The Welcome Edition Issue #1, March 2019
@chelseachap01
Editor’s Voice Welcome to the Fire 2018 brought us many memorable things. I’d say the top three were: the royal wedding (Suit-ception, am I right kids?), Black Panther, and the birth of a legend - vegan Cornettos. Despite all the highs that 2018 provided, probably the most memorable moment for me were the bushfires in Queensland that came so close to destroying many properties and homes around my area, my family’s included. After days of sleepless nights for my father and many other volunteer firefighters, the bushfire – with the assistance of man and God power - was distinguished. Though the fire and its dangers were gone, a permanent mark had been left on both the land and on the people involved. My family and I walked through our property and saw the charcoal trail that had swallowed up thousands of acres of trees, precious grass and feed along with hundreds of kilometres of fencelines holding in the livelihood of our farmers. But, as I looked out over the abyss of charcoal ground and brittle bark, small shoots of fresh green grass arose from the ashes of what was previously a burning wasteland. This sight brought forth a warm optimism. Not all tragedies are permanent. Through such hardships, new life is given and there is a chance for refinement, not permanent destruction. In some weird slightly morbid way, this reminded me of my first year at college. Sis, believe me, it was no power trip. Can my people in the back say, “Hooray for mental breakdowns!” But through the burns, and through the trials, I started to see new life, new friendships, new broadened horizons (ahem - new bills) and most importantly, a new future in Christ. So, to all those new students braving the journey of the #avondalexp and the wonderful world of relatable memes, CAF food, due dates and parking tickets: welcome. Welcome to the family, welcome to the fire and most importantly, welcome to the start of your refinement. Emmerson x
CONTENT 9
Photo Competition
10
Pit Stop By Chris McClelland
12-13 LAMP Ministries 14-15 New Beginning with God By Alley Tiller
18-19 Motley Crew By Linda Endorsson
22-23 First-Year 101 By Kody Dobson P. 2
EDITORIAL
P. 4 - 5
CONTRIBUTORS
P. 6
MISSION STATEMENT
P. 7
ASA PRESIDENT’S LETTER
P. 8
CONTACT/PAGES TO LIKE
P. 16 - 17
WO/MAN
P. 20 - 21 REAL TALK P. 24 - 25 #AVONDALEXP P. 26 - 27 THE CHEAT SHEET
C O N T R I B U T O R S
Emmerson Grey
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Emmerson is like most other stereotypical college students: she loves to binge Netflix, hype up her peers, complain about not sleeping enough and downplay her life problems with sarcastic remarks.
Chris McClelland Secondary Education student, untalented art enthusiast and, ineffective procrastination combatant. Ask me about my mild addiction to video essays.
Alley Tiller I chose to write for the Voice as an attempt to make a name for myself at Avondale…instead of being known as Michael’s Tiller’s little sister.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE ELSE WHO HAS CONTRIBUTED // OTHER IMAGES SOURCED FROM #AVONDALEXP // GRAPHIC DESIGNER: ANGELA WOOD
Linda Endorsson
Linda Endorsson is an aspiring filmmaker from Scandinavia. She has studied Stage Craft, Acting and Scenography at Örebro Universitet before coming to Avondale to study Nursing which later changed into pursuing a BA in Communication.
Thanks & No Thanks Kody Dobson
“If you ain’t first, you’re last.” – Ricky Bobby
Thanks: Fast Wifi An incredible team Sandals and socks No Thanks: Slow Wifi Wasps Rising petrol prices
Mission Statement 2019 The Voice has had the honour of being Avondale’s student body magazine for many years. Now and each year, we aim to improve our content so that you, the readers, are blessed by what we and our amazing contributors create. This year, our goal is to create a community of not just readers and writers, but doers. We aim to create togetherness and inclusiveness, so that all those who have a voice, are able to use it so that a generation of leaders may arise and speak up for what they believe in.
@dj_patrick00
Hello! My name is Eden Ashcroft, and I am the ASA President for 2019. This year will see me in my fourth and final year of Ministry and Theology while also living out 2019 on campus in the wonderful building we call Ella Boyd. I would like to welcome all new and returning students to a New Year at Avondale College. I pray this year is everything you hope for and so much more. To our new students, I wish you all the best as you begin this new stage in your life and I encourage you to make the most of your time here. These will be some of the best years of your life, and they will go quicker than you think! Your friends will become family, and the memories you make will last a lifetime. I challenge you to seize every opportunity presented to you and step outside your comfort zone. Don’t leave here thinking “what if?” The Avondale Student Association, more commonly known as the ASA, is the student representative council. We represent the entire student body - on and off-campus - and even our distance students. We are the student’s voice, and it is our privilege and pleasure to serve the needs and hear the voices of all our students. Avondale is a fantastic place to get involved in such a wide range of ministries and activities while also helping you to grow your leadership skills. The ASA team covers areas such as student socials, outreach and community ministries including Festival of Faith. We are always looking for more people to help out and get involved, so please don’t hesitate to shoot us a message or come speak to myself or anyone from my team about how you can make a contribution to Avondale. My vision for this year is to see Avondale College continue to flourish into a community which is centred completely around Christ and to also remain a safe place where everyone in our community feels they belong and can call home. It is my prayer for our college that we can grow in numbers while maintaining transparency, a high level of education, strong student involvement, and most importantly, that we stand firm in our call to be Disciples of Christ, sharing boldly and passionately the love of God! I’m excited for the year ahead and looking forward to working with my team to create a positive experience for all those who come through Avondale in 2019! Eden.
“I pray this year is everything you hope for and so much more”
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ASA President’s Voice
GET IN CONTACT Security: Phone: (02) 4980 2333
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Email: scott.hill@avondale.edu.au College Church Phone: (02) 4980 2272 Email: collegechurch@avondale.edu.au Or message the College Church Facebook Page. College Counsellors: Phone: 0403478994 Email: counsellingclinic@avondale.edu.au Our counsellors offer confidential counselling to students experiencing a range of academic, mental health and personal concerns.
PAGES TO LIKE The Voice LAMP ministries (@AvondaleSAM) College Church ASA student association Avondale College One Mission SALT Avondale
Photo Competition What’s better than cash? A trip to Kmart‌.duh. Tag us in your BEST photos from O Week using the hashtag #OWeekAvondale2019 for a chance to win a $30 Kmart gift voucher for your next college splurge.
#OWeekAvondale2019
@kyleharders
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PIT STOP
By Chris McClelland
So here we are, finally rid of the clutches of 2018, a year that was scientifically proven to be the longest year on record. Are you aware of how many things happened in 2018? I guess because the internet has us strapped into this non-stop stream of data, every moment becomes a rollercoaster of information until you’re fit to burst. That combined with the great sieve of retrospection makes for an intense year that we can only hope will wither in importance in the rear-view mirror. At the end of the day, every moment feels like the penultimate to a catastrophe until another imminent doom overtakes your focus. It just goes to show that if you’ve made it this far than you are truly a getting-back-on-your-feet machine. In accordance with the laws of nature, this year will almost certainly be another rough one. Yet here we are, already a considerable fraction of the way through it. Admittedly, we’ve made it through the gentle warm up and you’ve no doubt already at least partially failed whatever goals you had for set for yourself. That’s okay, it happens to the best of us. How about we use this as an opportunity to reflect and maybe think of a new goal, together? Let’s talk about you first. For some of you, this is your first year at Avondale. I used to be one of you once. That also means you’re probably not quite sure what this thing you’re holding is, don’t worry, I’ll get to that. Now, what do you want to get out of this experience? Have you put words to that yet? You probably should, a lot of your lecturers are going to ask it – it’s like the goto question for first year classes, so really, I’m saving you a tonne of work. Your welcome. Now those of you who are returning, welcome back. Ready to get back into it? Or are you dreading this reunion? Has your goal changed since you first started? How much so, and why? What have you gained, and what have you lost? Do you wish you could do anything again? Sand off the nuances and we’re all here for the same reason. We all want to better ourselves and experience the facets of the world we only dreamt of. We’re here to learn, to grow, to change for the better, and to change things for the better. And to that end, I think something like The Voice can play an important role. Stories, discussion, interaction, these are, at their core, a conduit of collective understanding. I applaud those who feel they have something to say, but I also applaud those who listen. So, here’s my theory. Let’s dedicate this year to challenging our understandings. Let’s pin-point our motivations and sharpen our resolve. Let’s revaluate what we know about our heading, find stars to guide our journeys and values to drop anchor on. But most of all, let’s do something with those new ideas and turn belief into action. Leave no destination uncharted. I hope that you can look towards this humble publication as a key to expanding your worldview. I encourage you to join the conversation and elevate our understanding of the world together. We will never tell you what to think, but guarantee, we will give you things to think about. Welcome to The Voice, 2019.
“We all want to better ourselves and experience the facets of the world we only dreamt of”
@hindles_
let’s actually meet people
lamp ministries
What is LAMP ministries?
The purpose of LAMP ministries is to create opportunities for Avondale students to follow Jesus’ example of being servants, and to build relationships with people in the community! Through these ministries, we aim to bring people to the Father by being the hands and feet of Jesus and showing them what His love looks like. We can’t do that by just sitting at home, so how about we get out and Let’s Actually Meet People! - Hannah Wolverton, LAMP ministries leader
Flipped
“Flipped” is an awesome ministry I co-led last year where a team of us college students travelled to primary schools weekly and cooked pancakes for kids! It was a great opportunity to chat with kids, hang out with them and play games. - Chelsea Chapman, (Flipped leaders: Tepa Afele and Caity Serret)
FRYday
This year, we are starting a new ministry called “FRYday”, where we will travel to high schools and provide the students with a sausage sizzle lunch. Through this, we hope to get to know the high school students and form and grow relationships with them. - Chelsea Chapman, FRYday leader
Rekindle
“Rekindle” is a wonderful opportunity to share your passion for God with others. The “Rekindle” team travel to near-by churches who are smaller in number. Our aim is to encourage and ‘rekindle’ their spiritual growth through praise, worship and fellowship. We would really love you to join us, particularly if you have a passion for music or fellowship!” - Callan Bolst, Rekindle leader
I love “Scripture in Schools” because it’s a chance to bring Jesus to kids who otherwise wouldn’t know anything about Him! You also get to share your faith, and in turn, develop your own picture of God. I love that you also get to have fun with the students and see them smiling week after week! It is a once in a lifetime opportunity! - Kira-Leigh Josey
Pick-a-Street
“Pick-a-Street” is a ministry I love and believe in, as you are actively making a difference in the community and sharing God with those involved. -Brandon Ward, Pick-a-Street leader
Retirement Village Visitation
We have a passion and love for service! Leading out in Retirement Village visitations is one of the ways we find joy in giving back to the community through song and praise! Come and join us as we share God’s praises to our elderly in 2019!! - Liz and Gi, Retirement Visitation leaders
Storm Co
I loved my Storm Co experience last year! I had the chance of outreaching to a remote community, act on my faith while building my spirituality and make faith-filled connections with my team and the community. -Tish Bryan, Storm Co leader.
If you would like to get involved in any of these ministries, like the LAMP Facebook page or message the ministry leaders above for more information.
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Scripture in Schools
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MAKE YOUR NEW BEGINNING A NEW BEGINNING WITH GOD. BY ALLEY TILLER I just finished my first year of College. Yay! One down three to go. Over the break, I was telling one of my friends about Avondale, and he reflected, that I was, in a sense, living two different lives. And he’s right. I have my College friends and I have my Brisbane friends. I pay someone to cook at college, and then I lose weight at home. When I’m bored at college, I go down the hall and knock on someone’s door, but at home, I realise how boring my life really is. The point is, coming to Avondale gives you the unique chance of starting a ‘new life’ - having a ‘new beginning’. It’s an appealing thought to anyone - re-starting without the same mistakes, doing things right this time. Even the New Year presents another chance to start over. Unfortunately, I’ve already made dozens of mistakes in my first year of Avondale. Procrastinating study led me to a mental breakdown…or two. Then I broke my new year’s resolution within a week… chocolate is just too good to give up. A new beginning doesn’t mean a perfect one, but it can be an improvement. The greatest thing Avondale has to offer is a spiritual environment. Acts 2:46 says: “They worshipped together regularly at the Temple each day, met in small groups in homes for Communion, and shared their meals with great joy and thankfulness” (TLB). Does this scenario sound familiar? This is the type of community we have at college, so take advantage of it! Make your new beginning a new, God-led beginning. Thanks to a friend from College keeping me accountable, I’ve read one chapter of the Bible almost every day of 2019. Being in a spiritual atmosphere makes it significantly easier to develop some high-quality habits. Everyone at Avondale has come from a different background. We all made sacrifices to come to college, and it’s natural to sometimes wonder whether it was worth it. Ultimately, we all decided to come for one reason or another. Many people at college are united through Christ; they recognise the value of prayer, Bible study, personal devotion and fellowship. In my first year, I’ve made an observation. People at Avondale are genuinely friendly; they genuinely want to get to know you. They genuinely want to talk about God even when it isn’t Sabbath and they genuinely want to you to be involved in the spiritual life which Avondale has to offer. This goes for the lecturers too! So, get involved! Serve at Church. Hang out at SALT. Join a life group. Help at Festival of Faith. Support a L.A.M.P ministry. Find your devotional partner! Serving God and letting him lead your life is so utterly and absolutely worth it. So, as you enter your first or your fifth year of College let your new beginning be a new beginning with God.
@tishcbryan
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WO / Kaitlyn Hawken 1. What’s one personal quality you believe has been developed during your time at Avondale? Endurance. 2. What is one fashion mistake you wish you never made? Leggings with jean shorts was my go-to outfit in grade 5. 3. Oh no! You got lost on your way to class and now you’re on stage at the talent show. What do you do? Whip out the Kazoo… 4. Phew, you made it out of the talent show. Now you’ve made a wrong turn and accidentally signed up for speed dating! What’s your ace pick-up line? On a scale from 1-10 you’re a 9, cause I’m the 1 you need. 5. Ah, but fortunately for you, you happen to meet the future love of your life. What do they say or do that makes you realise it? If they can do the lift from Dirty Dancing. 6. What was your favourite movie of 2018? High School Musical, it lives strong forever. 7. What’s the best way to cheer you up on a dreary afternoon? Probably a Jam/Dance party with the girls. 8. Who is the one person, living or dead, you’d love to have over for dinner? Obama, he’s just cool. 9. Do you have a song recommendation for all the musos in college? ‘Church’ by Samm Henshaw is my current fave. 10. Would nine-year-old you be proud of the person you are today? I think she would be disappointed I’m not studying to be an astronaut. But, yeah, maybe.
Peter Blanch 1. What’s one personal quality you believe has been developed during your time at Avondale? One personal quality that I’ve attained from being at Avondale so far is the ability to be more open to talk to people. Everyone’s pretty friendly. 2. What is one fashion mistake you wish you never made? One fashion mistake was wearing these pants which weren’t very attractive within its trending timeframe and quite frankly, not very visually appealing either without. 3. Oh no! You got lost on your way to class and now you’re on stage at the talent show. What do you do? What I’d do on the talent show is that neat little trick where I would remove my thumb from my hand. It’s a mind blower that trick, I tell you, a real crowd pleaser every time. 4. Phew, you made it out of the talent show. Now you’ve made a wrong turn and accidentally signed up for speed dating! What’s your ace pick-up line? My ace pick-up line: I’d ask for directions back to dorms, and then I’d say thanks and well, go back to dorms. The pickup line shows irony. 5. Ah, but fortunately for you, you happen to meet the future love of your life. What do they say or do that makes you realise it? What would make me realise it would be getting back into dorms, and a few moments later playing Stardew Valley with my girlfriend. It’s a pretty fun game actually, you should try it out sometime if you’re into games. 6. What was your favourite movie of 2018? My favourite movie of 2018 would be Spiderman: Into the Spider-Verse, good reviews! Stan Lee’s last cameo is in there to my knowledge. 7. What’s the best way to cheer you up on a dreary afternoon? It usually varies depending on the situation. There’s never usually a go-to so to speak. For me, any scenario has different problems that require different solutions. 8. Who is the one person, living or dead, you’d love to have over for dinner? I’d like to have dinner with my girlfriend - preferably I make something. I’d probably put too many chillies in there and she wouldn’t appreciate the spice, but hey, in a way it does spice up the occasion (trust me I don’t like puns either, not sure why I made one then.) 9. Do you have a song recommendation for all the musos in college? One song recommendation I’d have for them would be Flamingo by Kero Kero Bonito; it’s a favourite of mine. 10. Would nine-year-old you be proud of the person you are today? Nine-year-old me would be proud of me because I am subscribed to pewdiepie, join the nine-year-old army today!
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/ MAN
Welcome to the Motley Crew By Linda Endorsson Greetings newcomers and home comers! Welcome or welcome back to our motley crew. From the 17th century onward, any miscellaneous ragbag of undisciplined ne’er-do-wells might find themselves described as a ‘motley crowd.’ In reference to the sailing ships, the saying ‘motley crew’ was used to distinguish the assortment of sailors from the disciplined and uniformed sailing crews (ain’t got that regalia yet, fam). The earliest citation of the term ‘motley crew’ is probably found in George Anson’s ‘Voyage Round the World’ written in 1748. It is a tale of struggle, sickness and storms. Commodore Anson, commanded in the name of King and Country, was put in charge of a fleet of six warships and two merchant ships with an ambitious task ahead. The squadron sailed from Spithead in 1740 and had circumnavigated the globe by 1744. Only 188 out of the original 1,854 crew members survived. Throughout their journey, sickness was the end for most men. Scurvy, Typhus and Dysentery raged through the crew after only two months at sea and once you were infected your place was below deck. There were mutiny and battles, but my favourite story has to be the takeover of the merchant vessel ‘Carmelo’ where the cargo turned out to be £18,000 worth of bullion... In the book the ‘Acts of the Apostles’, by Ellen G. White, there is a story about Paul’s voyage at sea and shipwreck. The ship was headed for Rome with a group of prisoners - Paul included. They had been struck by storms and made port in a bay that was not ideal but had to suffice at the time. The next bay was said to be much safer as winter was fast approaching. The majority were scared to sit tight and wait, so they headed on to open sea where the winds picked up, and the outcome for cargo, ship and crew was looking dim real fast. At this time, God spoke to Paul, giving him a promise that all would escape unharmed. Paul stood up to speak God’s promise and all men got encouraged - working harder than ever through the journey ashore. As the ship was breaking apart, Paul and the other prisoners would normally have been executed before they would reach land, to ensure that none of the Roman soldiers got the blame for letting them go, but they were spared. The
kill them. “And so it came to pass, that they escaped all safe to land. When the roll was called, not one was missing”. You may be standing here with an ambitious task ahead. It will not be smooth sailing all the way, but we are all in the same boat (nope, not done with the sea analogies yet!) Look up, your help comes from above, the fact that you keep falling means that you keep getting up! We all get affected by doubt, fear of failure, anxiety, homesickness, daunting assignments and overpowering exams. Reach out to the one who is struggling, don’t keep them below deck. Your Captain knows the seas you are sailing; He knows what storms lie ahead, He knows when you should wait in the bay or set full sails ahead. He wants all your days to be smooth sailing and see you smiling with the wind in your hair. Speak God’s promise for you, He put you here, and He WILL see you through. Hoist those colours! If you say: “I’m abandoning ship!” The Captain says: “I will calm your storms.” If you say: “I don’t have the strength to go on.” The Captain says: “I will be your strength.” If you say: “I’m gonna fail.” The Captain says: “My promises never fail.” If you say: “It’s over.” The Captain says: “It is finished.” We are all sinners and failures, but our Captain doesn’t write us off as that. For Him, we are the treasure He is searching for day and night, far more valuable than gold or bullion. Instead of abandoning us, He writes us into His salvation story. You have purpose, you have worth, and you are loved! So, whether you are starting your journey with us now or got your sea-legs all sorted. Whether your compass is dead-set on north or points to your heart’s innermost desire like Captain Jack Sparrow’s. Whether you’ve come from near or far, whatever storm you are going through or will go through, you are welcome here. We are a motley crew, but one day with the helping hands of our crew-members, commodores and Captain Jesus we too shall graduate to become disciplined sailors in our field. Now, bring me that horizon!
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Roman officer on-board - convinced that God was with them - did not dare to
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#1. In the last two years, the Seventh-day Adventist church received around 1.3 million new members into our church and our hearts. What is overlooked, however, is that we lost 563,000 (or 42%) of our members. Why do you think so many people are leaving at such a high rate? Sahil: Before I answer this question, I must stress that this answer is from my bias and from my personal opinion. It can be easy to blame the church for this statistic which shows individuals leaving church. It can be stated that there are times where churches fail to reach certain members of the congregation wherein they fail to captivate; challenge and/or nourish the spiritual growth of its members. This is evident in the many young people leaving the church because they may feel as though their local church doesn’t provide them with anything that their heart desires. And yes, this is true! There are a plethora of cases where the church itself has lead individuals away from Christ. But for this trend to stop then people simply need to stop leaving church. I know that answer may seem like a cop out or it might not even make sense, but to make a difference in the church you need to be IN the church. People are leaving the church because they’re seeing other people who are frustrated with church leaving as well. What if when people got mad or upset by what was happening actually prayed for the church or came back to church to make a difference then maybe others who are also hurting would see this and subsequently stay and try to make a difference. Hannah: Wow, this is such a sad statistic and honestly such a huge question. There are a lot of reasons people leave the church, but I think one of the main ones is a lack of nurturing. When people aren’t being nurtured and supported by their church
family, it is easy to become discouraged and walk away. This happens most when we treat the church as a building rather than what it’s meant to be as modelled by the early Christians – a group of PEOPLE who uplift and encourage each other in the ways of Christ, following after Him. When we see church as merely a place, there’s no need to nurture each other or look out for anyone except our exclusive group of friends. And for the person who is just sitting on the sidelines or maybe going through a rough time, it’s way easier to stop turning up at a ‘place’ than it is to disconnect from a group of people who intimately know, love and support each other.
Real
This week’s panel: Sahil Nath,
Aguer: In the generation we are living in, there are so many people who are being filled with the Holy Spirit and going out to proclaim the truth of God. The 42% that have been lost by the Seventh Day Adventist church may be classified as the ones who were not grounded in the faith and the truths of Adventism.
#2. How do you think we, as a community of faith can alter this? Sahil: Acceptance. Just simply having an open mind to others and their lives and the way they choose to worship God. Salvation comes from Jesus. The greater you get to know Jesus the more your life changes. Everyone learns about Jesus and spends time with him differently, some might sing; some might spend time with him in nature;
some might listen to sermons. But whatever you do to grow you own connection with Christ cannot be judged and should not be critiqued. In doing so, we as a church should not judge others to how they came to Christ and how they choose to worship Christ. We all serve one God. Hannah: It starts by looking to Jesus and seeing how he lived during his time here on earth. His whole emphasis was on loving people, building relationships, on hanging out in people’s homes, walking and talking with them. If we can make these things second nature in our churches, people will feel way more at home and free to experience God’s presence among brothers and sisters who are encouraging them. Let’s not allow people to get more support from their local footy club than from their local church. From my experience, I think one of the best practical ways
Talk
Hannah Wolverton & Aguer Dut
to do this is through life groups, where people can be connected into the church relationally and have people to be there when they’re not doing okay, and notice when they miss church. So, let’s be a dedicated group of people who are down to hang out together, walk alongside each other, love each other and look out for each other just like Christ did.
Aguer: As a community of faith, we can work towards resolving this issue. We can extend to those interested the very distinct truths of Adventism. In other words, draw them in by the unique message. The ones that were lost may have seen something within the church which would have put them off, and so as a community of believers we can ensure that we ourselves are fully grounded in the truth and nothing else so that when these individuals come into the church they will be drawn by the truth and no other things.
Surviving Conquering First-Year 101 As told by real-life conquerors
Name: Eden Ashcroft Studying: Ministry and Theology Position: ASA President Year: 4th Year Do you have any advice for the new first-year students? My advice to all new students would be to make the most of every opportunity given to you! A time like this only comes around once, and it will be over before you know it, so look for the positives in every situation! Push yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try as many new things as you can! Most importantly be kind to everyone and look out for those around you, you may not know it yet, but these people will soon become your family! Best place to eat in the area? Nargis if you’re on a budget, but Yummy Thai for sure! One thing you have to do before finishing college / before your first year is over? Old Mental Asylum at night & jump off swing bridge without a doubt. Favourite memory from your first year? Most of the good memories I can’t share without incriminating myself, but bonfires on the beach were popular in my first year!
Do you have any advice for the new first-year students? Welcome first years! This time last year I was so nervous, I didn’t know many people and had no idea what to expect from the Avondale XP. Make sure you push yourself out of your comfort zone, introduce yourself to as many people as possible. Ask for help (don’t feel dumb, we’ve all been in your shoes.) Get involved with as much as possible, dress up for the social events and make sure you join a basketball team, (even if you’re rubbish.) Most importantly get involved at College Church, SALT and look forward to Festival of Faith. Overall, watch God move in your life during this semester. Best place to eat in the area? Dominos - only cause $5 pizzas (student budget.) One thing you have to do before finishing college / before your first year is over? Jump off swing bridge. Favourite memory from your first year? Moving to the bottom floor.
Name: Kody Dobsont Studying: Human Resources and Communications Position: Residential Assistant Year: 4th Year Do you have any advice for the new first-year students? Take advantage of every opportunity you are given, whether it be excursions, help with your assessments or just going out on an adventure. Take a page out of Nike’s book and “Just Do It” - you won’t regret it. Make as many friends as possible, but make sure you make some good friends that can help you through the hard times of college. You can then enjoy the great times with them as well. Best place to eat in the area? Greg and Audrie’s out in Toronto do awesome snacks and ice-cream. One thing you have to do before finishing college / before your first year is over? Do a trip to Sydney with a big group of friends. Favourite memory from your first year? There are countless good memories but doing all-nighters and driving to high way Macca’s for a late-night feed.
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Name: Jayden Croft Studying: Ministry and Theology Year: 2nd Year
#avon dalexp
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“Live life to it’s fullest potential, no excuses”
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The Cheat Sheet
Well, here we are. Another year, another issue, another list of techno-goodies to help you along this semester and maybe even semesters after that. It’s not like they’re going to disappear once the pen of the last student in the final exam is dropped in exasperated gratitude and/or misery. Anyway, here are some things to look into to help you be the most productive student you can be.
APPS Digital Wellbeing: iOS Screen Time Monitoring ( APP ) : Okay I’m going to cheat a little here with what counts as an app. For some of you, your phone has in-built services to help monitor how much time you spend using your phone each day, both in general and on certain apps, and place certain restrictions on yourself so you can get out of bad habits. For Android users, it’s called Digital Wellbeing, and iPhone users it’s called Screen Time; either way it should be available in your respective settings app, if not, see below. {9/10} ActionDash Digital Wellbeing ( APP ) : So, for those of you on Android whose phones don’t have those features already included, which would, unfortunately, be most Android users, ActionDash is another app that offers basically the same functionality, give or take a few minor features. It should be enough to work for you until (*fingers crossed*) your phone does get it in the future. {8/10} Meditation & Mindfulness: Headspace ( APP & WEBSITE ): First of all this isn’t actually anything to do with the Australian Headspace organisation, but this is still a very useful app for anyone wanting to give meditation a try. It tailors a personalised plan based on what you want to focus on and what your schedule is like, like a kind of brain personal trainer. There’s also a little section, admittedly quite tucked away, (in the settings for some reason??) called Obstacles, that gives you an audio recording for a lot of individual personal struggles like motivation, worry, regret, things like that. Honestly, I’m so glad I found this app. {9.5/10}
This is a new section that I want to experiment with that highlights interesting true stories to hopefully will expand our worldview. These talks will be a mixture of inspirational, tragic, beautiful, and revolutionary. Hugh Herr’s ‘The new bionics that let us run climb and dance’ is a great starting point. Hugh Herr is an innovator in the field of biomechatronics at MIT who lost his legs in a climbing accident. He tells of how his study and invention could one day allow amputees a full range of ability and explains his philosophy that a person can never be broken and can transcend any impairment through science and technology. The ending is perhaps one of the most beautiful moments of human goodness I have ever seen.
Playlists Intense Studying: Well, it’s everything it says on the box. This is a great playlist with a largely classical-ish vibe, perfect for when you really have to knuckle down and get work done. I’m a big fan of the song ‘Maalie’ if you want a specific starting point. Morning Motivation: Alright, so it’s 8am. You’re exhausted from a long night of not studying, and now you got a class you neglected to account for and coffee just isn’t doing it for you. Maybe this might. Movie Themes: Could be renamed, ‘Just Under Two Hours of Nostalgia’. A blast from the past, and then 38 more. Not sure why some of them are here though, can’t say I’ve ever said to myself “Damn, the Nanny McPhee soundtrack was wild, let’s hear some of that.”
THE VOICE 27
TED TALK