All The President's Men

The central theme that I have learned this semester as a journalist is to always write the truth, and tell the readers what they deserve to know. All the President's Men was another example of what good journalism is, and how it is essential that the truth is always printed.

Carl Bernstein and Bob Woodward knew what was at stake with the information they were discovering, but they still printed their story. I've seen this movie many times, and done research on the Watergate Scandal, but watching the movie as a journalist put a new perspective on reporting. Being a journalist is a struggle, but those journalists that see past the hardship and always seek the truth, are the type of journalists I want to become.

Third Culture Kids at Gordon College

By Angela Rodriguez

Wenham, MA—When Inn Gee Kim came to the United States for college, he didn’t know he would be finding a McDonald’s on every street corner. Kim, 21, a junior political science and philosophy major from the capital island Manila in the Philippines, considers himself what’s called a “third culture kid,” that is, someone who doesn’t grow up in their own culture.  

Kim is one of many third culture kids at Gordon who see cultural differences as not merely the number of fast food restaurants on one block, or the overall size of the United States. They recognize that cultural differences include character, attitudes, and generalizations. Third culture kids experience these tensions on a daily basis.

Born in Korea 21 years ago, Kim was 40 days old when his parents moved to the Philippines to work as missionaries. They are among a large percentage of Koreans who have left their homeland to work in missions. Kim’s view of the U.S. was always a far away place that was a major super power. He wondered what it was like, and found out two years ago when he moved to 255 Grapevine Road to attend Gordon College.

“American humor is more dry than third culture kids,” Kim said when asked about cultural differences. Tim Shin, 22, a senior sociology major at Gordon College, agrees with Kim. “In Asia, we belittle when joking, but not here in the U.S.,” Shin said. “We don’t always laugh at American jokes.” Shin is also a third culture kid born in Korea, but moved to Japan when he was three months old.

Shin spoke of the differences he’s found in attitudes here in the U.S. “Americans are independent and self confident,” Shin said. “Everybody is not group oriented.” He said in the U.S., everyone seems capable, and that the social norm is to get to the top by oneself.

The need for independence is not found in Korea. Dr. David Lumsdaine, 62, full professor at Gordon College, taught international politics at the Korea Development Institute in Seoul, South Korea for five years in 1998, and spoke of a 30 year-old student he had while teaching. This student had a full time job while attending school. In American standards he was doing well. The student lived at home with his parents, and after giving them his salary, they would in return give him an allowance. “Almost all Koreans live at home until married,” Lumsdaine said. This is an example of the different traditional customs still very strong in Korea.

Both Kim and Lumsdaine link a part of the traditional Korean customs of family and academics to Confucius. Kim sees the support Korea gives older generations as Confucius society, and found the relaxed and friendly way Americans interact with older generations to be a surprise. “It is hierarchical. Children support parents,” Kim said. “Korea’s traditional culture was very influenced by Confucius,” Lumsdaine said. Morality, hard work, obedience to parents, family, learning and scholarship are a few of the Confucius customs they still hold to strongly. Learning and scholarship to be among the highest.

“Intelligence is prestigious in Asia,” Kim said. Academics are laid back here, and more competitive there, Kim, Lumsdaine, and Shin all agreed. Studying and testing have been apart of the culture for all high civil officials since before America was founded. “Americans don’t value academics as much, and that’s basically definitely Asia,” Kim said. Kim and Shin, being third culture kids, said this was difficult to adjust to when they came to Gordon College.

Kim doesn’t see himself as an immigrant while living here, but an alien. He is here for school, and knows he’ll be returning to Korea when finished. Kim and Shin are third culture kids getting an education in yet another culture. Shin does see himself as an immigrant, but knows he won’t be staying in the U.S. after graduation. “Whenever I’m in Japan, I’m home,” he said. “Whenever I’m in Korea, I’m home. But when I’m in America, it’s my job.”

The Salem News Visits Gordon College

Wenham, MA-- Salem News Editor Dave Olson, and Community Editor Muriel Hoffacker visited Jo Kadlecek's journalism class on Thursday November 4th, giving advice to aspiring journalists.

Dan MacAlpine Gives Some Tips

WENHAM, MA— 

Gordon College's journalism class got to hear Dan MacAlpine's 9 steps to being a good journalist today. The Ipswich Chronicle editor was the guest speaker.

Broadcasting What's Right

When dogs and fire hoses are used to stop fellow human beings from doing what they believe is right, journalists know it is their duty to report and show the rest of the world what is going on. The Civil Rights Movement that started in the 1950s was a violent, sad part of American history. This was a movement of blacks protesting and marching for equality. The American people would not have known what was happening were it not for the faithful journalists that put themselves in the line of danger to bring the chaos to the peoples homes. TV's around first the U.S., and then the world saw what the American government was doing to those of different color. This era in America's history brought on new ways of reporting, and the fight for what's right brought a moment of peace.

Gordon Alum Offer Advice to Next Generation

By: Angela Rodriguez

WENHAM, MA— When alumni offer advice to new grads, it’s good to listen. Gordon College’s homecoming has brought old faces back to the campus, and they’ve been able to give advice to the students who are about to enter the real world.

“No story is too small.” Jon Phelps, graduate of Gordon College year 2008, said when he spoke with Professor Jo Kadlecek’s journalism class. He was a guest speaker giving advice to those wanting to become journalists. Phelps spoke on the challenge it was to become a reporter, and getting established. Phelps also said that despite the challenge of writing on deadline, or figuring out what is a good story, no story is too small to report for the viewers.

The journalism class also had Mariwyn Light, graduate of 2009, as a guest speaker. She spoke about her life as a grad student in El Paso, Texas. “How do we as Americans and Christians invest in our neighbors?” Light asked as she spoke on the immigration struggle that is an everyday occurrence in El Paso. She spoke on the need of not thinking about the question of whether or not to put up a fence to keep the immigrants out, but to think about their lives as neighbors. Besides this important advice, Light also told the class to embrace their Senior Seminar projects, because it will prepare them for future presentations throughout their lives.

“Learn about the Father’s love.” Said Russ Steponic, Gordon Alum of 1989, when he spoke at the College’s Convocation chapel on October 8^th. Steponic, along with a few other alumni, spoke at the Homecoming chapel about their current lives, and how Gordon has shaped them into the people they are today. Steponic is a teacher of math and computer science in Bahrain. He spoke of his time at Gordon, and how when he was a student, he was encouraged by professors and mentors on campus to seek after God. He spoke those same words to the students in chapel, and to embrace the wonder and beauty of God since it can be seen everywhere on campus. 

Peace Comes to Gordon College

By: Angela Rodriguez


WENHAM, MA-- When students at Gordon College think about the world outside of their little bubble, they aren’t automatically drawn to the need for peace. But perhaps it is time Gordon students and the rest of the Christian community realizes the need for peacemakers.

On September 21^st Gordon College observed the International Day of Peace in a different way than the rest of the world. The Department of Sociology and Social Work at Gordon College used this opportunity to launch their new minor, Peace and Conflict Transformation. Special guest Dr. David Steele, an expert on peace and conflict transformation, spoke to the students in chapel, and in discussions about the need for peacemakers during this time of turmoil. 

Good Night, And Good Luck

By: Angela Rodriguez


This saying, “Good Night, and Good Luck” has long been one of my favorites. As a child I read about the famous Newscaster that I wished to be like when I was older, and Edward R. Murrow has been an inspiration. This movie portrays the important life Murrow lived, and it was great to see how positive the media can be.

Murrow and his coworkers at CBS knew what was important for the people of the U.S. to hear, and they did it despite the ever-present concern that they could be seen as communists. Set in a time when Wisconsin Senator Joseph McCarthy had set fire to the Americans way of thinking by accusing everyone and anyone of being a communist, Murrow lived the life of an honest broadcast journalist. He knew his obligation was to the people and to tell them the true and accurate facts, so he did what he knew was right. 

Because of Murrow's stand on telling the truth, he helped expose Senator McCarthy for the true person he was. Murrow is an inspiration to all who hope to become honest journalists.  

Christian Vega Finds New Opportunities at Gordon

By: Angela Rodriguez

WENHAM, MA-- Christian Vega, 20, didn’t know what he was getting into when he first came to Gordon College from Miami, FL. “I wanted to play soccer and go to a Christian College,” he said. “My opinions’ probably going to change when it gets cold.”

Vega, a Sophomore Business Administration major, came to visit Gordon a few times last spring, and got connected with the Men’s Soccer coach and team. He had been at Valencia Community College in Orlando before transferring here. His friend Kasia Jezequel, 20, a Junior History and Education major, recommended Gordon. Jezequel and Vega are friends from Miami, and went to the same high school. “We had been talking about soccer since he’s been playing forever, and I knew the coach. I wanted to plug him into a good Christian school,” Jezequel said.

Vega said he was interested in Gordon because of soccer, but didn’t know schools like this existed. “I think it’s gorgeous. It’s quiet, peaceful, and not crowded compared to the other schools I visited.” Vega said. He likes the people and new friends he’s made on the soccer team and in his classes, and is getting involved with all that Gordon has to offer. Besides all that is available on campus, he is able to go into Boston and see a different part of the country. “I’m able to go in and hang with my friends from home that have come to Boston. I see them more now than I ever did at home.”

Aside from the aesthetics of Gordon, Vega said he appreciates the spiritual side of Gordon. “The people are crazy how they have such a strong religious background. You don’t see that in colleges where I’m from.” He feels like he is able to get connected with other Christians on campus.

Slave Trade Comes to Gordon

By: Angela Rodriguez


WENHAM, MA-- Gordon College students, faculty, and staff had the privilege of learning about the present day slave trade this past week. Jody Hassett Sanchez is a film documentarian who recently did a film on the life of three people who help out those who have struggled with or been apart of slavery. "Slavery is illegal, but there's more slavery today then ever before." Sanchez made many students wonder about the cause that so many have forgotten about, or never known of. The need to take action is now, and a community of Christians can make that move to better the world we live in.

Classic Book on Writing, Remains Relevant to Modern Writers

By: Angela Rodriguez


WENHAM, MA-- “I love Uncle Will!”, said Alyssa Maine, 21, of Gordon College. She wasn’t talking about someone related to her, but about William Zinsser’s book On Writing Well.

Zinsser has affectionately been called “Uncle Will” because of how helpful his book is, and how appreciative journalists today are for his writing. Zinsser first published his book in 1976, and journalists today find it as helpful.

“I have often found myself unsure of how to best say exactly what I want to say. Don’t care about who will read what you write,” said Maine who’s learning about Zinsser in her journalism class. “Write for yourself, and yourself only. Zinsser gives the courage to write on, and write from that place of ego.”

Zinsser gives practical methods on how to write an article well. It is simple advice that every journalist needs to know. He writes on the use of clutter in articles, “most first drafts can be cut by 50 percent without losing any information or losing the authors voice.”, says Zinsser. Students grow up writing papers and assignments with adverbs and adjectives, but Zinsser stands by his belief of less clutter. “You will clutter your sentence and annoy the reader if you choose a verb that has a specific meaning…”

“I like him. I mainly enjoyed his chapter on grammar.” Stuart Knechtle, 22, said of Zinsser. “Because I felt although I’ve had grammatical lessons growing up, his succinct discourse on things such as qualifiers and mood changes gave me a fresh look at writing.” Knechtle also felt as Maine did, that Zinsser is helpful and emphasizes the important principles of becoming a great journalist.

Both Knechtle and Maine are aspiring journalists, and are grateful to Uncle Will for his advice. Journalists have been using Zinsser since he first published his book, and he is still being used in this next generation of journalists. Maine said, “he encourages writers to write what they want to write.”

Gordon College Community Informed by Various News Sources

By: Angela Rodriguez

WENHAM, MA-- When Dr. David Wick, a history professor at Gordon College, was interviewed about where he gets his news he stated, “I like to listen to the radio for the big headlines in the world. I then wait a few days for the stories to develop, and read Newsmagazines.”

            Wick, however, is unlike a few of the other Gordon College community members. Aleah Tarnoviski, 19, a student at Gordon College was interviewed about where she gets her daily news. CNN and The Huffington Post are her two main news sources. Tarnoviski reads them “…because I can quickly get the top stories. I know I have to take everything with a grain of salt when reading The Huffington Post because they’re more prone to write negative articles about conservative groups.”

            Tarnoviski says she gets all her news from online, and does not look for print or television news. Tatyana Parsons, 19, Junior at Gordon College also said that she gets her news online. Her top sites are BBC and The Moscow Times, “because they’re international, and I can get world news without censorship.”

            Is it the difference of age that has these two students and professor of Gordon College accessing different news venues, or simply a preference? Other students interviewed have also stated that they get their news primarily from Internet sources. They said they like that they can have easy and fast access to what is happening in the U.S. and the World. 

            News is accessible in different forms of media, it is evident that there are different venues that people in the Gordon College community tend to use.