Andrews University Agenda

Andrews University Agenda http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/ News and Events at Andrews University en-us Copyright 2024, Andrews University Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:25:00 +0000 Wed, 25 Dec 2024 00:25:00 +0000 webmaster@andrews.edu webmaster@andrews.edu Makarios Easter Passion Play http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60205 04.13.2021 Loren Manrique (LM) (sophomore, animal science) Makarios drama sub-director Esterady Caamal D’Vicente (EC) (senior, Spanish studies) Makarios drama director When did you start practicing, and how many rehearsals did you have for the Easter Passion Play? LM: We started rehearsals with a first reading of the whole play on Friday, March 12, and our first official practice was Sunday, March 14. We had a total of 7 practices of about two hours each. The stage really looked amazing. Can you tell me about who made the stage props and costumes and how long that took? EC: Thanks to Chase (the religious vice president of AUSA), we had a budget, and whatever we would ask him for he would do his best to get it for us. Some costumes were ours (the Makarios team) and the rest were from the Spanish Church (Chase helped us get those). Loren and I also had the help of our props team. Imani Cousins (freshman, Visual Arts Education) helped us a lot with the ideas for the props. Then we had Paola Padulla-cisneros (senior, psychology and French), Nathaly Manrique (senior, Biology and Spanish), Karla Torres (freshman, graphic design and Spanish), and Ari Maheda (junior, international business and French). On the last day we got help from Grecia Castillo (senior, Spanish), Konnor Adema (alumnus, flight instructor), Yulian Tinoco (senior, psychology and Spanish), and, thank God, we were able to finish on time. We started working on the props the Friday of the week before the passion play, and we worked on them on Wednesday and then Friday, so we had only three days to work on them. LM: There were also some props that, because of technical difficulties. had to be made the day of.  But it all worked out in the end. What were your favorite/most rewarding parts of putting on the production? LM: I have to say that my favorite parts were the practices. Even though they were long and difficult, being with everyone was great, and there were also a lot of really funny moments during practices that made them okay. The most rewarding parts as a director had to have been seeing everything come together and seeing all of my actors grow and take on their characters.  Definitely seeing Brandon take our writing and bring it to life has to be one of the most rewarding moments of the whole production. Also, the final performance of the play is our proudest moment.  EC: The most rewarding times were having all the actors memorize their parts and show their excitement for the passion play! All of the actors were wonderful! I can't thank them enough for what they did. We also had some actors who were not part of the drama group, and I appreciate their willingness to help! What were the most difficult parts of putting on such a big performance? LM: The most difficult thing was the little time we had to put everything together. From the moment the idea was proposed to the day of the performance, it was all “go, go, go.” The long hours and trying to figure everything out was pretty difficult and exhausting. But at the end of the day, all of those hard moments gave us a great program and bonding experiences with everyone involved. EC: The most difficult part was always having every person at every rehearsal, but we managed! And each person was able to memorize their parts perfectly. Another difficult part was that on the day of the passion play, that Saturday, the wind was so strong that we weren't able to have the stage we had dreamed about, but God helped us and with the help of all Makarios and Chase's team, we were able to set up and it all looked wonderful. Is there anyone else that you would like to credit for the success of the play? EC: Besides God, obviously, Loren really helped me a lot with writing the play and I put the rest together, gathering from the Bible and from the spirit of prophecy.  There were also some adjustments made along the way by Yulian and Chase. Also, the last monologue that Jesus said after he had risen was written by Nathaniel, and my brother as well helped me a lot. Lastly, the actors helped me suggest here and there, pointing out some of the things we could add to their parts to connect them more.  I also have to thank the props team, which includes some people that I already mentioned, like Paola, Natalie, and Karla--they helped a lot. Additionally, on the day of the passion play, we got so much help from the proximity team and AUSA, and I really appreciate that because without them, honestly, it would have been really hard to manage. Like putting all the props in each scene and everything so it was such a big ayuda en equipo (team effort) that I really appreciate. LM: I have to thank my fellow directors Esterady and Ari, and my logistics team, which consists of Nathaly Manrique, Paola Padulla-Cisneros, Grecia Castillo, Vany Carballo (sophomore, speech-language pathology and audiology), Karla Torres, and Imani Cousins. Additionally, our biggest support is our president Yulian Tinoco. Is there anything else you want to share about being in Makarios? LM: Makarios is the best decision I have made here at Andrews. Is a wonderful Hispanic ministry, and it is an amazing community of Hispanic and non-Hispanic people that want to share the word of God with programs in churches outside of campus and on campus. Our programs consist of drama, music, and poetry. Being part of Makarios and being the drama sub-director is a privilege that I will always cherish in my heart and be thankful for.   Can you tell me how the Passion Play play fulfills your mission as a club? LM: The Passion play fulfills our mission as a ministry in that we are following the mission that Jesus gave us, to share his word with others. In the passion play, even though it is a known story, we got to remind people what happened and how all of these stories are real; Jesus really died for us and he is calling us to go back to him, because his plans for us are greater than we could ever imagine. EC: I think the main purpose of this was just to share and to remember what we all know but we sometimes need a reminder. As I told the actors, Ellen White mentions that if we could think about everything that Jesus had to go through, because of His love for us, we would really be better Christians. I think this was a great reminder for all of us to just meditate more on Jesus's life, and continue doing our best as a club and as a ministry. <div>  </div> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:58:28 +0000 An Interview with Taylor Biek http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60204 04.13.2021 Where are you from? Albany, NY. I was born and raised there. What are some of your hobbies? I honestly don't have a ton of time to keep a hobby, but a few things I like to do periodically are drawing on my iPad, I am a Starbucks fanatic (it's an unhealthy hobby), going for walks with friends, and I do love to swim. Like I said, my full-time hobby is work but I do have a fun side that I can bring out. Where is your favorite place to eat around Andrews? I LOVE Nikki's Cafe, but I haven't been able to get there much this year. I also love this smoothie bowl place called Purely Pressed, but it's more on the Mishawaka side––so not super close. Do you have a favorite genre of music? I like pop and R&B, my favorite artists right now have to be Why Don't We and Ciara. What are some of your plans for this summer? Are you looking forward to anything specific? This year, unfortunately, is my last year at summer camp. I have been at Camp Cherokee for the last five to six years, including my CIT year. This year I'll be finishing as the Programming Director for the second year, but in previous years I've been the pool director as well. I think I'm the most excited about driving the boats, especially since this will be my last summer to do so. I will also be working hard on AUSA as well since August will come before we know it. What was the reason that you decided to run for AUSA Social VP? I ran last year, and honestly, I told myself that if I was given the chance again that I wouldn't take it. But when applications came around, I kind of felt like I should and with lots of support and pushing, I did it. Now that I have the job for next year, I feel very excited and full and can't wait to serve the student body next year! What do you think is the biggest need of the student body here at Andrews? I think the student body, for one, is in need of some interaction. Humans thrive off of social interaction and we are really deprived of that, this year especially. In addition to that, I think they need more communication as a whole, from AUSA, ADMIN, each other, etc. That goes hand in hand with the social atmosphere of Andrews as well I guess. I am a very social person, so I see everything from that point of view. Not seeing tons of people out on campus, especially with this beautiful weather, is weird for me. Not being able to go and sit and talk with a ton of people in the student center is disheartening as well. Do you have any goals for next year about your new role? I would like to have as many events as possible and try to pull the students back together, in holistic terms. We've had a really tough year and not a lot of socialization and I know that people are struggling. I'd like to create safe and fun events that everyone can enjoy because we really need it! How do you plan to help revive the campus from the last year of COVID restrictions and isolation? I know I can't do much about the restrictions within campus, but I am going to be diligent in making sure that we can have events that are as free and open as possible. If we need more events more often, then so be it. I want to make sure that there is more communication and that people know what's going on in their student government as well; people need to know that there are things actually going on. I can say that we are looking into banquet venues for an off-campus AUSA banquet next year, in hopes that we can actually go through with that.   Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:56:27 +0000 A Quarter Century of Research http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60203 04.13.2021 I have been doing research with Dr. Desmond Murray, associate professor of chemistry, for the last two years. In his time at Andrews, he has mentored numerous high school and college students and has been instrumental in my own growth as a researcher. In this interview, we discuss his work over the last 25-plus years at Andrews University since he began teaching here in 1995.   Can you recall your early years of research at Andrews? Well, first off, my research vocation is driven by an inner and innate curiosity and is part of my DNA and self-identity. I have always been poking around in nature. My mom can tell you those stories! However, my formal research journey as an undergrad began at Andrews in 1984 under the tutelage of Professor Dwain L. Ford investigating “The Hard Soft Acid Base Principle and Styrene Polymerization.” Later in ’84, I also did summer research in synthetic methodology at Florida State University under Professor Martin Schwartz. My relationship with Dr. Ford has been pivotal in my career in other ways beyond research. His enthusiasm for organic chemistry rubbed off on me and influenced my decision to pursue and obtain a Ph.D. in organic synthesis. My doctoral dissertation and research on oxenium oxyallyl chemistry–a method used to make seven-membered carbon rings found in nature–conducted at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan under Professor Albizati was based on an original proposal and project I developed. In 1995, while seeking an academic job after completing postdoctoral research with Professor George Whitesides at Harvard, I applied for a teaching position in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Andrews with recommendation from Dr. Ford. All told, I have now been at Andrews, as a student and a teacher, for just about 30 years. These research experiences serve as catalyst and inspiration now as I provide opportunities “early and often” for high school and college students to engage hands-on, minds-on, in the full processes of laboratory experimentation, discovery, innovation, and critical thinking. For me, research is not just about “what” but just as importantly about “who.” This is partly what drives my early research initiatives at both the high school and college levels. It also addresses the national problem of underrepresentation and underfunding of early researchers in the research enterprise.   My research project with you is a collaboration with Dr. Denise Smith on the Synthesis and Anti-glioblastoma Activities of Temozolomide Derivatives. What other research projects are you currently conducting? What type of research do you do and how has it evolved over the years? Your project is part of a new research area that Dr. Smith and I have started that we think holds great promise. However, there are a lot of other projects ongoing right now. For example, I am currently supervising just over 100 independent research projects being conducted by Grade 12 students and college students. This interlevel “high school–college” approach creates a unique synergistic feedback research system. My area of research is organic synthesis and my approach focuses on designing, synthesizing and utilizing small novel functionally dense organic molecules. This approach is inspired, in part, by the fact that most biologically important and relevant molecules are small and functionalized. An example is glucose–where every carbon has an oxygen group attached–compared to many molecules that make up hydrocarbon-based fuels, like octane, which generally have little or no functional groups attached to the carbon framework or structure. Most often, functional groups are attachments of non-carbon atoms to carbon chains or rings. Many of the specific projects are curiosity-driven research with potential applications in areas such as anticancer, antibacterial, and antifungal agents, agglutinators (“clumps” blood), dyes and sensors, hybrid drugs and hybrid pesticides, fragrances, transfectors (molecules that transfers or delivers DNA etc into cells), drug delivery systems, “green” non-polluting processes, enzyme catalysis, fruit puree catalysis, dendrimers, novel surfactants, and new methods of organic synthesis.   How important have research collaborations been for you over the years? Research collaborations are very important for any practicing scientist. It takes a village! While researchers have individual independence and responsibilities, it is also true that interdependence, teamwork, and community are essential to the research enterprise. I have had many research collaborations on and off campus. My collaborations tend to be ones in which the curiosity-driven projects developed in my lab find applications in biomedically or biologically relevant areas. For example, in addition to the Smith collaboration on anti-glioblastoma, I have a current collaboration with Biology professor Marlene Murray in developing new full-spectrum anti-bipolar agents. I also have an off-campus collaboration, building on methods developed from my research program, with Professor Shawn Hitchcock of Illinois State University to make and study a new class of rare compounds. I know you mentor lots of students in research. Do you have a selection process? Not really. The majority of students that do research with me are based on curricular labs that I have re-designed and re-purposed to have an independent research focus. My two re-designed lab courses are the year-long Berrien RESA Grade 12 class and second-semester Organic Chemistry Lab II. Together each year they have a combined total of close to 100 students. I began re-configuring the sophomore organic chemistry course in 1998 and the Grade 12 class in 2006. Other students that choose to work with me outside of these two classes do so as Honors, graduate, independent or summer research students. These students are generally self-selected by their own curiosity, interest, and passion. Many are majors outside of chemistry, such as medical lab science, music, religion, business, journalism, art, pre-law, and pre-med. They all benefit from the fact that chemical research is great training in critical evidence-based thinking. This is a cross-disciplinary, marketable skill. To be more specific, after every experiment in a research project, the question that must be addressed by any researcher is, “what do I do next?” The answer always comes from gathering and analyzing data; the answer is always evidence-based. There are hunches and there is imagination, but those too are informed by data and evidence.  What is the inspiration and the process for coming up with your original research ideas? My mind is pretty much open to inspiration, stimulation and creation 24-7. Ideas come from multiple sources, such as reading old chemistry papers, brainstorming with colleagues, learning about new chemical reactions and processes, or simply asking the question, “what if?” This is not work for me but a joyous calling. But, it does take time to go from idea to experimental procedure. So, imagine trying to come up with 100 individual research projects each year. Many, of course, build upon previous years' research and results, but each still seeks to address something different, something new, something significant. We generally try to optimize reactions and processes using green chemistry principles. For example, that means using nontoxic solvents and catalysts, and has taken us in the last three years into an exciting research area that I call “fruit puree catalysis.” This latter research area involves using common fruits, plants and their juices to catalyze important organic chemistry transformations. Under this project theme we are investigating, for example, the use of lemon juice, mango puree, “dumbcane” puree, avocado puree, and ground-up black hornet’s nest! What are some research highlights and discoveries you and your students have made over the years? There are many. Here are some thematic highlights: (a) development of several underutilized reagents and catalysts for organic reactions and green chemistry processes, (b) synthesis and sensor development of a new class of azo compounds, which are among the most common commercial dyes, and (c) development and utilization of a new class of carbonyl functional group reactions and derivatives. I often tell my students that if a synthetic organic chemist is lost and alone on an island, the only functional group they would need is a carbonyl. It is carbon double-bonded to oxygen and is found in an astonishing array of important molecules like carbohydrates, amino acids, proteins, pharmaceuticals, polymers, on and on. Anyway, there have been and continue to be discoveries and advancements in these and other areas of our research efforts.   As a Seventh-day Adventist research scientist, what role does belief play in your approach to science and research? First, it is important to note, I think, that there is not a unique fully articulated Adventist philosophy of research. I believe there should be, at least, some serious thought and scholarship should address it. However, my philosophy of research begins with a constant and deep recognition of the divine spark that gives rise to human insight and creativity. Research is, for me, an intensely sacred calling that winds through inspiration, revelation, and imagination. In the deepest sense, I believe research is ministry, not just philosophically but pragmatically, in and for the real world. For me, research is not a secular activity, it is peering into the mind and mysteries of God. Secular and sacred define two different states of human consciousness towards life. Research is fundamentally a journey of discovery, including self-discovery, as implied by the Middle French root word, recherch, “to go about seeking.” “Seeker” is our earliest archetype and our most viral meme. Our innate curiosity, the foundation of all learning, is embedded in our primal genes and neurotransmitters. Curiosity is the inexhaustible stream that helps us to be conscious of and be the consciousness of the universe. Before hunter-gatherers, we were explorers, we were seekers. Before we were civilized, we explored. Indeed, before we can read, write and count, we “go about seeking.” This is our path to being modern and beyond. We explore inward to discover consciousness and soul and language. We explore the heavens for gods and earth for elements and atoms. I believe the attitude of a relentless researcher is eternally embedded in the Old Testament archetype of Jacob wrestling, and in the New Testament text “Ask, and it shall be given unto you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you.” This text is to me the Researcher’s Creed. In addition, Emily Dickinson’s poem tagline, “This World is Not Conclusion” expresses a powerful reason “to go about seeking.” Nature does not reveal all her secrets all at once so we must persist, continue to research, and go about seeking. You cannot help but be hopeful as a researcher that up ahead lies a discovery waiting patiently upon your persistence. That the best is always yet to come. This is our legend and legacy. Our first steps out of Africa, our first impulses in Eden, our first wanderings in the womb. This is what we do. This is who we are. We go about seeking. We are all natural-born researchers. Research is our birthright and inheritance. This means that all God’s children, regardless of demographic–age, gender, race, sexual orientation or nationality, are born with the capacity “to go about seeking,” to research. The diversity of Andrews provides constant opportunities to engage all of God’s children in research–one of the greatest adventures known to humans. What qualities do you believe make a good researcher? Going back to the idea that researchers are fundamentally seekers, I offer six characteristics of a good seeker. They “go about seeking” with 1. A sense of awe and reverence, 2. Humility, 3. Openness and imagination, 4. Persistence, 5. Exuberant curiosity, and 6. A sense of service and mission. What advice would you give to students thinking about doing research? When do you think is a good time for students to get involved in research during their academic careers? Just do it. Do it early and often. Do it in high school and in college. There are increasing opportunities for students to engage in hands-on, minds-on research. Search them out online. Speak to your teachers and advisors about research opportunities. A lot of research opportunities were also mentioned in my 2016 book The Power and Promise of Early Research, co-authored and co-edited with Dr. Sherine Obare and Dr. James Hageman, and published by the American Chemical Society and Oxford University Press. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:54:28 +0000 Trusting the Science http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60189 03.03.2021 Dr. Andrea Luxton President of Andrews University   When you initially heard the COVID vaccine was available to you, what were your first thoughts? What are your current feelings now, seeing that you’ve had the first dose? “Ah, good! Let’s get on with it!” I’m pleased that I’ve had the first dose, but it’s a little frustrating that you have to have two doses and you’re not really covered ‘till two weeks after your second dose. So it’s really until six weeks before you’re fully covered, but I’m pleased that I’ve started on this process and feeling very good about it. It opens up things a little bit more; I feel less restricted and feel that I can do my job a little bit better and get out there more safely without fear of infecting others. How long was your wait time in order to get the vaccine? I hit the priority group theoretically in January, but then there were individuals such as health care workers and those over 75 years who came before. But I was on about three or four waitlists from early January. Eventually, I got sent a link to this particular clinic and was able to sign up. Once I got signed up with this clinic, it was only a matter of two days. Many individuals are wary about getting the second dose due to potentially having more severe symptoms. How do you feel about getting the second shot? I’m cool with that; the risks attached to the vaccination are so much lower than the risk of actually getting COVID and the impacts of potentially passing it on to others. I’ve had a lot of vaccinations over the years as well, so the first dose was not a problem for me. Also, you know that when you have a reaction that probably signals that if you’ve had it yourself; you could have been pretty ill. So I’m not worried about the second one. If you could give a word of encouragement to the Andrews community during this time, what would it be? Many say “trust the science.” Yes, I would agree to that. I think we do have to trust science. If the opportunity opens up, seriously consider going in to get the vaccine because my feeling is that it’s the only way we are going to be able to get past this and in a shorter rather than longer term. This is all about the community, not just about your own personal health; it’s about being able to move on from where we are now and bring back the quality of life to people. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:33:28 +0000 Freshman Spotlight: Rekha Isaac http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60188 How did you choose your major? I’ve always enjoyed the sciences and became really interested in biology and chemistry in high school. The human body and how it functions have always been an interest of mine, so I’ve also wanted to be a doctor, and I believe that a biology major would be a perfect major for me. I love the biology classes here so far. The teachers go in-depth into the topics and you get to see how the topics in previous chapters connect to others. I like how biology keeps building upon itself and how you have to apply concepts you’ve already learned about to the current chapter you’re learning. How has it been starting college in the midst of a pandemic? It’s definitely been a different college experience than what I had expected. I’ve heard of all the activities that were usually planned for college freshmen, but there haven’t really been that many activities. I really liked the mentor groups at the beginning of the school year and I thought that was a really cool idea in order to let other freshmen meet each other. The classes so far have been really nice and the teachers are really interactive and explain the material of the class really well. The teachers and the courses I’m taking this year have really furthered my interest in biology and medicine, so that has definitely been a positive experience for me in college. How have you enjoyed your experience in the honors program so far? What have been some of your favorite aspects? The honors program introductory class, Western Heritage, is not like any other course I’ve taken. I like the fact that the teachers connect common themes over three different subjects (history, religion, and fine arts). It’s interesting to learn how specific philosophies have impacted the west, and how the ideologies of the west are represented in art. My favorite aspect of the class would be the theology/philosophy section. As an Adventist, it’s really interesting comparing my beliefs to the other beliefs of the world. What are some of your hobbies? I really enjoy art, music, and sports. I enjoy painting and playing the flute, and I love soccer and badminton as well. I’ve been on soccer and badminton teams at high school and really enjoyed playing other teams. I’ve heard of the teams at Andrews and plan to join them in the coming years. What are some of your favorite things to do for fun around Michigan? Due to COVID-19 I haven’t really been around Michigan that much since I’m not from here. However, Saint Joseph beach is really nice and I enjoy going there. What have been the most challenging parts of this year so far? I would say having a lot of things online is sometimes challenging because sometimes the internet doesn’t work and everyone is using it at the same time. One way I’ve managed the stress of many things being online is to give myself time before the class to make sure everything is working and prepared before I join the class to make sure everything runs smoothly. Making sure everything is prepared and the WiFi is working, and just little things like that, ease the stress that comes along with online classes. What are you most looking forward to over the next upcoming years of college? I’m looking forward to meeting new people, taking more interesting classes, and seeing what new opportunities there are.   <div>  </div> Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:32:04 +0000 AUSA Candidate Interviews http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/60187 03.03.2021 Taylor Biek (senior, exercise science) Desired Position: Social Vice President What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? I guess it really depends on my mood for the day, whether I'm feeling like something hot or something more fresh. I usually go for pizza (always cheese, olives, pineapple and onion) for hot food or a sub for something more fresh. I also really love the hummus and pretzel containers but I've been deprived of those lately. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? I love going to the beach, but not so much right now because it's so cold. I also really enjoy just driving around or going up north to see the more mountainous side of Michigan. I recently went snowboarding for the first time so that could be a favorite thing soon enough, when I stop falling every five seconds. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? I just think that the social interaction atmosphere is lacking, of course that's not our fault. Students are becoming more prone to depression and just overall stress because our campus has so many restrictions on gatherings, which is also not entirely controlled by the university. I think we need to find "outside of the box" ideas on how to engage our student body more so that we can inhibit more students from this issue. Alyssa Henriquez (senior, English and biochemistry) Desired Position: Student Movement Editor What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? I usually get a Beyond Burger or a vegan quesadilla from the gazebo. I'm not vegan, but I happen to like that version better than the normal one. As for the cafeteria, my favorite meal is pretty much anything involving pasta. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? I like going to Saint Joseph beach. When the weather was warm at the beginning of this semester, my favorite thing ever was to spend time outside in the evenings. I love being outdoors when it's breezy at night, and the sunsets here are beautiful. Pre-COVID, another one of my favorite activities was just going out to get food with friends. Some of my favorite places to eat around here are Bowl of Pho and India Garden in Mishawaka. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? During this time, I think our most pressing issue as a university is forming meaningful connections with one another. More than any sort of administrative or infrastructure-related issue on this campus, I think that our biggest challenge has been connecting as a campus during COVID-19. I hope to change this next year with meaningful events, up-to-date social media platforms for AUSA, and an engaging university paper that keeps everyone informed about campus life. Karenna Lee (sophomore, business administration and English) Desired Position: Senator-at-Large What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? A honey mustard turkey sub with provolone and veggies and a mango smoothie. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? Grabbing a bite to eat with my friends. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? I understand and support the university's effort in working towards acceptance and diversity. My goal is to continue to expedite those efforts and lift everyone's voices in regard to both the little things to the big things. I'm also interested in improving Lamson by looking into increasing the WiFi speed and remodeling the rooms themselves. Overall, I'd love to hear what you all have to say. Abraham Bravo (junior, political science) Desired Position: Senator-at-Large What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? A breakfast burrito. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? Sledding. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? The lack of representation that students have to make a real change around the college. There are many individual problems occurring here on campus which students work together to fix, but it is not enough. Many students have major problems with building accessibility for the handicapped, problems with the café prices and food quality, problems with the overall WiFi, and just a lack of transparency that the college has had with handling the COVID-19 pandemic. These are the most pressing issues that I believe that need to be changed. Torrey Joo (freshman, psychology) Desired Position: Executive Vice President What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? Breakfast burrito, no chipotle. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? Being around friends. I specifically have a Korean small group that is always fun to be with and that has my back 24/7. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? I don't like to think that Andrews has a lot of problems: current AUSA officers and senators have been doing a great job at that. But with COVID-19 and the limited opportunities it brings, I think the highest priority is to connect students with each other and give them the opportunities to enjoy themselves and all that Andrews has to offer. T (Mathias) Willem Crombie Bruggemann (sophomore, computer science, physics) Desired Position: Executive Vice President What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? Breakfast: strawberry overnight oats. Lunch: mango smoothie, apple, clif bar. Supper: haystacks. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? Skating and snowboarding during winter; hiking and the beach during summer. I’m looking forward to seeing some sporting events and things in Chicago and Notre Dame once COVID-19 is over. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? I’ve spoken to a number of Andrews students for perspective and ideas. One issue I hear continually surfacing is focused on inclusion and interconnectedness, and this is an issue that has weighed on my own mind recently. Even after freshman year, it can be difficult to break out of a single social circle and make new connections. While our school already makes a prominent effort to keep students connected, there’s always more that can be done, especially to counter the additional challenge of COVID-19 restrictions. Andrews is pretty great, all things considered. That being said, there are always ways to make the student experience even better. Andrews can only benefit from an increase in school spirit and identity. No one wants their experience at Andrews to feel flat. We all want Andrews to be a place we enjoy living and working, a school we’re proud to attend, a community united. Currently, we’re united by a shared faith, and that’s amazing, but we should also be connected by shared memories and loyalties. As Executive Vice President, I would look forward to working with the AUSA Executive team and the Senate to initiate creative opportunities for students to get even more connected and involved, social activities that will increase our shared communal bonds to each other and our school. Andrew Rappette (junior, computer science) Desired Position: Executive Vice President What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? Flatbread pizza. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? I love going to Silver Beach. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? AUSA needs to be more accountable to the student body. Students should be able to see where their money is going and how it’s being spent. AUSA should also be doing a better job at voicing the student body’s needs and wants to the administration. Dongchan Kim (senior, religion) Desired Position: President What is your go-to Gazebo order or your favorite meal at the cafeteria? Breakfast burrito. What is your favorite thing to do for fun around Michigan? Going to the beach and enjoying the nice weather, playing soccer or basketball, and playing musical instruments. What are the most pressing issues on the Andrews campus that you believe need to be changed? I believe current and past AUSA teams have been doing a great job of listening and being the voice of the student body. However, since there can always be improvement, I believe reflecting more on the student body's ideas and being the voice of the students can be enhanced. By making this change, I am confident that Andrews University will become even a better school, that educates students to be World Changers, and continues to offer a lot of meaningful and enjoyable experience to not only students but also faculty and community members. Thu, 24 Mar 2022 02:29:22 +0000 Receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine http://www.andrews.edu/agenda/59133 Aya Pagunsan (AP) (junior, nursing) Xochitl Graham (XG) (senior, nursing)   Rachel Rajarathinam (RR) (junior, nursing)   Interviewed by TJ Hunter   When did you get the Vaccine? AP: I got the vaccine on January 21st. My appointment was at 11:40 but I got it closer to 12 because there was a little bit of a line to get it. XG: I got the vaccine on the 12th of January when I was back home in Georgia. RR: I got the vaccine on January 21 at 2 PM.    Where did you get it? AP: It was a fire station in Grand Rapids XG: The health department in Woodstock, Georgia RR: We got it at fire station that was converted into a drive thru clinic for the vaccine   Why did you get the vaccine? Did you get a choice? AP: I did have a choice, but it also made sense to do for nursing school since we were actually going into the hospitals so much. However, it wasn’t mandatory for nursing students to get it. I don’t know anyone that didn’t get it. XG: I got the vaccine because I was working at my Dad’s office and they were offering it, and I didn’t really know when it would be available to me again so it was a smart choice to make. Personally, I believe that there are going to be unknowns with it, but we need to trust the science. And if you’ve done your research, you can read that nothing’s really different with this vaccine, meaning that they took the same route that they took to make all the other vaccines. And there’s a whole process that goes behind the FDA approving a vaccine. They’re not just going to approve anything. I also got it not just for myself, but also for the protection of others as well, because the goal is kind of that enough people get the vaccine in order to create group immunity. RR: We did have a choice. The nursing department gave us an option and showed us a list of people that could get the vaccine, though they said it wasn’t required. If someone didn’t get the vaccine, they would still be able to go to classes and clinicals, they would just have to be really careful. I did it because I genuinely trust the science behind it, and I did my research on both types because I didn’t know which type I was getting until I got there. I feel like having access to the vaccine right now is a great opportunity, so I was definitely going to take it.   Which variation of the vaccine did you get? AP: Moderna XG: Moderna RR: Moderna   Were you nervous before getting the vaccine? AP: Kind of, not going to lie. I’m not scared of needles or anything, I think it’s just because not a lot of people have taken the vaccine, so it’s still pretty new. But it was really chill, it wasn’t anything bad. XG: I was way before. I’d say months before, when I heard the vaccine was coming out, I didn’t want to get it because you don’t want to be one of those people that gets something from it, but as time passed I became less nervous. RR: I was actually super excited and then right before I left it really hit me that I was getting the vaccine.   How did you feel physically after getting the vaccine? AP: I was feeling fine, but closer to the end of the night, I started to get a headache and I experienced a few flu-like symptoms. Meaning that I started to get a little bit stuffy and I felt like how you feel the night before you’re about to get sick, but I took some Tylenol and then the next day I was perfectly fine.  XG: Physically I was good. I felt like I slept harder that night. 24 hours after that, though, when I was going to sleep I got a headache, and then I got dizzy when I was going to sleep but I woke up and I was fine. RR: It was definitely less painful than a tetanus shot. I just had a little bit of soreness but no major symptoms.   How did you feel emotionally after getting the vaccine? AP: I felt fine, except nursing school is stressing me out. XG: I was excited RR: I was really excited to be a part of something like this. I think it’s cool.   Walk me through the experience. How easy of a process was it? AP: It was an easy process- it was just a drive thru at a fire station, like I said, and after filling out some paperwork, you just drove up, the worker asked you to open the door, and then they administered the vaccine while you’re still in your car XG: It was in an office setting, I signed up as a group with some of my coworkers, we made an appointment, went there, filled out some paperwork, waited for them to call our name, they gave us the shot, and then we waited for like 15 minutes after they gave us the shot, made the appointment for the next dosage there, and then we left. RR: Like I said, it was at a fire station. When I got there I had to stop and wait and fill out paperwork, just verifying that it’s me. Then I just drove up, they opened my door, sterilized my arm, and gave me the shot. Then we drove forward and they monitored us for 15 minutes to make sure that there was no serious reaction or anything like that.   Any advice for students who are apprehensive about getting the vaccine? AP: Just get it to protect yourself. Nothing wrong has really happened, and it’s really not a scary process. Everyone is really nice. So it’s a super chill process, just breathe through it. XG: Do your research and don’t feed into all the conspiracies that other people are saying. It’s the same exact process that we went through with all the other vaccines and we’ve actually had the technology to do it this fast for so long, and again, it means a lot for the FDA to approve this vaccine.   <div> </div> RR: If you’re apprehensive, figure out the reason why you’re apprehensive, then do your research about that. Educate yourself and figure out what’s best for you.  Wed, 15 Sep 2021 23:53:15 +0000