Written by Kelsey Osterman Climb into the passenger seat for a ride in Biola’s coolest vehicles. 1966 Ford Mustang Dr. David Bourgeois Associate professor of information systems, Crowell School of Business When it comes to classic cars, Dr. David Bourgeois has had his share of bad luck. His first Mustang was totaled in 2006, while Bourgeois was driving home from an early morning Bible study. His car was parked at a stoplight when a semi-truck flipped off a freeway exit ramp, crushing Bourgeois’ car and two other vehicles. He was knocked unconscious in the wreck, but escaped without serious injury. About a year later, Bourgeois bought his second vintage Mustang,…

Written by Rebecca Nakashima Students at private, Christian universities are typically expected to fit a specific mold. The prevailing assumption is that they are raised in church-going families and sheltered from the barrage of secular culture. They are often labeled as “good kids” with little real-world experience. While pieces of this stereotype may ring true, it is never really that simple. Some students shatter the mold entirely, throwing off common expectations as they transition from uncommon pasts. A few of these remarkable individuals have arrived at Biola University, each with his or her own powerful story. John Reid “I wanted to go out. I wanted to travel. I wanted to…

Written by Pauline Balmas It’s a typical Monday afternoon. Students hurriedly make their way into the Caf, ID cards in hand, desperate to satisfy their ravenous appetites as they grab lunch between a mess of classes. Whether they have less than ten minutes or a full hour, most students take advantage of the plethora of food options the Caf has to offer. Yet, as much as Biola students love eating their fill in the Caf, sometimes the simple fact remains that there really is nothing like a home-cooked meal. To some students, “cooking” is a term limited to Easy Mac or Top Ramen. However, preparing a simple-yet-tasty meal does not…

Written by Candace Arce-Lindsay Sometimes it’s hard to get out of bed. Everyday fears, anxieties, weariness, and stress make it difficult to leave the comfort and safety of sleep. Still, there is something that coaxes us into action in the morning, into the struggles and triumphs of each day. On a good day, this something could be the anticipation of seeing a certain pretty face or learning something new. On other days, it’s nothing other than pure necessity. The something differs from person to person, and whether it be the drive of hope, the press of responsibility, or the conviction of their calling, it gets them up and going. I…

Written by Zachary Fu In the fourth quarter of a riveting basketball game, the home team head coach paces up and down the court sideline. A player on the bench, still in his warm-ups, sits in silence amidst the crowd’s deafening cheering. He tries to hide his frustration, but he is unable to camouflage his deep and evident desire to contribute to the game. Any individual in the stands would be quick to label this player a “bench warmer,” or sometimes even just “the bench.” This collegiate player, however, is both the embodiment of hard work in grueling practices, and in many cases, a former high school star — details…

Written by Adrienne Nunley David Ottestad attended Biola in the fall semester of 2008 before he realized the American Dream wasn’t for him. When the time came to make post-high school plans, Ottestad had no idea what he wanted to do. His parents encouraged him to pursue the four-year college experience, believing, like many American families, in the ability of a bachelor’s degree to ensure some sort of future security. Ottestad wasn’t interested, but he eventually decided on Biola after getting accepted into the film program. In his first semester, Ottestad realized his true passion: music. “Instead of studying,” Ottestad says, “I was writing music in every class.” He began…