• College,  Global,  Trending

    Cross Cultural Stories

    Writer: Hannah Larson Introduction These are the stories of nine Biolans from three continents — Asia, Africa and South America — who left their home countries to study here in La Mirada, CA. The international students I interviewed explored a variety of themes, including culture shock, the struggle of a language barrier and the challenges of navigating cultural differences between their home countries and Biola. Some shared stories of arrogance, cultural insensitivity and racism they encountered at Biola. Many also discussed the beauty of their home cultures, described positive experiences at this university and reflected on God’s goodness throughout difficult seasons of adjustment. These stories are not representative of all…

  • College,  Local

    Curbed Enthusiasm

    Writer: Joan Schueller I Photographer: North Steinbacher I just don’t care anymore is an attitude that permeates our culture. Whether it is working through a college degree or reading the flood of news we receive daily, it is hard to stay invested in everything all at once. We have resorted to the most simple response of apathy. It is easy to get swept up in the fast-paced world we live in and meaning and purpose are lost on us. What can be said to remedy the problem? Maybe the use of time and space can help alleviate this sense of apathy. Apathy Defined Dr. Uche Anizor, Christianity Today’s award-winning author…

  • College,  Global,  Local,  Stories,  Trending

    Diversity in Children’s Media

    Writer: Kayla Cha | Photo courtesy of Unsplash   Representing people of color in children’s realistic fiction,   “Diversity means including real people throughout all levels of fiction (and nonfiction), representing real struggles and challenges—and the complete mundane ordinariness of life, too!” —Kate Sullivan There is something special about seeing ourselves represented in media. Through fiction, for a moment, we are able to step into a different world in which we can be a warrior, a princess, a lawyer, an artist, in love, a prodigy—we can be anything we want to be. As children, whether it be Hermione Granger or Peter Pan or Iron Man, we admire these characters, dress…

  • College,  Local,  Stories

    (Not) Home for Thanksgiving

    Writer and Photographer: Jenna Wirtz For the Students not Going Home this Thanksgiving Whether you are in class, walking around campus, or grabbing coffee with a friend, chances are that the topic of your Thanksgiving break plans came up this week. Whether that is to a relative’s house nearby, driving up north or down south, or hopping on a plane, many Biola students are going home for the holiday. Although the break is only 5 days long, including the weekend, students return home to family and friends for a momentary refuge from the busyness of the fall semester. There are many reasons why a student may choose not to return home.…

  • College,  Stories

    Is Alpha Haunted?

    Writers: Grace Morales and Dania Lopez | Photographer: Dania Lopez When approaching the topic of the all girls dorm Alpha, much of the conversation may proceed with discussions on the possibility of its haunted halls. Built in 1966 and being one of the oldest buildings on campus, it’s no surprise rumors have spread like wildfire about the concerning themes amongst the dark walls. Is this quiet campus dorm hiding more than what meets the eye? It is believed that a horror movie was once filmed inside the dorm but no one has any concrete information that proves this to be true. “I heard that they filmed a horror movie in…

  • College,  Global,  Local,  Uncategorized

    COVID-19 and the Shifting of Missions Focus in the Church

    When the world seemed void of promise, new opportunities for missions arose. For many churches during the pandemic, opportunities to serve across the world grew scarce and they began to recognize a greater need in their local community. Others worked around obstacles to continue serving other countries. Churches have seen a shift in missionary focus leaning in either direction in the wake of COVID-19. Local Missions Focus For sophomore music composition major Michael Fausett, the pandemic shifted his focus toward local outreach. His love for missions stems from his home church in Texas church, Coronado Baptist, which often emphasizes the importance of Acts 1:8.   “With missions specifically, we are called…

  • College,  Uncategorized

    Are Virtual Friends Real Friends

    According to a January 2020 survey published by the health company Cigna, roughly 3 in 5 Americans are lonely. Since 2018, when Cigna first began conducting annual surveys of loneliness, there has been a nearly 13% rise in loneliness. Nonetheless, we have never been so connected with the advent of social media. In their Friendship Report, Snapchat revealed that 79% of survey respondents affirm the helpfulness of digital communication in maintaining relationships. However, it is hard to reconcile the increase in American loneliness to the rise of virtual friendships. Social media is a powerful tool, but its impact is paradoxical — as virtual, relational connectivity increases, interpersonal satisfaction decreases. Something…

  • College

    Top Tips: Adjusting to Campus Life When Everyone Else is, too

    As Biola’s first month back on campus for in-person learning comes to a close, students may still be feeling confronted with this transitional season that has now been extended to both freshman and sophomores alike. Here are some tips that were received and compiled from students, alumni, and others who have experienced times of transition and change.   1. “Don’t worry about feeling like you aren’t sure about what you want to do. A lot of us are too…”   It’s totally normal  to be unsure about your major of choice. In fact, if you ask any upperclassman Biolan, they will most likely have either experienced a change in their…

  • College,  Stories,  Trending

    Adaptability in the Face of COVID: Student Organizations Amidst Constant Change

    Writer: Karly Pridmore Photographer: Natalia Hernandez After over a year of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, adaptability became the top priority of student organizations within the Biola community. As many students experienced months ago and continue to today, COVID-19 altered the ways in which students experience school and extracurriculars. From the way the Student Government Association leaders hosted events to the publication of the student-run newspaper, Biola’s leaders had to adapt to preserve their organizations.   Biola’s student-run newspaper The Chimes experienced this first-hand. The Chimes seeks to not only report on happenings within the Biola community itself, but to connect global events to the student body.  THE CHIMES Current editor-in-chief Lacey…

  • College,  Stories,  Trending

    Same Day, Every Day: Students Fight To Stay Motivated Despite a Monotonous Semester

    Writer: Charlotte Snyder Photographer: Natalia Hernandez Spring of 2021 was another semester spent entirely online for most Biola students. Students across the country have been struggling with online learning according to studies done by Harvard and Brown on the adverse effects of such education. Harvard’s study found that the average letter grade earned in class dropped from a B- to a C when students switched to virtual learning. “Taking a course online, instead of in-person, reduces student success and progress in college,” said Harvard University’s Eric Taylor.  Biola University’s students have also found that remote learning has its challenges, especially the resulting lack of community and motivation. FEELING ISOLATED Not…

  • College,  Local,  Stories

    Local Escapes: Life Outside Zoom 

    Writer: Lily Johnson Photographer: Jalin Cerillo After a year of tired eyes and drained hearts, students struggle to focus as Zoom fatigue hits harder than ever. Trying to maintain a balanced lifestyle with school, work and relationships can be overwhelming, which is why implementing certain lifestyle changes can help lower stress and leave one with less anxiety. Students have a very sedentary lifestyle; they spend hours staring at a screen during class and even more hours sitting while working on homework. Setting time aside to get out of the house or dorm to get some fresh air not only helps improve one’s mood and relieves stress, but also helps one stay…

  • College,  Global,  Stories,  Trending

    The Role of Media: The International Student’s Journey of Adapting in the U.S.

    Writer: Aspen Haw Photographer: Jalin Cerrillo Given its global spotlight, the United States claims a unique position of influence. Movies and news coverage can stir up positive or negative excitement, especially for international students with their sights set on an American education. But is this country’s self-portrayal accurate to their experience? While media is informative, it can create discrepancies between perceived reality and actual life in the U.S. For international students, these gaps lead to culture shock, resulting in a rocky start to their life in America. FILM: DISTORTION OF SOCIETY Sophomore business administration major Dena Rahel was born and raised in Indonesia. Her family had high praise for the…