In this Issue...
Leadership for 2009-2010 = You
Bess can’t stop me… but I wish it would
TEN TIPS for a better road trip
Room Draw
What you need to know |
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In order to reserve a room on campus for next year, all current residents will go through the “Room Draw” process. Residence Hall students should have received a pamphlet in their mailboxes this past week, describing the residence hall process, and KE residents should have already received KE Room Draw information. The information is also available on-line within the Housing webpages. Read this carefully so you know your responsibilities.
As in the past, students will have opportunities to keep their current rooms for the next year, provided they stick with the same roommate. Priority levels are set based on who you will be living with and where you’re requesting to live. Some floors and halls fill up quickly so don’t assume you can live wherever you want.
The whole process can seem a bit stressful at times but is designed to be as fair, consistent and smooth running as possible. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to talk to your RA or RD or the KE Area Coordinator, or stop by the Housing Office (located inside the Student Life Suite in the Spoelhof Center).
Leadership for 2009-2010 = You
One of the best parts of living on campus is the unique community opportunities that are formed. And these opportunities are due to the work of our student leaders in the residence halls and KE. Their energy, enthusiasm, and commitment can make all the difference.
Can you picture yourself in a WE-HAUL t-shirt? Are you looking for ways to contribute and develop leadership skills next year? Perhaps you’re motivated to organize floor or apartment events. Or perhaps you’re already a regular with your Community Partnership. Maybe faith development, music, Bible studies, or prayer are passions.
Consider applying for the Activities Council (including President and Treasurer), Programming Activities Council (in KE), Community Partnership Coordinator, Cultural Discerner, Multicultural Activities Coordinator, or the Baranabas Team. If you have any questions about these positions, talk to the current leadership in your Hall or in KE. Information and applications will be available after spring break.
[Note: Barnabas Team applications were due at the end of February, but contact the Christian Formation Office for information on remaining openings or opportunities.]
Bess can’t stop me… but I wish it would
Bess does its best to prevent pornography from infesting the ResNet. But we all know that nothing is perfect in the wide world of the web.
In 2004, The Washington Post stated that “more than 11 million teens regularly view porn online.” Christian men and women can become entangled in it as easily as anyone...and it’s not easy to get out, no matter how hard we pray. Sometimes we need the support of other people who share our struggles to help us out of the sin that entangles us.
There are a few different ways that we can help each other. First, talk about it—be open and brave, confronting a friend or admitting a fault, or asking for help. Perhaps you have first hand experience to share with others—talk to your RA or RD or Area Coordinator about presenting a program on the topic, or showing a documentary about it, etc.
Another way to help yourself is to contact Dan Vandersteen in the Broene Center (dv23@calvin.edu). Drop him a confidential email or set up an appointment. He talks to students about many things and offers good advice in all areas— including pornography—regardless if it’s a big problem or a small one. Dan has a number of resources he can share with you, including groups that come together to support each other. Again, his help is confidential, and he has a heart for students struggling in this area.
Another resource to use is www.xxxchurch.com. Check it out and see what it has to offer. And as always, your RA, RD or Area Coordinator are more than willing to talk and help find resources, no matter the problem. Porn is addictive...and hard to talk about. Don’t suffer in silence—you’re not alone.
TEN TIPS for a better road trip
- Make sure all members of your group have a good idea of where you are going and what you will be doing before you leave.
- Try to cut down on the expenses of lodging by staying with family or by camping.
- Try to cut down on food costs by packing a cooler and making your own lunches. This is also a healthier option than 10 days of McDonalds.
- Reduce confusion and promote accountability: decide the order in which you will pay for gas before you leave.
- If you will be staying with relatives or friends, bring a few thank-you cards and small gifts to show your appreciation.
- Get your car tuned-up before you leave; including an oil change.
- Make recycling easy by keeping a special bag in the car for cans and bottles.
- Drive in pairs; one driving, and one keeping the driver awake.
- Call someone who loves you when you get where you are going; they’ll be glad to know you are safe. Send a postcard too! (or a text message and cell-phone picture!)
- Wear sunscreen!