Rabbi Speaking at Convocation Sparks Mixed Reactions

By Jessica De Vivo

Rabbi Baruch HaLevi, a rabbi at Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott, Ma, came to Gordon College to speak during convocation. HaLevi was the first part of the series, “Exploring Psalms with the Rabbis.”

Some students appreciated hearing from a Jewish scholar and his insight into the Psalms. Kaeli Byers, a pike-middle-eastern studies senior interns at HaLevi’s temple and was fascinated that the college brings those of the Jewish faith to speak. “Judaism informs Christianity to such a large extent,” said Byers. Although she found certain aspects of HaLevi’s speech to differ from her beliefs in Christ, she didn’t dismiss it. “Just because something is challenging to my current beliefs doesn’t mean it’s not valid,” said Byers.

Others, however, left the convocation feeling a bit uneasy. “It was hard for me to listen to someone teach me about my religion from someone who doesn’t practice my religion,” said Bethany Persenaire, ’11, a music-education major from Lynn, Ma. Persenaire, like Byers, agreed that followers of Judaism do have much to teach Christians, but did not think that convocation was the proper place for it. “Our God sent us a savior. They don’t believe that he has yet. In a way, we’re talking about different gods,” said Persenaire.

HaLevi’s lecture stirred up conversation among the students. It appears that the rest of the rabbi series promises continued discussion and reactions across campus.

Newcomers Series: International Student, Rebekah Kang, Enjoys Her Time at Gordon College.

By Jessica De Vivo

Rebekah Kang always imagined what life would be like in the States. As a first-year international student born in Seoul, Korea, double majoring in communication arts and Spanish, Kang is thrilled to be at Gordon College in Wenham, Ma. She likes it very much. “I like the professors here. They are so nice,” said Kang.

Kang appreciates the small setting Gordon offers. It reminds her of school she went to in the Philippines, where her parents are missionaries. “I realized I should go somewhere that I fit into well,” said Kang. She likes how close-knit the classes are. Of great importance to Kang is the Christian atmosphere. “It’d be hard if I had non-Christian friends to talk with about what’s going on in my life with God,” said Kang.

Residing in Wilson Hall, Kang loves the girls on her floor. “We’re really tight.” She enjoys the amount of floor activities provided. Both Kang and her roommate already knew each other from the Philippines. “We’re helping each other,” said Kang.

Kang sees life in the States at Gordon as a great experience. “Being an international student helps you because you get to see a lot of different cultures-so you broaden your views,” said Kang. Kang likes it in America so far. “I wish I could stay here longer, even after I graduate.”

Zinsser's 30-year-old Book on Writing Still Speaks to Modern Writers

By Jessica De Vivo

The classic guidebook for writing, On Writing Well, by William Zinsser, first published in 1976, is now in its seventh edition, and has sold over one million copies. Talented students and future writers in Professor Jo Kadlecek’s journalism class at Gordon College are delving into Zinsser’s book with eagerness and are filled with nothing but praise. Even after 30 years, On Writing Well continues to speak to the heart of the journalist.

“He had a lot of practical tips for writing that are timeless,” said Naomi Peirce, ’11, a communication arts major from Claremont, NH. “I really liked what he said about not cluttering your writing and adding extra words and phrases that aren’t needed.” Peirce finds Zinsser’s expertise beneficial, including his chapter on the importance of leaving out the “fluff” in writing. “Get to your point,” said Peirce.

Michelle Webber, ’11, a communication arts major from Blue Hill, ME, couldn’t agree more. “It’s a good, classic guide for writing.” Webber also finds Zinsser’s writing tips very helpful. They hit-home with her. “Getting rid of clutter is important because I tend to write a lot of unnecessary things…and I hate having to cut, but I know I will have to do that if I’m going to get to the point of what I’m writing about.”

Webber was enlightened to the helpful hint that writers just need to be themselves. “Don’t put up a façade to impress you readers.” Webber reflects on how she was taught to write with huge, impressive words when she was younger. “We write to make the reader think we’re more intelligent than we are, rather than writing what’s on your mind and what comes from your heart.”

There is no doubt that On Writing Well has made a lasting impression on Kadlecek’s writing students. Though the book is 30-years-old, they see it as a helpful tool in their future writing. “I see it helping me…he has a lot of experience and he knows what he’s talking about,” said Peirce. Peirce and Webber both agree that Zinsser’s piece is still relevant and contains lessons for journalism writing that will never fade. “There are some fundamental aspects of journalism that won’t change,” said Webber. It is remarkable that Zinsser’s helpful guide is still impacting the future writers of America.

Pictured: Michelle Webber

College Students Mixed About Online Journalism
By, Jessica De Vivo

“I have mixed feelings, but am generally opposed,” said 20 year-old Kaeli Byers, a Gordon College Pike-Middle-Eastern Studies major, when asked what she thought of the campus’ Tartan newspaper ending its print to become an online source. Byers believed that, while much is currently online, there is too much dependency on technology these days.

“It is a great way for students to publish their work and actually have a newspaper to hold,” said Byers, reflecting on the “good old days” of print journalism. She feels that people will be much less inclined to read the Tartan once it goes completely online. “Why read it online when you can read the BBC News?” The readership of the campus paper will decrease, according to Byers.

Many students obtain their news from various sources, some preferring the television, while others use the radio or internet, as seen in Professor Jo Kadlecek’s journalism class. Katherine Sama, a Gordon College student from Windsor, Connecticut, said that she mainly uses the Internet for her news because it is somewhere she goes on a daily basis.

Others, such as sophomore Maia Mattson, obtain news from the National Public Radio. Many students, however, seem to embrace the ease of using the Internet as a news source. Perhaps this is a sign that many students will find themselves reading the Tartan more often than they would have if it remained in print. However, the Tartan is a completely different news source. It pertains mainly to issues surrounding the campus, rather than covering the hottest news off the press that such students in Professor Kadlecek’s class were seeking when they ran to the Internet as a news source.

The current issue surrounding the Tartan’s shift from print to the Web obviously encourages concern and debate. On the one hand, the Tartan will no longer remain a paper which students can grab on the go or read while cramming in a meal, yet, on the other side of the spectrum, with the population of students today being technologically inclined, perhaps much hope remains for this new day for the Tartan. One can only wait and see.