STATUS2014-15 School Year • Issue 5

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Table of Contents

3 A NOTE FROM THE EDITOR

4 HOW TO ASK A GIRL TO MIMOSA

5 LIFESTYLE, BEAUTY, & FASHION

6 SOME TIPS FOR MIDTERMS

7 MISSION SPOTLIGHT

8 DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

9 SABBATH AFTERNOON ACTIVITIES

10 IDEAS FOR SPRING BREAK

11 THE EFFICIENT STUDY BREAK

STATUS Magazine

Editor: Brisa Ramírez

Sponsor: Glen Robinson

Contributors: Jaime BaldwinMelissa ChacónMakala ColemanClarissa Cintron Brittany-Anne LacerdaAusten Powell Ashley RiddleIngo Sorke

Photographers: Miranda PolskiBrandilyn Wilson

A Note from the Editor Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the future. I think that’s what happens when you realize you have less than a year left in college. I’m sure a lot of the seniors can relate to this. There’s so much uncertainty about what comes next, even if there’s a specific thing we hope will happen. There’s this whole thing that comes after graduating from college known as the real world. It’s a little bit scary to think about. As stressed as I can get sometimes, I’m really going to miss college when it’s over. I’ve grown up a lot during my time here at Southwestern. I know I’ve pushed myself out of my bubble a few times over the last few years, and I’m glad I have. Freshman me would be so surprised at how involved I’ve become and how many friends I’ve made. I’ve worked as on-air talent at The Journey and as Status editor.

I’ve made friends, joined some school clubs, and tried new things. And I’ve also let go of some things I used to like. As I get older, my taste is changing. Even if I am becoming too old for certain things, at least I’m not too old for pizza parties, new friends, and (somewhat) late nights with friends. The best memories come from those random nights that weren’t even supposed to be that eventful in the first place. Or from the spontaneous changes in plans and the sudden movie nights. I’ve made so many great memories just from having people over at my house or from hanging out in a friend’s apartment on a Saturday night. There’s no need to make huge plans when you’re with friends. That’s one of the things I’ve learned from my time here at Southwestern. So make sure to make memories

with friends. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone and try new things. It’s never too late to do something new. College is the perfect time for growth. Pick up a new hobby or make a new friend. This issue is about a lot of those college activities and pastimes. Midterms are something all college students have to deal with. If you need a little bit of encouragement and advice, turn to page 6. On the more fun side, if you’re planning on going to Mimosa (or if you just want a good laugh) turn to page 4. Staying in Keene for spring break? Page 10 has some great ideas on how to spend your time. Hopefully you find an article in here for you. Enjoy college while it’s still here. Best of luck during the last half of this semester!

Brisa Ramírez

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How to Add Exercise to College Life

LIFESTYLE, BEAUTY, & FASHIONwith Jaime Baldwin

Students’ lives are filled with tests, lectures, projects, work, and social events. It can often seem like exercise is nearly impossible to fit into our schedules. But according to the Mayo Clinic, exercise has benefits that can be great for students, including weight control, a boost in energy, and better sleep.

“When I don’t work out, I just feel off,” says Eric Rodriguez, sophomore theology major. “Exercise helps me be more productive in all aspects of life. I feel more productive and way less lazy when I work out. It really gets the oxygen flowing to the brain.”

If you feel like exercise has been on the bottom of your priority list lately, here are a few tips to get physically active while still staying on top of your studies.

How to Ask a Girl To Mimosa

You’re welcome men of Southwestern. Stay Classy. Your President,

Austen Powell

Hey, Southwestern men!

This article is for YOU! I know Mimosa is about a month away, but you’re probably already thinking about how to ask that special little lady. So I’d like to help you in your endeavors by giving you some creative and unique ways to ask her to Mimosa. Trust me. She won’t be able to say no to you!

1This next one is called “The Teddy Bear.” Buy a teddy bear, rip the head off, and put a note inside

that says, “Don’t hurt me again. Say yes to Mimosa.” If the guilt doesn’t get her then the headless teddy bear surely will.

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I like to call this one “The Fonz.” Wear a white shirt with a leather jacket over it. And bring your posse. On the back of the white shirt

write, “Will you go to Mimosa with me? Yes or No.” Go snapping up to that special someone with your posse, hand her a sharpie, take off your jacket, and the rest is history.

2This one is for anyone asking one of those “Starbucks girls,” so I like to call this one “The Starbucks.” This

one is simple. You can either take that special someone to Starbucks or deliver her favorite drink to her. Either way, while she is busy, ask the barista to write “Mimosa?” on her cup. I mean what girl can say no to Starbucks?

4 The fourth one is called “Sweet and Simple.” Go to any local donut store and buy a box of donuts. Inside

the box write, “I donut want to go to Mimosa with anyone else but you.” If that isn’t the sweetest thing ever, I don’t know what is.

5 However, if none of these creative options work for you, you can always go back to the one I like

to call, “Old Faithful.” This one is simply buying her flowers and a teddy bear and sweeping her off her feet with your charm.

Build in some micro-workouts: Choose to take the stairs in the library instead of the elevator. Walk or bike to class instead of using a car. Moving your body will help relieve stress and help you concentrate better in a lecture or exam.

Not to mention, every step counts in burning calories and making up for lost time at the gym. BJ Mondesir, junior communication major, recommends traveling by bicycle.

“Going up the hill in front of Mabee and Scales… now that’s a workout for the thighs.”

Use exercise videos: Videos are a great solution to confining your workout to a specific amount of time. It is also great for people who are nervous about using the weight room. There are plenty of fitness videos on YouTube that are easy to follow and varying in skill level.

Check out channels like Blogilates and Tone It Up for fun,

in-home workout routines that take less than 20 minutes.

Make use of your time by multitasking: Head to the gym with a textbook in hand. Prop it up in front of a stationary bike, elliptical, or treadmill. Another great way to multi-task is combining your gym and social time.

“Working out with friends is a great motivator and an opportunity to hang out and get to know each other,” says Isaí Ramirez, junior biology major.

“I prefer working out with other people because it pushes me to reach my goals. It’s a lot more fun than doing it alone. And I can celebrate my achievements and gains with my friends. We can celebrate together when we improve.”

Photos by Miranda Polski

Photo by Brandilyn Wilson

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Some Tips for MidtermsMidterms approach here

at Southwestern, but hopefully you can avoid panic-induced cramming. In three easy steps you can be prepared for exams without breaking too much of a sweat. (That’s for you seniors, I know you’re getting lazy.)

Step one: sleep. I know what you’re thinking; “Let me just get out my pillow real fast. Midterms are coming!” No joke! A study by Harris Health System says that a good night’s rest is better than studying all night. To do one’s best, a student must feel one’s best.

Sleep can be a college student’s best friend and worst enemy. We love to sleep. The problem is that we also tend to stay up all night. Then when the alarm goes off for your 8:30 a.m. theory class, sleep is suddenly the most appealing thing in the world.

Sleep is like a super power. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Go to sleep just a little earlier each night. If you want to be prepared for midterms, you should probably go to class. Wake up and if you need to you can take a nap later on.

Step two: study. You knew this one was coming. Face the facts. If you want to pass a test you

have to know your stuff! Sleep is important, but if you’re never even opened your textbook or taken notes in class I doubt it will make much difference.

Study doesn’t have to be tedious. Listen to class recordings while you jog. Go over flashcards with a friend while walking. It’s best to get up every so often when you’re studying. Your brain and your body need a break.

It’s important to study in a place that you can actually concentrate. The library is a great study location. There are quiet corners for those who need to be alone, and open areas for students to group study.

“I love studying in the library because I can actually concentrate,” says Astrid Partida, sophomore nursing major. “Sometimes when I study in my room, my bed whispers to me that I deserve a nap, when I should be doing my homework.”

Another great study location is the rotunda. This winter has been unnaturally warm. Take advantage of it! Find a place that works for you and go with it.

Step three: Don’t stress. Not all midterms are created equal. The nursing department takes a difficult test every week. In that case, midterms simply serve as

a checkpoint for grades. Other majors must write a major paper for their midterm grade, or physically show that they can do something. Whatever you’re being tested over, try not to stress about it.

“Midterms week is probably where most students question if it’s worth it or not,” says Chelsea Zabala, senior nursing major. “I encourage my class and future classes to keep going. There is a light ahead. It will be worth it in the end.”

Matthew 6:27 says, “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Worrying will not raise midterm grades. When the test is over, nothing can be changed. This difficult time of the year is just a reminder to focus on college. “It can be tempting to be overwhelmed and slack off,” said Ann Sauder, senior music major, “But don’t give up.”

Relax and no that your hard work and rest will pay off. Pray about the exam, and that you can retain what you study. When your mind is relaxed and focused it’s easier to retain knowledge.

Best of luck to you as you succeed in your midterms!

Makala ColemanThe Efficient Study BreakMelissa Chacón

I have heard some bizarre ideas of how to study. I have heard just about anything from osmosis (sleeping with your book under your pillow) to laminating your study sheet and studying in the shower. Some person even told me that they only study after they eat because it makes them concentrate better.

Along with those, I have also heard really odd ideas of study breaks. Some people say that breaks aren’t effective. Most people are scared that if they take a break it’ll turn into a procrastinating session. Did you know that it is proven by research that having study breaks is actually better for your learning and retaining process?

The brain is an awesome muscle. Every muscle needs a break, and the same goes for the brain. Have you ever studied so long and rigorously that you can’t think anymore? Well, that’s your brain telling you that you need a break.

There are some things that can be helpful to having an effective study break. Keep in mind that these are things that work for me. Everyone is different! Try out different strategies until you find what works for you.

THE POWER NAPIf you took Principles of Active

Learning from Dr. Gardner, you know that she is extremely pro-power naps. She actually teaches her students HOW to take the most effective power nap.

The key is to sit in your chair, lean all the way back, and then lean your head on the desk in front of you. Your body cannot stay in that position very long, but your brain gets the rest it needs.

Sleep helps solidify what your brain just learned. So the next tip, not so much for study breaks but more for studying in general is: don’t pull an all-nighter. You might be able to last that way for a bit, but it is not good for you! Once you stay up for a certain time, your brain literally turns to mush.

TIME YOURSELFMy next tip is something that

saved my grades. Time your study breaks. There are actually two types of timers that are recommended. There is the Pomodoro and MIT study timer.

MIT timer is studying for 45 minutes and having a 15-minute

study break. Pomodoro says to study for 25 minutes and rest for 5.

You can find timers on your phone or online. No guilt! This also helps to not overextend my Netflix break into three episodes.

GET SOME EXERCISEMy last tip would be to get active!

Movement and exercise helps with blood flow to the brain. My high school science teacher told us that we should do push-ups, sit-ups, or to simply go to the gym before we started studying.

I have taken my textbooks to the gym and started reading chapters while I walk on the treadmill. I get to see people in the gym, stay fit, and study! Everyone wins!

Remember, the next time that you are tempted to have an all-nighter, or want to crunch all the information that you need to give your brain a rest. Take that study break and make sure that it works for you! You might need to try a couple of things to find what works for you, but find your “thing” and stick to it. Happy studying!

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iPause: A Devotional Thought Sabbath Afternoon Activities“For more than a thousand

years the Jewish people had awaited the Saviour’s coming. Upon this event they had rested their brightest hopes. In song and prophecy, in temple rite and household prayer, they had enshrined His name. And yet at His coming they knew Him not” (DA 27).

Our spiritual theme this school year is “Pause.”

Pause.It is a dangerous theme. Think

about it . . . Pushing the Pause button means that you could easily hit Play anytime. And Play means returning to business as usual. Continuing where you left off. Play means that the Pause was just an interruption. A brief nod towards God, with an impatient “Can we get back to Play now?”

Pausing could be translated as “Let’s pray real quick.”

Pause could convey that God is a side-issue. We pause what we are doing for a little bit, just long enough to “feel connected,” only to return to the status quo. Just push Play again, and God will have to wait until we (might) have time for another Pause – real quick.

But – God also pauses us. It happened to me this summer.

When we took the scenic route to a camp meeting in California, the engine light came on - in Death Valley! At 121 degrees Fahrenheit! Needless to say, our trip was interrupted by a six-hour pause at the nearest service center. Here is the irony: the mandatory Pause ensured that we would reach our final destination. An inconvenience? Yes. A change in our itinerary? Certainly. But the Pause fixed the problem. No

Pause, no progress.Some Pauses turn from

inconvenient interruptions into painful and at times prolonged halts. Often the reason for such suspensions is not transparent. But pause we must. True Pauses are really Stops. Full Stops.

In musical notation the rest symbol represents no mere pause. A rest in the midst of sound creates a dynamic tension, only to be resolved by a harmonic resolution – or by an unexpected surprise. The Pause heightens anticipation. It introduces uncertainty into our predictable rhythms of life.

When Jesus came to this earth, the key players forgot to Pause. The divinely orchestrated antidote to incessant activity, a Pause called Sabbath, became a cover-up for religiously-garbed hypocrisy. And so, when the moment came they had been waiting for – the moment of moments – the religious leaders “knew Him not”. They missed the Messiah! Makes one Pause, doesn’t it?

Someone did Pause. Mary. The Bible records that she simply “kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart” (Luke 2:19). Mary paused – while the professors missed the moment – and the Messiah. Mary practiced what Ellen White later termed “a thoughtful hour in contemplation of the life of Christ” (DA 83). True Pause. Really, a Stop. It comes to no surprise, then, that Jesus paused on the Cross for Mary: “Woman, behold thy son” (John 19:26)!

I recommend you Pause. Pause. Alone with the Almighty. With friends. With your roomie in prayer.

Pause. Don’t hit Play too soon.Do you need an iPause?From a relationship?For a relationship?From video games?Music?Food?Habits?Attitudes?Outlooks?Here’s an app for you that

requires no gear or gadget: turn everything off and Pause. Treat yourself to an iPause.

Heaven forbid we pause from God instead of for God.

They knew Him not.Do you?

Ingo Sorke, Religion Professor

Sabbath is a beautiful day, but it should be about more than taking that Sabbath nap. Yes, that can be necessary at times, but there are other ways to spend a Sabbath afternoon as well.

Grab a couple of friends and have a cooking party, maybe preparing that Sabbath lunch. Head over to the dorm with the Deans’ permission or to a friend’s house. Although remember to be careful and mindful of what you are

doing. Burnt food or sliced fingers are not fun. If you can’t take the heat of the

kitchen or don’t feel like that’s your forte, how about taking up a new craft? I recently started crocheting and it’s actually really fun and relaxing.

There are so many different craft ideas that may sound silly but actually turn out awesome. Whether you like to knit, draw, paint, or sculpt, this can be a fun, chill pastime on a Sabbath. While you work on your craft, you can also take the time to talk with God or try memorizing some Bible

verses. Watch a Christian movie with a

few friends, whether on Netflix, DVD, or good old-fashioned VHS tape. Yes, some people still have VHS tapes and players. Oh and just FYI Netflix has VeggieTales!

Watching a movie with friends can be a good way to unwind and relax on a Sabbath afternoon when it may be a bit gloomy out and you can’t get that Sabbath walk in. Although, spending time in nature and away from all the electronics can be one of the best things to do too!

Start an outreach group if you feel called to go down the street to the nursing home or help people in the community or to the Fort Worth area to do ministerial work. (Remember to communicate with all the right people through the proper channels to

make sure its okay that you are there.) Or if you have any suggestions of things you would like to see done but don’t know how to get it started or don’t want to facilitate it, come by the Spiritual Life & Development office.

Lastly, one way you can never go wrong is sitting down alone or with a few friends and reading a few passages from the Bible. Spending time in the word and listening to God can be the most relaxing and reward thing you

can do. Even if you feel the need to take that Sabbath nap, spend ten minutes or more in the word. I promise you will sleep a lot better and wake up feeling more refreshed.

Remember that we are called to be set apart and to be different. Ezekiel 20:20 says, “Keep my Sabbaths holy, that they may be a sign between us. Then you will know that I am the LORD your God.” Whatever you choose to do with your Sabbath afternoon, remember to keep God first and enjoy your study/work/everything break. You deserve it!

Brittany-Anne Lacerda

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Photo by Miranda Polski

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5 Affordable Ideas for Spring Break Fun

Clarissa Cintron

Travel on the Megabus.You can travel to Austin or Houston for a day this way.

I suggest you buy your ticket now. The sooner, the cheaper! Megabus is famous for its incredibly cheap fare and did I mention it’s a double decker?

It can take you right to the heart of Austin or Houston for fare that ranges from $4 to $35. The closest stops are in Grand Prairie and Dallas. Be adventurous and get some crepes in Houston or lunch in Austin.

Visit us.megabus.com for more details

Staying in Keene for Spring Break? Don’t be too bummed out! There are plenty of wallet-friendly ways to have fun when the boredom becomes unbearable.

Coyote Drive-In TheatreBack in the good ol’ days, college students hopped in their

cars and went to drive-ins. You can enjoy this experience at Coyote Drive-In Theatre in Fort Worth. For starters, you get to see two movies instead of one and tickets are $8 each! Bring blankets and get cozy.

Visit coyotedrive-in.com for more details

Tour the City on WheelsFort Worth and Dallas have pretty spots

and hidden treasures that accommodate just about anyone.

To make the experience even more fun, rent a bike at a Bike Sharing station to get around. It’s $1.50 for the first hour or you can just rent it for the day and pay $8. It’s a lot easier to find that perfect spot for lunch or dinner.

Visit fortworthbikesharing.org for more details

For Your Inner Woodsman

For those who would like to stick closer to campus and put their creativity to the test, try out Cleburne’s State Park!

Fishing, hiking, biking, and camping are just a few things to do there. Pack a picnic and your gear and head out.

Here’s the address: 5800 Park Road 21

Cleburne, TX 76031

Groupon, Groupon, Groupon!If you haven’t become acquainted with the magical website

called Groupon, you need to do that right now. Groupon offers discounts on loads of fun activities, food, and products.

Simply enter your zip code and you can then purchase super cheap events and activities. (Psst! Coyote Drive-In is on Groupon’s list of discounted things-to-do!)

Visit groupon.com for more details

MISSION SPOTLIGHTMy name is Ashley Riddle,

and I am a junior communication major. I spent the last school year serving in the exotic state of Mississippi!

I took the year out of school and moved to Bass Memorial Academy in Mississippi to be the assistant girls’ dean. I think being a dean doesn’t really have a job description. You kind of just do what needs to be done when it needs to be done, a lot like a parent.

I had 47 beautiful girls under my roof to take care of all between the ages of 13 and 18. Getting to know the girls was by far the best part of my job. Did I mention I didn’t like girls before this? I always thought they were too dramatic, and I didn’t like being around them, but God doesn’t call the qualified and he created a new space in my heart to love each of these amazing girls.

I would help them scrub floors, check their rooms for dust, take them to town, make them grilled cheese, listen to them cry, talk them through boy catastrophes, and give them a worship talk on a daily basis. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student/child mature and grow into an amazing leader. That’s happened with so many of my girls.

The hardest part of the job was watching the girls face the consequences of their actions. A lot of the times there was nothing I could do at the end of the day but call Dominick and cry.

I think it’s easy when you

come off of a mission trip, whether task force or other to focus on all the things you did wrong, but I believe that is one of the tools that Satan uses to distract you from accomplishing what God wants you to do with your life.

If you’re thinking of going on a mission trip, I encourage you to do it. Last year was the best and hardest year of my life but also the year I grew the most spiritually, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Ashley Riddle

Ashley Riddle poses with Mabra Gaspar, one of the RAs at Bass Memorial Academy. These are the outfits they wore to the 70s banquet.

BRANDILYN WILSON is a senior psychology/education major. She is one of the photographers for Status. This issue’s front cover was taken by her.

Her favorite color is blue and her favorite kind of food is anything Italian. She enjoys listening to Christian and country music. Some of her favorite artists are Jason Aldean, Sugarland, Selah, and Hillsong.

She also enjoys reading, writing, horseback riding, and being outside. She loves writing and receiving letters and collects the ones she has received before.

HEIDI DART is a freshman communication major with an emphasis in advertising and public relations. Her favorite color is red. She likes eating out in Mexican restaurants, especially 3 Margaritas.

Her favorite hobbies include playing soccer, cliff, jumping, and playing the guitar. Heidi also enjoys spending time with her family and with her pets.

She enjoys listening to Christian music. Her favorite band is Rend Collective Experiment.

Student Senate is working on a few projects based on feedback they have received from you – the students. The various districts of Senate include Men’s and Women’s Residence Halls, Student Services, and Club Council.

Men’s ResidenceAs a result of town hall

meetings Miller Hall acquired a new change machine.

For the spiritual life there’s a prayer box that can be used for people to insert their prayer requests.

Miller also has a new water fountain.

Student Services Trash Out Recycling Project- This project is to bring more

recycling awareness to our campus. Recycling bins have been distributed around campus for men’s and women’s residence halls and off-campus students. Whichever district recycles the most will receive a prize.

Club CouncilThis council helps the clubs

connect with each other and become involved in Student Association activities by having meetings where they can discuss what is going on in each club and how the clubs can promote themselves more.

Women’s ResidenceThe women’s residence hall is

promoting a penny war to raise money for a store in Harmon.

There will be jars placed in all the residence halls. Whoever gets the most change in their jar wins an ice cream party. Any amount of money counts from pennies to hundred-dollar bills.

OtherSenate has been working to

improve the security level around campus. Everyone that’s in security needs to be certified and has gotten training. They have been trained to handle an on-campus shooter situation. The new Southwestern app is also part of this.

Senate is working to create an option for students’ paychecks to be directly deposited into their bank accounts.

An Update from Senate

STATUS STAFF SPOTLIGHT