12Nov 
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24Oct 
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No Comments Voice instructors adapt to teaching in a pandemic
Students participate in vocal seminar while wearing masks and practicing social distancing. Photo courtesy of Professor Bakara Nkenge-Hinds.
As Bakara Nkenge-Hinds sits down at the piano to begin her first lesson of the day, a mask covering the instrument she has spent years perfecting and a plexiglass barrier between her and the student, one thing is clear: this is not the way she envisioned her first semester teaching at Trevecca Nazarene University.
Nkenge-Hinds, an adjunct voice instructor, is well-prepared for the job of training vocalists on a college campus, but nothing could have prepared her for the challenges of teaching students in the middle of a global pandemic-- a pandemic that is riskier for singers because of the airborne-nature of the COVID-19 virus.
“Bei...
22Oct 
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No Comments Students learn to navigate music while socially distant
Choir rehearsal takes place socially distant. Photo provided by Trevecca Marketing.
For Selah Torralba, a sophomore instrumental music performance major, her current experience as a member of the Concert Choir is miles away from what she remembers it being last year.
“There used to be rehearsals with anywhere from 10 to 30 people in one rehearsal,” Torralba said. “And now, any sort of larger ensemble is broken up into smaller sections.”
Trevecca’s music department has placed its focus on trying to be as prepared as possible for the complications of in-person learning this semester, said David Diehl, the dean of the school of music and worship arts.
“We took a very research-based approach to figuring out the best way to offer a quality face-to-face experience that is safe,” D...
8Oct 
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No Comments Students search for places to spend time safely with friends and family
By Carter Adams
On the way out the door, Kurtis Poole—a junior majoring in math and worship arts—grabs his phone, wallet, keys, watch, and mask. He racks his brain on a decent spot to meet up with his friends, but it’s not as easy as it once was.
“Centennial park usually works because it’s outside, and people are usually separated,” Poole said.
There is still a high threat level for COVID-19, and many students are looking for safe places to spend time with their friends and family. Trevecca continues to require students to stay socially distant, and wear masks unless actively eating and drinking or in their own residence. Restrictions still exist on visitors in residence halls and dorms, and students have to find creative solutions that are compliant with guid...
7Oct No Comments
No Comments Bridge program helps international students stay connected during pandemic
By Kaylee Franklin
For some students, this semester looks different than any other. International students are taking classes at Trevecca from all across the world. Students from Honduras, Trinidad, and Thailand carry the burden.
“A lot of our international students aren’t here on campus, some of them are studying elsewhere. We’ve been working on making sure they feel involved and helping them feel prepared for whatever comes next,’’ said Brodrick Thomas, director of community engagement and reconciliation.
When the university decided to go fully online due to the pandemic starting in mid-March, international students struggled to find a way home. The university went into overdrive and immediately began finding ways to help these students in particular. The university...
29Apr No Comments
No Comments Students, faculty members adjust to online classes amid pandemic
When Trevecca first announced they were extending spring break, Carlos Lopez was initially relieved.
“It would have helped with some work that had to be done and overall seemed like an extended vacation,” said Lopez, senior information technology major.
But once he heard that Trevecca was making the move to online courses for the rest of the spring semester, Lopez’s feelings quickly changed.
“When I heard this, I was a bit overwhelmed because I was used to the class routine,” said Lopez.
Trevecca's 1,310 undergraduates who were enrolled in traditional, face-to-face classes all transitioned to online classes last month. For many students and faculty, the switch from in-person to online classes required some getting used to and will power to cope....
24Apr No Comments
No Comments Students take up new hobbies to fight boredom
By Jessica Bishop
Kerisyn Gilbert, a Trevecca freshman was doing her homework at home and when she finished her assignments, she notably became bored and anxious. She decided to pick up her pencil and sketch.
“It really helped calm me down and focus better. I will definitely continue to sketch in the future,” said Gilbert.
Many students find themselves with more free time since they moved home and started classes online. One way to pass the time is by picking up new or forgotten hobbies.
Erin Smith, a junior, has picked up baking and cooking in her spare time.
“I’ve always enjoyed it, but I’m just chilling and the I’m like, ‘Well, I guess I could bake some muffins instead’ and so I do,” said Smith.
One of best ways to find hobbies enjoyable is to remember what you liked as a ch...
23Apr No Comments
No Comments Students stay fit while social distancing
When on campus, Micah Dearing goes to the gym five times a week, but now he's forced to come up with a new plan to keep himself in shape.
“When quarantine first started, my roommates and I made this whole workout routine, and we stuck with it for a while. Eventually, as we all slowly headed home and got hit with schoolwork we stopped lifting altogether," he said. "But I do try and get outside and stay semi-fit. I dug my old bike ride out of my shed and cleaned it up. Now I ride that for a few miles every day.”
Dearing is not the only one who has had to change up his routine to find new ways to stay fit. Students who find themselves at home with limited fitness equipment and space are trying to find new ways of staying in shape.
Courtney Hodgin is a member of Trevecca’...
21Apr No Comments
No Comments Trevecca counseling center works to support DACA students
By: Maria Monteros
On every corkboard and poster wall on campus, Sara Hopkins and her team of counselors put up signs on campus inviting DACA and minority students to join their support groups.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are just as likely to enroll in college as the average American aged 15-32 at 18 percent versus 20 percent, a 2017 study from the Migration Policy Institute indicated. However, only 4 percent end up graduating compared to the 18 percent national average, the study states.
In response, the counseling center has begun training counselors to handle multicultural issues. They’ve also partnered with various organizations on campus such as Futuro and the Diversity Council in holding talks and providing the space for these conversations to happen,...
9Apr No Comments
No Comments Social media challenges rise as more students stay home
By Lily Russell
Amber Adams was sitting on her bed on her third day of social distancing, already fighting off boredom. The Trevecca freshman was scrolling through Instagram to pass the time when she started noticing most of her followers had posted some sort of social media challenge in their stories.
“I think some of the challenges are silly, but some are fun. The tag 10 beautiful women challenge was one I enjoyed. It's nice to see women building each other up,” said Adams.
An Instagram challenge is directed at followers and friends and offers specific prompts to the audience.
Challenges incorporate sharing photos and hashtags in a creative way. Some of the newest challenges featured in the past couple of weeks include social distancing bingo, my favorite things challenge, see a (bla...