ISSUE 15 - VOL XCII- JUNE 3, 2016

PACIFIC UNION COLLEGE

CAMPUSCHRONICLE

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TAG YOURSELF:SUMMER BREAK EDITION

DISCOVER BY PUC STUDENT ASSOCIATION2016–2017

PAGE 3TOWN HALL

2 Campus Chronicle no.15

I am overjoyed to be your Campus Chronicle editor next year, but let me make a confession: I never expected to be your Campus Chronicle editor. In fact, I never planned on getting too involved when

I first arrived on campus fall 2013. The plan from day one was to get into medical school ,but multiple club officer positions, a desk job and two years as a Senator-At-Large later, here I am. The reason I gravitated towards any leadership role is because I believe in Pacific Union College. College is the time where we wind up where we never expected, but where we need to be.

My goal for next year is to give our student body a publication that accurately reflects who we are as campus — not just what anyone else wants to define us as. We should celebrate our diversity and embrace the unique qualities our school possesses. This includes honoring our Adventist heritage alongside this “hella woke” culture us millennials pride ourselves on.

Okay, enough preaching. Let me tell you what to get excited for. Starting next fall, theCampus Chronicle will be accessible on your mobile devices through an app for on-the-go reading (perfect excuse to not greet everyone on your way to class). You can look forward to timely updates from Student Senate and Amnesty

International. You guys asked for current events so you’re getting them: we will be working with the history department’s publication Eventorum. Expect videos featuring student talents and debates. Don’t be surprised to see collaborations with our fellow Adventist colleges (what’s up Andrews?).

Study hard for finals, take a deep breath when you’re done moving out and take the time to remember the journey you’ve taken this year. Then I want you to move forward and discover the true you.

xoxo

Editor-in-ChiefGlorianne Besana

Assistant EditorGabrielle Dennis

Layout EditorTaylor Smith

News EditorTaylor Pittenger

Features EditorHannah Barnes

Fitness & Sports EditorJordan Delarmente

Opinion EditorDominique Townsend

Copy EditorsShasta Erickson

Emily Mathe

Faculty AdvisersLynne ThewMichelle Rai

Cover PhotographerStefaan Dick

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? Email gcbesana@puc.edu

SA Banquet

1

1. "Mr. Handsome & me" — @ kaatzyx

2. " It's a rare moment when one of us isn't blinking in a picture" — @erikadalidahh

3. "Four dates, four times the charm" — @_andrewcs

4. @benjosse

By Glo BesanaLetter from the Editor

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vol. xcii June 3, 2016 3

In the face of overwhelming concern and outrage over the issues of academic freedom and lack of transparency between administration and students, a town hall was held to allow discussion between the two parties. Moderated by the campus chaplains, not only President Knight, but many other vice presidents took the stage, prepared to hear and answer the students concerns. Students pleaded for the opportunity to discuss difficult topics in their classes and interact with individuals of others beliefs and experiences, highlighting the topic of academic freedom. The administration’s answer to the students’ cries was a resounding “No,” through the sole voice of Pacific Union College President Heather Knight.

On May 4, the day before the Town Hall meeting, students gathered together to organize a silent demonstration, marching from Stauffer Hall, around campus and ending in front of President Knight’s office. There they shared their grievances with the president and administration, asking for a town hall meeting so the students’ voices could be more directly and publicly heard. The meeting, facilitated and moderated by the campus chaplains under the platform of “Current,” was held on May 5 at 8 p.m. in Scales Chapel. It was attended by several hundred PUC students, and live streamed to an audience of over 1,000 others.

As the meeting began, President Knight welcomed the students with her definition of academic freedom, which she said is the ability to teach one’s discipline without too much interference. However, she clarified that “there are rights and responsibilities … there are limitations.” She maintained that academic freedom does not include the ability to say whatever one would like, especially since PUC is a religious institution with specific beliefs. Bringing up a portion of the Faculty Handbook (which doubles as the contract) on the screen, President Knight reminded the audience that all students signed a student life policy when they enrolled at PUC, and likewise the professors sign contracts that hold them to a standard of conduct that is harmonious with the beliefs and teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

During the town hall, many students brought up concerns about what many people, faculty and students see as a violation of academic freedom in disinviting Ryan Bell, the well-known Adventist pastor-turned Atheist, from coming to speak to the psychology classes. Last year, Psychology Professor Aubyn Fulton asked Bell to speak to psychology students to help foster discussion, but the president disinvited Bell on the grounds that “there are different ways of ministering to people. ... It was inappropriate. We don’t want to invite anyone who will detract from our faith’s teachings, who won’t build up our faith.”

In 2014 when Bell was just finishing his “Year Without God” and his name was on Adventist

lips, the Campus Chronicle ran an article discussing humanitarian and volunteer work in a Q&A interview with the ex-pastor. The editor at the time, David O’Hair, was met with protest from President Knight, and they met to talk about the article after it had been published. According to O’Hair, the president objected to the article being published because of Bell’s beliefs. When O’Hair explained to the President that the article did not deal with Bell’s religious beliefs, she said “that didn’t change her mind about whether it was okay or not,” O’Hair remembers.

Considering her objections to Bell’s religious views was the crux of her argument for the administration at the May 5 town hall, this account calls into question whether that is President Knight’s true objection. O’Hair also mentioned that the meeting with the president “was a very unproductive meeting because 1) she was criticizing an article that she HADN’T even read before the meeting, and 2) no matter what I explained it wasn’t going to change her mind. There was no discussion to be had, just me getting told I was in the wrong.”

At the town hall, several students expressed concern over the president’s decision to disinvite Bell, saying that it “shows a lack of faith … because students here are not weak enough to lose their faith during one hour of discussion.” They highlighted that it “feels like censorship,” and creates an environment of tension, fear and division between students, faculty and administration. In response, President Knight emphasized that PUC alumni are all very well prepared to work and serve in the real world with people of different beliefs. She maintained that while it is the job of administration and professors to educate the students both in knowledge and faith, it is also their job to “hold their [the students’] hands” and help them keep their faith.

In light of the administration's responses, several of the students during the town hall expressed concerns about their voices truly being heard. One student asked how students could express their interest in the topic, since so many students wanted to hear Bell speak. In answer, President Knight brought up the topic of the newly forming Academic Freedom Advisory Council, which was requested by a combination of the faculty, the academic senate and WASC accreditors this past winter quarter. The council would have a board comprised of faculty and department heads, and would serve as a way for faculty and students to run their ideas by the administration. President Knight also mentioned that she could go to this Advisory Council to express her concerns over just such an issue as the Bell visit, opening up discussion through a third party. She also insinuated that perhaps a student could be a part of the council to represent the students’ interests further.

Still, students maintained that the students felt as if their voices were not as important to the administration as those of the donors. In one of the most controversial moments of the town hall, President Knight first emphasized that the administration’s decisions were not about pleasing the donors, that they were about staying true to the college’s true values and mission. After again thanking the student body for getting involved in the debate, Vice President for Advancement Walter Collins weighed into the discussion, reminding the students that we are the future donors, and that the administration wants to uphold the values and missions of PUC so that we can get jobs, become productive members of society, and give back to our university. President Knight then asked him for a check (the second in a $2.6 million sum), donated by a non-alumni member of the community after their passing. Many students felt this action was contradictory to her words, and questioned the true motives of the administration.

Although the administration maintained that their handling of the Bell situation did not in any way violate academic freedom, and that they were acting on the behalf and for the benefit of both students and faculty, many of campus have continued to protest this situation, bringing up again that three other professors (besides Fulton) have left PUC or been fired over this issue in the last few years. The students reminded administration during the town hall that this issue most directly affects the psychology department and majors at the moment, who are losing their trusted advisors, confidants, friends and professors. In response, President Knight assured students, “I can’t really do anything about that … [but] they are going to be replaced by wonderful people.” For many students, this is less reassuring than the president planned.

This past week the newly elected student senators were inducted and took part in the last Senate meeting of the year. With graduation around the corner, this last Senate meeting was bittersweet, as many of the sitting senators were partaking in their last meeting of their college careers. The meeting began with the training of the newly elected senators, which consisted of learning the Roberts Rule of Order, which is a way to conduct meetings. The new senators also learned the structure of passing and writing bills, once the training was complete, the new Senators took part in their first meeting.

There were many important topics and bill proposals that were discussed and passed. This meeting also included the proposed budgets for the Student

Association officers, for the 2016-2017 school year. Some of the bills that were proposed ranged from updating technology in the grind, investing in board games for some of the dorms and the throwing an end of the year party for the student body. After these bills were proposed and discussed, the EVP, Taleah Tyrell, formally announced the senator of the year. This is an award and honor, for a student senator who has gone above and beyond throughout the school year and who has spent an immense amount of time trying to create an environment catered to the student body.

This year’s recipient was Senator-at-Large Gerry Failano, who has shown a strong devotion to his positions as senator at-large, president pro tempore,

and Chairman of the Senate Rules and Oversight Committee. His commitment, work ethic and genuine concern for the student body has been seen by all that know him. He describes this honor as, “A great privilege and honor for me to have been given the Senator of the Year Award. I see this award as a motivation to continue to serve the students here on campus.” The final Senate meeting of the year was called to a close, and the torch was passed on to the next student leaders of the 2016–2017 school year.

By Dominique Townsend

By Jessa Reeb

Town Hall

Senate Training

Sketch by Harrison Cale of the town hall.

4 Campus Chronicle no.15

Who Won? Not Julian!

Film majors are used to long days, lots of outside work and sleepless nights, sometimes going several days without any, or only very little, sleep. But all their hard work pays off as they see their finished products flash across the big screen. For many students, both film majors and their friends and supporters, the Diogenes Film Festival represents the culmination of dozens of hours of hard work and fun.

This year, the 14th annual PUC Film and TV festival, produced and coordinated by Camilo Nazar, was held at the Cameo Cinema in St. Helena on Thursday, May 26. The event began at 5:45PM and didn’t end until after 10PM, with a 30 minute intermission in between, when attendees could grab a couple of slices of Tra Vigne pizza, some Cracker Jack and a soda in between main events. Then, senior thesis presentations commenced at 8:30, and the event went late into the night, with students and friends celebrating with food afterwards.

This year’s program explained the history of the Diogenes film festival, saying, “Diogenes of Sinope walked around with a lamp in broad daylight, claiming to be looking for an honest man. As filmmakers, we search for the truth, whether it is in the world around us or in the recesses of our mind.” This year’s films certainly brought many truths before the audience in varied and powerful ways.

Taylor Bivens and Nich DeChicchis’ film “White Collar,” which won the Audience Choice Award, dealt with difficult, serious issues, like mental health and suicide. Bivens said they were inspired by the location, an "industrial looking abandoned set of buildings,” and because of how much they both "value the discussion of mental health issues, and after a bit

of brainstorming, the idea of using a collar as symbol in this story seemed like an interesting way to go about telling [it].”

Other student films, like Sarah Martinez and JJ Reynolds’ film “Change A Life” brought the audience new awareness of the efforts being taken both on and off campus to help victims of the Valley Fire, which occurred just before the beginning of the school year.

Don’t think the films were all somber, the audience laughed along with creative and hilarious shorts too, such as Nazar’s comedic film “Majors,” where a new film students learns how to fit into his new environment. The audience also particularly enjoyed Landon Goldstein and Sarah Martinez’ film “Old People vs.” where older members of our community were taught how to use “Snapshot,” as they called it. During the filmmaker Q&A after the film block, Martinez confirmed they had originally had plans to make it an episodic web series, though whether or not that will happen will likely depend on time and resources.

Between the short film blocks and the senior thesis presentations, the audience was able to text in their votes for their favorite films. In addition, awards for Filmmaker(s) of the Future and Orson’s Disciple were awarded. This year, those lanterns went to Bivens and DeChicchis for their work on “White Collar,” and Jonathan Thall, for his many sleepless nights on the behalf of others, respectively.

Finally, it was time for the longer films. All of the Senior Thesis films were greatly anticipated, and took up a large portion of the night. Unlike the many short films that played, the Senior Thesis films were much longer, ranging from ten to twenty-five minutes in length, and covering a variety of topics. The four

seniors whose films played were Austin Siagian (“The Paper Caper”), Nick Sinn (“Shouldn’t Have Tried”), Aj Scarpino (“Pigeons”), and Grace Romstad (“The Follow Through”). Though all of the Senior Thesis films were wonderful and engaging to the entire audience, Romstad took home both the Best Thesis Film and the Audience Choice Awards for her film “The Follow Through,” which followed (no pun intended) the journey of a female college student with depression and mental health issues. With its original score and masterful cinematography, Romstad’s film stole the show.

It was an emotional, but fun-filled night for all, with the winners giving heart-felt thank you speeches to their supporting teams, friends and professors. Afterward, many students and attendees stuck around taking pictures and talking. Snapchat even had a special geofilter available for attendees of the 14th Annual PUC Diogenes Film Festival. For all who attended, it was a wonderful night and a great way to end the year.

By Dominique TownsendAnd the Lantern Goes To…

Last Thursday, upwards of a hundred and fifty people gathered together at the Cameo Cinema for the 14th Annual Diogenes Film Festival. Among the friends and family of the graduating seniors preparing to showcase their theses were the rest of the film department and their support systems ready to see their work on the big screen. Among them was hopeful nominee for the Filmmaker of the Future award, Julian Ybarra. Recognized for his inventive and creative work on his short film Genesis (Or Early in the Creative Process): The First Draft, Ybarra unfortunately did not win, so I sat down with him to pick his mind.

HB: What was your reaction when you found out you were nominated for Filmmaker of the Future?

JY: I was happy.

HB: I missed part of the question. What was your reaction when you found out that you were nominated for Filmmaker of the Future because of this piece?

JY: I was happy.

HB: Thanks Julian that’s really helpful. Everyone seemed to really enjoy your film. How did it feel to have people coming up to you to congratulate you after the festival?

JY: It felt great. I wasn't sure how I felt about it because I think creators are never super happy with their work and I certainly wasn't but people liked it and I believed them.

HB: How did it feel when you didn’t win?

JY: I was disappointed because I thought I had a really good chance. When they announced the award

Kaitlin [Darnell], my dp for the project, turned to me and said sarcastically, "I wonder who will win that?" That kind a [angered] me because I thought I had a really good chance and it felt like the professors really enjoyed the project. Also that was a really [crappy] day for me and I couldn't really seem to catch a break. I really was hoping I was going to win.

HB: As the creator, how would you summarize the film?

JY: Ultimately, it's a film about two people trying to come to terms with their existence in a badly written love story.

HB: What was your inspiration for the film? Was there anything specific you were trying to create?

JY:I thought about the universes in movies revolve around the main character so that they succeed or fail, depending on the film. And then I matched that with the stolen still-image style of the amazing sci-fi French photo novel La Jetee.

HB: Was it your intention to create a Manic Pixie Dream Girl?

JY:No. I didn't intend to create a manic pixie dream girl, however I did mean to talk about how women characters are treated by many creators in the Industry. They're often replaceable, saturated with male gaze, and supporting characters. I intended there to be a kind of badass Socratic type person who asked difficult questions, a sort of philosophical midwife. After she disappears the main character almost immediately gives in to the creator’s demands since there is no one to spur him towards growth. But when that kind of character is the supporter rather than the main, they

become quite bland. As a result she ended up as a manic pixie dream girl. But it worked, so yeah.

HB: Would you ever do this style of film again?

JY: No probably not unless I had another topic I wanted to deal with involving a fractured or not whole existence

HB: Do you have any projects that you are looking forward to in the coming year?

JY: I have one I’m doing right now with Joe [Chun] about a suicidal man who wants to light himself on fire, which is the most painful way to go, or maybe beautiful. [he shrugs]

HB: Is there anything you would like to add?

JY: I can’t think of anything. I’m not witty, I just make good movies? [An even bigger shrug]

By Hannah Barnes

Grace Romstad winning Best Thesis & Audience Choice award at Diogenes Film Festival.

vol. xcii June 3, 2016 5

The Dos and Don’ts of Summer This just in, summer is here! That’s right folks:

Summer. Is. Here. In lieu of a “Top 10 Ways to Get a Bikini Body” article, we’re going to talk about the do’s and don’ts for this summer season.

Wear whatever you are comfortable in! If you feel comfortable in a bikini, wear a bikini. If you would rather be covered up then cover up! It is completely up to you because, guess what, it’s your body and your decision. If you see someone wearing an outfit that you think they shouldn’t be wearing, turn around and walk away from them. They don’t care about your opinion and they certainly didn’t ask for it so keep it to yourself. Plus, you aren’t going to be happy when they clap back on that Hawaiian-shirt/plaid-swim-shorts combo you thought was a good idea.

Wear sunscreen! Skin cancer is a very real thing and so are sunburns. Nobody wants to have to deal with a

blistering sunburn this summer. So please, take care of yourself and reapply sunscreen every hour and a half or every time you get out of the water. If you’re as pale as I am or you are unfortunate enough to be someone who doesn’t tan, you may want to apply sunscreen more often than everyone else — unless you enjoy the endless lobster jokes your so-called “friends” are going tell despite your reservations. Remember, putting on sunscreen once at the beginning of the day when the sun is the least potent and then not doing it again can lead to some very unhappy campers. Plus, no matter how hot it is and no matter how much you say you’re going to take a cold shower, it’s going to end up hot. Hot water does not feel good on burned skin.

The summer, as we all know, is beach season and with beach season comes all the horrors (and not horrors) of the ocean. Some common animals to look

out for are jellyfish. If you get stung by a jellyfish, your best bet is to get away from it as quickly as you possibly can and get out of the water. Now, WebMd says that by that point it’s already too late and you are going to have to amputate the limb, but everyone else says to decontaminate and remove the tentacles then clean the open wounds and replace the bandages up to three times a day as needed. One thing I ask is that no matter how much your friend cries and begs, and no matter how tempting it is, please do not pee on your friends. It is not scientifically proven to help anything and in fact it makes matters worse. Peeing on wounds ruins friendships.

Be safe this summer friends. Don’t let your lives be dictated by what other people think of you. You do you, boo boo.

By Hannah Barnes

Tag Yourself: Summer Break EditionAs summer rears its beautiful head into our lives, we

tend to fit certain kinds of pre-summer personalities. Tag yours! I’m the Potato.

The Senio-nara• “Later losers, I’m outta here” • We get it, you’re done with college• Buys up all the red bull in the Grind• “Wait, you still go here.” – everyone else• First name basis with virtually every professor• Probably going to visit every other weekend next• quarter

The Pseudo-Senior• Going to study abroad for at least a year• “I’m actually going to miss this place.”• Typical conversation:

• PS: “Well, it’s been nice.”• “Wait, aren’t you a sophomore?”• PS: “Yeah. But I’m doing ACA next year.”

• Pre-evolved form of the “Transfer”

The Dad• Probably a TA• Graduating• Already has their future laid out but isn’t a jerk• about it• The only inclination you have that they aren’t

actually a father is seeing their actual father during their graduation

• They invited you to graduation even though you’ve only had, like, two conversations with them?

• They’re so radiantly kind that you’re actually thinking of going

The Planner• “You’re so lucky you don’t have anything

planned for the summer, I literally get out of classes and I’m already so busy.”

• Simultaneously a trend and jet setter• Iced coffees are 3.25 percent coffee and 96.75

percent milk• Lipstick never smears• Knows your horoscope• Probably has a tattoo of the world in which they

can fill out each different place they’ve visited

The Missionary• Natural tan• Can play at least one exotic percussion

instrument• Could have been a famous gospel singer• Sandals• How can you grow facial hair so quickly?• “Hey, we should hike the back 40 some time.”• Super nice, like in an intimidating way• Probably in a committed relationship (with

God, even)• Never posts on Facebook but when they do, it

gets at least 400 likes

The Socialite• “Oh my gosh, guys, I’m going to miss you all

so much. We should start a group chat! I’m going to Skype you every night!”

• Drops off the face of the planet after creating the group chat

• Only signs that they are alive are copious Instagram posts

• Knows their angles• Befriended a homeless dude once• Gets scholarships without knowing someone

signed them up for it

• Loves "Friends"

The Shadow• Just drops off the face of the earth• They have a phone but never uses it• Has read receipts on (not out of pettiness but

because they don’t know how to work their phone)

• Wears shorts and long sleeves• One outfit• Why do I think they’re so cool?• Probably related to a famous person. You’ll

never know.

The Potato• Physical manifestation of “The Lazy Song” by

Bruno Mars• Can binge watch the entirety of Friends in

two days• Still hasn’t finished last quarter’s take home final• “I dunno. Not die, probably” – response when

asked about summer plans• At least $200 over their Caf card• Has parking tickets even though they don’t

own a car• Still buys you dinner when you forget your

card, though• Always spots you when you go out to eat• “Wait, that was due yesterday?”

By Aaron Hernandez

JUNE 10–12JUNE 2JUNE 2

UPCOMINGEVENTS

JUNE 5

GRADUATION WEEKEND

"QUICKSILVER" RELEASED

SA FAREWELL COLLOQUY

"DIOGENES LANTERN" RELEASE PARTY

6 Campus Chronicle no.15

Which Issues Draw Democratic Voters to Their Candidate?

The self-portraits of Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton are quite clear. Sanders depicts himself as a political outsider and champion of the middle class. Clinton presents herself as an experienced politician, who grasps the complex issues facing most Americans. But what do the statistics say about why Democrats are supporting either candidate?

Bernie SandersVermont Senator Bernie Sanders has emerged as an

intriguing and to some extent surprising political force in the 2016 election cycle. In a campaign season largely expected to be a Hillary Clinton presidential dress rehearsal, Sanders has crashed the party, finding allure from many on the political left. Part of this appeal is the progressive and anti-establishment stances he takes on issues important to many Democratic voters. A theme that seems to be central to the Sanders campaign is the issue of the disparity of wealth in America. In fact, Sanders’ official campaign website proclaims that “The issue of wealth and income inequality is the great moral issue of our time, it is the great economic issue of our time, and it is the great political issue of our time.”[1] According to Sanders, the amount of disparity between the wealthy elite and the rest of America is detrimental to society both socially and economically. Sanders proposes 13 steps to remedy this economic disparity, including “increasing the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $15 an hour by 2020”, enacting “a progressive estate tax on the top 0.3 percent of Americans who inherit more than $3.5 million”, “making tuition free at public colleges and universities throughout America”, and “guaranteeing healthcare as a right of citizenship by enacting a Medicare for all single-payer healthcare system.”[2]

Sanders’ views, which align with his self-described socialism, have found grassroots support among many voters.[3] Sanders’ appeal may be partially explained by the emphasis many voters have placed on the economy. According to a recent CBS poll, 19% of

Americans in general, and 23% of Democrats, in particular, view the economy as the most important problem facing the country, while 3% of Americans and 6% of Democrats view income inequality as the most pressing issue of today. These statistics seem to contribute to 56% of Democrats trusting Sanders to deal with income inequality, and ultimately 44% of Democrats wanting to see Senator Sanders accept the Democratic Party’s nomination.[4] Although his stances on the issues are comprehensive, Sanders seems to strike a particular chord with voters concerned with economic opportunity and income disparity. Sanders will certainly hope that this support will propel him past Clinton to nomination at the Democratic Convention in July.

Hillary ClintonFormer New York Senator and Secretary of State

Hillary Clinton has consistently appeared as the Democratic frontrunner from the beginning of her campaign for president. Her Republican counterparts have often referred to her as the presumptive nominee,[5] and Clinton has maintained a lead over Bernie Sanders both in most polls and in delegates. A good deal of Clinton’s appeal delineates her from Sanders, who is typically supported by more liberal Democrats. Generally supporters of Clinton seem to express interest in a range of issues, compared to Sanders’ supporters, who look particularly toward social and economic issues. However, Clinton seems to appeal more to voters concerned about foreign policy and diplomacy. 64% of Democrats say they trust Clinton most with foreign policy, and 65% of Democrats responded as trusting Clinton more when it comes to fighting terrorism and dealing with national security.[6] In fact, experience in foreign policy has become a consistent line of attack by Clinton on Sanders. In the heated Brooklyn Democratic debate on April 14, Clinton suggested that Sanders was out of his element when dealing with foreign policy.

[7] The question of preparedness for office seems to be one that draws many to Clinton, and 60% of Democrats believe that she will be more likely to get things done in Washington.[8] Clinton’s experience as Secretary of State seems to solidify her credibility as a foreign policy expert in voters’ eyes, a fact that she has repeatedly emphasized on the campaign trail. Drawing from this expertise, Clinton promises to “keep America safe and secure by defending our core values and leading with principle”, “defeat ISIS and global terrorism and the ideologies that drive it”, and “strengthen our alliances and nurture new relationships to tackle shared challenges such as climate change, cyber threats, and highly contagious diseases.”[9] Clinton’s supporters seem to be most confident in her ability and experience in foreign policy, and Clinton will hope this confidence will help maintain her lead for the nomination.

*Citations can be accessed on eventorumpuc.org

By Mark Cebert

DISCOUNT O N FO

OD

PIZZERIATRA VIGNE

10%

(707) 967-99991016 Main St, St Helena, CA

(Not including tip, alcohol and beverages.While classes are in session.)

#PUCnow 1

1. "Noodles and Hillsong Covers" — @gtuyu

2. @123cristianruben

14

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vol. xcii June 3, 2016 7

That One Samurai Piece

Discover by PUC Student Association 2016–17

It all started one foggy winter night (foggy for atmosphere and winter for a lack of specific memory). After one especially raunchy meeting for the Campus Chronicle (yeah, I know, meta), the topic of a certain “fashion show” was brought up. Piqued by my own narcissistic pipe dreams of being a model, I shimmied on over to my future fashion show partner, Taylor Pittenger (T-pit for short). She had brought up an interest in being a designer for the upcoming show. The mission was clear: somehow find a way to get in on this fashion thing. So I did what any logical human person would do. I forcibly injected myself into T-pit’s plans as a designer and, much like some potentially lethal parasites, I took hold. Fast forward to the literal night before the show. The three musketeers, T-pit, myself, and Hannah Barnes (a.k.a. No Sleep) slowly descended into insanity. The classic struggles were there. Fits of pent up rage and regret. Laughing at nothing. Realizing just how comfortable laying on the floor really is. But somehow, we made it. But why regale the suffering that is hot glue and insomnia? No reason, really. I’m really here to talk about one piece in our cardboard collection: the samurai.

The whole idea came naturally with our proposed theme: armor. Cultural diversity was a top priority seeing as we as a people really don’t need more pale – albeit talented, but pale nonetheless – icons playing non-pale roles. Not to beat around the bush but the idea that a white person should be in a samurai outfit just didn’t vibe. Especially considering there’s actual Japanese people who exist and can wear fashion show clothes. Before even beginning the samurai piece, the musketeers looked far and wide for accurate cultural representation for this specific piece. Cue Marika Perry (codename: AYYeisha). It was a perfect fit! AYYeisha was more than just the perfect model. She would find time in her schedule to fit in fittings and was ecstatic through the whole process. (If you need a model for next year’s show, here’s her plug.)

Now came time to actually make a samurai’s outfit

out of cardboard. It’s harder than you’d think, even if you thought it would be hard in the first place. Harder than that. Not super hard, though. Slightly softer than a rock. Slightly. The process was fairly simple. The outfit really is just a ton of cardboard panels intricately woven together with craft yarn and painted white. Then I used watercolor for the cherry blossoms. It’s basically just plain white armor pieces that are painted beautifully (if I can toot my own horn). Hot glue, Velcro, and weeks of prayer were what held together the skirt. A makeshift pull-over held the top portion. Much like my own self, the outside of the piece looked nice and presentable whilst the inside was just trying its best to stay together. The samurai was the first outfit we worked on and the first one we actually finished. I say “we” as a nod to my hardworking partners but to use an analogy, they were the very loving godmothers while I was the devoted child-bearer. That thing was my baby. Not to use the excruciating sensation of child birth to making a piece out of cardboard but no metaphor is perfect. The parasol was painted with acrylic to depict a stylized portrayal of the world. In retrospect, I understand my own shortcomings in making the focal point of the parasol a snapshot of the hemisphere showcasing America. It would have been better to paint the world from the side of Asia to promote the entire point of the Fashion Show raising money to aid human trafficking. But I digress.

Back to this idea of cultural appropriation. We’ve all heard it and I won’t make you suffer by delving into the touchy subject in an article about a cardboard cutout. Now, I can argue that the reason AYYeisha was asked to portray the samurai (well, samurai and geisha wombo combo) was for cultural appropriation. But see it as a cautionary tale. We wanted an actual model of Japanese descent to pay respects to the culture we based the piece off of. But that could have happened regardless of whether or not the model was Japanese. The version we showcased was far from a traditional getup and it was on purpose. The whole core of our

line was to blur gender, culture, and any other type of norm. She was in full face and still ready to kill. I think that when people think of cultural appropriation, it is approached with a sense of hesitance. As if humans are not allowed to make mistakes. It is a treacherous minefield in which every error, no matter how small, is seen as a personal attack towards the entirety of a culture. Now this is a personal philosophy but I believe that people can be respectful without the need of isolation. Which is to say, we can pay homage to a culture without the intrinsic need of showcasing it through someone of that culture so long as (and this is the important part) we are treating the culture with utmost credit and respect. Yea, it’s a lot to think about considering this is coming from someone who just painted flowers on an Amazon Prime box.

(Special thanks to everyone who helped in this shares psychosis of a fashion show journey. Notably the mail room. Thanks for all the cardboard and odd stares whilst wheeling large amounts away. It kept us going.)

To those who are coming back in the fall be prepared to be challenged — be prepared to push your boundaries and to get past all those phases. College is where we sort out who we are and get the chance to discover ourselves. Embrace this time to dig deep.

For us as SA, we chose “Discover” for your theme in order for us as a student body to take action. The word invites each individual to actively find something unseen or unknown. Awaken and explore beyond your comfort zone. Be willing to try new things or go to new places, take this approach and apply it to whatever adventure is waiting for you.

Here are some tidbits from some of your new SA Officers:

Taleah Tyrell, President“Entertain a different point of view throughout

the course of the school year.”

Rachel Ermshar, Video Producer“Uncover new things about the school — for my

office it’s about highlighting different issues that are happening in the PUC world and exploring different cinematic options.”

Stephanie De Mel, Executive Vice President“Our theme entails that next year there are so

many things to discover— new friends, new talents and interests, new scenery, but most importantly it’s time to discover yourself and who you want to be.”

Nic Miller, PR“Great things are out there, we just have to turn

up a few rocks and ford a few streams.”

Kevin Galeano, Religious Vice President“I see us discovering who Christ really is this

upcoming year and, by doing so, being able to have a new image of ourselves in the process.”

Cynthia Augustine, Financial Vice President“Discover your legacy. Ultimately our goal is to

create an environment that will empower you to go out and discover the things you are looking for.”

Jimmy Jordan, Social Vice President“For events, I want to discover the potential at PUC

and incorporate different talents into events to make it more unique.”

Katie Schmidt, Yearbook Editor“For yearbook next year, I want to have more of an

emphasis on daily student life and what everyone’s experiences are — rather than just focus on events. Ask ourselves: what is life like at PUC everyday? Apply it to different things.”

Glorianne Besana, Campus Chronicle Editor“Do not wait around thinking life is going to

change for you, go out and lay down the path you want to take. Discover the beat of your own drum and dance to it.”

By Aaron Hernandez

8 Campus Chronicle no.15

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