Blog

  • Women’s Sports Recap 10/1-10/8

    By Caia Bevins

    Women’s sports played both on the court and on the field last week during Homecoming, so let’s talk about it.

    Women’s soccer only played once this week on Wednesday. The Jackets battled against the Earlham Quakers, and the Quakers took an early lead after scoring six minutes into the game. They scored three more times before halftime, putting the score at 4-0. When the Jackets came back in the second half, they were able to hold Earlham back, and they weren’t able to score again. #9 Hallie Webb was able to get the ball once in the second half but couldn’t score. The final score was 4-0 with one shot and 18 saves made by #99 Sarah O’Shea. Women’s soccer had a game on Wednesday at 4 p.m., and they have another game on Saturday at 1 p.m. at Franklin.

    The volleyball team played last Wednesday against the Kenyon Owls and played four sets, with the scores being 25-20, 16-25, 25-21, and 21-16, respectively. The Yellow Jackets started off the first set with a 3-0 lead and were able to maintain that lead throughout the first set. In the second set, the Owls were able to best the Jackets, but they came back and won the last two sets to win the game 3-1. #12 Shelby Clements led the team with 18 kills, Clements and #18 Ellie Belvo tied with one block each, and #4 Kayla Boettger, #21 Courtney Maxwell, and Clements led with 6 digs each. The game ended with 2 blocks, 33 digs, and 11 aces.

    The volleyball team played again last week at Manchester on Saturday and played three sets, ending with scores of 23-25, 17-25, and 15-25, respectively. The Spartans led the first set by 6, and DC led the second by 2, but it was short-lived when the Spartans scored four points and won the set. They also won the third set, making the score 3-0. # 12 Shelby Clements led the team with 11 kills, #11 Madison Shoenauer led with 1 block, and #5 Emma Chafin led with 13 digs. The Yellow Jackets finished with 4 blocks, 55 digs, and 8 aces overall. Their next game will be at Rose-Hulman on Saturday at 5 p.m.

    Defiance College Athletics. (n.d.-a). Defiance College. https://www.defianceathletics.com/landing/index

  • There Really Are Benefits of Making Your Bed in the Morning.

    By David Heidelburg

    Would you have ever thought that something as small as making your bed, especially in the morning, could have benefits for you? I never would have thought that was a real thing. But when I found out that it is true, it actually does make sense. Now, I try to always make my bed in the morning before I get my day started because I like to sleep and be in a clean environment. There has also been research backing up the idea that making your bed has effects on your well being.

    There are studies that show there are more people that make their bed than people that don’t make their bed. According to the National Sleep Foundation Bedroom poll, there are 70% of Americans who make their bed each morning. Even though there is very little scientific research about making your bed, there is evidence that does point out some of the mental health benefits which include a feeling of accomplishment, enhanced organization, etc. I wanted to point out those main two benefits for them because that’s how I feel when I make my bed in the morning.

    Also, even though there isn’t much research when it comes to studying the effects of making your bed, there is a good amount of evidence that is said to support the comparison of living and working in an organized environment and having more focus. Being a psychology major, I find it quite interesting when I hear about topics involving psychology. I chose psychology because there are many topics that I can relate to for myself. Saying that, I find it very interesting that something that seems so little, like making up your bed. can actually lead to better mental functions!

    Works Cited

    Vanbuskirk, Sarah. “The Mental Health Benefits of Making Your Bed.” Verywell Mind, Verywell Mind, 3 Apr. 2023, www.verywellmind.com/mental-health-benefits-of-making-your-bed-5093540. 

  • A Guide to Preparing for Midterms

    By Hannah Feldman

    Midterms can be a daunting prospect for students, but with proper planning and preparation, they need not be a source of anxiety. Here is a 200-word guide to help you prepare effectively for your midterms.

    1. Create a Study Schedule: Start by organizing your study time. Allocate specific time slots for each class, ensuring you cover all necessary material.
    2. Gather Study Materials: Collect your textbooks, notes, and other relevant study materials. Make sure you have access to all the resources you need.
    3. Understand the Format: Familiarize yourself with the midterm format. Will it be multiple-choice, essay questions, or a combination? Knowing this will help you tailor your study approach.
    4. Practice, Practice, Practice: Practice is crucial for subjects with problem-solving components. Solve past papers, take practice quizzes, and review sample questions.
    5. Active Learning: Don’t just passively read your notes. Engage in active learning techniques such as summarizing, teaching the material to someone else, or creating flashcards.
    6. Seek Help: If you’re struggling with specific topics, don’t hesitate to seek help from your professors, classmates, or tutors.
    7. Stay Healthy: Ensure you get enough sleep, eat well, and exercise. A healthy body supports a healthy mind.
    8. Take Breaks: Schedule short breaks during study sessions to avoid burnout and maintain focus.
    9. Review and Revise: In the days leading up to the midterm, review your notes and summaries. Avoid cramming the night before.
    10. Stay Positive: Maintain a positive attitude. Visualize success and stay confident in your abilities.

    By following these steps and maintaining a disciplined approach, you can prepare effectively for your midterms and increase your chances of success. Preparation is the key to success, so start early and stay consistent in your efforts. Good luck!

  • Women’s Sports Recap 9/24-10/1

    By Caia Bevins

    A lot of things happened in women’s sports this week, both on the field and the court, so let’s recap.

    Women’s Soccer played Manchester on Wednesday, in the rain, I might add and put up a good fight against the Spartans. Both teams remained scoreless in the first half of the game, but early in the second half, #14 Lexi Coward scored a goal and put the Jackets in the lead. However, the lead didn’t last long because Manchester scored a few minutes later on a penalty kick to tie the score. Manchester scored again, which put the Spartans in the lead. Manchester maintained the lead for the rest of the game, resulting in a  2-1 loss for the Jackets. DC ended the game with six shots on goal and an impressive 23 saves.

    On Saturday, the Jackets battled hard against a very quick Hanover team. The Panthers scored seven times in the first half of the game, putting them in a 7-0 lead. In the second half, the Jackets found their footing, and Hanover was only able to score once more for a final score of 8-0. DC finished the game with 1 shot on goal and 15 saves made by #99 Sarah O’Shea. Their next game will be at Rose-Hulman at 1:00 p.m.

    Volleyball played against Hanover as well on Saturday and lost 3-0, with the sets being 13-25, 15-25, and 22-25, respectively. In all three matches, the Jackets took an early lead over Hanover but couldn’t keep their momentum going. #1 Kaylynn Wellman led the team with 11 kills, #11 Madison Schoenauer led with 2 blocks total, and #4 Kayla Boettger led with 16 digs. The team as a whole ended with 40 digs, 26 assists, and 28 kills. Their next game will be on Wednesday at 7 p.m. against the Kenyon Owls.

    Defiance College Athletics. (n.d.-a). Defiance College. https://www.defianceathletics.com/landing/index

  • Book Review: The Housemaid

    By: Hanna Young

    The Housemaid, by USA Today’s Best Selling Author, Frieda McFaddon left me picking my jaw up off the floor when I was done. This book was set in the Winchester family mansion in England. A mansion is the perfect place for a family that needs a housemaid and that is exactly what this book is about. 

    Millie Calloway is desperate, she needs a job badly and when she finds a posting by the Winchester’s looking for a maid. She thought she had no chance of getting it. Nina and Andrew live in the mansion with their daughter Cecelia. Nina needs help around the house as well as picking her daughter up from school. After interviewing with Nina, Millie is shown around the house and is offered the job a few days later. Mille starts as soon as possible moving into her room in the attic and making herself comfortable as a live-in housekeeper. This job couldn’t be anymore perfect, that is, until Nina does everything in her power to make it miserable, making horrid messes for her to clean up and even going as far as lying about her daughter’s health. The only thing that makes it bearable is being able to see Andrew, the only seemingly sane one in the house. The more time Millie spends with him though the more that she thinks he would be happier with her. Millie thinks that Nina is trying to make her miserable on purpose, and Andrew is a breath of fresh air compared to her. How could Millie not fall in love? Millie finds out that the door to her room in the attic locks from the outside the hard way after a late night adventure with Andrew. The only thing that the Winchesters don’t know, though, is that Millie has a past of her own.

    This book was absolutely crazy, I could not stop thinking about it. There was nothing predictable about it, and I was left in absolute shock. I cannot wait to get my hands on the second book. There are so many things that I liked about it, I don’t even know where I would start.

    Overall, I gave this book a 5/5. If I could, it would most definitely be a 6/5 because there are no words to describe how amazing this book really is.

  • Why We Celebrate Homecoming Week

    By: Hannah Feldman

    Homecoming week is a tradition at many colleges, universities, and high schools in the United States and some other countries. It typically includes events and activities, often centered around a football game, to celebrate and welcome back alumni and current students. There are several reasons why schools host homecoming week:

    1. Alumni Engagement: Homecoming is an opportunity for graduates to return to their alma mater and reminisce on many memories formed while at school. Homecoming allows for past students to teach current students traditions or learn how the school has grown. 
    2. School Spirit: Homecoming events often promote school spirit and pride among current students, faculty, and staff. Activities such as pep rallies, parades, and decorating competitions encourage a sense of unity and enthusiasm for the institution. Throughout this week at Defiance College, activities are hosted daily that promote school spirit and student involvement. 
    3. Fundraising: Homecoming can serve as a fundraising opportunity for colleges and universities. Alumni and supporters may make donations during homecoming events, and the revenue generated from ticket sales, merchandise, and other activities can contribute to the school’s budget.
    4. Community Building: Homecoming can strengthen the sense of community on campus. It brings students, alumni, faculty, staff, and local residents together, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie. On Monday of homecoming week, a 5K was held by DC Pride, a club on campus, which was open to students and the community. 
    5. Recruitment: Homecoming can also be a recruitment tool for colleges and universities. High school students and their families may attend homecoming events to understand campus life and the school’s culture.
    6. Tradition and Legacy: Many colleges and universities have a long history of homecoming celebrations, and these traditions are often passed down from one generation to the next. Homecoming allows institutions to celebrate their history and legacy.
    7. Sporting Events: Homecoming often coincides with a significant sporting event, typically a football game. The football game can draw large crowds, including alumni, students, and local community members, boosting attendance and enthusiasm for the team.
    8. Marketing and Public Relations: Homecoming events can garner media attention and positive publicity for the college or university. This can raise the institution’s profile and attract attention from prospective students, donors, and supporters.

    Homecoming week serves multiple purposes: bringing the community together, engaging alumni, promoting school spirit, fundraising, and celebrating tradition. It’s a tradition that has evolved over time and become an integral part of the college experience for many institutions. During this week of Homecoming, try to attend one event on campus to make memories and participate in the tradition of Homecoming.


  • Organization In School Doesn’t Hurt

    By: David Heidelburg

    Hello everyone, my name is David Heidelburg. I am currently a junior at Defiance College. Have you ever struggled with organization or  wondered why your school work was all over the place? Maybe you have felt overwhelmed for some time while in school about upcoming homework, tests, assignments, etc. Well, I would suggest maybe trying to schedule your day and plan it out!

    Coming out of high school I was never big on organization when it came to my school work. But when coming to college I was introduced to college life, and it was unfriendly at first. When I first graduated high school I attended Bluffton University, and I had no idea what to expect. But what I do remember was I thought that college was going to be like high school, and it wasn’t.

    I remember there were many times I had classes and would never write down the assignments that I would have coming up, but since I never wrote them down, I was unaware. I remember my coaches mentioning to me how writing things down like assignments and daily tasks for the day would help. I was very hard headed at the time, but I eventually went back home after freshman year fall semester. A year and a half later I came to Defiance College starting in the year of 2021.

    Beginning my freshman year I remember that I decided to and ended up doing things a lot differently here. I began writing down my assignments in a small travel size notebook. Whether it was assignments or even just writing down upcoming events I discovered it to be very helpful. For me, when it comes to writing my daily task down, it helps me come back to reality, meaning, when I actually see what I have coming up the majority of the time it is not as bad as it seems. I am currently a junior in college and I would say organization helped me out tremendously, and if it did for me, then it can for you too!

  • Yellow Jackets Victorious in Nail Biter at Hanover

    By Hanna Young

    The Defiance College Yellow Jacket football team traveled to Hanover on Saturday to open conference play. The Yellow Jackets struck first scoring a Zeke Sanchez field goal giving them an early 3-0 lead. Nearing the end of the first quarter Sanchez was called on again to send a ball sailing through the goalposts earning Defiance a 6-0 lead. Hanover, however, scored midway through the second quarter and after a successful Point-After-Attempt the score was 6-7 in favor of the Panthers. Shortly after the Panthers tacked on another touchdown and Point-After-Attempt to extend their lead to 6-13. The Yellow Jackets were not going to go down without a fight, though. With less than a minute left Tyshaun Freeman ran the ball into the endzone putting Defiance within one after a successful Point-After-Attempt, 13-14. 

    When the half restarted Hanover was the first to strike, scoring on a 35 yard run to earn them a lead of 13-21. Defiance answered this nearing the end of the third quarter when Tyshaun Freeman found his way into the endzone yet again. Following a successful two-point conversion the Yellow Jackets found themselves in a tie. The fourth quarter remained silent until there was under a minute left. With 51 seconds left Jordan Ambrose found Jalen Warren who ran the ball into the endzone putting the Yellow Jackets 27-21. This is where the score would remain for the rest of the game. 

    Jordan Ambrose led the Yellow Jackets throwing 228 yards in his 12 completed passes. Tyshaun Freeman led the Yellow Jackets in rushing yards with 90 on his 16 attempts. On the  receiving end Jalen Warren led Defiance recording 120 yards and one touchdown, he was followed by Tawann Rome who recorded 52 yards in the contest. Zeke Sanchez sent two field goals through the uprights as well as one Point-After-Attempt earning himself 7 points. Matthew Bolanos punted for 312 yards on Saturday. 

    On the Defensive side Jaylen Redd and Daniel Budwah each recorded 7 solo tackles. They were both followed closely by Thomas Coltrain and Richad Pope IV who both had 6. Richard Pope IV also recorded 3 sacks. Daniel Budwah also recorded an interception for Defiance. The Yellow Jacket defense recorded 51 tackles as a team. The Defiance College Football team will be back home at Justin F. Coressel Stadium on Saturday, October 7th at 1:30pm.

  • Meet Kris Knight

    By: Jessica Reynolds

    I would like to introduce you to Kris Knight. He is the Assistant Dean of Campus Wellness as well as the Director of Counseling and Accessibility Services. Kris started teaching at Defiance College in 2013 as an adjunct. He then became a full time staff member in 2015 in the counseling department. When he got the call to teach as an adjunct, he stated that it was out of the blue and unexpected. Prior to working at the college, he worked at a private practice in Toledo. His favorite part about working at DC is the students. He stated that “I love seeing the students grow and see the people that they become over the four years they are at Defiance College.”

    Kris obtained his Masters degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from Bowling Green State University. He then received his Licensed Professional Clinical Counseling Supervisor (LPCC-S). Something that he wished he had known prior to starting in his profession is the importance of professional networking. He noted that students can start developing their professional network in college. Something that Kris stated that motivates him in his profession is it is “not about me, it is about the students.” He wants to see all students succeed. One statement that stuck out to me was “If I am not working hard, I am not doing my job for the students.” This statement made by Kris stuck out to me because it really shows how much he cares about his job. 

    Kris Knight’s favorite color is green and his biggest fear is snakes. His favorite childhood memory is of camping; he stated during the interview that his family took lots of camping trips when he was younger. Kris’s advice to first year college students is “Use all the resources that are available” and “Do not be afraid to step out of your comfort zone.”

    Kris Knight’s office can be located in Defiance 201B.

  • Men’s Sports Recap 9/24-10/1

    By Caia Bevins

    A lot of things happened in men’s sports this week on the field, so let’s talk about it.

    Men’s Soccer played at Manchester on Wednesday. The Spartans scored their first goal of the game in the first half, but it was quickly tied by #11 Riley Hensley a few minutes later. They were tied going into the second half when #3 Quinn Holtzapple scored his first goal of the season. In the final minutes of the game, Manchester scored to tie the game, and the Jackets were unable to score again. The final score was 2-2, and the Yellow Jackets ended with 9 shots on goal.

    They played again on Saturday against Hanover. # 11 Riley Hensley scored within the first ten minutes, putting the Jackets at a 1-0 lead. A few minutes later, #6 Jack Stanoikovich scored, increasing their lead. Towards the end of the first half, Hanover scored, putting the score at 2-1. In the second half, Hanover scored again to tie the game, but the Jackets responded by scoring a goal of their own. The goal was scored by #24 Joshua Maurer in the final minutes of the game, which resulted in a 3-2 victory for DC. There were 5 shots on goal, and 10 saves were made by #1 Orry Killam. Men’s Soccer will play again at Rose-Hulman at 3:30 p.m.

    The Football team played at Hanover this weekend, where they started the game strong with two field goals made by #10 Zeke Sanchez. The Panthers made a touchdown, but #9 Daniel Budwah quickly intercepted the ball. #0 Tyshaun Freeman scored another touchdown before the end of the first quarter. Going into the third quarter, the Jackets were down 21-13, but the Jackets scored to tie Hanover going into the fourth quarter. The final touchdown was scored by #8 Jalen Warren with 51 seconds on the clock, putting the Jackets in the lead. This was their first win against Hanover since 2015. The football team will play again next Saturday for Homecoming against Mount Saint Joseph at 1:30 p.m.


    Defiance College Athletics. (n.d.-a). Defiance College. https://www.defianceathletics.com/landing/index