums and graveyards frequent, obscure fishing towns on the coast to me. I could plan to spend a few hours getting of war crosses. I didn’t expect what I actually visit, food to try (particularly “herring”, a kind lost in the miles of bike trails and bike highways found and I didn’t find what I expected. The tea of raw fish that tourists are instructed to pick up that make up the transportation system of the is sweeter, the houses are colder, the fashion is by the tail and drop into your mouth with your Netherlands. I could visit the neighbors and classier and the “G” is harder to pronounce than head tilted back. Yeah, not counting the days ask them how they feel about Donald Trump what I was prepared for. I found fewer sheep for that particular experience). From now on, I (because as Jon Janssen noted in the last issue, and more water (it feels like nearly every street expect only adventure. he’s practically the only American thing that at some point crosses a body of water), no tulips But just because I expect it doesn’t mean that Europeans are talking about). I could watch

Canals of all shapes and sizes weave in and out of cities and small towns in the Netherlands. Photo Credit: Ashley Huizinga

Photo Credit: Ashley Huizinga

Disney movies in Dutch with my host family or write a just-for-fun letter to the Dutch version of “The Bachelorette,” attractively titled “Boer Zoekt Vrouw” (Farmer Seeks Wife). Along the same lines, you could stay on campus all semester and never leave the relative safety of the well-worn “dorm, Commons, classroom, dorm” path. You could avoid the eyes of your professors on the sidewalks and make it through college without ever taking an elective or extracurricular. Or you could walk to the Fruited Plain for a live concert now and then. Bike to Walmart and hula hoop in the toy aisle. Find your own secret spot on campus that no one knows about. Visit a professor and ask them for the best piece of advice they can give. Sing at the top of your lungs in the middle of an empty B.J. Haan auditorium. Get out and live, wherever you are. Don’t just complain about not having anything to do in “the middle of nowhere.” Make adventure.

A letter to my campus Michel Gomes – Contributing Writer First off, I have nothing to add to what from healthcare reforms to immigration bans. public good. The President is then fueled by you have already heard. Between the angry I’m guessing, given my foreign origins, that his supporters and the public is angered by millennials, misinformed Republicans and I was asked to write a piece on EO with the the bureaucratic processes initiated by the sensationalist Democrats, I think you’ve heard immigration ban in mind. But I won’t, I think legislative and executive branches. all there is to hear under the sun. Nonetheless, the problem with this form of use of EO’s hints In the other instance, Trump did not think I cannot pass up the chance of stirring a little at a deeper issue. through his orders. I’d love to say that is a far- bit of strife on this matter: Trump’s Executive EO’s, by virtue of who affects them, can fetched thought, but when a president insists Orders (EO’s). be used to either rally the public behind their on investigating the votes of dead people, even A quick recap if you’ve been doing the media- president or alienate them from him. On very after being elected, not much seems absurd. fast challenge: Trump assumed the presidential divisive issues, it creates not only conflict The implications of his EO’s being impulsive office on Jan. 20 and has busied himself since, between different political groups but also and reckless do not need to be spelled out, as trying to “Make America great again.” He has between the public and their representatives if the Yemen fiasco revealed. Rash actions and issued eight EO’s, twelve memoranda and made the latter chooses to bring the EO for a judicial reactions, rather than responses to problems, two proclamations. The White House website review. have only angered enemies and alienated allies. provides each of them, and many Americans In the case of President Trump, his EO’s appear This possibility would not be very promising are refreshed to finally have a president who to many people as arbitrary and impulsive. The for the U.S. either. does what he promised. Well, that would be exact means of affecting them are often obscure All in all, the fact that Trump issues EO’s fantastic if his definition of “great” was within and where he taketh, he does not giveth. The every other day does not seem to be as the bounds of reason. population’s sentiment expressed through the dangerous as the possible implications each of An EO is defined by the legal dictionary as, Women’s March, #DeleteUber and other forms them would have on the long run for America. “A presidential policy directive that implements of protest only highlight how divided the public The speed at which they are issued and the or interprets a federal statute, a constitutional has become even within their own political poor communication between the government, provision or a treaty.” An EO is a powerful branches. the public and Trump’s circle will create tool for a president that enables him to bypass How I see the EO’s, then, is either a clever delicate relations that might take a long time Congress altogether and enact whatever is in political maneuver in which Trump is portrayed to be mended. However, it’s still too soon to his mind. Nonetheless, the Supreme Court can as the man who bears the American people’s accurately predict how his EO’s will pan out perform a judicial review on an EO and nullify best interest in mind or a reckless move to try to and objective reasoning is difficult with how it if the order is found unconstitutional. In the meet his agenda. In the first case, the situation sensational every camp becomes when bringing history of EO’s, presidents have used them for can pave the way for delicate relations between their own thoughts to the table. all sorts of agendas, including Herbert Hoover, Trump’s camp and Congress. That is to say, who set the standard of how to write one: i.e. if Trump proposes that his EO’s are the best Michel Gomes grammar, spelling, good title and conformity to and fastest means for reaching his campaign’s Photo Credit: Michel Gomes the Style Manual of the Government Printing platform, any attempt from Congress or the Office (EO 5658). SCOTUS to impede or slow them down Trump has issued eight orders, ranging will appear to be hostile action toward the page 8 · Editorial ·

Correction: Due to layout constrictions, in the January 25 Diamond issue Caedan Tinklenberg’s article concerning the Women’s March was placed in the news section instead of on the opinion page, where it would have been more appropriate. The chief editor apologizes for any misunderstandings. In Defense of the Women’s March Ellen Inggrid Dengah – Staff Writer a theoretical sense, I could be raped, be blamed for the act and then see my rapist roaming free, In the last issue of the Diamond, staff writer maybe giving a speech at an awards ceremony. Caeden Tinklenberg wrote an excellent opinion It’s not that I don’t have grace for people who piece. Yet while he asked all the right questions, have done wrong. And I don’t mean to withhold I wonder if his questions could actually be grace from those whose lives have been mostly answered simply by the meaning behind the void of prejudice. But grace does not tolerate March: millions of diverse groups of people injustice. Grace acknowledges injustice and standing up for other various marginalized lets it heal. The more you deny the fact that groups of people. The focus here is not a lack the world is still not right, the harder it gets to of rules and regulation, but a lack of regard for reconcile this mess. the marginalized- in this case, women. This Again, I notice and acknowledge that straight March could stand as it is without labeling it white Christian males don’t have it easy in this “anti-Trump” because it protests injustices world. You have to fight just like everyone else, that happened prior to Trump’s presidency. but you are in a pretty safe place compared However, one could also make the argument to the rest of the people who have to march that it is, in fact, a reaction against the new to be heard. None of you are trying to protect government, since people who are currently in your ancestors’ sacred land from chemical power have no regard toward the marginalized. contamination, just as none of you have to Here, worry about whether you will be separated from I guess I’m asking you, reader, to empathize your family because the government changed and listen to the people who desperately need some immigration regulation. to be heard. This March represents the voices Do you know what your greatest privilege is? of millions of people, and it would be a shame To be able to identify simply as an individual if you turned a blind eye. And, for the record, outside of your sexuality or the color of your some of you need to calm down– you won’t skin. You are a free man because you never had automatically convert to Islam or suddenly turn to wish you were something else in order to be Artist Credit: Allison Wordes pro-choice if you simply listen to the marcher’s treated justly. Now, if I were writing to you as demands. a black male, I could likely offer a different You won’t lose any of your privileges if you experience. And I could be killed, blamed for lift up your underprivileged sisters and brothers. my own death, and yet my murderer would A letter to the Editor In my plea to listen, in my argument in never see the inside of a jail cell. defense of the marginalized, I’m not trying to I realize I can’t generalize, but I wish you Dear Dordt Diamond Editor, with too many friends and strangers who have antagonize or shame straight white Christian would understand. I don’t despise the fact that experienced sexual assault and rape. I marched males as one of the most privileged sects in this I’m a woman, but I remember how I wished The familiar sense of trepidation that because members of my community brushed country. I would, however, like to point out that I was a boy just to be allowed to do what my accompanies being told that I, as a woman, am off “grab them by the pussy” as “just talk” these males’ rank in society is not threatened brothers were allowed to do. acting and/or speaking out of place filled me as and “locker room talk.” I marched because, at all by this crazy chaotic world that is the The way I see it, the Women’s March is a I read Caeden Tinklenberg’s article “Pondering according to a 2015 National Network to End Trump presidency. These men’s rights are well- way for people who are underprivileged and a proactive, pro-choice protest.” Perhaps it was Domestic Violence report, 72,828 women protected; they have nothing to fear, and yet, I marginalized in any remote way to unite and not the intent of the writer, but the culmination utilized intimate partner violence services in wonder if Trump’s greatest weapon – fear – has say that they still have a voice; that you can’t of the opinion piece’s lack of research and this country, and as a social worker, I know that affected some of them. shut up their demand for justice; that, thank dogmatic tone reminded me of every man who not everyone who needs those services accesses Besides, if we’re talking about fear, don’t you God, the Trump presidency does not equate to has ever implied that I should sit down and shut them. I marched because I want my community think women have more reason to be afraid? In silence against lies and discrimination. up. We can do better. to be one of civility, integrity and compassion, Dordt alum Taylor Leach participated in the first annual Women’s March. My decision to participate in the Women’s but the current leadership of my country has Contributed Photo March was not flippantly made. In fact, I am not only failed to embody these values, it has highly critical of aspects of the event. My first also blatantly dehumanized people who bear the critique of the event is regarding its original image of my God. leadership: when the organizing for the I marched for all those who feel vulnerable March began, its leadership was comprised and afraid with the acknowledgement that almost entirely of white women who also sometimes, so do I. I marched for my parents lacked organizing experience. Activism that is who, despite raising me to believe that I could focused on empowering women and ignores do anything, still struggle every day to help me intersectional realities is self-defeating. This believe it. I marched for my 17-year old brother criticism was, thankfully, recognized and three because I know he is watching. professional activists and women of color joined Each participant of the Women’s March was the leadership as co-chairs. My second critique motivated by his or her own reasons, but it is that the March excluded and alienated the was all to say this: “We are here. We have a “pro-life” organization “New Wave Feminists.” voice. We matter too.” I understand why some By taking an unyielding “pro-choice” position, people would see the diversity of motivations the March missed an opportunity to build and as a flaw of the March, but I hold a different activate a broader coalition. perspective. In a time when division runs so Despite my criticisms and concerns, I marched. deep, there is an absolute refusal to enter into People of all gender and racial identities, from civil and compassionate conversation with infants to the elderly, in locations across all those whom we deem fundamentally different seven continents, from diverse economic and from ourselves, people came together. In spite spiritual backgrounds, joined me. We each of individual concerns, beliefs and identities, stepped into the streets for different reasons people came together. On behalf of themselves and with different issues on our hearts. I and their neighbors, people came together to marched because I hold the steadfast belief that push our government and our civil society to all people have inherent dignity and worth as do better, because we can do better. The best image bearers of God. I marched because I am a society can do is recognize its brokenness part of a body, and right now there are parts of and continuously strive to do better. Make no our body hurting. The underlying anger and mistake; the Women’s March was a moment, frustration that led to the election of the current not a movement. The movement is what comes president is very real, and so is the heightened next, because we can do better. vulnerability and fear currently being experienced by people who are immigrants, Sincerely, refugees, racial, sexual and spiritual minorities, Chelsea Maxwell and those who are experiencing economic and health care insecurity. Maxwell is a 2016 Dordt graduate and a And yes, I marched because, as a woman, I 2017 Masters of Social Work Candidate at the weigh the risks of walking home from a friend’s University of Pennsylvania School of Social apartment at 9 p.m. I marched because I have sat Policy and Practice. · Arts & Entertainment · page 9

Fresh Flavor at TX Dordt Theatre Nationally Kyle Fossé– Photography Editor juggling act, a performance that earned them a standing ovation. Recognized Talent Extravaganza 2017, or TX, as Eric Rowe, who is also known for performing Eric Rowe– A&E Editor it’s affectionately known, offered unique juggling routines in TX over the last two years, experiences for the Dordt crowd. As with every chose the dancing route this year and shared year, students and faculty alike filled the BJ third place with his swing dancing partner, Haan auditorium as nine acts took to the stage. Ellen Inggrid Dengah. The performances varied from dance routines The two performed a swing dance routine to and signers to jugglers and a performance on “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons. Eric said an electric ukulele. Some of the audience games that Ellen wanted him to “try to surprise her to were new, as well, and the “make-your-move give it a little more life.” He then said that “It’s cam” made its TX debut. been more Ellen’s vision for the dance, and it’s Dordt sophomores Jena Schouten and Megan been fun to be a part of that.” Van Den Berg hosted the show and consciously Junior Ariel Gomes won second place for his tried to bring fresh ideas to this year’s show. solo percussive guitar performance, in which “We knew that Valentines’ Day was around he played two guitars simultaneously. Ariel is a the corner, so of course we were going to regular talent show performer at Dordt, and this incorporate love into the show,” said Schouten. was his second time playing percussive guitar “We wanted to do something new, because we for a Dordt audience. were ready for a change.” Gomes’ song choice came from his estimate Van Den Berg said her favorite part of the of audience expectations. He felt that, while night was the “make-your-move cam.” a lot of songs sounded better than the one he “People were so good about the whole idea, chose and he preferred playing other songs which made it hilarious to watch,” she said. more, “people appreciate two guitars at once The “make-your-move cam” mirrored the a lot more, simply because it’s something they concept of kiss-cams often used in sports haven’t seen before.” Senior Kyle Fosse and junior Erica Liddle left the Des Moines stage with national awards after stadiums, as Dordt students were encouraged TX is one of the year’s biggest events spending a week competing in the American College Theater Festival. to “make a move” on the person sitting next organized by the Student Activities Committee. Photo Credit: Kyle Fosse to them by putting their arm over the other The next large event taking place this semester Whether it’s blending the sounds of every bird merit from three shows and had two students person’s shoulders. is NCDC (Northwestern College/Dordt native to Hawaii in the 1950s or designing a set advance in the Irene Ryan acting competition. At the end of the night, sisters Erica and College), a battle of bands competition that will with the sunset colors of a Pacific island, the Dordt costumer Sue Blom’s “Much Ado About Carolyn Liddle took home first prize for their begin in April. research and design work for a theatre show is Nothing” designs were chosen for the festival important in telling a compelling story. costume parade, and senior Stephanie Korthuis Junior Ariel Gomes placed second at this years TX. In the last week of January, senior Kyle Fosse received an honorable mention for her makeup Photo Credit: Kyle Fosse presented sound design and junior Erica Liddle design in the short film “Wilder.” presented lighting design for Dordt’s production Junior Josh Bootsma was nominated to take of “Much Ado About Nothing,” performed this part in the Irene Ryan acting competition past fall. Both students received national awards for his role of Leon Steponovitch Tolchinski at the Region V Kennedy Center American in last spring’s production of “Fools.” The College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) that took judges enjoyed his self-described “delightfully place Jan. 22-27. awkward” scene with partner Bethany Van Eps Only one design in each category was and his monologue from “Richard III” so much nominated per region. Fosse won the sound that they advanced him to the next round. design category while Liddle won lighting Bootsma and fellow semi-finalist junior Peter design. They are both invited to Washington, Rexford were both surprised to advance. The D.C., to represent Region V in their respective preliminary round has about 350 contestants categories. and only 64 advance to the semi-finals. Liddle’s lighting design for “Much Ado About Rexford was glad for the assurance that he Nothing” was the first realized design that she was doing good work, but said it was annoying presented. Last year, she designed lighting as at the time. a class project and presented at KCACTF even “I thought that others who had worked longer though it wasn’t eligible for the award. and harder should have moved on,” Rexford This year, Liddle said she was shocked to said. receive the award. Even when she heard the Bootsma learned of the achievement while announcement that the winning lighting design attending a theatre production he was invited was from Dordt, she assumed that the winner to. He had hoped to have a relaxing week full was the other Dordt student who presented a of more plays, but instead he had to frantically different lighting design. develop a new scene to perform. The design expo is open to all 88 colleges in “In hindsight, it was an honor, really,” Region V including graduate and undergraduate Bootsma said. “To have two people selected work. Liddle’s design was chosen over an when you [Dordt] haven’t been selected in estimated 30 other boards at the expo. what, six years?” “I was competing with grad students and I The last time a Dordt student advanced was Silent Sky didn’t even know it,” Liddle said. about seven years ago. Before Fosse’s win last “Much Ado About Nothing” is Fosse’s second year, there hadn’t been a national design winner Anna Veltkamp– Staff Writer play the part of Henrietta, said that audiences design to receive the national honor. He won since 2012. can expect to see plenty of stars incorporated in the award for his sound design for Dordt’s Fosse is glad Dordt’s theatre department is Stars will shine bright on the evenings of Feb. the settings and movable stage design, as well production of “Ash Girl” at KCACTF last year. getting recognized on a national level again and 22 through Feb. 25th as Dordt College Theatre as some original music. Liddle is glad to be traveling to Nationals hopes that his and Liddle’s success will open Arts Department proudly presents the Spring “Ellie Koerner, the sound designer, is with a comrade who has been there before. On the door for other students. Mainstage Production, Lauren Gunderson’s composing her own music for this production.” April 17-22, Liddle and Fosse will present their “Hopefully starting a trend, you know,” Fosse Silent Sky. Along with Ellen, a small cast of four other designs alongside the other seven regions in the said. “We have a lot of good designers.” Set in the early 1900s, Silent Sky tells the story students will take audiences on a riveting nation. The theatre department will present two more of one of Harvard’s first woman astronomers, account of this scientific discovery. Annie Sears In addition to the national awards for design shows this semester: “Silent Sky” and “A Prison Henrietta Leavitt. In a time where women were will play Margret Leavitt (Henrietta’s sister), work, Dordt received eight certificates of Called Freedom.” calculators only - prohibited even, from touching Anna Jordan will play Annie Jump Cannon, a telescope - Henrietta makes a groundbreaking Jennifer Allen will play Wilhelmina Flemming discovery that transforms the world of science and Harrison Burns will play Peter Shaw (the forever. Through the difficulties of being a sole fictional character). female scientist in a man’s career, she manages Join the cast and crew of Silent Sky and to determine how to measure the stars outside experience the struggles of Henrietta as she of the universe. strove to uncover the stars in a male-dominated Dr. Channon Visscher, professor of chemistry world of science. You may buy tickets ahead of & planetary science at Dordt College, explains time, or purchase them online at dordttickets. the significance of Henrietta’s discovery: com. “The reason this is so important is because it gives us a way to estimate the distance to these [Cepheids] stars, even if they are very far away.” The cast and crew of Silent Sky will debut this “Even more than that,” said Visscher, “Hubble production on February 22. used her discovery to estimate the distance to Photo Credit: Ellen Inggrid Dengah Andromeda galaxy!” Dordt senior Ellen Inggrid Dengah, who will page 10 · Sports ·

Women’s basketball presses Better fuel equals better onward after rocky start performance Aaron Ladzinski – Staff Writer something positive and build from it. That is Clarissa Kraayenbrink – Staff Writer oatmeal. He makes sure to get plenty of protein what we have been doing this season.” throughout the day. For dinner in the commons, After a rocky start in conference play, the The women’s winning streak started on Jan. Eating healthy is not an easy task to accomplish he usually eats meat, rice, vegetables and milk. women’s basketball team is on the uptick. They 21 when the Lady Defenders beat Midland in college for many reasons: lack of money, Getting the correct balance of macronutrients is are 11-15 overall (3-13 in conference play), but 78-58. Leading scorers of the game for the lack of time and lack of means. However, eating optimal, Feenstra said. in the past four games, the Lady Defenders have Defenders were sophomore Jamie Gesink and healthy is a must, especially for student athletes. On game day, timing is important. For home gone 3-1. freshman Annie Rhinesmith with 16 points Proper nutrition fuels athletes’ performance on games, the basketball team eats together at the each. Freshman Rachel Evavold had 12 points, the court, field or diamond, helping them to be commons about three hours before the game. and freshman Ebby Prewitt had 10. the best they can be. When they are away for games, the team will go “I think our win against Midland was a big Strength and conditioning coach Adam to restaurants such as Subway or Jimmy John’s. turning point for the kids’ confidence, and it Conway used a car analogy to illustrate the After games, Feenstra likes to indulge with a allowed them to go into the Northwestern game importance of nutrition: Think about fueling steak that he cooks himself in his apartment. knowing they were capable of winning,” said your car. Let’s take a Porsche, for example. This For football defensive end Ben Bajema (JR) head coach Katie DeWitt-Severson. Porsche is an unbelievable car – expensive, yes eating healthy is necessary for more reasons “We came out believing that we were the – but it has all the bells and whistles. It can go than just achieving optimal performance on better team that night and it showed. We shot fast, it stops on a dime and it looks really cool. the football field. Bajema has type 1 diabetes, the ball extremely well; the girls played with You’re not going to put sub-par gasoline or even so eating healthy is also necessary for staying energy and determination and it always helps diesel in your Porsche. Sure, the Porsche will healthy and keeping his blood sugar in check. to have a great home crowd on your side,” said run for a little while, but it won’t run nearly as Bajema always starts his day out with DeWitt-Severson. well or for as long as you’d like. You’re going breakfast. He said no matter how early his A few nights later, the Defenders beat to fuel it with the best possible gas you can to classes are or when he gets up, breakfast is a Northwestern in the De Witt with a final score make sure it runs at its best for the longest time must. Breakfast for him usually consists of of 89-83. Jamie Gesink led all the players possible. milk, cereal or bananas. He then has a snack with 24 points and grabbed a game-high nine Conway said the same concept applies to mid-morning, a lunch with lots of protein and rebounds. This was the Lady Defenders’ our bodies. We could fuel our bodies with a carbs, a pre-practice snack, a dinner with more second consecutive win and also their second bunch of sugar and carbs, or we could fuel it protein and a snack before he goes to bed. conference win. with whole foods. The quality of food equals With type 1 diabetes, Bajema must closely DeWitt-Severson said, “Beating Northwestern the quality of fuel- and therefore, the quality of monitor what he eats. This is paired with when they were ranked was a lot of fun… performance. medication to stay in check. For him, feeling especially to see the carryover from the previous A “balanced diet” looks different for every good is directly correlated with eating good Sophomore Jamie Gesink presses toward the win.” athlete. Diets depends on what position each food. Whereas some people can eat unhealthy hoop in Dordt’s game against Northwestern. Norton mimicked that sentiment, calling the individual plays in his or her respective sport. for a while before they start to feel ill, eating Contributed Photo Lady Defender’s win over their red rival “the Whether they are trying to lose, gain or maintain unhealthy starts talking its toll on Bajema best feeling ever.” weight is another factor. Yet each diet abides by within a couple of hours. “Basketball is a sport where there are amazing “No doubt, if there is one team we want to the same guidelines: eat whole foods, such as “For me, eating healthy is absolutely critical moments in the season and then there are beat this year, it is them,” said Norton. meat, fruits and vegetables, and stay away from to playing well and feeling well throughout the definitely low points in the season. We have had The next game didn’t go as well for the processed foods. day,” Bajema said. both,” said senior Hannah Norton. Defenders as they lost to Doane 66-73. “Anything that comes in a box or has over An optimal diet for Bajema consists of lots “Facing adversity with a team is very However, the women rebounded from the loss five ingredients is probably something you of protein – chicken, fish or steak – balanced challenging because how you respond can to Doane quickly, moving on to face Briar Cliff shouldn’t put in your body,” Conway said. with carbs such as pasta, potatoes or rice. Once effect everything. And I believe even when we last Wednesday. The Lady Defenders beat this “Breakfast is the most important meal of again, simple carbs are necessary and processed were struggling we never let it get to us. We team 77-67 in another great game that brought the day,” said Conway, reaffirming what most foods should be avoided. kept moving forward and never gave up.” the Dordt women’s conference record to 3-13. people have heard before. After people sleep for When he has a game, Bajema likes to eat Norton said the team’s tenacity is paying The Defenders will end their season in six to eight hours, it is not healthy for the human 800-900 calories of pasta two hours prior to off, and that a mentality based on the need to the next two weeks against Morningside and body to go any longer without food. Also, eating playing. As a type 1 diabetic, he has discovered continually improve continues to propel the College of Saint Mary at home, and also face four or five smaller, healthier meals throughout what does and does not work for him through women onward. Mount Marty and Concordia on the road. the day helps prevent overeating at one time. trial and error. After games, he likes to have a “Each game and each practice, we take away Basketball forward Taylor Feenstra (JR) said hamburger and chocolate milk. he notices a difference when he eats healthy. Although eating healthy is necessary for the If he feeds his body with candy and sugar, as best performance in athletics, even athletes opposed to a balanced diet with proteins and like to have sweets every once in a while. For Don’t hate Tom Brady because vegetables, his body feels different during Feenstra, his favorite sweet is a candy bar such practice or a game. as Snickers. Bajema loves ice cream and will “It’s more mental too,” Feenstra said. “It’s eat it every chance he gets. he’s great not going to stop me from making a shot or It is not easy eating healthy all the time, but anything, but it’s the way your body feels while athletes know it will help them out on the court Christian Zylstra – Sports Editor than everyone else. Tom Brady is the greatest you’re playing.” or field in the long run. quarterback in NFL history. Feenstra starts out his day with eggs and The New England Patriots are Super Bowl LI Most people hate Tom Brady because they’re The secret to an athlete’s healthy diet? Taylor Feenstra says it’s all about balance. champions, and Tom Brady and Bill Belichick jealous. They’re jealous of his records, they’re Contributed Photo laid claim to their fifth Super Bowl title, more jealous of his championships, they’re jealous than any other coach or quarterback in NFL of his wife, they’re jealous of his money and history. they’re jealous of his greatness. For a lot of people, reading that lead is And look, I get it. Personally, I cheer for the upsetting. Between the Super Bowl party in Browns. I’d love to be in Brady’s spot year after my apartment and the handfuls of students I year, contending for and winning Super Bowls. overheard walking to and from class Monday But that just isn’t how everything turned out. morning, there isn’t much love for Brady, We as human beings and as sports fans have Belichick or the Patriots. some inherent nature within us to either tend “Brady and his evil empire win again.” toward or away from greatness. Essentially – “It’d be nice if someone else won for a speaking about non-New England fans – we change.” either love the greatness or we hate it. “Bill Belichick can suck my…” During the 1990s, everyone either loved or “I hate Tom Brady.” hated Michael Jordan. If you liked basketball The language and disdain for Brady and New and the NBA, there was no in-between. The England is evident, but why? same can be said today with LeBron James. [It’s important to note here that I am in no Most people feel more positively toward the way a fan of the New England Patriots. Brady’s incredible Wayne Gretzky in 2017 than they did run in the NFL gets repetitive, and it’d be nice when he was breaking and setting every record to see some new teams win a Super Bowl now during the 1980s and 1990s. and then. So I have no issue with football fans Sports fans often feel displeasure and disdain despising the Patriots.] toward greatness. We don’t appreciate it in the Brady seems to have it all: the happy family, moment and only decades later will fans reflect the supermodel wife, championships, money on everything Brady did during his career and and connections. It’s safe to say a lot of us say, “He is the greatest quarterback in NFL would love to trade places with Brady. history.” Yes, Brady comes off at times with a certain If you want to dislike the Patriots because they arrogance and self-recognition that he’s better win all the time, then go ahead. If you want to than everyone else. But guess what? The same dislike Belichick because of Spygate and other can be said for many professional athletes. Patriots’ cheating scandals, fine. And Brady has a reason to feel like he’s better But don’t hate Tom Brady because he’s great. · Sports · page 11

Sitting down with Alex Terpstra and Danny Vos Clarissa Kraayenbrink – Staff Writer his teammates, bus rides to and from games and goofing off with the team. Seniors Alex Terpstra and Danny Vos’s On Jan. 28, the men and women’s basketball friendship began during the summer before teams celebrated Senior Day, honoring the their last year of high school. Both men came seniors on the team and allowing Defender to a basketball camp at Dordt College and Nation show that they appreciate these were assigned each other as roommates for the individuals and will miss them. Family week. After the camp, the two decided to room members of both Terpstra and Vos attended the together their freshman year at Dordt, and they game to celebrate their respective players in the have lived together every year since. men’s second-to-last home game. Over the past four years, they have shared “I think it was more fun just having family memories together both on and off the court. there,” Terpstra said. “It was just special since One of Vos’s favorite memories involves the I’m out of town. Having significant family team’s trip to the NAIA national tournament in members there and being able to spend some Branson, Mo., their freshman year. time with them afterward, that was what “When you come in to play college basketball, brought the most excitement.” that’s kind of every kid’s dream: to make it into The Defenders beat the Doane University the national tournament,” Vos said. “To be Tigers 95-85 that afternoon and moved to 4-10 able to achieve that as a freshman, that’s pretty in the conference. special.” “It was more exciting than anything, but it is Terpstra’s favorite memories don’t have to do tough because the time is dwindling down,” Vos with a particular game or a buzzer-beating shot, said. “We’ve only got a few games left.” but rather spending time with his teammates. “It’s been a long and memorable four years,” He enjoys time spent in the locker room with Vos said. Alex Terpstra stands between his father and fiance, Elizabeth Kiel, at Dordt’s Senior Night. Contributed Photo

Danny Vos, a senior from Ripon, CA, recently accepted a position at Wells Fargo in California. Contributed Photo

Both players love the Dordt fans and the same manner.” atmosphere in the De Witt. That atmosphere “In addition to Alex’s skill set expanding this is something they both agreed they’ll miss season, his leadership role and contributions after this year, along with their teammates and off the court have increased as well,” Douma coaches. They have also earned the respect of said. “While earning the respect of the their teammates and proven to be leaders both underclassmen, Alex has provided steady on and off the court. Though both of them have leadership and direction for many of the young different leadership roles on the team, they players in our program.” complement each other well and both work Looking ahead to their futures, Terpstra toward the same goal. accepted a job as an audit associate in Denver, “Danny is the consummate servant leader who Colo., where he will live after graduating and places others before himself,” said head men’s getting married this summer. Vos plans to move basketball coach Ross Douma. “Over the years, back to Ripon, Calif., and work at Wells Fargo very few players have garnered the respect and in the nearby city of Modesto. admiration from teammates and coaches in the

Van Holland Hired As Unity JV Boys’ Soccer Coach Christian Zylstra – Sports Editor brother and Van Holland’s basketball coach at Sioux Falls Christian High School, Mike Looking for a jolt of energy in its program, Schouten. The result was nothing but praise. Van Holland tries on a new pair of cleats this spring as Unity’s JV Boys Soccer Coach. Unity Christian High School hired Cody Van Schouten and Westra reached out to Van Contributed Photo Holland as its new junior varsity boys’ soccer Holland, who considered the opportunity but coach. wasn’t sure it’d be possible. Van Holland, a senior at Dordt College and “I’ve always wanted to coach but never one of the 2016 men’s soccer captains, made pursued it because architecture takes up so the decision easy for Unity Athletic Director much of my time,” Van Holland said. Terry Schouten. Schouten and Westra made a trip to Dordt’s “Not only does he bring passion and his campus, visited with Van Holland and came excitement but he also brings his ability to away impressed. They wanted him for the job. teach,” Schouten said. “He’s a smart, thinking “His love and knowledge for the game is kind of player, which oftentimes bodes well for outstanding,” Schouten said. “Steve [Westra] is coaches.” very, very excited for some new ideas and fresh Van Holland sees himself in a similar light concepts. It’s always good to have some fresh and feels his brain is what makes him a good ideas and perspectives come in.” player. With a desire to enter coaching, Van Holland “I’ve always been told I know the game of accepted Unity’s offer and started readying soccer well and that I’d be a good coach, so it himself for the start of a new opportunity. excites me to see if I can meet that challenge “One of my biggest goals is to make sure that and do it,” Van Holland said. I do develop these kids,” Van Holland said. “I The junior varsity coaching position became want them to get better and enjoy the game. It available when former Unity Christian Boys’ stunk that soccer is the second or third sport for Soccer Head Coach Ben Karnish stepped down. a lot of these kids, so I hope I can help them From there, Steve Westra received a promotion enjoy the game and see everything that soccer and moved up from the JV to varsity coaching can do for them.” level. Schouten and Westra, pleased with Van Schouten said Van Holland wasn’t their Holland’s decision to join the Unity team, think original choice for the JV coaching position. the hiring will reap substantial benefits. The process started locally, but Van Holland “Cody was a great player but also had a great wasn’t among the initial candidates. head for the game, and we think that’s going Pursuing two other candidates, Schouten and to bring some big rewards for the program,” Westra struggled to find a capable replacement. Schouten said. That’s when Schouten went to his good friend Unity Christian JV boys’ soccer starts practice and Dordt College Men’s Soccer Head Coach, in March and plays two or three games a week Craig Stiemsma. from early April through mid-May. From there, Stiemsma sent Schouten Van Holland’s contact information. Running some background checks, Schouten contacted his page 12 · The Back Page ·

Dordt students attend ACTF Dordt Receives Grant for Luke Venhuizen– Staff Writer winners for the Irene Ryan Scholarship. ACTF also hosts a design expo where students Chemistry Equipment On Jan. 22-27, Dordt College theatre may present their design work in the areas of Lydia Marcus – Staff Writer now [than in 2003], really,” Fictorie said. “The students participated in the American College lighting, sound, make-up, costumes, graphic basic concept has not changed, but the software Theatre Festival (ACTF). ACTF is an annual design, projections, props and more. Students The Pittsburgh Conference Memorial National has.” event full of competitions, performances and can win regional and national awards for their College Grant Program (PitCon) awarded Dordt There is no longer a computer that will run to presentations. Founded in 1969 by Roger L. work. There is an honorable mention and first College $10,000 toward the purchase of a gas GC software, and without the software, the GC Stevens, it involves over 18,000 students from place winner for each category. Those who win chromatograph. cannot do much data analysis. colleges and universities nationwide, separated at the national level also move onto the Kennedy “PitCon looks for things that will impact Dordt STEM students may use the GC into eight regions. Dordt College is a part of Center to compete against the other regions. a large number of students,” said chemistry for anything from analyzing the purity of region five, which consists of undergrad and Other competitions involve scriptwriting, professor Dr. Carl Fictorie, who wrote the synthesized biodiesel to comparing the grad schools from North and South Dakota, musical theatre, stagecraft, stage-crew PitCon grant proposal. efficiency of distillation techniques. The new Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri and showdown and more. Activities, such as a “I pitched ideas for labs the new GC would GC will also have an auto-sampler, a device Kansas. This year, the Greater Des Moines variety of workshops for students to attend, allow us to do with [general chemistry], that loads samples automatically. The auto- Convention and Visitors Bureau hosted ACTF occur throughout the week. Workshops range engineering chemistry and chemical analysis sampler will allow the machine to analyze in Des Moines. from Russian Acrobatics to playwriting to classes, which would impact about 180 students multiple samples per run, a feature chemistry Several competitions take place during Broadway Bootcamp, a workshop that taught each year.” students everywhere can appreciate. Instead of the festival, including the Irene Ryan acting participants how to do the Alabama Stomp from Gas chromatograph (GC) is a machine used trekking to the lab to load a new sample every competition. In the preliminary round of the musical “Big Fish.” If an activity has to do to separate and analyze compounds that can be few hours, students will be able to load all their the competition, each nominee performs a with theatre, there’s a workshop for it. vaporized. GC’s can be used to test the purity samples and let the machine run overnight or two-minute scene with a partner, and then There are also a variety of performances of a substance or determine the composition of even throughout the day. the nominee alone performs a one-minute presented around Des Moines. Each year, there a mixture. The new GC will be ready to use next fall, monologue. There are consistently around 360 are about six productions and eight selected The GC Dordt currently owns is 14 years old, when the Science and Technology Building’s Irene Ryan Nominees in Region 5 every year. scenes from throughout the region invited and it’s showing its age. renovations are complete. Sixty of the 360 contestants advance to the to perform at the festival. This year, shows “The basic technology of GC’s is no different semi-finals. Here, the nominee and his or her included “Othello,” “One River,” “Good Kids” partner perform two scenes (just adding one and “Amahl and the Night Visitors.” scene into the mix from earlier). Only 16 of ACTF is a place for theatre students to learn, those 60 pairs move onto the finals, where they collaborate and network. It is a place to create perform the monologue and both scenes for art and create friendships. It is a place to hear Correction: Filming for the Prairie Grass Film everyone at the festival. Only one is chosen feedback and become a better artist. It is a from the entire region to move on to the place where theatre is celebrated and a place to Competition took place from January 12-14, not Kennedy Center (KCACTF) in Washington celebrate those who create theatre. January 5-7, as was stated in Eric Rowe’s article in D.C. to compete against the other seven regional Dordt theater students enjoy all the facets of drama at ACTF in Des Moines. the last Diamond issue. Photo Credit: Bethany Van Eps

Diamond Staff 2016-2017 Chief Editor: Sports Editor: Staff Writers: Cory Van Gilst Ashley Bloemhof Christian Zylstra Josh Bootsma Anna Veltkamp Heath Brower Jenna Wilgenburg Layout Designer: A&E Editor: Janelle Cammenga Ellen Inggrid Dengah Brittany Duncan Eric Rowe Elizabeth Helmkamp Danny Moers Ashley Huizinga Megan DeGraaf Copy Editors: Photography Editor: Clarissa Allison Wordes Clarissa Kyle Fosse Kraayenbrink Kraayenbrink Aaron Ladzinski Staff Adviser: Janelle Cammenga Social Media Director: Lydia Marcus Lee Pitts Luke Venhuizen Josh Meribole News Editor: Elizabeth Bouwkamp Jaden Vander Berg Ana Timmer