Author: merryeli

The University of Oxford in England is one of the top universities in the world. Journey Joslin, an SAU student, has the privilege of completing her 2021 spring semester at this prestigious university. Today, Joslin tells us about her experiences studying abroad in Oxford and how she is both commemorating and sharing her stories with others through her blog.

“Oxford is intense,” said Joslin. “I’m in the middle of the eight-week Oxford term right now, and I understand now why this is one of the premier universities.”

The intensity of the workload doesn’t put a damper on Joslin’s mood, though. She said it was an amazing experience. The classes are personalized to the subject she picked so she gets to tailor her classes from one week to another.

“That means my tutors — the Oxford equivalent of professors — expect me to really dig in and produce quality essays,” said Joslin, “but it also means that I get to study whatever really interests me.”

Joslin said she appreciates Oxford’s beauty and rich history. The university she is studying at is older than her home country. Just down the hill from her housing and around the corner from the Radcliffe Camera is St. Edmund’s Hall Library. The library is housed in a church built in the thirteenth century. This rich history is her favorite thing about studying abroad.

“When I need a break from my latest essay assignment, I get to walk out the front door and straight into history,” said Joslin. “You can’t go anywhere without running into a building that is hundreds of years old or was once the haunt of some of the most important cultural figures in the Western world.”

Joslin’s Oxford experience has been incredibly educational for her. She said the most important thing she had learned was that she was stronger than she thought. She has been learning to trust God and His plan as there had been a lot of hiccups in the process. She has faced COVID restrictions and finances problems, but it all worked out.

“We just have to keep walking, keep trusting, and let God do His thing,” said Joslin. “And He will, even if it doesn’t look like you wanted it to. Most of the time, it looks even better.”

Joslin started writing a blog about her experiences. She said the main purpose in starting her blog was to allow people back home to keep up with her adventures. She has discovered new things about her experience and herself while slowing down and writing.

Joslin hopes her blog will inspire others as well. She said by taking time to write, she is able to appreciate the beautiful and special things. She hopes that reading the blog will allow people to take in the small blessings that everyone has in their normal, everyday lives.

Joslin has some advice for students who want to study abroad in Oxford.

“Don’t give up. It seems really overwhelming when you’re working through all the paperwork and the funding. Then, you come up to the reality that you have to produce academic work for tutors who are working at the world’s top university, and that can be really intimidating.” said Joslin. “Being here is so worth whatever headaches or fears you have to deal with in the months leading up to your arrival.”

Students can follow Joslin’s journey at Oxford through her personal blog.

For more information about the Scholars’ Semester Abroad in Oxford, contact Diane Kurtz, the Director of Cross Cultural Studies, at Diane.Kurtz@arbor.edu.

By: Merry Castle

Merry Castle

Junior Visual Communication major Lily Bauman finds beauty in everything. When her digital influence course required her to pick a sustainable interest to promote online, Bauman said she knew right away that she would choose photography. Bauman created a photography Instagram account and developed a website to showcase her work.

Photography is a big interest for Bauman. “There are so many photographers in the world, but everyone goes about it differently,” said Bauman. “I am constantly learning new things from seeing the different styles that each different photographer showcases, and it inspires me to get creative and unique with my own photography.”

Bauman said she believes photography is a sustainable topic because it’s something she can enjoy for the rest of her life. “I have a passion for photography and producing images that point to the beauty of our Creator and the beauty of the things He has created,” Bauman said. “I have been into photography for about five years now.”

Sports are Bauman’s favorite subject to photograph. “I started taking pictures for my high school’s sports teams in my sophomore year of high school and haven’t stopped since,” Bauman said. “I have been blessed with the opportunity to continue gaining experience in this area, as I work here at Spring Arbor as a sports photographer.” 

Her goal is to someday become a photographer for the Seattle Seahawks. “Whether or not that happens, or whether or not photography becomes my main career, I know it will always be sustainable for me,” said Bauman.

As an assignment, Bauman had specific goals in mind. “My goals for this project were to stay active on my photography Instagram account through posts, interacting with other photography accounts that I follow, and making connections,” she said. “Another goal was to update my website and always look for ways to improve it.”

This experience has been educational for Bauman. “I have learned that it takes time to be intentional,” said Bauman. “I did not want to be posting just for the sake of posting, but rather I really wanted to be intentional with my account and my content.” 

Bauman hopes others will learn something from her project. “More than anything else, I hope people see and experience God’s beauty and love,” said Bauman. “I hope that a picture of sunset, a person’s smile, or an athlete using their gifts points directly to the Creator of them.”

Students can view Bauman’s photography by visiting her Instagram or her website.

By: Merry Castle

In-person chapel is canceled, face-to-face interaction is limited, and the stress of this school year is finally catching up to us. What we need now more than ever is a connection to the Spirit and fellowship with other Christ-followers. Here are several Bible studies available on campus to help you get your Jesus fix.

The Human Condition and God’s Nature

The Human Condition and God’s Nature is run by Spiritual Life Leader Ryan Northup. The Bible study is for students living in Andrews Hall.

“It is about focusing on certain aspects of people and God illustrated throughout the Psalms,” said Northup. “I hope that people will learn from my Bible study that people are not perfect, but we should always be inspired by God’s character.”

Northup wants his Bible study to be a place where Christians of all stages of faith feel welcome and comfortable.

“I want people to know that at my Bible study, there is nothing wrong with bringing up our questions and doubts,” said Northup.

The Human Condition and God’s Nature meets on Thursday nights from 9 PM to 10 PM. The Bible study will continue to meet on Zoom after Thanksgiving Break. Students can find the Zoom link on the SAU App under the Spiritual Life tile or contact Northrup at ryan.northup@arbor.edu for more information.

Journeying Through James

Journeying Through James is a Bible study led by Andrew Phelps and Jessica Pepper. Phelps said anyone is welcome to join the group “guy, girl, freshman through senior.”

Phelps said each of the five chapters of James are separated into two sections. During the meeting, they read through and discuss one or two of these sections.

He hopes the members will learn that there is always room to grow as Christians. Also, he hopes they learn the benefit of studying scripture together and the community that is built around that.

“We also hope those who come will learn that Scripture is just as true today as it was in biblical times,” said Phelps. “There are so many similarities between the passages we read, meant for the ancient audience, and our own lives today.”

The Bible study meets Thursday evenings from 7:30 to 8:30 PM in the upper level of Lowell.

“Unfortunately, we will not be continuing after Thanksgiving break,” said Phelps. “But we hope to offer more opportunities for similar types of studies next semester.”

For more information, students can contact Andrew Phelps at Andrew.phelps@arbor.edu or Jessica Pepper at Jessica.pepper@arbor.edu.

Freshman Girls’ Bible Study

The Freshman Girls’ Bible Studyis led by Spiritual Life Leader Lilli Keehn. It covers the Gospel of John. Freshman girls from both Gainey and Lowell are invited to join.

“My hope for people in my Bible study has been that they learn more about Jesus and his heart,” said Keehn. “I’ve hoped that they would be able to continue to solidify their faith and grow in it while having real and authentic conversations with everyone else in the group.”

Keehn said there isn’t a strict outline for the Bible study every week. “Instead of lecturing or preaching a message every week, I’ve tried my best to make our group time an open space and allow everyone to feel comfortable sharing what’s on their heart and what they were receiving from the part of Scripture we went over,” said Keehn. “All while having a type of guideline to go off of for me to make sure we don’t rabbit trail too far!”

The Bible study meets on Tuesdays at 7 PM in Lowell Lobby. Keehn said that she is still undecided if the Bible study will continue to meet on Zoom after Thanksgiving break.

Students can contact Lilli Keehn at Lillian.keehn@arbor.edu for more information.

By: Merry Castle

As a basketball player, senior Communication Studies major Brandon Durnell understands the importance of setting goals for oneself both on and off the court. He is working on a digital influencing project called OWN OCTOBER. OWN OCTOBER is an online community designed to help people accomplish their desires through goal setting and accountability.

“The idea is to create goal categories, set goals within those categories, challenge two others to do the same, and make that group of people your accountability group,” said Durnell. “The idea is to accomplish the goals on your list and check in with your accountability group weekly.” 

Durnell posted his personal categories and goals on his website as well as weekly updates on whether or not he completed these goals. His five goal categories include: sobriety, diet, mental, basketball, and spiritual. Each of these categories has a list of goals he would like to achieve ranging from sleeping at least 8 hours a night, drinking a gallon of water every day, completing a daily devotional, and practicing basketball shots.

Durnell recommends finding incentives to help people achieve their goals. Although he hasn’t decided which one yet, Durnell said he plans to donate money to charity for every goal he misses.

Durnell hopes OWN OCTOBER will inspire others to achieve their goals. “I wanted to find a way for people to be able to accomplish the things they wanted and to live a joyful life every single day,” said Durnell. “I love goal setting and, in a year where a lot of crazy things have happened, and a lot of distractions are going on, I felt it was very good timing for something like this to happen.”

Durnell feels that goal setting and accountability are important at all times, but especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“There are many distractions in a ‘normal year,’ but especially now, with everything going on in our society, we are as distracted as ever,” said Durnell. “I want to bring people together and help people that have dreams accomplish something, no matter what it is.” 

This project is part of Durnell’s Digital Influence course, and he said he is learning a lot from the project so far. “I am learning how to build an audience and get people on board with what we are doing,” said Durnell. 

Durnell hopes OWN OCTOBER will influence those who interact with it. “I hope people will join our movement and start owning life and doing the things they want to do,” said Durnell. “Own this moment. Own this day. Own this week. Own this month. Own the rest of this year. Own your life!”

Durnell plans to do online events for the months of November and December as well, so keep an eye out for updates on his website.

More information about OWN OCTOBER is available on Durnell’s website, Facebook page, and social media accounts at the handle @brandondurnell.

Students can contact Durnell with questions about OWN OCTOBER by visiting the contact page on his website or emailing him at brandondurnell@ymail.com.

By: Merry Castle

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted everyday life in America. For college students, this causes increased feelings of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and stress. Carrie Dashner, the Director of Counseling Services at Spring Arbor University (SAU), and Cecilia Said, the Masters of Arts and Counseling (MAC) intern, have some advice to help students cope with the anxiety of COVID-19.

“COVID-19 has had a major impact on mental health globally with a rise in depression and suicide,” said Dashner. “Here at SAU, we are seeing a higher number of students who are experiencing anxiety and depression related to COVID-19.”

Dashner and her team have noticed a trend. “We have noted a decline in the negative stigma toward counseling services, as evidence by an increase in the number of students seeking counseling,” Dashner said. “More students are making it known to their friends that they have sought our counseling services.”

Dashner said students are experiencing grief, loss, loneliness, and fear. “Our freshman students are missing out on typical activities that help encourage friendships, such as Cedar Bend experience, traditional activities at SAU, such as Arbor Games, the Chapel experience, Spiritual Life Retreat,” said Dashner.

Seniors are also experiencing losses. “They are losing their senior year experiences; some are missing their CCS trips, traditional activities they have engaged in over their years here at SAU, and graduation.”

Students are experiencing fears that often develop or result in anxiety. “Students are experiencing fear of testing positive for COVID-19, having to go into isolation, causing others to quarantine because of them, and missing out on activities, athletic events if in quarantine,” said Dashner. She said there is an added fear of passing COVID-19 to fragile family members or transitioning to online classes when they do not learn well online.

Dashner said many students are feeling lonely and isolated from friends and typical student interactions. “Not being able to hug or be close to friends is taking a toll on many students and their feeling of connectedness,” said Dashner. “Having to wear masks and just missing the facial expressions and smiles of others can feel lonely and create distance from others.” 

Dashner has some tricks and tips when it comes to coping with anxiety brought about by COVID-19. She said a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and daily exercise are key to managing anxiety, stress, and depression. Other management strategies include:

• Stay Organized:  Use a planner to organize your day or make lists to prioritize what needs to be accomplished. 
• De-clutter your space:  Many students are spending most of their time in their rooms.  Organize your space and create fewer distractions. 
• Find humor in each day.  Incorporate laughter into your day, google some jokes or funny memes
• Take breaks during the day:  Listen to music or a podcast or a short show, color, do a craft, write a letter, read a book, take a walk, shoot some hoops. Find what helps you relax.
• Engage in breathing exercises.  Breathe in slowly to the count of four and then exhale slowly to the count of four.  Repeat this several times.  There are also many Apps for breathing and relaxation techniques.
• Grounding techniques:  Use your five senses to focus on what is present and diminish anxiety.  Focus on what you see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
• Partake in spiritual practices:  Meditate, pray, read scripture, listen to a sermon online or worship music, or speak to a spiritual mentor to receive peace from the Lord.
• Journaling:  Use a journal to write out your feelings and emotions.
• Gratitude journal:  Write out things that you are thankful for or that the Lord has blessed you with.
• Reaching out to others:  Connect with others at least once daily through FaceTime, Skype, text, or phone call to seek and provide support.
• Helping others:  Take the focus off yourself and do something thoughtful for someone else.  Text a friend or family member, send a note, set up a social distancing coffee or lunch date.

Dashner and Said know spending time away from friends and family can be difficult. Said said, “Setting up FaceTime’s, House Parties, phone calls, text threads, Zoom meetings can help students feel connected to others even when they must be apart.” Dashner said, “Watch online church and chapel services together, have Zoom study groups, board game nights, or movie nights to help connect with other students.”

Students can also send letters, notes, or cards to friends and family members. “This can be helpful at this time,” said Dashner. “It gives the receiver something tangible.”

“There is a feeling or assumption that we will never get to be close to our loved ones ever again, but we need to have a positive mindset about this pandemic,” said Said. “We need to adjust our thinking in order to see that, eventually, we will be able to move forward and be with our loved ones as we once were.”

Dashner wants students to know there are opportunities available for them. “Many students sought help from counselors in their hometowns during the initial quarantine and have continued meeting with their counselors via teletherapy while on campus,” said Dashner. “For students who don’t have that support, we do offer counseling services through Holton Health and Wellness.”

“Counseling is confidential and free of charge for traditional undergraduate students,” said Dashner. Students can make an appointment by emailing carrie.dashner@arbor.edu.

Another opportunity available to students is Conversations with the Counselors. This event is hosted via WebEx twice a month on Wednesdays from 10-11 am. “This time of conversation is where on-campus students can come to learn about a specific topic related to mental health,” said Dashner. “This group is psychoeducational, which means that the purpose of it is for learning about these topics in order to more deeply understand them.”

Dashner said, “We are blessed to be on campus and in person.”

“By being able to be in community with each other right now, even if things are different, there is a social component that brings us happiness,” said Said. “Not many college students are getting to do this.”

Dashner understands that this is an unprecedented and stressful time, but she urges students to remember their faith. “Realizing that God is still in control amid all this uncertainty and fear allows us to have a more positive mindset and outlook on things,” said Dashner.

“Don’t be afraid to share with a trusted friend or family member that you are feeling depressed or anxious,” said Dashner. “Telling someone is the first step towards healing, and often, others are experiencing similar things, and it can be nice to share those feelings with others.” If you need additional assistance or counseling services, email carrie.dashner@arbor.edu.