Sara Ghavami: A Profile

Avila University draws in students from all over the world, and you never know whom you might meet on campus. Sara Ghavami is a junior at Avila University. While she was born in Overland Park, Kansas, she considers herself to be not only an American citizen but also an Iranian citizen. When she was two, her family moved back to Iran for a couple years, but decided to return to the United States before Sara went to kindergarten. Up until this point, she had spoken only Persian and Arabic, because those are the languages of her culture. After being immersed in public school in the United States, she learned English, which is one of the most difficult languages to learn. Today, her English is flawless and you would never be able to tell from a cursory glance that she is a trilingual Iranian woman.  Sara explained that she is a Muslim, and that there are two different sects within the Islamic religion: Shi’ites and Sunnis. She is a Shi’ite, which is the least common of the two sects. No matter which sect, their culture is very family-oriented and this definitely shows in Sara’s lifestyle. 

In her free time, she loves to spend time with her family and babysit her new niece. She also loves going to the movies and throws Persian parties on the weekends for her family and friends. You may be wondering what a Persian party is, but don’t worry, I got the inside scoop. A Persian party is very similar to a potluck. Everyone brings their own Persian dish and they all share recipes. After getting the hookah burning, they spend the night socializing and having a good time. Don’t worry, only pure tobacco here! The purpose of the Persian party is so that everyone can spend time together, telling jokes and reminiscing about old family stories and how it is back home in Iran. “We are all from [Iran], and it is nice to gather and talk about old times and our country”, she said. Her family travels to Tehran, the capital of Iran, twice a year to visit her and her husband’s family. Sara met her husband when she was 18 while on a trip to Iran. Shortly after, they decided to get married. She said, “A lot of people ask if it was an arranged marriage, and it definitely wasn’t. We are very happy together.” When asked about her plans after graduation, she says that she wants to live in the United States a little while, start a family here, and then move back to Iran when her children are older. She loves her country and her culture, but she loves living in the United States too. On the outside, it may seem like Sara has a lot going on in her life, but on the inside, she is just a normal, every day girl in college here at Avila University.

Livestrong Sporting Park is on the cutting edge.

The wall of accomplishments of Sporting Kansas City.

Soccer is the world’s sport. Even though it isn’t quite as popular in the United States as it is elsewhere in the world, its popularity is growing by leaps and bounds. Here in Kansas City, we are proud to be the home of Livestrong Sporting Park. According to Major League Soccer, Livestrong Sporting Park is one of the most innovative stadiums in the entire league. Not only does the stadium host Sporting Kansas City, the local MLS soccer team, but it also hosts concerts and events. More recently, the stadium has hosted the CONCACAF 2012 Olympic Qualifying games that help decide which of the teams will make it to the Olympic Games in London in 2012. It is an honor to be chosen to host these games, as only two other stadiums in the entire country were chosen. The stadium can seat approximately 18,500 fans, but the capacity can be expanded to up to 25,000 for concerts and events, though most of this extra capacity would be in the form of “standing room only”.

The East Gate entry way of Livestrong Sporting Park.

The stadium itself is quite the sight. While it does not have a full-cover roof, its state-of-the-art design prevents the seats from being exposed to rain and sun, so the fans stay comfortable and dry, while also allowing the field to be exposed to rain. LSP has a real grass field, which many players and coaches prefer, and the exposure is crucial to keeping the field in the immaculate condition it is in. Not only do the fans get to enjoy comfortable seating and entertaining soccer, but there are also countless amenities and technical features that are unique to Livestrong Sporting Park. There are a number of food options at the stadium, ranging from The Grill to a gourmet Pizzeria. For those old enough to drink, they offer a wide variety of alcoholic beverages. You have your typical beer, but there are also full mini-bars that can mix you up any drink right there, for a price of course. There are also flat screen televisions located throughout the concourse so that when you are shopping for your Sporting Style apparel or grabbing something to munch on, you can stay up to date on what is occurring on the field. Many people don’t know that the stadium is also very Apple-friendly. The jumbotrons are controlled by iPad! Fans can also send tweets to the jumbotrons to be displayed during the game. It’s a unique way for the spectators to get show their support. Not only is the stadium one of the most innovative, it’s website also states it to be the first philanthropic stadium in the world. It has a partnership with Lance Armstrong’s Livestrong organization, hence the name. It has promised to donate 7.5 million dollars to the Livestrong organization over the first 6 years that the stadium is open. Overall, the stadium promises a unique and fun experience for those who attend games and/or events located there.

Sporting Kansas City's starting lineup.

View from the press box at Livestrong Sporting Park.

Men's Olympic Qualifiers: Mexico versus Canada

The Mexican Olympic team celebrating after their winning goal against Canada in the 2012 CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers. Mexico will face Honduras in the Final game on April 2^nd, 2012. The games are being held at Livestrong Sporting Park in Kansas City, Kansas. 

Travel the World Without Leaving Campus

The side of the free travel cup.

America is known as the world's "melting pot" - a mixture of people from a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. Avila University is a microcosm of that, with students from Saudi Arabia to Australia. The Ethnic Food and Culture Celebration is a way for students to step to the other side of the world without leaving campus. It is also a great opportunity to better understand their peers, by exploring foreign cultures in a fun and social environment. The celebration included music, food, traditions, and more from a wide variety of countries, such as India and China.

The Ethnic Food and Culture Celebration.

As you first walk in to the celebration, you are greeted by smiles and a free travel cup with "Live in Harmony 2012" emblazoned on the side. This statement seems to summarize the theme of the celebration perfectly. Admission is free and once you are inside Marian Center Dining Room, there is color everywhere! Each group of international students set up beautiful displays with information about their country and culture, including yummy food for their fellow students to try. There was even a mariachi band, who entertained students with music originating from Jalisco, Mexico. The band, who was from Kansas City Music Services, said that they enjoyed playing and singing for the students. A small audience gathered around to enjoy their performance. For a video of one of their songs, see below.

The Ethnic Food and Culture Celebration is an annual event at Avila University and each year, it seems to draw in more and more students. Danielle McMillin, an Avila University senior, said that she has attended the Ethnic Food and Culture Celebration every year that she has been at Avila University. "It's great food, and I love supporting my friends who are international students," she said. There were also a few activities you could participate in, such as having the Saudi Arabian students write your name in their native language. Overall, the celebration is a great way to meet new people, learn about other cultures, and eat some pretty amazing food!

A line of eager students waiting to try some food!

The Saudi Arabian students displays.

 

The Mariachi Band from KC Music Services.

President's Day is Excuse For Three Day Weekend

Photo Courtesy Great Mall of the Great Plains

      On every third Monday in February, the United States celebrates President's Day, though many people are confused about what they are actually celebrating. Most people are just happy to have a day off work or out of school, but do they actually know why? There are many common misconceptions about President's Day. Some people believe that it is George Washington's birthday, while others believe that it is a combination of George Washington's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays. Abraham Lincoln's actual birthday is February 12th, while George Washington's actual birthday is February 22nd. What most people don't know is that it is actually impossible for either George Washington's birthday or Abraham Lincoln's birthday to fall on the third Monday of February. Because of the leap year and how short the month of February is, the latest date that President's Day can occur is February 21st. Stephanie Miller, a local Avila University student, said that she assumed that President's Day was just a celebration of all of the Presidents. Clearly, there is confusion about what the day is actually about and why it was decided to be the third Monday of February.



 

Luke Staudacher, local college student.

     In 1968, a bill was passed called the Uniform Monday Holiday Act that moved the celebration of Washington's birthday to the third Monday of February in order to create more three-day weekends for federal employees. Even more interesting is the fact that the legislation does not actually mention Abraham Lincoln or President's Day at all. The holiday that occurs on the third monday in February is actually legally called "Washington's Birthday". Our modern day President's Day is really just a jumbled mess of confusion perpetuated by department store sales and elementary school teachers who tell their students that it's a celebration of all presidents. The real question is whether or not it is okay to misrepresent history in order to gain three day weekends? Theresa LaRose, an analyst at Ericsson, said that "if we are changing history for our own benefit, it loses it's meaning." While some, like Theresa, feel that it is entirely unethical, others seem to be more apathetic. Luke Staudacher, a local college student, feels that while it is unethical, it doesn't really both him that much. For video from our interview, see below.

Tips for Transfers

Being a transfer student can sometimes be a difficult experience. It takes time to adjust to a new school and to meet new people. Avila University is very transfer-friendly and has the school spirit of a larger institution. However, like most schools, it can be hard to get involved in the school’s community when you haven’t been there from the beginning. Here are a few tips to help a transfer student get involved in Avila’s community:

1. Live on campus! If saving money isn’t a huge priority, then living on campus is a great way to get involved without having to do much of anything. It will automatically place the student in a situation where they meet new people, and put them within close proximity to any activities that may be occurring on campus.

Two of Avila University’s three residence halls: Ridgway Hall and Jeanne Collins Thompson Hall. Thompson Hall is Avila’s newest residence, with dorm rooms that are very similar to apartment living. There are four persons per suite and each person gets their own bedroom. Not pictured: Carondelet Hall.

2. Join intramurals! Students don’t have to be the greatest athlete in the world to join some of the intramural sports and clubs. Avila University offers a wide range of intramural sports and activities, from soccer to golf. It’s a good way to stay active, meet new people, and share school spirit.

3. Join a club/organization! Avila currently has almost 50 student clubs and organizations that are available for students to join, and the number is growing year after year. Some clubs require a certain academic standing to join while others do not. There is a large variety of clubs and organizations, and no matter what interests the student has, they are sure to find one that fits their interests. Student organizations are a good way to meet new people, to network, and to express yourself. If you can’t find one you like, start your own!



 One of the many colorful bulletin boards on the Avila University campus. On these bulletin boards you can find information about club meetings, sporting events, and organizations looking for new members. It’s a good way to see some of the things occurring on campus.



Students are Top Priority for President

Photo by Frank Thorp

     In this year’s State of the Union address, President Barack Obama not only listed to the American people his plans for our nation’s future, but also thoroughly explained his ideas in a way that most people could understand. This made his speech very powerful and influential to those who watched it, and most importantly, it brought hope. Maybe there actually is a light at the end of this dark tunnel of economic depression.

     Students, college level and even younger, seemed to be one of Obama’s top priorities. Not only was it proposed that high school students be required by law to go to school until they turn 18, but there were also a lot of issues brought up for college students as well. Avila students will be happy to know that he wants to double the amount of work-study positions available to college students over the next five years. Obama sees the importance of being able to work hard for your money while also being able to focus on your education, because in the end, getting an education will not only better yourself, but better our society as well.

     Not only is Obama trying to ease the worries of the current college student, but he is also trying to open up options for the college graduate. He wants to offer tax breaks to companies that create new jobs or bring jobs back to American soil. This could help open up a job market to the mass amounts of people looking for work, including Avila University graduates. Barack Obama’s plans may take time to implement, and as Avila students, we can only hope that he doesn’t meet too much opposition.

Creativity is Universal

     On Thursday, February 9th, Avila University hosted a Creative Symposium where students could come and learn about the creativity of others as well as learn about the creativity they have within themselves. The moderator was Steven Fischer, who has been nominated twice before for Emmys for writing and producing. The panel was comprised of 6 local Avila artists, all speaking on their lives as they became the artists they are today. The purpose was the give advice to the students in the audience, which ranged from theater majors to Avila athletes.

     There were two portions to the Creative Symposium, which lasted from 10am to 5 pm, with a short lunch break in between. The first half to the symposium included the panel answering questions posed to them by the moderator as well as answering questions from students in the audience. One student asked, “How do you allow your creativity to flow while also dealing with deadlines?” Amy Mendenhall, an Editorial/Art Director at Hallmark, responded quickly, “You can’t do it all… and sometimes you just have to tell the perfectionist in you to shut up.” Many people have probably felt the same was as Amy has, especially college students who frequently have to deal with deadlines in their classes, regardless of what their major.

     The second half of the Creative Symposium included students actually working together on these long stretches of paper to create artwork that had a little piece of everyone. It’s fascinating to see that so many different types of students were drawn to the symposium. Creativity is universal, and each student, no matter what their major or preferences, creates art. A football player creates art on the field. A student majoring in English creates art in their papers and stories. As panelist Stanley E. Banks said, it’s all about “putting pain and passion on paper”, or whatever your medium is.

Avila University students getting to know some of the panelists.