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Martin Luther King Jr. Day is a national day of service where all Americans are encouraged to volunteer and serve their communities. The holiday honors the civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. and his life and legacy. For the eighth year in a row, Palm Beach Atlantic University participated in MLK Day of Service by making lunch boxes and hygiene bags to provide to people who most need them in Palm Beach County. Together with the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County, 844 PBA students, community members, alumni and staff came together to volunteer. 145 of them came to the packing project at the Rinker Athletic Campus. Makenna Welch, a worker at the Workship Office at PBA, said she enjoyed the event because it engaged the community and is a project many people often return to. “This is actually an event that has been going on for eight years and we always get a lot done in a short time. I think our volunteers really enjoy this kind of service because they feel they are helping the community with things that make a real change,” she said. Welch emphasized the importance of volunteering on this day as a way to honor the life of Martin Luther King Jr. as he spent his life helping his community by advocating for a just and equal society. She also connected the MLK Day of Service to her Christian faith. “I think it is important to go out on MLK’s birthday to serve people who need help and give back to our community. Volunteering is also an example of what Christ did as he went out and served people which makes this day even more important to me and many others,” Welch said. MLK Day of Service is the only federal holiday designated as a National Day of Service. People all over the U.S. engage in this day to help out the community. Krysta Memis was one of many volunteers who came to serve on this day. She said it was the first time she volunteered at MLK Day. “This was my first time so I did not know what to expect but everyone here is very happy and joyful about serving the community. I feel very excited about being involved in this,” Memis said. Memis said MLK Day was a good excuse to come down to Florida. She used to study at PBA and saw volunteering as a good way to give back to the local community she used to live in while visiting friends. “I am very happy I came down here to serve. I have had a very positive experience. I will definitely start volunteering every MLK Day from now on,” Memis said. Memis and Welch gave advice to those who have never volunteered on MLK Day before. “Everyone seems very excited to be here and it is a good way to give back to the community. I would for sure recommend everyone who can to go out and serve on this day, it is very fun and meaningful,” Memis said. “You feel very good after serving and it feels good to help people. I would just say to go out and try it,” Welch added. By Hedda Jarhall

Hamas launched an attack on Israel on Oct. 7, and suddenly, the long-endured Israel-Palestine conflict took the spotlight. Since the mid-20th century, Israel and Palestine have been at odds, but in a media-driven age, the conflict brings global commentary on the issue like never before. The political, economic and religious implications of Hamas’ attack on Israel are complex. Listening to various accounts, along with the conflict’s historical conflict grants a better understanding of the ongoing war in the Middle East and the interpersonal divide over Israel-Palestine throughout the world. In an exclusive interview, retired Stanford professor Dr. Joel Beinin comprehensively analyzed the historical context and contemporary complexities fueling the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Beinin's insights shed light on a region grappling with a history of displacement, political strife and enduring human suffering. Amid differing perspectives, including those of Palestinian advocate Amna Alian and Israel-associated junior Jack Hasson, the discussion scrutinizes the socio-political complexities that underpin the crisis. The interviewees discuss the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza, the implications of U.S. support for Israel and the role of social media in shaping global narratives. "The situation didn't begin on October 7 — it has been building up for years. Over two million people in the Gaza Strip have been held in an open-air prison for sixteen years, with 40% of the population under 18 – this is the only life they know," emphasized Beinin. He painted a grim picture of life in the Gaza Strip, where half the population is unemployed, 80% depend on humanitarian aid and 95% of the water is undrinkable, a statistic shared by The International Rescue Committee (IRC). Beinin pointed out that these conditions and a lack of political rights contribute to the desperation that fuels tensions in the region. "Fundamentally, the conditions in the Gaza Strip are what brought this about," he explained. Beinin outlined the start of the Israel-Palestine conflict and how it has developed since. He includes violent outbreaks between Israel and Palestine over the years, the election of Hamas and the peace attempts highlighting Israel's siege on the Gaza Strip since 2006, following Hamas' victory in the 2006 Palestinian legislative council elections. In 1993, the Oslo Accords outlined a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) as a peace process for the Israel-Palestine conflict. The agreement included the establishment of a Palestinian Authority in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for five years. The failure of the Oslo Accords and the subsequent disillusionment of Palestinians with the peace process further fueled the crisis. Amna Alian moved to the U.S. when she was 8 years old as a Palestinian refugee with her parents, and has been actively involved in educational efforts for Palestine. Alian, reflecting on her personal history, emphasized the violent displacement of Palestinians, stating, "The reason we ended up here in America is because we were forced to leave Palestine. We were violently forced to leave Palestine." Alian said both of her parents were forced to leave Palestine after both of their villages were burned down in the expansion of Israel. She pointed out, "If you look at the map of Palestine, historic Palestine, you can see how it's been shrinking and shrinking and shrinking and shrinking.” However, for those who sympathize with Israel, it is a different story. Jack Hasson is a junior at Palm Beach Atlantic and has strong ties to Israel, with most of his family currently living there. Hasson grew up frequently visiting Israel and considered one day living there to live with his family. Hasson stressed that groups like Hamas are obstacles to peace. "Hamas doesn't want peace. Iran doesn't want peace. They don't want Israel and Saudi Arabia at peace. They don't want it. And when they give the green light, Hamas and Hezbollah are just puppet states for them," Hasson argued. Identifying who the Hamas are has been a main source of controversy in the Israel and Palestine conflict. The name “Hamas” is an Arabic acronym that translates to “Islamic Resistance Movement.” Beinin described the emergence of Hamas in 1988 as more than just a military group since they previously existed in the Gaza Strip as a branch of the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamic organization. “The original charter, if you read it, was bone-chillingly anti-Semitic,” said Beinin. Beinin further clarified that Hamas was democratically elected by the Palestinian people in 2006 because of the failed Oslo Accords, and the corruption of the Fatah, the leading political party of the Palestinian Liberation Organization at the time. After being elected, Hamas became the core provider for the Palestinians living in Gaza. “The population, even if they are not supporters, relies on Hamas for many things that really should be provided by the Palestinian Authority,” said Beinin. Hasson voiced strong opposition to Hamas, claiming that they are a terrorist group whose motives are reflected in the deaths of both Israeli and Palestinian civilians. According to a poll by the Washington Institute, “57% of Gazans express at least a somewhat positive opinion of Hamas—along with similar percentages of Palestinians in the West Bank (52%) and East Jerusalem (64%).” Alian shared similar views of Hamas saying, “Hamas is just basically a small group to the Palestinians. They are freedom fighters – No people are going to, you know, just silently accept their oppression.” Alian claims that the Oct. 7 attack took place because the Palestinians in Gaza reached a breaking point under the living conditions. “It just reached a boiling point,” Alian said. “Holding, you know, five million people hostage. Without freedom, without rights, by force, is not sustainable. They have the right to be free.” Alian references Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza as the cause of this “boiling point,” from limited water, lack of healthcare, extreme police brutality and overall dehumanization. “They commit a lot of crimes against humanity,” Alian said. “How much water you get depends on what they will allow you. How much food you get depends on what they will allow you. Where you go depends on what they will allow you.” The Hamas attack only heightened the division in the U.S. over Israel and Palestine. As the American government supports Israel, individuals all over the country voice opposing views on the conflict. Beinin cites the emotional support of either Palestine or Israel throughout America as a result of a variety of motives, from foreign affairs to religion, to generational experiences. “People want to take a side because they are actually on one side or the other for opportunistic political and sincere reasons,” Beinin said. Even America’s support for Israel comes from a variety of sources according to Beinin, including, but not exclusive to, the formation of Israel as compensation for the Holocaust. He also claims that the American government supports Israel as a key foreign ally. “If you’re talking military assets, and even more importantly in some respects, intelligence assets – Israel is gold,” Beinin said. “Israel is our [America’s] unsinkable aircraft carrier in the Middle East.” Much of the controversy surrounding the Gaza conflict is most evident on social media platforms such as Instagram and X. Younger generations have been particularly vocal about their support of either Israel or Palestine. Hasson believes that there is a lot of misinformation circulating on social media that has caused pro-Hamas dialogue. He argues that supporting Hamas is not the same as supporting Palestinian civilians, and expressed that his compassion for all civilian life is the very reason he opposed Hamas. Hasson also addressed the antisemitism that has resulted from the influx of pro-Hamas content on social media. “Since the beginning of time, Jewish people have been subject to some sort of killing or discrimination or prejudice,” Hasson said. “There’s no justification for what happened.” Alian expressed gratitude for social media, claiming that it has informed users on what is going on in Gaza. The American media, on the other hand, Alian described as, “completely one-sided, irresponsible, and complicit.” “Social media has a place and it should never disappear. We should never lose the right, you know, to speak to each other as individuals,” Alian said. When addressing comments on social media, Beinin shared his awareness that there are arguments for both sides of the issue and expressed a desire for justice on both ends. He argued that both the Israeli government and Hamas have committed acts of cruelty against the other. Beinin condemned Hamas for killing innocent civilians, and the Israeli government for their siege on Gaza that collectively punished two million people. The future in Gaza remains unknown in the eyes of Beinin, as the Oct. 7 attack shifted all previous peace attempts between Israel and Palestine. Hasson shared his desire for peace in the Middle East to emerge after this conflict, particularly Israel and Saudi Arabia. “What I would say is for our Jewish community to keep hope,” Hasson said. “Out of the darkest hour of the Holocaust came the light of the creation of the state of Israel, and the darkest hour of what’s going on now, there will be some creation of light and peace in the Middle East between Israel and Saudi Arabia.” Looking toward the future, Beinin and Alian expressed a shared desire for peace and a commitment to open dialogue and understanding. "Peace is achievable. And there's a lot of Jewish people who want that too," Alian stated. "I'm fighting so hard for the day when we can speak honestly about what's happening. And we can hear from both sides and then we can resolve the problem." Beinin emphasized that regardless of whose side you are on, the value of civilian life is non-negotiable in the Israel-Hamas war. “The only reasonable approach in my view is that we’re all human beings and human beings have equal rights to life and you don’t kill innocent civilians,” said Beinin. “If you do, that’s a crime and it’s wrong.” By Grace Mackey and McKay Campbell Hear these personal accounts on our podcast via the links below. Thank you for taking the time to listen to these stories. Dr. Joel Beinin: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/grace-mackey-and-mckay-ca0/episodes/Looking-at-Israel-and-Palestine-Episode-One-e2bhhuh Jack Hasson: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/grace-mackey-and-mckay-ca0/episodes/Looking-at-Israel-and-Palestine-Episode-Two-e2d3rn0 Amna Alian: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/grace-mackey-and-mckay-ca0/episodes/Looking-at-Israel-and-Palestine-Episode-Three-e2d5b62

Palm Beach Atlantic University’s graduating class of 2024 is voicing concerns about a recent change to the university’s commencement ceremony. The change moves the ceremony from the previously used convention center to the Reuben Arena on campus. The graduating class learned of the change when graduation information was posted on the university’s website. Consequently, students swiftly became both concerned and upset. Senior Gracie Malinowski started a petition to help voice the students' concerns, which now has over 900 signatures. The university administration’s response to the petition remains unknown. “Holding the ceremony in the gym does not reflect the prestige associated with completing college education,” Malinowski wrote in the petition. This alteration to the ceremony also refreshes past turmoil with the class of 2024, who did not have a proper high school graduation due to the 2020 pandemic, now feeling they once again are losing graduation. “This is an issue we care about, especially after losing an in-person graduation due to the pandemic,” Malinowski said. “The class of 2024 deserves a real graduation.” The students are not the only ones with concerns; several parents have expressed reservations about the venue, parking, and even the number of tickets students were allotted. “PBA has decided to deprive these kids of the beautiful graduation ceremony that previous graduating classes have received,” wrote one mom in a social media post. The venue’s atmosphere is not the sole concern. The graduating class will be split into two ceremonies, according to the university’s website. Preventing friends from different disciplines from cheering each other on. “These kids have friends graduating in multiple disciplines and can’t even cheer each other on because of the venue size,” said Loretto Frances Smith Polacheck, a PBA parent. Palm Beach Atlantic’s registrar Kathy Majzner has addressed some of these concerns, with others still under consideration. According to Majzner, this decision to change venues was made a year ago due to issues with booking a large enough venue in Palm Beach County. “The convention center is owned and operated by the commissioners and they have set standards on how far in advance we can book,” Majzner said. “This means bigger groups take up all the dates.” Similarly, the Expo Center at the Fairgrounds is already booked with a monthly occurring event. Majzner also went on to clarify that this venue change is not a budget cut, but rather circumstantial. “It was a definite administrative decision to showcase our campus,” said Majzner. “We are going to do the best we can with what we have available.”. Parking does not seem to be an issue, with all of the student lots available. Plans for shuttles or designated lots for disabled parking are in progress. Previous confusion among the graduates regarding the number of tickets has been clarified by Majzner, who assures the website is accurate and that each student will receive up to five tickets. Guest seating will be in bleachers, with regular seating for the graduates and those needing ADA accommodations. The university is also working hard to ensure the venue still holds the respectable atmosphere expected of a college commencement. The Ruben Arena will be decorated with drapes to cover the walls and time clock. The stage will be decorated with the greenery seen in previous graduation ceremonies. The Rotunda in the Warren Library will also be open all day, providing the graduates and families an opportunity to mingle and celebrate. “We will have some refreshments, maybe some hors d’oeuvres,” said Majzner. “There will be lots of photo-ops and faculty will be there so students can introduce their parents to their favorite teachers.” Majzner also understands the frustration of losing a graduation ceremony, as her son was set to graduate from PBA in 2020. “There was no commencement. We did a virtual thing where the deans read the names.” With the loss of graduation in 2020, the anticipation of the graduation ceremony for the class of 2024 comes with many feelings; no doubt some negative feelings given this change. “It will be worth it,” Majzner said. “It will be a very nice celebration, it will be dignified and it will be formal.” By Savannah Carr

“Sunday on the Waterfront” is a series of concerts held once a month on the West Palm Beach waterfront. These concerts attract people of all ages to come together for the end of the weekend. During November, the theme was 80s pop covers, performed by Switch It Back to the 80s. Their vision was to bring the 80s back to life with their performance. “We know you all love the 80s songs, so we are going to sing a lot of them, both some songs we think you all know and some songs you might now know as well,” said the lead singer at the beginning of the concert. The concert was held at the Meyer Amphitheater at Sunfest Park. Several tents with food, drinks and activities were set up in front of the stage, and audience members brought their own lawn chairs for the grass. Richard Smith was one of the many people from the community to join the concert. He came with his wife since they both said they enjoy this genre of music. “When we found out they were doing a concert with 80s music, we could not resist going. I would say it is the best decade of music,” Smith said. Smith said his favorite part of the concert was the atmosphere. He enjoyed the good weather and said everyone seemed to be in a good mood while dancing to the music. “It is fun to see many different age groups gathering together for an event like this. I think it fits both children and adults,” said Smith. Pedro Lobos and his daughter were visiting downtown West Palm Beach when they heard music and decided to go find where it was coming from. “When we got here we saw there were a lot of people. We also found a stand that was giving out beach balls to children for free,” Lobos said. Lobos liked that there was lots of space for children to play, and said that he and his daughter enjoyed spending time outside. People also brought their own footballs and soccer balls to the lawn in front of the stage. The area provided spaces to sit, relax and enjoy the music apart from the sports. Lobos voiced that more food options would have made more people come since it would have been nice to enjoy food with family and friends while listening to music. Both Smith and Lobos said they will come back to Sunday on the Waterfront because they think it ends the week in a fun way. “I will definitely check out what other concerts are coming up and hopefully come here again,” Lobos said. __________ Check out more "Sunday by the Waterfront" upcoming concerts here: https://www.wpb.org/government/community-events/community-events/sunday-on-the-waterfront By Hedda Jarhall

The internet is increasingly becoming a central aspect of our lives, affecting not only individuals but also libraries. Since 1989, when Anthony Verdesca began his career as a librarian, significant transformations have occurred. Before the internet, libraries were the primary source of information, housing books, magazines and articles. Now, information is readily accessible everywhere. When Verdesca started working in libraries the internet was beginning to emerge. “When the graphical user interface came, it changed everything. In the beginning, they had the DOS screen. They had images, but you could not see images because the dos screen was limited,” said Verdesca. “Now everything is speeder, easier and more convenient than ever before." Warren Library was initially established in 2007, serving as a hub for students to access information, complete homework, read books and seek assistance. “I wanted to be a reference librarian because I love the idea of helping people, students, the younger generation and professors, with all the questions they may have,” Verdesca said. The Warren Library has 134,333 print books for the students, spanning various genres from sports to science to fantasy. The library accommodates 647 students, offers 127 computers and provides 26 study rooms. Situated at the heart of Palm Beach Atlantic University, it is accessible to all students. “I like this library a lot. Everything here is very up-to-date and clean. I use it for everything – to do homework, read books or hang out with friends,” said Richard Humble, a student library assistant. However, in this increasingly digital world, the question arises of whether or not libraries still carry much significance. “Students have a thousand libraries on their phones,” said David Athey, an English professor at PBA. This shift in accessibility has led to changes in how students use libraries. “It becomes more of a study hall,” said Verdesca. Before, when someone had a question, they went to the reference librarian who helped them find information, books and articles. Nowadays, the internet is often the first stop for information. “If I need to know something right now, I will probably go to the internet,” admitted Humble. This change in behavior is reflected in a Sage Report, which surveyed nearly 600 students in the U.S., U.K. and Canada. The report indicates that 35% of students have used the library website and 63% use Google to conduct research, while only 10% try the library first. And, only 27% of those students had set foot in the library itself. The majority of Athey’s students said that they preferred the convenience of using their phones. But many also loved the sensory experience of reading printed books, especially older books. Students often use the internet because the accessibility to information is simply faster. Humble likes to read books, but since it is quicker to search on the internet, he retains and learns more by doing that instead of using the library. “A printed book is devoid of flashing lights, beeping notifications or other distractions. It’s just you, the words and the interplay of the mind and soul -- It's beyond mechanical and it's beautiful," Athey added. Studies done by WordsRated show that people learn more when they read a print book instead of reading on a screen. “Indications show that screen reading decreases attention span for all of us, and it doesn’t lean itself to reflection and meditation,” said Anthony. "Watching television is not the same as reading from a book. When you see the movie, your brain is not really working as much." Today, students often opt for watching movies over reading books. According to a report from WordsRated titled “Reading vs. Watching TV,” reading requires language processing, understanding meaning and critical thinking, while watching television requires less cognitive involvement. Television might offer an overview of a topic, but gaining a deeper understanding is typically best achieved through reading. Athey believes that for some, books may eventually be replaced by the Internet. “For others, a well-stocked library or any room filled with shelves and books is akin to a glimpse of a heavenly mansion,” he added. Verdesca shared a similar sentiment, confident that libraries and books will continue to endure. “The difference between the books and the internet is that books never change – the story is always the same and therefore, books will always be here,” he said. By Anna Hanstveit

This fall, the classroom became a crime scene as students studied cardboard cutouts of bodies lying among prop guns and knives to learn about the behind-the-scenes of crime scene investigation. Professor King Charles Brown teaches the Crime Scene Investigation class and other forensic science classes at PBA while working as the crime scene supervisor for the West Palm Beach Police Department. He often brings stories from the field to give students a new perspective about the world. “It opens a student’s mind to look at a different avenue,” Brown said. Carolina Torres-Tello, a PBA junior majoring in psychology, says that while she has always watched TV shows about the subject, she never comprehended how it was someone’s reality to wait for a call day and night to report to a crime scene. Over five years of teaching at PBA, Brown has seen the class transform students' mindsets and career paths. Last spring, one of his students graduated and started working for the Delray Beach Police Department. Two students from PBA who graduated the year before he started teaching with him now work on crime scenes with him, and two students from this term recently informed him they would be switching their majors to forensic science. Sarah Jore, a PBA sophomore majoring in communications, never watched crime shows, so she felt like the class taught her the basics of police investigations. Learning how much work goes into submitting evidence has given her a new appreciation for the police department. Brown says that in his 37 years in forensic science working with different police departments, he has been exposed to a lot of “Mumbo Jumbo.” This refers to the excessive expression of hatred towards the police based on false or overgeneralized narratives. Brown wants to remind students that the police are there to help, not hinder them. “There’s been a lot of hate centered around the police with currents, and I just don’t think that’s justified to say of every police officer because the majority of them do really great work,” Torress-Tellos said. “The biggest thing in our neck of the woods in crimson scene investigation is that we work for the victim,” Brown said. The nature of Crime Scene Investigation often makes Brown meet people on the worst day of their lives. It’s a people-oriented field because of the interaction he has with victims and their families in the process of documenting crime scenes. He has been exposed to the aftermath of extreme acts of violence but maintains professionalism by remembering he is working for justice for the victim. To Jore, the hardest part of the class is not getting too emotionally involved with the crime and learning to look at extreme scenarios objectively. She admires how investigators can separate themselves from traumatizing incidents to accomplish their work. “I never put that much importance on that kind of working till taking this class and realizing it brings so much closure to the families to know what happened,” Jore said. Brown thinks even if a student is not interested in going into the field, they can still learn helpful information that may apply to their future career. For instance, a business major may start their own company, which may get robbed, broken into or even hacked. Learning about the process of solving crimes can help the potential victim remember evidence that may be vital to an investigation or even prevent the incident from occurring at all. Brown hopes all his students will be able to walk away from the class with a beginner’s comprehension of forensic science, an awareness of what happens in the field and the knowledge the police are there to assist them. By Sarah Gale

As college freshmen settle into their new lives away from home, they may not be aware that their relationship with food could undergo significant changes due to the new environment and newfound freedom. The Renfrew Center for Eating Disorders, located in Coconut Creek, Florida, suggests a potential correlation between increased freedom in college and the prevalence of eating disorders. Eating disorders are complex conditions influenced by various factors contributing to their development and the maintenance of their symptoms. Research indicates that eating disorders often result from a hyper-complex interaction between genetics and environments, particularly during times of transition or distress. This could include anything from puberty, menopause, significant life events such as losing a loved one, ending a relationship or even relocation. Moving to college, especially in a new city or state, can add to the stressors leading to eating disorders. Dr. Melanie Smith, a clinician at the Renfrew Center, observes a connection between life in college and the development of eating disorders. The transitions and adaptation to a new environment can oftentimes trigger these disorders, putting students at risk. Dr. Smith continued to express that factors and stigmas such as the dreaded “freshman 15," and higher levels of stress and anxiety can be counted as potential risks to behaviors associated with these disorders. “College creates the perfect storm of biological, social and cultural factors that can contribute to the development of an eating disorder,” said Dr. Smith. For college students, the desire to fit in with their peers, food insecurity and the fear of weight gain all play significant roles in the onset of eating disorders. Athletes are similarly affected by an increase in performance or achieving the aesthetic norms of their sport. International students may also feel compelled to adapt to different body expectations and integrate into the dominant culture. First-year college students, being away from their families and close ones for the first time, lack monitoring of their behavior or recognition of warning signs of eating disorders. “A lot of college students, like the rest of us, have also lived in a culture that is steeped in diet culture so the messages around food, activity and health are contradictory,” said Dr. Smith. “This can make it challenging to navigate the dining hall, establish a helpful sleep and eating routine and identify overall balance related to food.” Although it is easy to label these disorders as harmful, many people may not realize that they are often used during moments of distress when the patient feels it is their best option. When someone is struggling with something that feels unmanageable or overwhelming, they may turn to the behaviors associated with eating disorders to gain some sense of control. “At The Renfrew Center, we see eating disorders as a means to manage distressing emotions, such as stress, anxiety, depression and even micro-aggressions and bullying," Dr. Smith added. However, individuals with eating disorders can make a full recovery once their condition is identified. These individuals should be approached and treated with empathy and compassion. Dr. Smith highlighted the importance of delving into mental health concerns and supporting those who are struggling in silence. The Renfrew Center specializes in the treatment of eating disorders by creating a safe and trauma-informed environment where patients can come together and find community in their shared experiences and struggles. The center offers multiple forms of treatment such as residential, day treatment, intensive outpatient programming and outpatient services. “We strive to create communities within communities for lasting support and enduring recovery,” said Dr. Smith. Beyond seeking treatment, those dealing with eating disorders must establish a network of support. This is especially critical for college students who may be living far away from close family and friends, as eating disorders are characterized by disconnection and can cause a variety of disruptions in one’s life. “While reaching out for help is difficult, it is one of the most important factors in working toward and maintaining recovery long-term,” mentioned Dr. Smith. A support network doesn't have to consist solely of a treatment team; it can include friends, significant others, professors, mentors, or roommates. It's up to the individual struggling to decide who they trust to support them on their journey. __________ If you or someone you may know could be struggling with an eating disorder, seek out help to facilitate relief and recovery. College students are encouraged to go to their health and counseling centers to see what resources are accessible. You can also contact 1-800-RENFREW to schedule a free assessment with a clinician. By Daniella Pacheco

The Walk to End Alzheimer's stands as one of the world's largest events dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer's disease, thanks to support and ongoing research efforts. The organization hosts fundraising events where participants walk or run in honor of individuals affected by or lost to Alzheimer's. The organization’s goals and impacts have spread awareness about Alzheimer's across 600 communities nationwide. This year’s event took place on Saturday, October 28. “The goal for this event was not only to raise donations and awareness but also to connect people with others who are pushing for change through similar and different experiences,” said David Lopez, the manager of the Walk For Alzheimer's. The organization creates and organizes events in West Palm Beach, drawing participants from various countries and even from those abroad. Through research and support, it offers numerous avenues for involvement. Mike Montgomery, a dedicated participant, walked to honor his wife, who recently passed away from Alzheimer's. “I was married to my wife for sixty years until she recently passed away from Alzheimer's,” Mike said. “I chose to walk here at West Palm Beach to donate and spread awareness with my friends and family.” While this organization hosts events worldwide to spread awareness and raise donations towards research for Alzheimer's, it also brings people together within local communities and fostering connections and providing insight into the challenges faced by those affected. I had the chance to interview a volunteer who provided their insight and experiences at the event. “Being able to volunteer and participate at this kind of event motivated me to talk to people who are affected by these movements,” said Natalie Childers. “The way that this many people get together to support each other is really inspiring and should be talked about more.” This ceremony featured various enjoyable activities such as live music, dance choreography, a food and water station and much more. Promotion for the event was widespread on the company's website and social media, where anyone could take part by walking, honoring guests or assisting with the setup of stands and decorations. “I really enjoy getting to organize these events where people fight to end this disease," said Lopez. “Coming together with other organizers and sponsors pushes our motivations through bigger goals.” The remarkable accomplishments and numerous events organized by this organization over the years underscore its enduring commitment to the fight against Alzheimer's and demonstrate the effectiveness of events dedicated to raising awareness and funding for Alzheimer's research. By Sofia Smith

I spent my teenage years in and out of doctor’s appointments, injecting myself with medicine designed to kill my immune system, all because of an autoimmune disease triggered by a life-changing accident. As I watched the medicines and autoimmune diseases rob me of my physical body, health and childhood, my faith in God dwindled. I felt as though God had turned His back on me. “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future,” states Jeremiah 29:11. This Bible verse is probably one of the most easily recognizable. In times of trouble, we lean into this knowing God has a plan for us. What about when the plan is unclear? How do we react then? When I was 12 years old, I attempted to do a front flip on a trampoline. When I landed flat on my back, the wind was knocked out of me, an electric shock ran through my body and I experienced the worst pain I had ever felt. A few doctor's appointments, X-rays and MRIs later, I learned that I had broken five ribs, torn my sternum in half, disintegrated three vertebral discs in my thoracic spine, and herniated vertebral discs in both my neck and lower back. One MRI showed I had an extra vertebra, the bones that make up the spinal column. According to the doctors, everyone is born with this extra bone, but it usually fuses to the tailbone before the age of four. They concluded this anomaly was what gave my spine extra flexibility and kept me from being paralyzed – or even worse, dead. Three months later, an MRI was done that stumped my doctors. The extra vertebra was completely gone. The doctor had no medical explanation. “Do you believe in God?” asked the doctor. I was 13 years old and was told that God had performed a miracle for me. He had kept me alive and walking. I thought that He would surely continue to heal and restore me to the person I was before the accident. I started doing physical therapy and the pain continued to get worse. The doctors told me the damage to my spine was too much, and I eventually would need surgery. After another round of MRIs, I learned that the accident and immobilization triggered an inflammatory autoimmune disease. A few hospital appointments later, I was on a cocktail of medicines designed to kill my immune system. I tried to hold onto my faith in God and believe He would heal me. Still, he did not. A few years went by and a failed attempt at killing this autoimmune disease led me into a deep depression and a disbelief in God himself. I spent several more years with this mindset. I ended up drifting away from God even more, not even believing in Him anymore. One day, I shared my story with another classmate and brutally attacked his faith in God. “What a gift it is to have had a miracle from God,” he responded. “To be able to share a story that is so challenging, yet God was watching out for you. You are proof that miracles can happen.” I remember thinking, “This is the rudest thing anyone has ever said to me.” A few months later, I went on a mission trip with my family’s church as a volunteer for the youth. On this trip, we shared the gospel door-to-door in Jacksonville, Florida. A few days in, we encountered a person who was mad at God. “He does not want to hear my prayers,” she responded to the group. “I have been nothing but faithful to Him. Now I have cancer, and He won’t help me. I still believe in Him, but I am just mad.” I understood exactly what she meant. After all, that was how I felt too. We talked about her diagnosis and struggle, praying for patience during this trial. Leaving her house, I wondered what would happen to her. Would she beat cancer? Why was God ignoring the requests of others? That is when it clicked. God was not ignoring me. My prayers for healing were not being answered, but maybe that was for a reason. The biblical story of Job serves as an example. Job was always a faithful man of God, yet he lost everything, including his family, wealth and health. Job’s friends came to sit with him as he suffered in an attempt to justify that suffering. They blamed it on his sin, saying he deserved worse. Eventually, after debating with his friends, Job was restored by God. Job’s story teaches us that sin is not the cause of Earthly suffering; not for Job and not for anyone. Faith in Jesus causes the abolishment of sin because of His death on the cross. Why would He further punish us? Instead of cursing ourselves, our life or even God as I did for so long, we should praise God, praising for our life and this world. This is easier said than done, but holding anger toward God only causes more harm to the suffering person. The Mental Health Foundation of the UK shares that the human mind and body are connected. Taking a negative outlook on the situation can produce more physical health symptoms, such as headaches, increased fatigue or even chronic issues. The best response is faith in God, as we learned from Job. “Who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body,” states Philippians 3:21. This verse reflects a restoration plan that God had for everyone once in Heaven. While we may not understand the plan while on Earth, we have hope for eternity free of suffering. My suffering allows me to be more compassionate and understanding to my patients in the medical field. I hope to one day be the type of physician who understands their patient’s pain. While I may wish my suffering to disappear, I am grateful that a miracle has lessened the amount of difficulty I face. My experience helps me relate to others and to show them they are not alone. By Savannah Carr

October brings awareness to the 29,560 people diagnosed with breast cancer every year. In Palm Beach County, Making Strides Against Breast Cancer welcomed an estimated 5,000 survivors, caregivers, and supporters to Sunset Cove Amphitheatre on Saturday Oct. 14 to celebrate, create awareness and raise funds to change the face of breast cancer as we know it. The day began with an opening ceremony in which survivors and local politicians emphasized the importance of this event. The walk started at 9 am. Together, community members walk 3-5 kilometers to show their support for each other and remind breast cancer victims that they are not alone. Making Strides Against Breast Cancer was established in 1993 by volunteers and the American Cancer Society made it an official event to celebrate courage and hope. It is now the nation’s largest breast cancer movement. “We are the movement. We are the hope. We are the future,” states the American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Lindsay Bennett, senior development manager for the American Cancer Society, says that MSABC began so that newly diagnosed men and women could have a community of people going through the same thing. “Many were scared, but here you should feel that you were not alone,” Bennett said. Cindy Weinberger, an occupational therapist and local business owner, spoke at this year's walk. “I was very honored to be asked to do that. It was very humbling to be surrounded by all these people that are supporters or going through this on their own,” Weinberger said. In Dec. 2022, Weinberger was unexpectedly diagnosed with breast cancer. “I have always been a very healthy person, with no medical issues. I remember my first thought was, ‘What? Are you kidding me?’” Weinberger said. Bennett emphasizes the importance of celebrating the survivor’s victories. “It can feel very scary and lonely when you are diagnosed, celebrating with them, celebrating those victories will take some of the fear away.” “I can fight this. Look at all the people that have beaten this; I can do that too,” Bennett said. Bennett claims that the response to a cancer diagnosis has become more hopeful since 1913, when the American Cancer Society began. Originally, cancer patients were encouraged to keep their diagnosis to themselves. “You did not talk about it. It was whispered, like it was something you had done wrong,” Bennett said. “I am so glad that breast cancer is no longer a death sentence. Before, people asked, ‘How long do you have to live?’ Luckily, it is not like that anymore,” Weinberger said. Weinberger finds hope in friends and family that have lived long, full lives after being diagnosed with breast cancer. Treatment has changed over the years, with screening and surgical invention being better than ever. The American Cancer Society, and movements like MSABC, support treatment improvements by donating 80% of every dollar that they raise at the walk to this mission. “It goes back to research, patient support, hospital support and better screening,” Bennett said. The American Cancer Society researches new ways to diagnose cancer, such as methods of finding it earlier, getting people to their screenings, and developing information from just one drop of blood. Although it is most commonly found among women between 50 and 70 years old, breast cancer affects a variety of people. Black women and Alaskan women die about 40% more often than other women. Also, about 2800 men are diagnosed with breast cancer every year. Bennett claimed that the American Cancer Society is figuring out the cause behind these statistics and what they can do about them. She encouraged everyone to talk to their doctors and learn their family history. Bennett also emphasized the importance of learning how to listen to your body. “Pay attention to your body. If you feel that you are not being heard by your doctor it is time to find a new one. You know your body, so listen to it.” Bennett said. Go to makingstrideswalk.org/palmbeachfl for contact information and to support their work. By Anna Hanstveit

Sen. Rand Paul visited Palm Beach Atlantic University to promote his new book, “Deception: The Great Covid Coverup,” which attempts to question the origins and management of COVID-19. Paul became interested in the subject after asking Dr. Anthony Fauci in the Senate if the National Institute of Health (NIH) ever funded gain-of-function research, a process involving the genetic modification of organisms to enhance their biological properties. Dr. Fauci said they did not, which led to Paul asking Dr. Fauci to retract the statement since it is a felony to lie to Congress. “What intrigued me to go after this story is that virtually everything they were saying in private, they were saying the opposite in public,” Paul said. Controversy surrounding genetically modified viruses is not a recent development. In 2010, concerns were raised when a Dutch scientist attempted to render the avian flu airborne. People were concerned that publishing his findings would be a road map for terrorists because the avian flu had a 50% mortality rate in humans. At the time, Dr. Fauci argued that the knowledge gained in research would be worth the risk of creating a pandemic. Paul questions if the Americans who died of COVID-19 would find the knowledge worth it. Paul believes Dr. Fauci knew about the gain-of-function research at the Wuhan lab and was able to determine whether the virus originated from animals or manufacturing by the DNA sequence. In his paper, “Proximal Origins,” which was investigated by the House of Representatives’s Committee on Oversight in 2023, stated the virus must have originated from animals, and anyone believing otherwise was labeled a conspiracy theorist. Molly Barker, a sophomore at PBA, contends that government transparency is vital for public comprehension of the social consequences of decisions. However, she disagrees with the senator, asserting that the management of COVID-19 did not expose anyone in government as being at fault. Paul also finds the information concerning vaccines questionable. He maintains that natural immunities are twice as effective as the vaccine, making the push for vaccines suspicious. When he inquired whether vaccine advisory members had financial interests, Fauci claimed this information was private and provided no response. Paul believes all health officials in connection with the government need to reveal if they have royalties to ensure full transparency with the American people. Hadley Bahr, a freshman at PBA, was surprised by the amount of evidence Paul presented, and she questioned why the mainstream media failed to report any of this during the pandemic. Bahr believes the senator may be overly optimistic in thinking corruption will end if officials are held accountable. “I believe corruption will always find a way to surface itself,” said Bahr. Masks were another topic with inconsistent opinions from Fauci. In an email correspondence exposed to the media under the Freedom of Information Act request, he tells Sylvia Burwell, the secretary of Health and Human Services under the Obama administration, that cloth masks are ineffective and only N-95 masks are protective for short periods. He made contradictory statements in public, later claiming that he lied to preserve the N-95 for healthcare professionals. “These are the most dishonest people I’ve ever seen, and this is your government,” Paul said. Paul continues to expose these issues because he believes gain-of-function research will only be stopped if its dangers are understood. He is still fighting to get documents about funding for the research. Despite unanimous votes by the Senate and House to declassify the documents, most of the information Paul has received has been redacted. He hopes that, eventually, both political parties will cooperate to provide the American people with the information they deserve. “Without transparency, people may become skeptical of the government actions, which can be a catalyst for chaos,” Bahr said. By Sarah Gale

Palm Beach Atlantic University presents several opportunities for students to broaden their horizons beyond West Palm Beach, including a newly introduced excursion to London. Leading the venture is Dr. McCulloch, guiding a group through the culturally rich cities of London and Oxford in early May. Debuting in the upcoming semester, the program is open to psychology students and others keen on exploring London. The course, titled "Psychology of International Travel Experience," delves into the mental, emotional and behavioral aspects of travel — an intimate yet social journey. The initiative aims to enlighten students who share a passion for both psychology and travel, potentially integrating these interests into a lifestyle. Dr. McCulloch believes this class is essentially a second portion of the history of psychology class he teaches. He will continue to discuss Darwin, Freud and other psychologists, mainly teaching on London’s influence on their ideas. The primary component of the course, the London trip, is scheduled from May 6 to May 13. “I’m excited to see all of the history that London has to offer. I'm also excited to learn about different cultures, try new foods and make unforgettable memories,” said Macie. London, with its profound historical significance in World Wars, political and administrative prominence, architectural marvels and cultural diversity, promises an enriching learning experience. Mckenzie Giles, a senior at PBA, is an avid traveler drawn to diverse cultures. Encouraged by friends, she anticipates the upcoming trip with enthusiasm. “I love getting to experience new cultures, foods and scenery. I feel it helps me to be a more well-rounded person,” said Giles. PBA facilitates global connections for students beyond West Palm, offering classes that span Croatia, Hungary, Greece, Paris, France, Costa Rica, Australia and more. Psychology students are gearing up to venture to Europe, expecting a harmonious blend of education and excitement as they delve into the origins of psychology. By Estella Collmer