VERITAS - September 2014

ERITASVA STUDENT PUBLICATION OF COLORADO CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY SEPTEMBER 16, 2014 • Volume 1, Issue 1

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DEAR READERS:

Welcome to the first issue of Veritas. We’ve undergone yet another make-over and we’re trying some new things. I certainly hope you like it.

This year, we’ll be working around monthly themes. This month’s theme is the freshman class, thus many of our articles are focused on our new freshmen. You can look forward to a themed issue every month until next May.

Last year, the few of you who actually read the paper spoke up. We listened. You wanted bigger, better pictures, error-free articles, snappier headlines, and a more pleasing layout. You asked for fun features, contests, and student spotlights. You wanted relevance.

I believe that our team delivered. I am beyond proud of the students that stepped up to make this happen. We're not perfect yet, but we all worked extremely hard to provide you with stronger, more thoughtful content. As a team, we seek to reflect the culture of CCU, to keep you informed, and to provide you with content you can get nowhere else, all while upholding the values becoming of a Christian university.

I hope every story you read here sticks with you. As always, we welcome your input. ALL OF IT. Complaints, comments, opinions, suggestions, praise, photos, song lyrics--anything. Email us anytime at [email protected], or pop into one of our Monday meetings (Patrick Henry 105 at 6:00 p.m.).

Enjoy this, Danya Granado, editor-in-chief

P.S. It's pronounced VEHR-i'-TAAHS. Not vurrr-EE-tus. It's Latin, meaning "truth".

Veritas is a publication written and produced by the students of Colorado Christian University. We find it our responsibility to be seekers of the truth and represent our university and our God with dignity and integrity by offering a unique Christian worldview in our articles.

Veritas welcomes content from our readers. Questions, comments, contributions, concerns, complaints, commentary, and letters to the editor should be directed to the editor-in-chief at [email protected]. Those interested in contributing a column, coverage ideas, or photos should also email the editor. Any letters to Veritas must include a name and signature for publishing. Names will be withheld at the request of the sender and at the discretion of the editorial staff.

Veritas supports a free student press, and seeks to be a forum for free student expression. Editorials are the opinion of the author and at least the majority of the Veritas editorial board. While we strive to report truthful, balanced, and accurate stories, the views and opinions expressed in Veritas are not necessarily representative of Colorado Christian University, its policy, its administration, or its staff.

Editorial Policy

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFDanya Granado

ASSISTANT EDITORMaddie Lewis

ADVISORKrista Kafer

STAFF WRITERS

Jackie Reister

Emily Campbell

Emily Adams

Mackenzie Wood

Stephanie Tatham

Megan Hallett

Anthony Kelly

Leslie White

VISUAL STAFF

Kyle Scott

Megan Hallett

Anthony Kelly

Amalee Bowen

Megan Maruyama

EDITORSLacresha Ffrench

Nikki Hooks

Leslie White

CONTRIBUTORS

Amalee Bowen

Erin Amsberry

James Bollen

Cassie Stringer

Ali Weber

Haley Lowe Kelli Klaus

Abi Gordon

Special thanks to Dr. Saxby, Professor Pahlau, Professor Prokop, Dr. Badzinski, and all others who gave us constructive feedback on our work. We really appreciate it.

STAFF V

Cover art this month was submitted by contributor Megan Maruyama.

From the editor

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by Leslie White, writer

“LAMEST PARTY SCHOOL” IN COLORADOCCU is at the top of eCollegefinder’s “no party” list. Who knew that cougars could be so “tame?”BY LESLIE WHITE, staff writer

rules as well? It’s hard to have a good mixer or any other festivity with a curfew and quiet hours. No one wants to be quiet in the middle of an excellent party. In addition, the rule about not being allowed in the opposite genders’ bedrooms should really be taken care of. There's an alarming lack of assaults on campus.

A final way of helping CCU to get rid of the crazy title of “lamest party school” would be to allow pot on campus. Many CCU students are high on elevation because the mountains are so close to us. Let’s take it up a level and allow students to have marijuana as well. It's already legal and accepted in Colorado; we would simply be joining along in our state’s values. Wouldn’t it be great if we could be like those other schools, where our roommates could come back at night either drunk or high?

CCU has great potential to move its way off of the lame party school list, but we have to use a little bit of effort to get it there.

We have two options here: either make CCU a better partying school, or remain the fantastic, academically challenging, and moral school that we already are.

What else do party schools have that we don’t? They have a loose dress code to promote more promiscuity and hook-ups. CCU should let girls express themselves more freely through their clothing, or

lack there of. Therefore, with more partying, and a looser dress code, the students will have a better chance of getting a date. With more dates, more women could leave CCU with the ever-popular M.R.S. degree or even better, the M.O.M.

degree. Obviously, the amount of parties the university has will benefit not only the school and the campus, but also the students.

Even better than simply loosening the dress code, why not take out the curfew

to get publicity for the school? Who knows, maybe CCU could be on the news for a great rush party! In addition, these rush parties would really give our security guards more work to do during their shifts. We wouldn’t want them to be bored at work.

Clearly, there are several problems involved with CCU not having very many parties. All the students do at this school is study, play i n t r a m u r a l s , and go to chapel. None of that matters without a large party atmosphere. We need more social drinking, and let’s not forget vandalism! We should let the students express themselves freely in whatever ways they feel led to-- like graffiti for example. Yet another way to make our campus a better place.

n a July article on the blog "Total Frat Move", Colorado Christian University was dubbed with the title of the lamest party school in Colorado. Obviously, the Ghetto Kool-aid party, the Cockpit Sobe

party and Moonlight Volleyball have all gone unnoticed. So, CCU is the lamest party school in Colorado. Maybe there’s a way we can change that.

The lack of partying at CCU is clearly a problem that could be solved with a few simple solutions. The main solution would be to allow the campus to move from "dry" to "wet". The biggest reason for the lack of partying on campus is that there is a serious lack of alcohol. Think about what would happen if we gave alcohol a chance on campus. Doing so would allow our already beautiful campus to be even better, with a decoration of vomit on the lawns. That would be a unique touch!

Another possibility to help CCU get more in touch with its partying side would be to add fraternities and sororities instead of stairwells. That way, there would be more rush parties and better yet, more policemen. What would be a better way

We need more social drinking,

and let’s not forget vandalism....

Let students express themselves in whatever way

they feel led to, like graffiti for example!

Arizona Christian University

Biola University

Central Christian College of Kansas

Liberty University

Wheaton College

Evangel University

Bob Jones University

Seattle Pacific University

OTHER “LAME “ SCHOOLS

Phoenix, AZ

La Mirada, CA

McPherson, KS

Lynchburg, VA

Wheaton, IL

Springfield, MO

Greenville, SC

Seattle, WA

525 undergrads

4,158 undergrads

527 undergrads

45,653 undergrads

2,435 undergrads

1,704 undergrads

2,802 undergrads

3,108 undergrads

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STUDENT LIFE


Humans of CCU

FEATURES

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Suggestions for our next subjects?

Email [email protected]

Subject: Humans of CCU


Alone-timeTattered Cover Book Store (1628 16th Street Mall, Denver 80202)

The Tattered Cover is a locally owned Colorado bookstore but that’s not all it has to offer. This landmark is covered from floor to ceiling with books. Spend the day sucked into the millions of books on the shelves or enjoy coffee, games, T-shirts and so much more. You can expect a visit from an author on any given day. This is a place you’ll have to check out for yourself. Use it to get inspired.

The hipster hotspotFood Trucks in Civic Center Park

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm through October 9, all proceeds benefit the Civic Center itself. Enjoy fresh air, good food and live music in the middle of the pretty city. Allow this middle of the week food run to inspire your creativity and expand your cultural knowledge.

The group dateLakeside Amusement (4601 Sheridan Blvd, Lakeside, 80212)

Life’s a rollercoaster, enjoy the ride! and where better to do so than Lakeside Amusement park? This amusement park has been stationed on the charming banks of Lake Rhonda with a panoramic view of the Rockies. Grab a group of lovebirds and climb aboard the thrill rides this enchanting fair has to offer.

The artistic escapeThe Mercury Café (2199 California St, Denver, 80205)

Poetry open mic downstairs, swing dancing upstairs! $5-$10 cover for the whole night in a great atmosphere!

Bible studyLeela European Café (820 15th St, Denver, 80202)

Leela has a quiet, relaxed environment perfect for getting into the Word. Enjoy spiritual conversation over a wide selction of teas and coffees.

The girls nightCeramics in the City (1912 Pearl St, Denver, CO 80203)

Girls thrive on girl time! Take your favorite ladies downtown for Ceramics in the City. Unlike other painting studios, Ceramics in the City doesn’t charge studio fees, so you can paint for as cheap as $10. Paint your own pottery, test your luck with glass fusing, create pretty canvas art, or craft your own silver bean fingerprint jewelry. Reserve a table and get in touch with your creative side while spending time

giggling and gossiping with your girls.

The DTRPablo’s Coffee (630 E 6th Ave, Denver, 80203)

The infamous DTR is bound to happen and for all you freshman who think it’s impossible...think again! Grab a coffee at Pablo’s, make yourself cozy, and let the awkwardness begin.

The first dateDenver Public Library and a picnic in Civic Center Park (Broadway & Colfax, Denver 80202)

Who says a first date has to burn a hole in your pocket? Simple can be oh so sweet! Impress the lady who has caught your eye by browsing through the hefty collection of books, movies, music and more at the Denver Public Library. What better way to get to know a person than learning what lights them up? Finish the afternoon with a picnic across the street at Civic Center Park. Smack dab in the middle of the city, this park blooms with 25,000 square feet of flowers. Enjoy the company of your date while people watching as the sun sets behind the Rockies before it gets to chilly.The guys night

Tacos Tijuana (4406 Sheridan Blvd, Denver, 80212) and Brunzwick Zone (945 S Kipling Pkwy, Lakewood, 80226)

A guy's night wouldn't be complete without a visit to a sketch eatery. Tacos Tijuana fits this description and is conveniently located close to CCU. After you've eaten to your heart's content, make your way over to Brunswick Zone for a great night of bowling with the bros.

The anniversary dateLinger (2030 W 30th Ave, Denver, 80211) and Little Man’s Ice Cream (2620 16th St, Denver, 80211)

Downtown Denver has all the romantic appeal you need to celebrate your anniversary with your better half. Use this ambience to your advantage by taking it rooftop at Linger. Sit on the rooftop patio that overlooks downtown and of course has a view of the mystical Rockies. Head on over to Little Man’s ice cream for dessert afterward. Offering a cute little vintage experience, Little Man’s is sure to impress your date and end the night with a sweet indulgence.

10 HOTTEST AND BEST COLLEGE HANGOUTSFOR THIS FALL

DATE NIGHT

HANGING WITH FRIENDS

NEW IDEAS

Wondering how to spend your weekend? Getting tired of your usual hangout spots? Emily, Megan and Stephanie show you the most interesting places around CCU to discover this fall!BY STEPHANIE TATHAM, MEGAN HALLETT, and EMILY CAMPBELL


MOLLY AND MEGAN

The most important website you’ll visit

today:

HACKERTYPER.com (go here and type like a TV hacker)

Every issue, Veritas provides you with information that you'll never have to

pay for. Learn now, thank us later.

Historical fact:

Toy companies

failed to duplicate

the success

of Roosevelt's

teddy bear with

William Taft's "Billy

Possum."

(via mental_floss)

The flavor “blue raspberry “ came about for two

reasons: 1) the red dye

previously used was found to be carcinogenic.

2) there are too many other

indistinguishable red fruit flavors.

In a seemingly utopian community, where citizens have their futures chosen for them, Jonas learns from “the giver” about the true pain and pleasure of a previous world.

THE GIVER

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Red Rocks Church is leaving its favorite Heritage Square location and moving a little closer to CCU’s campus. BY MACKENZIE WOOD, staff writer

hen it comes to finding a new church in the city, Red Rocks Church in Golden and Littleton have become the places to be for CCU students Sunday nights.

The Golden campus is conveniently located just a few miles west in the Heritage Square Amusement Park. It was always a treat to wander through the old fashioned

amusement park before attending the 6:00 p.m. or 4:00 p.m. evening Sunday services. However, while most of us went home for the summer, Red Rocks Church made the

decision to open a new campus in Lakewood because their lease in Heritage Square will be over in December, and circumstances have required them to relocate. The new campus, known as the “Catfish” campus, is located at 455 S Platte River Drive, just a few miles east of the CCU campus. Their grand opening was August 24th, and they host 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. services. While their grand opening service hosted about 1,600 people, Red Rocks is asking as many individuals from the Golden campus to commit to attend services at the new campus, because eventually they will no longer have the space in Heritage Square. It is often difficult to find a new church after spending your life growing up in your hometown church, but Red Rocks Church is certainly the most welcoming and passionate church I have found since moving out here almost three years ago. They strive to preach the Gospel and prepare their church members to go out into the world and spread the Good News. They just began their new series “Tailgating” which will continue for the next few weeks, which relates “pre-game” festivities to the actual event of preaching the Gospel.

BY JACKIE RIESTER, staff writer film critic, www.thejackie-oshow.com

et me start by saying I did not read the book, and I had no idea what to expect going into the theatre. When my friends would talk about the book, "the Giver" I assumed it

would be about a Nazi interment camp story, or maybe even a cancer story. This film was not that! The film has a 1984, Brave New World feel to it where the audience is

introduced to what appears to be a utopian world with no pain, war or suffering; but also no memories, emotions, or real decisions.

In this society, there is one person who does have memories, and as the new generation comes of age, it is his job to "give" them to the next receiver named Jonas. As Jonas receives these awful and wonderful memories, he believes that the good outweighs the bad, and so he sets out to make these memories available to all.

This was a thought-provoking story, compelling its audience to make their own decisions about what they believe the difference to be between a utopian and a dystopian culture. A very visual film, I enjoyed all the effects used, especially when addressing how the memories are transferred. And let's not forget the A-list cast including Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, and rising star Brenton Thwaites. Also the credits song was a marvelous original by Ryan Tedder and One Republic!

I appreciated the film's effortless ability to display the similarities between this outlandish society and the one we live in now. This awareness piece definitely provides deep, thought-provoking ideas about the ignorant state our society lives in and gives its audience a new fervor and appreciation for life and free will.

The verdict: 3 out of 5 in my book.

RED ROCKS MOVES TO LAKEWOOD


but there are differences: Belle is calm and graceful, whereas Anna is super goofy, bumps into things, does weird things with her legs, and is really quirky."

The strangest event Zimmerman ever attended was a 1-year-old’s birthday party in a hotel, where she played Belle. Most of the children at the party didn’t know who Belle was and didn’t want to interact wth her, which was extremely unusual.

When she's not playing a princess, you can still find Zimmerman working with the kids she loves: she volunteers as an AWANA teacher at Foothills Bible Church, and also works at Sweet and Sassy, a salon in Southlands Mall that specializes in hairstyling for kids.

“Princessing” is not forever

Though she admits her job is fun for now, Zimmerman’s willing to “let it go” when it comes to career options.

"This is not a long-term thing," explains Zimmerman. "Once I get older, I'm not gonna be dressing up like a Disney princess."

As a seriously driven communication major and business minor, Zimmerman sees herself as an entrepreneur. At Gott-A-Costume, she helps to organize and market the princess program. After seeing the inner workings of a small business, she hopes to one day start her own business with a similar premise: to plan and organize birthday parties or salon parties for kids.

"I love being a part of people's very special moments, and birthday parties are very special moments,” she beams. "I'm very interested in event planning.”

She doesn’t regret her choices. Zimmerman says, "This has definitely been one of my dreams. I'm pursuing this now. You'll have the experience. You'll always keep the experience."

"I love being a part of people's

very special moments, and

birthday parties are very special

moments.”

BECOMING A PRINCESSThis CCU student is living her (and every girl’s) dreamBY DANYA GRANADO, editor-in-chief

Briana Zimmerman is a junior at CCU. She transferred from Azusa Pacific University last year as a sophomore. She's in student senate, and was also a member of the CCU Dance Team that formed just last year.

Oh, and she's works as a Disney princess on the side.

Zimmerman works with a company called Gott-A-Costume, a family-owned costume shop based in Aurora, CO. When she heard that they had an opening for Disney princesses last year, she auditioned her way into a tiara.

All part of the job

"My dream has been to be a Disney Princess my whole life," she laughs.

Laughing and smiling is second nature to Zimmerman now. Playing a princess sometimes demands spending up to two hours at a mall event (such as Southlands Malls’ summer “Kidtopia”) or even at a Chick-Fil-A, where she takes pictures, talks to little ‘uns, and maintains a happy face.

"By the end your face really hurts from smiling so much," she says.

Zimmerman's most common gigs are at children's birthday parties every other weekend, where she plays either Belle from Beauty and the Beast or Anna from Frozen, which has peaked in popularity over the last year.

"We do a lot of singing with the kids," says Zimmerman. "They always want to sing songs from Frozen. We play games, and teach them how to be a princess. We can even do a 'coronation' and give them a princess certificate and goody bags."

Zimmerman's prep time for any event can take up to an hour and a half, but the work is all joy; she “loves doing hair and make-up“. For Belle she dons a huge, yellow hoop dress modeled after the one the princess wears to the ball (shown right). Playing Anna requires dotting her face with freckles, elaborate hair braiding, and orange spray-on hair color. The hair styling is her own personal mark of authenticity. Zimmerman prefers to style her own hair rather than use the wigs provided by the company., because she finds that real hair is much more realistic, and “you can always tell“ when someone’s wearing a wig.

And there's more to it than just looking the part. Zimmerman has the task of acting like the princess, too.

"I talk like a princess. Most princesses sound the same way. I act like the princess, too. I don’t mimick them exactly,

CCU junior Briana Zimmerman as Anna

of Arendelle. Photo courtesy of Briana.

Zimmerman as Belle from Beauty and the

Beast. Photo courtesy of Briana.

Zimmerman (right) and her coworker as Anna and Elsa

from Frozen. Photo courtesy of Briana.


Photo credit: Megan Hallett

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THE FOREIGN COUNTRY OF AMERICA

How living overseas has changed the lives of “ordinary” American studentsBY AMALEE BOWEN, contributing writer

A new appreciation: Niki and Jette (below) in Papua New Guinea, where they enjoy mudsliding in the rain. Photo courtesy of Jette Guderian.

Megan Magyar outside her home in Thailand. Photo courtesy of Megan.

t some point you’ve likely experienced homesickness, that gut wrenching longing for another place. For some students, called Third culture kids, that longing extends beyond the borders of

the United States. Although we are officially American, we grew up in another country. Those places we lived have changed us, broadened our perspectives and redefined our concept of home.

A New Appreciation

Third culture kids (TCKs) are immersed in a foreign culture and as a result often develop a new appreciation for other ways of life, for the good in other cultures. Jette and Niki Guderian grew up in Papua New Guinea, where their parents work as Bible translators. They split their time between the mission center, where everyone was practically family, and the village, where they learned to appreciate the different lifestyles of other peoples.

“It’s made me appreciate variety in places,” says Niki, “I love that I’ve had so many different and unique experiences that I never would have if I had grown up here.” One unique experience she fondly recalls is the popularity of popcorn among the native people in the village. Her family would invite a few people to have popcorn and play games with them and end up with fifty pans because the entire village had shown up. Jette explained that living in such a culturally diverse country has helped her appreciate other cultures more.

“I love bad grammar and accents and stories of different places,” she says.

Jette also shared how life in Papua New Guinea has helped her value deep, intimate friendships more than the material things she owns. The people in the villages didn’t have many possessions, and yet they lived good lives. “People don’t always understand why my parents are just Bible translators,” she said. “They ask us, ‘Why don’t you improve their economy?’ ‘Why don’t you bring them clothes?’ But this is the way they live and they love it. It’s a misconception about what they need.” Jette values the simplicity of life that comes with valuing people first.

A Future Home

Third culture kids are named such because we adopt aspects from our “home culture” and from the “foreign culture” and form a “third culture.” As a result, we don’t really belong to either culture and our definition of “home” is redefined. This can be a struggle, but it also allows us to adapt to whatever place or situation we are in.

For Megan Magyar, God has used this unique TCK experience to prepare her to be a missionary and to teach her what it truly means to be a follower of Christ.

Megan moved to Japan because her parents are in the military. There, she became a Christian and devoted her life to God. She values her time spent overseas and how God has used it to keep her “kingdom minded.” “Before I was a believer I just wanted to stay in one place,” she explained. “But I don’t feel like America is my home anymore. Earth is not my home; I keep looking forward to heaven.” This has freed her to go wherever God calls her and to find joy in every place and every situation. Now, she says, she can ask God ,“Where do you want me to go next?” instead of struggling to stay in one place.

Outwardly American, Inwardly Foreign

Even with our adaptability to new situations, many TCKs struggle in returning to America. We often find ourselves experiencing “reverse culture shock.” Not only must we adjust to all the cultural differences, we are also expected to be ordinary Americans. Jette put it this way: “I look like an American on the outside, but really inwardly I am foreign.” This expectation to be an ordinary American can hinder our attempts to build strong friendships, and leads to stereotypes we have to overcome. For example, TCKs may be labeled as “quiet” or “super conservative” because we relate differently due to our different cultural backgrounds and because we are unfamiliar with the pop culture here.

As TCKs we have unique perspectives on the world and we’ve had experiences that many American students haven’t. Often it seems that people are afraid to ask us about our lives, perhaps worried they might ask us a “stupid question.” But we want to build those deep friendships and we want to share our stories. So ask us all your questions. Ask us to tell our stories. And then? Tell us yours.


Q: What is it like to live overseas?

Josh: Living overseas means living in a completely different culture. People see so many things as “normal” when, in reality, it’s merely a part of their culture. This is true for all cultures and nations. The main difference I guess would be the people. The way people act, the work ethic, what is considered polite, what is not ok to say, and the actual way anyone would go about their day is what is completely different.

Q: What was a unique experience you had?

Josh: An interesting experience I had was going to an international school. It was only 250 people with 40 different nationalities represented. I was a minority both in the country and in my English speaking school. It was amazing.

Q: What was the hardest thing about transitioning to life in the U.S.? What was the easiest?

Josh: The hardest thing was definitely living without my family. I have had friends come and go all throughout my life. Every couple of years my best friends and all the people I loved would all be gone and new people would come. The only things that have remained constant throughout my life have been my family and God.

The legal driving age in Turkey is 18 , so the easiest thing is having a car.

Q: What is something you miss about living overseas? What is something you don't miss?

Josh: I mostly just miss my family and the community I had there. I also miss knowing how to act and what to say. But being here I am really glad I get to spend time with extended family. I’ve never really had that before.

Q: What stereotypes have you had to deal with as a TCK?

Josh: I am a missionary and have grown up as a missionary. When people think of missionary kids, they think of home-schooled, sheltered, holier-than-thou type of kids. People don’t understand that, having lived in a mission field, I’ve experienced things most adults have only heard of. I am far from sheltered.I have also lived with Muslims my entire life and been surrounded by people who hate Christians and Americans (in their eyes those two are inseparable).

Q: What stereotypes did you have about people living in the U.S.? Have those changed?

Josh: As far as people here, I didn’t really have preconceived ideas of what people were like. There are smart, stupid, fun, boring, and interesting people in every country. That is something that doesn’t change from culture to culture.

Q: Have you found that people have misconceptions about the country where you lived?

Josh: When most people try to imagine living in Turkey, the first thing their mind goes to is this false image that it is some sort of third world country. Turkey is actually very modern in technology.

Q: How do you think living overseas has influenced you?

Josh: I could write a book about this. I will say that I am not American. I look American but I’m not. I’m not a Turk either though. I grew up with a lot of Asians and Europeans but I’m not those either. Most people take for granted that they are from somewhere. I’m not from anywhere. I literally don’t have a physical home. Being a TCK or an MK or whatever I’m supposed to be has made me who I am and I wouldn’t change it ever, even though it can make it difficult to relate to anyone.

Josh Land is a freshman here at CCU. He and his family have been missionaries in Turkey for 13 years.

“I am a missionary and have

grown up as a missionary. When

people think of missionary kids,

they think of home-schooled, sheltered, holier-than-thou type of kids. People

don’t understand that having lived in a mission field, I’ve experienced

things most adults have only heard of. I am far from sheltered.”


Katy Calkins grew up in a small town in southeast Oregon; a town where the nearest Wal-Mart was a two-hour drive, the only fast food restaurant was a McDonald’s, and where there is only one high school. Her graduating class only had 23 people in it. Everyone in town knew each other. "Coming from a small town there wasn’t a whole lot of variety around me," she says. "Lakewood and CCU is the total opposite, so many new people are around and I’m not confined to choosing from one store, the options seem endless and it's fantastic."

Calkins' specific love is for children with disabilities and showing them the same love Christ has shown her. Her want is to show them that His pursuit of their hearts is the same. Christ came to love and redeem all humanity.

Naturally, Calkins eats, breathes, and sleeps Young Life Capernaum. She's been given the opportunity to lead a group this fall. Young Life is actually where Calkins first heard about CCU; a representative from CCU attended a YL event she was at during her high school experience, and completely sold her to going to school here. CCU became the only school to which she applied.

Calkins has chosen to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in psychology. After that, she'll be pursuing a Masters in speech and pathology. She wants to develop a computer program that will help kids that have autism learn about the Bible, so that they can know and experience God’s love.

Katy Michelle Calkins

Tyler Ackert started playing the piano when he was just four years old because even at that young age he knew he had a passion for music. He hails from Lakewood, Colorado and comes to CCU as a worship arts major.

Ackert's favorite song, “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons and Daughters, will give you a small glimpse into why he is so passionate about worshiping leading. He says in reference to the song, “it's saying that we worship God because of his allowance of us to be in relationship with Him and saying that 'it's your breath in our lungs' and in turn, give him praise for that."

Ackert's passion for people and leading them to the heart of God goes hand in hand with his passion for worship leading and combine to make a beautiful, harmonious pair. As a freshman, Ackert hopes to further foster his relationship with the one who gave him breathe in his lungs and continue to develop his musical ability and apply what he is learning in the classroom to the rest of his life.

Tyler Ackert

Carolyn, a Denver native and a business administration major and youth ministry minor comes to CCU with an out-of-the-box passion for youth.

After graduation she hopes to open a bakery that is run by youth and for youth, all for the soul purpose of reaching people for Christ. Youth ministry is not all Carolyn is passionate about. She is excited about the many different ministry opportunities offered at CCU, but is especially excited about CCU2THEWORLD and hopes to broaden her ministry spectrum by joining a team this year.

From talking with Carolyn it is clear that she is passionate about Christ and making his name known- not only around the world, but also with those around her. One of her favorite things to do is to be able to offer a listening ear to a friend (or stranger for that matter) and show them the love of Christ through her actions.

Carolyn Rowitz-

VanCamp

The class of 2018 starts at CCU with a number of record-setting accomplishments. We asked four freshmen to share their experiences with us: their goals, passions, and struggles during their first month at CCU. Freshman year is full of changes, so we’ll follow up with these same freshman at the end of the year, on week 34 to see if anything has changed.

This is Week 4.

BY ANTHONY KELLY, EMILY CAMPBELL, and MEGAN MARUYAMA Veritas staff writers

“Being in the mountains just helps me to see Christ through his creation. I love it here!” says Dallas-born-and-raised Nate Valdez. The words are a pretty good indicator of how much he’s appreciating being here at CCU.

Valdez has an interesting backstory to his journey to CCU; he comes not from high school like most of the freshmen on campus, but rather from basic training for the United States Navy. “We were broken down as the civilian and built up as a sailor,” was how Valdez described basic training, which was “horrible, but good for me.” He decided to declare his major as business with the intent to become an officer in the Navy. He is resolved to go back to the armed forces after college.

He remembers life before CCU being very different describing himself as a “party guy”, but reflects that here he is more caring for others and more Christ-centered. CCU seems to have been the right choice for this recruit, and his enthusiasm for being here is tangible. Does every freshman feel this way? Even if they do, I doubt they share Valdez’ passion for the mountains and country dancing.

We will see if Valdez’s frequent visits to The Grizzly Rose are still happening in a few months when we pick up his story at the end of the semester. Hopefully his excitement of being here, his Christ-like attitude, and his love of two stepping are still intact after his first round of classes.

Nate Valdez

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Veritas will be featuring an ongoing contest in each issue. We call it “The Cougar Hunt“. We’ll be offering prizes (can you say “gift cards“?) to anyone who can find where we took these pictures around campus. The following six pictures are some interesting things that can be seen at CCU, taken by Veritas photographer Leslie White. When you find one of these obscure items, take a picture of yourself with it. If you’re correct, you’ll get your picture in the next month’s issue of the paper.

Email submissions to [email protected] or tweet @ccustudentnews. Good luck!

THE COUGAR HUNTCONTEST

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10 Things That CCU Freshmen Don’t UnderstandYour first year at Colorado Christian University is often exciting, stressful, and sometimes very emotional for students who have never left home for extended periods of time. However, there are little quirks here and there that don’t really make sense to freshmen. After interviewing two freshmen stairwells, Cockpit and Barracks, we have managed to compose a list of ten things that CCU Freshmen are confused about.BY MACKENZIE WOOD, staff writer

Decoding CCU Talk

A definitive guide to CCU's lingo and abbreviations

RAs Resident Assistants – the men and women who take care of all of the students in on-campus housing.RARs Resident Assistant Roommates – the students who live in apartments with RAs.RDs Resident Directors – the people who takes care of the RAs, or who CCU sends students to if there is student-life-related trouble.ARDs Assistant Resident Directors – the assistants to the RDs.D-Groups Discipleship Groups – the student-led Bible study community groups on campus. DAs Discipleship Advisors – the men and women who mentor and minister to D-group leaders.CUS College of Undergraduate Studies – the traditional school for young adults seeking Bachelor’s degrees.CAGS College of Adult and Graduate Studies – the completely separate school for non-traditional college and graduate students.EMS Employment Management Services – the wonderful CCU department that will help you get a job.LDC Life Directions Center – the superb CCU department that does academic advising, counseling, and anything else you might need.OOTP The Office of the President – the place where our incredible president, Bill Armstrong, works.UPC University Programming Council – the CCU committee that organizes and plans awesome campus events.RHA Resident Housing Association – the CCU committee that helps improve CCU for residents and plan events. You can thank them for the splendid Labor Day boat races.NAB New Academic Building – the beautiful new addition to campus, also known as Leprino Hall.The Stu Slang for the Student Union where students go to hang out and study. The Caf Slang for the Dining Commons where students go to eat. The Peaks The mostly upperclassmen--and some lucky freshmen-- housing just west of the Dietrich Bonhoeffer Center. Kit Carson, La Plata, Red Cloud, and Snowmass.The Quad The open grassy area between the NAB, Beckman, and the Caf.The DTR Define The Relationship - couples and almost-couples usually have these conversations over dinner at the Caf or on walks by the pond.High Tops The tall bar-height tables at the Caf where most DTRs occur.MRS Degree The declared degree path of certain female students.Floating The practice of making a root beer float from the ice cream and soda machines at the Caf, putting two straws in it, and delivering it to a couple eating together in order to embarrass them by suggesting they are in love.

5) It is amazing how everyone has a 12:15 p.m. class after chapel...

4) Why are the Cougar Den prices so crazy high? 3) Why don’t we have a football team? 2) Why is the gym so small? 1) Why doesn’t the WiFi ever work?

10) Why can’t we swim in the pond?

9) 10:00 p.m. weekday curfew. 8) Ring by spring? Why? Just why?

7) Parking. There is NO parking for the residential halls ever.

6) Scooters, long-boards, and bikes on campus. Seriously, the campus is tiny.


n the film Groundhog Day starring Bill Murray, the main character Phil Connors relives the same day over and over again. The main character's actions, and the actions of others are almost exactly the same each day.

CCU students are not that far off from repeating the same day, with their own compulsive and on-going habits. Several students may not even realize that a daily routine, while being a good

thing, can possibly lead to an unhealthy habit.

Some students may feel a need to go on Facebook or Pinterest every day. Others may decide to eat the same thing for breakfast each day, or always have coffee before class. Megan Bales, a sophomore, needs to have a sweet treat every day or her day doesn’t feel complete. Nate Valdez, a freshman, has a habit of drinking coffee throughout the day to keep him going. “I have to add two shots of espresso to my vanilla latte.” Valdez said.

Other so-called "addictions" or compulsions could include checking your phone constantly, drinking Monster Energy drinks, or staying up too late reading.

Some CCU students shared other habits that they do in order to have a "normal" day.

Peter Benton, a senior (pictured above), says that he needs to have a clear break from school after being there all day. “I have class with one break from 8:00 in the morning, ‘til 7:00 at night on Mondays.”

Olivia Spoelstra (top left), sophomore, says that she has a constant need to be on her phone throughout the day.

Jeff Arnold, junior (bottom left), has two so-called "addictions", including drinking a half gallon of sweet tea every day, and listening to a little George Strait and Frank Sinatra because “it has to

happen.”

Students here deal with a variety of "necessary actions" to get them through each day. While these actions may not be as serious as some addictions, they do offer something to think about: maybe it is time to shake up the routine and make each day something different and new, instead of doing the same thing every day.

Students engaging in a familiar routine

HAVE A HABIT YOU CAN’T SEEM TO BREAK?

TELL US ABOUT IT:

On FACEBOOK:facebook.com/CCUSTUDENTNEWS

On TWITTERtwitter.com/CCUSTUDENTNEWS

CAMPUS COMPULSIONSBY LESLIE WHITE, staff writer

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JOIN THE TEAM

Mondays 6:00-7:15 p.m.

Patrick Henry Hall 105

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VERITAS - September 2014

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