Avila University - Anthem Yearbook (Kansas City, MO)

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Remember those letters home . . . Dear Mom and Dad, I’m taking a break from my English homework, and I thought I’d use this time constructively and write you a short note. I’ve finally adjusted to living in the halls. It’s like a huge family; I’ve gained sixty brothers and 115 sisters. The R.A.’s serve as our pseudo- mamas and papas — They help us through our first taste of respon- sibility. I never knew life was so complex. A group of us spent two hours the other day discussing how to spend our weekends, how often to attend classes, and whether or not to eat in the cafeteria. Since that conversation, I’ve received two C’s and lost five pounds. However, I have finally found a balance between studying and socializing. They’re called “study groups.” We meet once a month for an “all nighter.” No, it’s not what you’re thinking, mom! We just eat a pizza and listen to a little music as we study. Guess what — I met someone! Well, not just anyone — someone special! We’re going to the Avila Spring Formal together. It’ll be fun. Dad, you should be proud of me. I’m participating in intramural sports. Not only that, but I’m following in your footsteps as a bench warmer. I’ve also mastered the technique of shooting pool and playing ping-pong. I’m planning on hitting the tournament circuit to raise tui- tion money for next semester. My next challenge is to master the video games in the snack bar — then I can give lessons to twelve year olds. Some “jerk” pulled the fire alarm at three a.m. the other day. Everyone was really mad! We all decided we need to take a stress management course next semester. But as they say here at Avila — That’s Life in the Halls Top Right — “Hangin’ out with the guys.” Scott Anderson, Jeff Kraus, and John Hunnius. Above — Angela Lynas and Tassie Bader, relaxing after classes, enjoy a game of pool. Right — Jun Ha learns to enjoy the bachelor life. 20

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PRAYER OF A RESIDENT ASSISTANT Slow me down Lord. Stretch my heart to broaden my love to include the unlovable. Help me to dare, to care, to risk being hurt by reaching to the limit to touch another of Your creatures without guarantee of love returned of appreciation, or a “Thank You.” Motivate me Lord. Don’t let me waste my life. Help me to find purpose in all that happens, to under- stand Your will, to use my gifts: My brain to learn Your Word, to apply the teachings, to comprehend my studies. My mouth, not only to witness (that too), but also to ask someone how their day was. My ears, not only to hear out a crying girl who failed a test, broke up with her boyfriend, or “lost” a loved one to death, but also to listen to jokes and funny experiences. My spirit to laugh with friends, to share in disappointments and sorrows. My eyes to cry with another, to express Your love. My hands to hold another’s hand, to wipe away our tears, to clap for joy. My arms to hug a friend, to carry books for someone who’s beat from a hard day. My feet to celebrate life by dancing, skipping, running. To go “the extra mile” for a friend or enemy. My heart, stretched by Your sacrifice, to make room for Your sake, to bring Your heavenly love down to earth. To You and yours I give my love, Lord. Amen. Sue Plekker, R.A. at Calvin College 2 1. Look, it’s Beth Maren, Avila’s lovely Residential Coordinator, and her happy- go-lucky assistant, Patrick Wood, doing their impression of “Twisted Sister.” 2. She’s adorable. She’s single. She has been an R.A. for three consecutive years. She’s Linda Bleyenberg. 19

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I Below — An Avila “Study Group” in action, enjoying a warm sunny day. Bosom Buddies What did it take to be a roommate? $1,150.00 per semester Patience A psychology degree Extra tubes of shampoo and toothpaste Extra sweat shirts Earphones Housekeeping 101 Swiss bank account for phone bills Kleenex Food Loan and rental experience Above Left — Avila students enjoy a Student Union Board Comedy Presentation in the Snack Bar. Above Right — Roommates Michelle Reynoldson and Missy Fall ing enjoy an exciting home soccer game. 21