Masland Library Blog

As college students, we have very busy schedules. Every minute there is something new begging for our attention and sleep is typically the first thing we put to the wayside. With all of the classes, homework, jobs, sports, intra-murals, ministries, and other commitments it becomes easy to become completely engulfed in what is immediately going on around you. The danger with this is that we manage to completely lose touch with the outside world and major events that are going on around us. The biggest example recently has been what is going on in Syria.

As Syria continued in their two year long civil war, around 1,046 Syrians were killed with chemical warfare, over 400 of which were children. Obviously everyone was very upset about this and attempted to figure out what should be done. The U.S. almost took action but was able to make a deal with the help of Russia avoiding a war.  Here is an article that explains in more detail what happened in Syria and why we almost went to war, much better than I ever could: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/08/29/9-questions-about-syria-you-were-too-embarrassed-to-ask/.

So, in the midst of a possible war, over a thousand innocent people had been killed and a great majority of students here had no idea that anything was even happening.  I understand that news is not always the most uplifting thing, but it is so important to understand what is taking place in the world around us. Having such a busy schedule makes it near impossible to sit down and physically watch the news, but there are many other ways to keep track of what is going on! With smart phones it is easy to download free news apps, such as the BBC world news, and receive notifications when major events take place. Although I appreciate my BBC app, my favorite way to keep in touch with what is going on is through the Wall Street Journal, located in our very own library.

YES! The library has newspapers that are updated daily, four of them to be exact. These newspapers are located in the lobby on a wooden display case. From local to world news, you can sit and glance through all they have to offer. Some articles are more lighthearted, but they also contain crucial information about the intense situations that are going on across the globe. I encourage you to use these newspapers while you have them at your disposal. Once you graduate these newspapers don’t come cheap. Seize the opportunity you have now. As you read pray for those who are suffering, and pray for our leaders as they make difficult decisions.

~Leia Brunette

This is a list of 6 helpful tips that, if I had cared more about them earlier, would have saved me from a lot of stress. As a Senior, I wish I had taken this advice much seriously much sooner. (Disclaimer: All of these are from my life. If they describe you it is merely coincidence)

1. Check and respond to your Cairn email. I’ve missed numerous deadlines (payments, book return dates, etc.)  because I either neglected to read my email or just chose not to care, expecting that things would go my way. Entitlement is not an appropriate Christian attitude.
Lesson Learned: Freshman Year


2. Take responsibility. I don’t know about you, but I have weaseled my way out of lots of problems, even at a Biblical university. I like to blame the cosmic forces that are (so, God I guess) for every problem that comes my way. “I’m sorry,” is a much better response than, “I can’t pay that $500 fine for this overdue book because I’m busy and never check my school email."
Lesson Learned: Sophomore Year

3. Work now, play later. Prioritizing your life as a student means that assignments come first. If for some reason they can’t, then you need to re-prioritize so they can. Completing work on-time and completing work well can be an act of worship with the right motivation. Do all things to the glory of God.
Lesson Learned: Junior Year

4. Print assignments early. A lot of folks like to print out papers 10 minutes before their class starts. Waiting in line at the printer can be super frustrating especially if the printer malfunctions (which can happen), and puts you in a poor mood for class.
Lesson Learned: Sophomore Year

5. Accept help with grace. Cairn faculty, staff, and student workers are not out to get you. We want to help because we in fact do know that life is tough, stressful, and out-of-control at times. If you let go of pride and accept help (or let go of pride that things could ever dare go wrong for you) then we can help you more effectively.
Lesson Learned: Junior Year

6. Trust Jesus. Ultimately, a failing grade does not have eternal weight. It may bring shame or disappointment, but your righteousness and approval before God is found solely in Christ. If you truly grasp that, you have the power to go before a professor and admit your mistakes (not hiding them because you fear punishment) and even ask for help. Repentance plays just as important role in human relationships as it does with God and will prevent a lot of problems from getting as bad as you might let them. 
Lesson Re-learned: Every Year

~Ben Overbey