How has it been settling into being President of Honors during this crazy year?
It’s been so great being able to see everyone back on campus! I’ve really enjoyed working with Dr. Pittman and the Honors Officer team, many of which are Juniors like myself, to make this year just as special as those in the past despite the challenges we face. We have so many awesome freshmen in the Honors Program, but it’s been more difficult to get to know and recognize everyone due to the pandemic. Hopefully as the school year progresses, we can fellowship a little more!
How has the Honors Program navigated this year, especially with all the COVID 19 regulations?
We’ve definitely had to get creative with the COVID 19 regulations. Before school started, the team had a few meetings to discuss how to go about events such as the buddy lunch, Agape feast and Honors Church, which typically gather large groups of people together. Wonderful ideas came up and we ended up having an outdoor picnic for Agape feast instead of hosting it in Chan Shun Hall. It was a departure from the norm, but it turned out really well, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves while also taking precautions to stay healthy and safe. The weather has also been a blessing, as the past two events we’ve held have been outdoors! Quite a rarity for Berrien Springs Michigan!
What are the upsides and downsides to creating events this year especially during this crazy year? (Consider COVID 19, social justice issues, climate change...)
The upsides to creating events this year are being able to start conversations about these issues that need to change. Spending much of the year in isolation for some might have allowed for reflection on matters they might have brushed off in the past, perhaps. People have been forced to sit and grapple with both social justice and climate change issues and determine actions that can facilitate changes in our judicial and criminal justice systems. In addition, we must ponder ways we can foster an awareness for how our actions impact the environment in the present and future. Downsides to creating events this year are that, as I mentioned briefly before, it’s more difficult to connect with people, as we have to be socially distanced from one another. Also with all that’s happening combined with attending university, a high stress environment has been created for professors and students alike.
How will the annual Honors Church service contribute to discussing the current issues in today's world?
The theme for Honors Church this year will be centered on caring for the earth and being stewards of the planet as part of God’s will for us. We hope to dispel the notions that climate change is such a vast and multifaceted problem that there is nothing we can do to help. In combining the efforts of many, change can result. As stewards of the earth we have a responsibility to ourselves and to others to improve conditions of our environment. In having these conversations, we can potentially help others to see that their actions affect the world around them.
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of Andrews University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, Andrews University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.