By: Emily Selby
I am thrilled to be working on the Pulse again this year. Serving as the editor has been such a fun and rewarding experience. I am looking forward to sharing the stories of the people on this campus and hope to lift others up as I do that. Although we are starting a little later than we had hoped, I think we will make a great impact on SAU for the remainder of this semester and Spring semester.
Struggling to implement forgivness in your life? Look no further. Here is a truth that may help you.
Have you ever been hurt so badly that it takes everything in you to try and forgive? If that is you, here is an aid to help you try and overcome that problem. Forgiveness can be so freeing and is an important step to implement into our lives.
Why is it so crucial to forgive? As Christians, we should be striving for peace in our relationships. This doesn’t mean that there won’t ever be drama, but we should be willing and striving to let go of things in order to live at peace. When we aren’t willing to forgive, we are assuming all responsibility of carrying that pain and hurt with us instead of handing it to God. Why would we want to carry pain and hurtful feelings around with us when we have a gracious God who is more than willing to carry those things for us?
One thing that makes letting go so hard is the feeling of not being in control. We want to assume the role of making sure the other person(s) gets the “punishment” that they deserve. That punishment is not ours to give, no matter how much we want it to be. It is not our job to ensure that the person that hurt you “gets what they deserve.” God tells us that He will take care of what needs to be done so that we don’t have to. We don’t need to worry about making sure the other person pays for what they have done.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
ROMANS 12:19 NIV
By: Emily Selby
Here are six tips to help you survive finals week and prioritize your mental health.
We have made it to the end of the semester! Well, sort of. We have the last hurdle of making it through finals week. With most students scrambling to finish essays and studying for exams, we are at the most stressful part of the semester. Here are seven tips to help you survive finals week and prioritize your mental health:
A big part of self-care is being proactive. Make a plan of what steps you can take when you begin to feel overwhelmed with your workload. This can include having your favorite study playlist ready for when you need help focusing, prepping snacks you can eat when you need a study break, and setting aside a specific time to visit with friends or do something you enjoy.
2. Treat Yourself with Kindness
During the stress of finals week, it is easy to fall into patterns of negative self-talk. Those negative thoughts are valid, and it is okay to acknowledge them, but it is important to remember that those doubts are not an accurate representation of you or your strengths. When negative thoughts start to creep in, take the time to consciously validate yourself and your abilities.
3. Take Care of Yourself Physically
With the stress of exams, it is easy to develop tunnel vision and neglect the essential care that keeps us healthy. It is important to remember to set aside time for proper meals, adequate hydration, the recommended 30 minutes of exercise, and the proper amount of sleep. Maintaining these healthy habits can help keep you feel energized and ready to tackle the stringent workload.
4. Set Aside a Specific Study Space
Make sure you have a space set aside solely for studying. This area should be separate from where you will take your breaks and should be organized with all of the items you might need to be productive in your studying and essay writing. This includes textbooks, writing utensils, your laptop, a water bottle, and snack. Plus, this helps set a clear boundary between when you need to be in an academic mindset and when you are relaxing.
5. Take Breaks
Studying all day, every day would be stressful and tire you out. Instead, make sure to take a 30-minute break every 90 minutes to allow yourself time to decompress, clear your mind, and re-energize yourself for your next study session. These breaks should be a time for you to do something you truly enjoy or find relaxing.
6. Celebrate and Reward Yourself for your Achievements
When you complete an essay, study session, or exam, make sure to take the time to acknowledge your hard work. Watch an episode of your favorite show, eat some ice cream, host a small dance party with your roommate, or plan a small hangout with your friends. Regardless of what you decide to do, make sure that it is something you enjoy so that you can have a moment of reprieve before getting back to work.
7. Remind Yourself of These Truths
Even though exam week is stressful, it is important to remember that this is temporary, you are strong and capable enough to get through this, and that you are not alone. It is okay to ask your friends, peers, and professors for help — they all want to see you succeed.
Remember to work hard, do your best, and take time to practice self-care. Good luck with your exams!
By: Merry Castle
We learned a lot from working on the Pulse this year and we hope you will join our team next fall!
It has been an honor for all of us at the Pulse to bring you campus news content. We are excited for a break during the summer, but will no doubt miss seeing everyone around campus. We wanted to put together a small summary of what we loved most about working on the Pulse in case you might be interested in joining our team next fall!
I have loved being able to write and edit for the Pulse this year. As a transfer student, it was a great way for me to be able to feel involved in different aspects of campus life that I otherwise might have missed. I had the amazing opportunity to practice leadership and writing skills which I am very passionate about. Though our team got a little smaller for spring semester, it was truly a joy to be able to work with other writers and develop our skills together. Working with other writers and establishing goals together was one of my favorite aspects of working on the Pulse team. If you have any interest in writing, interviewing, or editing, this is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door. I cannot wait until next fall to get started again. I have big plans for the Pulse next year.
My favorite part of being in the Pulse is the writing experience. Every 2 week I got the opportunity to write a story for the college to read and copy edit all of the other stories. Working with the Pulse has boosted my confidence in writing and sharing what I wrote. Besides learning about writing techniques, I learned more about the school and other people. I didn’t know much about SAU sports before, but now I am rooting for our university’s teams. Also, every time I interviewed someone for a story, I felt I was becoming more professional. I am thankful to be a part of the Pulse and I look forward to being a part of it next semester.
Writing for the Pulse has been a tremendous honor and privilege for me as I have been blessed with the opportunity to share the stories of my fellow students, faculty, and staff. I have grown more confident in my writing abilities and learned what works and what does not work for me as a writer. This has also been a fantastic opportunity for me to work with a team of like-minded individuals who challenge me to work harder, write better, and think outside the box. Most importantly, this opportunity has helped me realize that I can use my voice and writing to uplift others and discuss topics I am passionate about. That, by far, has been my favorite part of writing for the Pulse — I am so blessed to speak with, learn about, and share the stories of so many different people. It has been an opportunity for me to step outside of my own limited perspective and to focus on the diverse perspectives of others.
As the semester comes to a close, SAU showcases certain student works from the music and art departments and puts on concerts. Make sure to keep an eye out for these ongoing and upcoming events.
As the semester comes to a close, SAU showcases certain student works from the music and art departments and puts on concerts. Make sure to keep an eye out for these ongoing and upcoming events.
Ally Hall’s art show is available in Ganton Art Gallery for his Senior Art Exhibition. The reception for all the senior recitals was April 11th, but Hall’s art will remain up until May 2nd.
Hanna Chapel’s art is also in the Ganton Art Gallery. Her Senior Art Exhibition features photography from the past two years. Her art will remain up until May 5th.
Daira Hacker’s senior recital will be on April 26th. She will show off her voice in the White Auditorium at 7pm. The Music Lab is also on April 26th. It will be in the White Auditorium at 3:50pm.
The music department will present their Department Concert ꟾ. It will include a Jazz ensemble and chamber choir. The concert will be in the White Auditorium on April 29th at 7pm.
An event that already passed was Cayla Ross’s senior recital. There’s Something in the Water was on April 22nd. It showcased her saxophone and composition skills.
By: Sarah Williams
On April 17, SAU’s Women in Leadership Conference returned to campus after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. The event, which is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, is designed to help women fulfill their potential as leaders by allowing them to listen to speakers, attend educational workshops and network with other women. This year’s theme was Legacy of Light.
On April 17, SAU’s Women in Leadership Conference returned to campus after being canceled last year due to COVID-19. The event, which is open to women of all ages and backgrounds, is designed to help women fulfill their potential as leaders by allowing them to listen to speakers, attend educational workshops, and network with other women. This year’s theme was Legacy of Light.
Sheri Jones was the keynote speaker and kicked off the conference with a session titled “Lighting the Way: How you can live, love, lead, and leave a legacy.”
Jones has been a news anchor for WLNS TV6 in Lansing for 30 years. She also volunteers with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, the Children’s Trust Fund of Michigan, ATHENA International, and Child & Family Services, Capital Area. She used her life experiences as examples of why women need to assume leadership roles.
Jones spoke about how women leaders bring unique and different perspectives than men because we prioritize different things. Jones believes these different perspectives and priorities make women excellent leaders who can bring about change. To her, the world needs the unique perspectives of women.
Six other speakers conducted workshops on a wide variety of topics regarding women in leadership:
Between each session, attendees could visit the Poling lobby to browse the vendor tables, get coffee and snacks, and network with other guests.
This year’s Women in Leadership Conference was an excellent opportunity for women of all ages to learn more about what it means to be a leader, to share their experiences in leadership, and to foster community with other women leaders. Students and community members alike should keep an eye out for next year’s Women in Leadership Conference. It is an opportunity you will not want to miss.
By: Merry Castle
PorchFest 2021 is quickly approaching. This longstanding campus tradition, the comic event formerly organized by the late Ormston Hall, will be hosted by Andrews Hall on Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza.
PorchFest 2021 is quickly approaching. This longstanding campus tradition, the comic event formerly organized by the late Ormston Hall, will be hosted by Andrews Hall on Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza.
PorchFest is a unique amalgamation of humor, emotion, and randomness that highlights the comedic abilities of our students and community. Typically, PorchFest includes comical skits, couches, and hotdogs.
This year, PorchFest will look a little different. This time around, auditions for hosts and comedy sketches have been opened to the women of Lowell and Gainey.
David Breyette, the Andrews Resident Director, opened up about this change. “PorchFest has traditionally been headlined and stacked with Andrews guys,” said Breyette, the Andrews Resident Director. “We believe the show will be improved with more students and areas represented.”
This shift allows a male-dominated event to be more inclusive. “I would love to see students from across campus represented throughout the show,” said Breyette. “This is your time to shine, or at least have a good time.”
PorchFest is happening Wednesday, May 5, from 7-9 pm on the plaza. Since the event is outside, students will need to bring their own seating. Students should keep an eye on the SAU app for updates and signups as the event draws closer.
By: Merry Castle
SAU’s Spiritual Life Department is hosting a Spring Cleaning Clothing Drive and needs students to donate gently used clothing items through Monday, April 12th.
Spring is officially here, which means it is time to start spring cleaning. SAU’s Spiritual Life Department is hosting a Spring Cleaning Clothing Drive and needs students to donate gently used clothing items. The drive, originally planned for March 22nd through April 7th, has been extended. Donations will now be accepted through Monday, April 12th.
The Spiritual Life Department asks students to donate gently used shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, pants, shoes, and coats. They kindly ask students not to donate undergarments — these items won’t be accepted.
Several local organizations, such as MyPlace and SOAR House, will receive the donated clothing. Donating gently used clothing is a great way to minimize waste and help out our community.
As you clean out your closets, remember that the deadline to donate items is Monday, April 12th. Donations can be dropped off in Chapel or left with C. C. Said in the Spiritual Life Office.
For more information, visit the Spiritual Life tab on the SAU app. Students can also contact C.C. Said at Cecilia.Said@arbor.edu with any questions.
By: Merry Castle
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Starting this week, Spring Arbor University is hosting three events to spark conversations and educate students about this important topic.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Starting this week, Spring Arbor University is hosting three events to spark conversations and educate students about this important topic.
Event #1: Supporting Survivors of Abuse with Brad Hieftje
To kick off Sexual Assault Awareness Month, SAU has invited Brad Hieftje, a trauma therapist with Resilience: Advocates for Ending Violence, to host a Zoom training on supporting survivors of abuse.
Students, faculty, and staff can tune in to the event on April 14th at 10 am. Check the SAU app to sign-up and access the Zoom link.
Event #2: Personal Protection Workshop with Scott Krebill
On April 15th at 8 pm, students can attend a Personal Protection Workshop in the RCF. The workshop, led by the Campus Safety Director, Scott Krebill, aims to empower students and train them to prioritize their safety.
Students planning to attend the event can sign-up using the link provided on the SAU app.
Event #3: Denim Day
SAU’s Social Work Association is hosting a Denim Day on April 28. They are encouraging the SAU community to wear denim to support the important concept of consent.
The Denim Day campaign began in response to the Italian Supreme Court overturning a rape conviction. Since the victim was wearing tight jeans, the justices felt that she must have helped the person who raped her remove her jeans. They felt this implied consent.
Denim Day is an opportunity for students, faculty, and staff to protest the misconceptions surrounding sexual violence and highlight the importance of consent by wearing jeans. For more information, students can visit the Social Work Association booth outside the DC at lunch or dinner to learn more.
By: Merry Castle
Sierra Birchmeier-Salow created an Easter Egg Hunt for SAU students.
Chartwells intern, Sierra Birchmeier-Salow, created the Easter Egg Hunt that started after Spring Break on Tuesday, April 6th. She planned the event, hid the eggs, and kept track of how many were found.
Sierra is an SAU Junior majoring in Business Administration. She said she is interning in Marketing at Chartwell and her responsibilities include developing events and promotions. Every month, Sierra helps Chartwell do a food event. A popular thing is doing Christmas cookies during December. Since there are no foods tied to Easter, Sierra decided to create the Easter Egg hunt.
She wanted to find a way to get students “hands on” involved within the Covid-19 season. She planned the Easter Egg Hunt with the Director of Dining, Katie and Cougar Den Manager, Barbie. “So, this was a good idea I thought since you could do it outside and just get the students involved,” Sierra said.
She bought 50 colorful plastic eggs from Meijer and hid them around campus Monday night herself. She hid them in the student center, Poling Center, Whiteman Gibbs, and outside. They had put chocolate and candy in each egg. About 25 eggs also had a $5 dollar coupon to the Cougar Den. Ten eggs had $10 coupons.
She said in the four days almost half of the eggs have come back. “More will trickle in in the next couple of weeks,” Sierra said.
Sierra thinks that event will draw enthusiasm to dine at SAU. It will give students a fun thing to look forward to as they near the end of the semester.
Sierra said Chartwell plans on doing this event again. They hope to expand it and do more eggs and bigger prizes next year.
“I think it was a really fun event and definitely one Chartwell will look forward to doing again. I think it got students more engaged than we have been able to see all year. And I would say overall it was a really positive event,” Sierra said.
Have you found an egg? Share where you found it and what your prize was.
By: Sarah Williams
