AC sophomore Emily Toupalik and Miami University of Ohio junior Michael Anderson embrace after finishing the Dayton Air Force Marathon. Toupalik is among the AC runners who will not be discouraged from their passion by the Boston Marathon bombing.

The hearts and minds of the nation are in Boston this week.  As we all know, two explosions at this year’s Boston Marathon killed three people and injured several hundred.  Even while the nation is in shock; however, Adrian College’s runners have already decided that they will not allow the bombers the satisfaction of discouraging them from their passion.

Last Friday was “Race Shirts for Boston” day at AC.  The event was organized by sophomore Emily Toupalik, herself a keen marathon runner.  The purpose of the event was to get AC’s runners to show support for all those affected by Boston.  AC students and faculty who have participated in marathons were encouraged to wear their race shirts from their previous marathons.  With only three days’ notice, Toupalik inspired several AC runners to participate in the event, but her biggest success was at home.  Many of her family and friends participated and sent her photos throughout the day.  In all, 42 people participated in the event.

The goal of showing support was successful, but Race Shirts for Boston had an even deeper meaning: AC’s runners will not allow any terrorist to get to them.

“This bombing will not affect me running another marathon.  I have one planned for June 1st, and I am not letting this bomber get satisfaction out of me giving up my goals,” said Toupalik.  “Running is something that is very special to me and I can’t imagine having that opportunity being taken from due to someone else.”

Toupalik is not the only one at AC who refuses to be discouraged.  Dr. Adam Coughlin, associate professor of exercise science, gave profound advice to everyone, runners or not, who have been discouraged by The Boston Bombing.

Coughlin told College World that the worst thing anyone can do right now is to focus on the negatives of the situation.  He advises people to focus on all that is beautiful and positive in the world, as “focusing on the negative accomplishes nothing.”

Dr. Coughlin is with Toupalik in refusing to let his passion be stifled by the events in Boston.  Additionally, he sees this tragedy as a source of encouragement in its own way.

“[The bombing] really hasn’t affected [my running] much. I will say there are a lot of things in my life that inspire me, and human tragedy is one of them. About 15 years ago, I was running on a treadmill in a gym and feeling sorry for myself having to run on a treadmill and not enjoying the workout at all. I can’t remember the details but an Olympic runner was killed in his hometown by a bomb while out on a training run. I never complain about being “able” to run anymore. But my passion is intact, not changing one way or the other. I’m inspired personally from the efforts of so many on that day, but not [affected] as a runner. “

Strong individuals and communities, like those at AC, are here to ensure that terror will not win.  The Race Shirts for Boston event clearly demonstrated the strength and character of students and faculty in the wake of Boston.  Dr. Coughlin most poignantly states the attitude of AC’s runners.

“The fact that we live in a dangerous world goes largely unnoticed until something like this happens. 40,000 people die in car accidents each year. But most people still get in cars and drive. Over 100,00 people die from infections or complications that happen while they are in a hospital each year, but we still go see the doctor when we need to. Unnecessary death and inevitable evil are as much a part of living as breathing. What happened was a tragedy and if you let it ruin your spirit, then more than three people died last Monday.”

The AC Cheerleading Team poses before the Cheerleading Nationals Competition in Datona Beach, FL. The AC team finished seventh in the nation this year, their first year at nationals.

This year, there were many Adrian College sports teams that performed well enough to compete in the national level of their sport. One of those teams this year was the Adrian College Cheerleading team. The team performed in Daytona Beach, Florida this year.  This marks the first time AC Cheerleading has competed at the NCA Collegiate Nationals.  The team finished in seventh place overall.

Sophomore Ashley Klett said that performing at the level that was needed to compete was challenging, but also worth the hard work.

“The team put in numerous hours of extra practice. We had 2-a-days for most of our practices leading up to nationals, practicing every day and late night practices and often practicing through lunch breaks,” said Klett. “The team accomplished many things, a number of people who had no tumbling skill learned tucks and backhand springs, flyers were able to perform new body positions that they hadn’t been able to do. As a team, we had been undefeated until we went to nationals.”

The team competed against other teams that were from all around the country and at different levels of competition. To compete to be a part of Nationals, the team sent in a video of their performance in order to be considered.

Junior Lauren Wantroba, one of the cheerleading team’s captains, said that the team put in a lot of effort this season to get to the point of competing at a national level against a variety of colleges.

“Numerous colleges competed at Nationals. From Division I schools all the way to NAIA schools. In our division, we competed against Alma along with numerous other schools,” said Wantroba. “We worked really hard this year to make it to finals, and after reworking our entire routine a few days before leaving for nationals due to injuries, I’d say having a routine do well enough to make it to finals was a huge accomplishment and something very special to us all.”

With this year being the first year that the team was able to compete at Nationals, some of the members said that this year was a special season for them.

Klett said that this year not only had many memories for her, but it also holds a special meaning for her.

“For me, what was special about the Nationals performance is that it was my last time performing ever. Due to physical problems and scheduling next year, I will no longer be able to compete. To have my last performance ever be at Nationals meant everything to me,” said Klett. “I will remember having our name announced as the Challenge Cup winners. I was so surprised, and proud of my team. Winning  meant we had made it into finals.”

Wantroba said she had similar feelings about this years’ cheerleading season.

“Something I will remember about the trip is competing day one on my birthday,” said Wantroba. “It is definitely not something you forget. That day was a memorable day to say the least, and having the opportunity to perform a routine with some of your best friends and then making it to finals is definitely going to be something I will always remember.”

Members of the ATSO pose in front of the National Cathedral in Washington D.C. The ATSO traveled to the capital in Spring 2013.

Adrian College’s Athletic Training Student Organization is one of the many student organizations on the campus. ATSO is made up of only athletic training students and everyone from each class is highly encouraged to join. By doing this, it helps bring everyone in the program closer together and lets everyone get to know each other better in the program. All of the members get to know each other very well through this organization and through the different classes that they have together at AC.

The main purpose of ATSO is to fundraise in order to raise money to send the members of the organization to the National Athletic Training Association (NATA). This will be held this coming June, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The majority of the upperclassman at AC that are in ATSO will be attending, 16 members total.

“It is a good way to network and possibly meet future employers and attend lecturers to learn about new discoveries in the Athletic Training world. Nicole Murzen is the president and has done a great job of organizing everything,” said junior Casey Donovan.

ATSO has done a wide variety of different fundraisers so far during this school year. They include the dartboard fundraiser that was held in the Caine Student Center, in which you throw a dart at a balloon and win a prize. Valentine’s Day chocolate rose sale, and selling “Handy Standys” at football games are other examples of ATOS’s fundraisers. Some of their other fundraisers include the Black Tape Sale, Mouth Guard Aale, America 4R Marine Bracelets, and the ATSO Soup Cookbooks. It is obvious that ATSO continues to keep busy throughout the entire school year with their fundraisers and planning. Some of the other fundraisers that will be coming up are a car wash and a sport expedition.

“The thing I like about ATSO is that as an underclassman we get the chance to become friends with the upperclassmen and get to know most of the students that are in the program. The upperclassmen usually help with anything that they can,” said sophomore Emily McCauley.

The upperclassmen help lead the underclassmen to make sure the future of this organization stays on track and continues to fulfill their mission statement. It is important to them to continue to improve the athletic training at AC and to spread the word of their organization to fellow students, freshman, and the Adrian community.

“ATSO also works to promote and advance the profession of Athletic Training, encourage education and the exchange of ideas, develop and maintain professional relationships, and improve the profession of Athletic Training at Adrian College, the community and beyond. The ATSO is a good way for Athletic Training students to build not only their resume, but close relationships with other peers in the major. We are a family!” said junior Nicole Murzen, president of the organization.

Some of the recipients of ATSO’s philanthropy include Juvenile Onset Diabetes, America 4R Marines, Herrick Medical Cancer Center, Salvation Army, Macy’s Make-a-Wish Christmas Program. All of the students in this organization are very passionate about Athletic Training and continuing the growth of the organization throughout the AC campus and the community.

This past fall, eight members of the ATSO at AC walked in the Making Strides for Break Cancer Walk in Ann Arbor. Friday, April 26, ATSO will be hosting their first annual car wash from 1-6 p.m. at Midas in Adrian. All of the donations that are collected will go to the student organization to help them reach their goals and help fund their trip to NATA. Everyone is encouraged to come out and support their fellow AC students.  Nicole Murzen can be contacted for more information on the ATSO.

Last week, Adrian College dazzled judges with their representation of Lebanon at the national Model Arab League Conference in Washington D.C.  The conference was hosted by Georgetown University and included nearly two-dozen schools, including AC, Northwestern University, The American Military Academy at West Point, and George Mason University.

AC raked in the awards at the conference, with juniors Lee Schriber, Rachel Nicholson, Katlyn Westmaas, Emily Gisell, Tim Williams, and sophomore James Palmer  all winning Outstanding Delegation awards.  Additionally, Williams and Gisell were especially important to the team, winning awards for their work on the Joint Defense Council at the conference

The National Model Arab League began as a gathering of 20 schools at Georgetown University in 1983.  The students took roles as members of the 22-state Arab League.  They debated real-life issues that were concerns in the Arab world at the time.  According to The National Model Arab League website, students “write, debate, and pass resolutions that seek to resolve some of the Arab countries’ most difficult challenges. The dynamics and interactive nature of the role-playing among the students stimulate critical thinking, heighten creativity, expand knowledge, and cultivate understanding as no book, video, or coursework ever could.”  The 1983 conference was intended to be a one-off event.  It continued as an annual event, however, and now includes 2,000 students and 200 universities and high schools each year, with conferences being held in 11 different cities.

Students at the conference develop skills in persuasion, reasoning, public discussion, time management, parliamentary procedure, and the dynamics of debating, writing, and editing.  All of the events take place under pressure and tight deadlines, as such discussions would in the real world.

AC’s Model Arab League originated in 2007 at the hands of Drs. Philip Howe and  Sheri Bleam.  Professor David Takitaki has been the program administrator since 2008.  The National Model Arab League is open to all students, regardless of academic major.  Any interested students can contact Professor Takitaki at dtakitaki@adrian.edu.

“We want our students to realize the importance of mental health in a school community,” said Professor Craven of the Teacher Education Department.

On April 17 at 6 p.m. all the tables in the Adrian College Tobias room were packed with students aspiring to become teachers.

Nearly 100 people attended the presentation by LMSW (Licensed Master’s Social Worker) Mental Health Consultant Lauren Kazee of the Michigan Department of Education, who titled her address, “Mental Health In Schools Matters.” Mrs. Kazee is known for coordinating school health and safety programs throughout the state of Michigan. The event was sponsored by AC’s Institute of Education along with Dr. Andrea Milner and professor Craven.

The central concept appeared to be as the consultant stated in her address, “Students need to feel safe.”

She gave each student a packet with a copy of the power point presentation to take home.

Her dissertation gave insight on a number of issues and facts concerning mental health in schools. Risk factors for mental health disorders can be found in the community, family, school, and even within the children’s own biologies. Children in poverty deal with multiple affects of stress.

One quote she shared from the Surgeon General, “Physical and mental health are inextricably intertwined, enmeshed components of an individual’s overall well-being.”

Teachers must be observant of their students. When children have a change in attitude that is uncharacteristic of them, this is a cause for concern that needs to be addressed by the teacher to said students as well as support services. These instances, including depression, can go on for two weeks on average.

Symptoms of depression in a child are typically aggressive behavior and loss of interest. An increasing number of absences from such a student may also be a symptom.
Another example in a student’s change in attitude might not always be from a positive to a negative, but vice versa. Mrs. Kazee shared a story with the audience:

“Once there was a young girl who was typically unhappy. Then one day she, out of the blue, was happy and cheerful. The teacher asked her why she was so happy. And with a social worker involved, the two had come to find that the child had a plan. Her plan was laid out for a time, in which she collected many harmful pills until finally she acquired enough to carry out her own suicide. Her happiness sprung from the idea that she was going to finally, after that day, leave the world that made her feel so melancholy behind. After going through child therapy, she got over the thought of suicide.”

Teachers need to not only be teachers, but give an effort to develop positive relationships so as to not intimidate the students and make them feel more uncomfortable. Their roles must be the observer, team member, educator, role model, and collaborator.

“No significant learning occurs without a significant relationship,“ a quote by Dr. James Comer.

A simple change at no cost helped students in one class improve in person and concurrently in academics. A teacher took it upon himself to simply stand at his doorway before class and greeted each student with a “hello,” “how are you,” and “glad you could make it today,” etc.

“It just comes to show that classrooms should not simply be classrooms, but safe havens,” said music education sophomore Joseph Stutzman.

On a slide from Mrs. Kazee’s presentation: “in a truly safe school, every student feels like they belong, they are valued and physically and emotionally safe.”

The most recent act of terror on the United States people occurred Monday,  April 15, during the Boston Marathon in Boston, Massachusetts.

Two bombs went off near the finish line of the world famous race with no one to claim them, injuring almost 200 people and killing 14. The bombs went off, injuring racers and bystanders with shrapnel.

“The two identical pressure-cooker bombs, each with the capacity to hold six liters of liquid, according to a Boston law enforcement source — blew up in seconds and a short distance apart on Boston’s Boylston Street. They contained BB-like pellets and nails,”said the FBI’s DesLauriers, “causing even more damage” (cnn.com).

Many victims lost limbs, some their lives, and the majority of Americans lost their sense of security.

While suspects were eventually apprehended, after a manhunt, which resulted in the death of one and the arrest of the other, AC students must still feel a sense of shock and worry.

“We’re so grateful to bring justice and closure to this case,” said Massachusetts State Police spokesman Col. Timothy Alben at a news conference in Watertown less than an hour after the capture of suspect Dzhokar Tsarnaev.

“We’re exhausted, folks, but we have a victory here tonight,” he continued.

Gov. Patrick Deval praised local, state and federal agencies “who brought their A-game,” along with members of the public “for their patience and participation in the case.”
“It’s a night where I think we’re all going to rest easy,” said Deval (cnn.com).

And while many Americans feel better that the suspects of this bombing are no longer roaming the streets-society must ask: where is our Nation headed?

Criminals have always and will always exist. So what can Americans do? What can AC students do?

We can help.

Mr. Rogers (of the PBS show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood) explained his reaction to fear this way:

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping” (huffingtonpost.com).

AC students should not be afraid to step in and do something to help their fellow students and/or community members. Helping could be in the form of a meal swipe to someone who is hungry. Helpers can defend against gossip and bullying. To prepare for a large scale crisis, students should consider becoming a Professional Rescuer. This certification is available from the Red Cross through a well taught course at AC. Students interested should contact their advisor for more information about becoming certified.

In the words of Walter Scott:

“The race of mankind would perish did they cease to aid each other. We cannot exist without mutual help. All therefore that need aid have a right to ask it from their fellow-men; and no one who has the power of granting can refuse it without guilt.”

Tess Steedman and Libby Thomas work with students at Lincoln Elementary school in their work to become an InterBaccalaureate school. Each week the two AC students travel to the school to teach a lesson to a third grade class.

Adrian College Teacher Education Department and Lincoln Elementary school are teaming up for a new collaboration. Many students in the program are assisting Lincoln on their pursuit of becoming an InterBaccalaureate (IB) school.

One of the components of this program is that elementary students that being provided with instruction in a foreign language.

Lincoln selected Spanish as the desired language and the AC students jumped on the opportunity to help out Lincoln. Teacher education students have been going into classrooms to provide this instruction to all grade levels.

One classroom at Lincoln that is being affected by the partnership is Jana Brown’s third grade classroom. Once a week, juniors Libby Thomas and Tess Steedman, both teacher education students, journey over to Lincoln Elementary and teach a lesson that they composed themselves.

The most recent lesson was on the months of a year and the days of the week. Thomas and Steedman relied on a ‘repeat after me’ strategy to teach the new vocabulary. Then they moved into worksheets that reinforced the vocabulary that they learned.

Libby Thomas talks about the challenges and benefits involved in creating the unit lesson plans.

“The biggest challenge we faced was our limited knowledge of Spanish. When we created lessons we had to learn the information and reach a comfort level to be able to teach it.

Our training from our teacher education courses really helped us feel more comfortable,” said Thomas.

“The teachers at Lincoln Elementary are seeing a few changes in their students because of the IB partnership,” said third grade teacher Jana Brown.

“Anytime they hear someone else’s voice in the classroom, it’s powerful,” she continued.

Lincoln Elementary has a growing number of Hispanic students and Brown feels as if it has impacted those students the most.

“It makes my Hispanic students feel special, not different as they might in a solely Spanish speaking classroom,” said Brown.

One of the Hispanic students in Brown’s classroom gave some insight about his family before the lesson by saying, “My grandma only knows a few English words.”

This shows that the partnership is reaching more than the elementary school; it is reaching the greater Adrian community.

Not only is it impacting the students and schools, it is also impacting the AC students who have the opportunity to be part of this partnership.

“I gained a better understanding of the importance of students learning a new language at a young age,” said Thomas.

Thomas continued on stating that the young students picked up on the language quickly and she was impressed with how much knowledge they retained week after week.
Brown hopes that the program and partnership will continue.

“Next year, I would like to integrate the Spanish into my other lessons,” said Brown.

AC and Lincoln Elementary School are a strong duo, one that will change our community.

AC students should begin considering their study abroad options now, if they wish to participate in the program in 2014. The application process for studying abroad is quite extensive and requires much to be done on the applicant’s part.

Students, of course, must consider where they wish to study. Whether it be studying literature in Oxford or Spanish in Peru, students must consider the important factors included. Students must ask themselves what their motivation is. Do they wish to immerse themselves in the culture of a faraway land while becoming educated in a way they would not be able to experience in the states? Or is a vacation appealing?

Students must also consider cost. While there is financial aid available for those wishing to study overseas, students need to figure out how and if they can acquire such aid, and whether or not they are willing to work to compensate for food and leisure activities. AC students wishing to study abroad should be in good standing, academically. This academic standing includes participation in a course about the country they are planning to study in.

“In order to maximize their experiences, preparation for study abroad usually begins a year in advance. Students in our local program complete a course in the culture and history of the host country before they leave campus,” said AC professor Don Cellini (www.adrian.edu).

Students wishing to leave the country for credit must also have multiple recommendations from professors, so keeping a clean slate is a must!

Derek Jackson began the consideration and preparation for his study abroad journey to Cusco, Peru, a year in advance.

“Look two semesters ahead. I planned a year in advance. I planned ahead for the fall term to organize. That way, the off and on campus things are both taken care of (such as funding and meetings),” said Jackson.

“You can schedule your meetings in a more organized matter that correlates with your classes. It is better to be early than late in order to avoid late fees and secure courses offered,” he continued.

AC students need to begin early preparations by making sure they are mentally, academically, and financially ready to spend a semester in a country they have never been to.  AC senior Tyler Chase did not take his decision to study in Lima, Peru, lightly.

“It is a good idea to begin researching now as it is a relatively long process and you need to be sure about exactly what you want to do,” said Chase.

Of course, AC professors are more than willing to offer advice on whether or not the study abroad option is right for students.

“The faculty shares our students’ excitement about the study abroad experience. We work one-on-one with them in preparing their applications, in selecting courses, and in transferring their credits back to Adrian College,” said AC professor Marianna Staples (www.adrian.edu).

Although a weighty decision, the idea of whether or not to study in another country is an exciting one.

For more information on the Study Abroad program at Adrian College, please visit the Study Abroad Office in Valade or email: studyabroad@adrian.edu.

Although the Texas explosion does not appear intentional, it is a tragedy, nonetheless. Tragedy, a word defined as an event which causes great suffering, destruction, and distress, is a word that our country is no stranger to. Throughout the past couple of years, our country has bared witness to countless tragedies and hardships. However, this seems to only make us stronger.

On September 11, 2001 our country was violated in a way that was completely unfamiliar. Tragedy struck when the Twin Towers in New York City fell. This left our country completely distraught but it also brought our country closer together and we bonded, over this tragedy. Since then, our country has taken each tragedy with stride and, although we have been wounded, we persevere.

The Texas explosion seemed to be the icing on the cake, of an eventful and horrible week. The Boston bombing engulfed the news and enticed audiences around the nation with it’s horror. When the Texas explosion occurred, the country was already so numb that it just seemed as though the horror would never end.

It is only a little bit over one week after these tragedies, and our country has already begun to turn the next page. Although we acknowledge these horrible tragedies, we also make sure to hold our heads high and continue on. The country stopped in its tracks for a day or so, but now we have come out on the other end, and the light of our brave and resilient country shines bright.

Throughout the week, the president addressed our country, announcing his dismay and the horror he felt. But, he also reassured our country of our resilience and the we would be able to get through this. Also, we were reminded of true unity at the New York Yankees game, when they played “Sweet Caroline”, a song played at every Boston Red Sox game, in support of Boston. However, one of the most touching clips to watch, on tv, was the clips from each sporting event, when the announcement was made that the bombers had been captured. Each crowd went wild with joy and patriotic pride, some sport arenas even broke out into song.

Our country has proved our strength time and time again. We will never forget any tragedy or hardship our country endures. Whether that tragedy is catastrophic, much like 9/11, or horrific and spine-tingling, like the Connecticut school shooting, or simply shocking, like the Texas explosion and Boston bombing, our country has learned to recover. We are resilient. We will come out of these tragedies as a stronger and more united nation just like we have in the past. We must remember to never forget, but to move on and live each day in honor of these tragedies and those who have been taken because of them.

We are all bound to miss a few chances to be entertained by every Bulldog talent and skill. We are given plenty of events every month.  I’ve compiled a small list of things I’d like to attend that the Bulldog Nation is offering.

Number three would have to be seeing more art demonstrations.  The reason behind that choice is that I have been to a lot of art galleries and I do enjoy looking at art, but I would really rather see how it was made.

When I look at pictures and sculptures I always wonder what went into making it or what were they thinking when they made that piece of work. Watching nothing become something, in front of my eyes, is like watching magic happen.  There is something very inspiring when you see someone’s imagination become a reality or hear him or her say,

“That turned out better than I thought it would”.

Speaking of imagination becoming reality brings me to my number two. Which is that I would like to hear the Adrian College bands play a concert.  Being a former band member, throughout middle and high school, the sound of instruments always catches my attention.  Music, has of course, been around for many years now and we have music flowing from radios and MP3s, but nothing can truly beat a grand live performance.

I’ve seen various band members walk around the Dawson Parking lot, carrying shiny instruments and I, on occasion, hear muffled band practice and wonder what a full blown concert would sound like. What songs would they play? What instruments would be chosen for my hearing sensory delight?  These are questions that, one day, I would like answered.

Moving on in the list, yet still staying on the stage, is my number one. That would happen to be that I would like to see a play at ‘the haunted theater.  Downs is host to an array of productions. However, it is also famous for its ghostly spirits, which tie into its history, which is a reminder of how old Adrian College truly is.

I have seen a few plays. I am more of a fan of comedies, but I enjoy watching an occasional drama, as well. The plot and storylines usually are what draws me in. From them, I begin to try and fall into the world set under those lights. A great play is one where you forget that you are in the dark among a large number of strangers and laugh, because you think you’re alone.

Not to say that it is a good thing to respond out loud during a serious moment in a play. I am simply saying that a good play is one where you forget where you are, while watching.  Maybe even that a spirit could be watching the very play you happen to be watching. Maybe even in the seat next to you.

With so much going on, around Adrian College’s campus, I would hate to miss out on anything. I have participated in several events around campus, but with so much going on, there are still a few items on my bucket list.

With the year quickly coming to a close, I suppose that I will have to wait until next year to fulfill my Adrian College to-do list. I hope that you all follow my lead and someday plan to experience all Adrian College has to offer.