Adventuring Abroad: Preparation Horrors and the City of Saints

In my experience, I have found the most stressful part of any journey oftentimes accompanies the preparation and anxiety that arises before ever even taking that first step onto the airplane, vehicle, boat, etc.  Knowing something about where you’re going obviously helps, but if your destination is somewhere you have never been before, no amount of reading, packing or studying will keep those fears, doubts and second thoughts from festering in your mind. The key is to channel these oftentimes negative feelings into something positive, like excitement or eagerness. If you keep reminding yourself how fulfilling your trip is going to be, you’ll eventually convince yourself that you are excited and eager to be going. Then, one day, you’ll find that you actually are, just as you were when you first decided to take the trip. This was the process I had to work through when I decided to participate in Global Learning. The minute I saw my new home, though, I felt at peace and reassured. Santiago has been nicknamed the city of Saints for the capital’s deeply rooted traditions in Catholicism. This core essence of the city can be felt everywhere, from the world-famous Metropolitan Cathedral to the hilltop sanctuary “San Cristόbal”, where a 22-meter tall limestone Virgin Mary stands, looking out over her loyal and dedicated city. With its towering buildings and ongoing cityscape, Santiago has the potential to feel like a megacity to newcomers. Nearly half of Chilé’s 14-million inhabitants live in Santiago, giving it a population of over 7-million. The Chileans of Santiago seem to be especially proud and in touch with their European...

Freshmen Interest Groups promote community interaction

Lipscomb freshmen can begin attending Freshmen Interest Groups to help them get connected on campus, starting Wednesday, Jan. 18.  A Freshmen Interest Group (FIG) allows those newer to Lipscomb to connect with other students who share in the same interests. All freshmen are welcome to attend any meetings available. Six different interest groups will be featured. Those with a knack for service can meet with Christin Shatzer on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the Johnson conference room to join the community service/service learning FIG. This group also offers opportunities with the SALT program. Students looking for recreational activities can meet with Matthew Abplanalp in the Student Activity Center lobby at 4 p.m. Wednesday to join the Campus Rec FIG, aimed at promoting healthy living. Also on Wednesday at 4 p.m., those with a love for travel can meet Melissa Swan in Arlo’s to discuss world-wide exploration with the travel FIG. On Thursday at 3 p.m., Campus Minister Jake Burton will lead the spiritual FIG in the Campus Ministry office. This group will take a closer look at God’s work on campus and address spiritual questions. Any film buffs can join Dr. Matt Hearn in Swang 102 on Thursday at 5 p.m. to discuss the art of cinema with the movies/film FIG. Those with a love of the culinary arts can meet with Dr. Autumn Marshall at 3 p.m. Friday in Ezell 107 to delve into the world of good food with the culinary/food FIG. If you are unable to attend any of the Freshmen Interest Groups but still desire to know more information, please contact any of the group facilitators below. Other...

Belmont departs from Atlantic Sun to join Ohio Valley Conference

Last month it was announced that Belmont would be the leaving the A-Sun and becoming 12th member of the Ohio Valley Conference. While it was announced on the 13th of May, Belmont will not officially join the OVC until July 1, 2012. Belmont president Robert Fisher was intentional in explaining that the move was a strategic one that was made for the student-athletes and the budget of the university. Belmont will have to pay $200,000 to leave the Atlantic Sun Conference, however, the school’s travel costs will drop immensely. “You don’t have to get on a plane to go anywhere,” Dr. Fisher said. “And the students won’t have to miss as many classes.” Missing classes is something that Belmont and Lipscomb have dealt with in the past because of the long travels the two schools make to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas. This bodes even worse for Lipscomb now, since their travel partner will no longer be making the trips. Usually, Lipscomb and Belmont would share a plane when traveling to Florida to play teams like North Florida and Jacksonville. Now, Belmont’s longest road trip will be a six hour bus ride to Edwardsville, Ill. to play Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. All of Belmont’s current teams – other than men’s soccer –  will be recognized by the OVC in 2012. And despite reports, Belmont does not plan to add football anytime soon. With the addition of the Bruins, the OVC now has five teams in Tennessee: Austin Peay State, the University of Tennessee at Martin, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State and now, Belmont. Think of it this way; TSU...
Wintermester 2010-2011

Wintermester 2010-2011

Do you get bored over your winter break? Wish you could travel around the world, go skiing or knock out a GenEd or two? Wintermester 2010-2011 is a new academic term that offers more flexible ways for Lipscomb students to earn their hours and meet class requirements during their winter break. Wintermester offers travel, online, and hybrid courses in a number of departments and offers a broader range of classes that may not be as accessible during regular fall or spring semesters. Students have the opportunity to lighten course loads, get ahead, or catch up by taking their choice of five courses offered this winter. Principles of Management, MG 3503, taught by Zach Evans is on online course offered to students who can earn credit while at home over the break. Intermediate Algebra, MA 1030, is a hybrid course that will be taught by Brandon Banes. This Wintermester also offers three travel courses. Dean Norma Burgess will be taking a group of students to Southeast Asia from December 27 to January 8 to explore the interrelationships between families and their environments. Students will experience consumerism and merchandising in Singapore then visit ancient ruins and cities in Cambodia. Three credit hours can be earned in either Fashion, History, or Sociology. The Bible Department is also offering a travel course to Greece and Rome from December 27 to January 8. Dr. Mike Williams will be taking students on a journey following the footsteps of Paul while learning about the ancient cultures surrounding the early church. Credit will be given in either Story of the Church or New Testament World. The last...