Blog

By Hannah Feldman

The Christmas season is a time of joy, generosity, and celebration. However, the festivities often have a financial strain that can linger long after the last ornament is packed away. Crafting a thoughtful budget for the holiday season is crucial to ensure the merriment doesn’t become a financial burden.

To start, it’s essential to outline a comprehensive list of all anticipated expenses. This includes gifts, decorations, travel, food, and any other festive activities. By clearly understanding what is needed, one can allocate funds accordingly and avoid last-minute splurges.

Setting a realistic spending limit for each category is the next crucial step. Consider your overall financial situation and determine how much you can comfortably allocate to holiday expenses without compromising your financial stability. Be honest with yourself about what you can afford, and resist the urge to overspend in the spirit of the season.

Embracing a cash-based approach can be a powerful tool during the holiday season. Using cash for purchases instead of credit cards makes it easier to track spending and resist the temptation to go over budget. This also helps prevent the accumulation of post-holiday debt, allowing you to enter the new year on solid financial ground.

Another valuable strategy is to start early. Begin your holiday shopping well in advance to take advantage of sales and discounts. This stretches your budget further and reduces the stress associated with last-minute shopping.

Consider alternative gift-giving approaches, such as homemade gifts or organizing a Secret Santa among family and friends. This adds a personal touch to the season and eases the financial burden for everyone involved.

Lastly, embrace the spirit of frugality. Look for cost-effective ways to celebrate, whether it’s through DIY decorations or potluck-style gatherings. The focus should be on creating meaningful moments rather than extravagant expenditures. A well-thought-out budget is the key to enjoying a festive Christmas season without the looming shadow of financial stress. By planning, setting realistic limits, and embracing frugality, you can ensure that the season of giving doesn’t become a season of financial strain.

By Caia Bevins

It was a slow week for women’s sports as only volleyball played, so let’s discuss.

They played against Bluffton on Wednesday and went for four sets, with the scores being 18-25, 25-22, 18-25, and 8-25, respectively. In the first set, the Jackets started off strong and took the lead, but the Beavers responded quickly and took back the lead. They went back and forth, scoring points for the rest of the set, with Bluffton coming out on top with a 25-18 victory. The second set was very similar, with the Jackets taking an early lead. Again, the two rivals went back and forth with scoring points, but Defiance won this set with 25-22. The third set saw the Jackets start strong again, but they were unable to maintain their lead for long and lost that set, as well as the fourth. #2 Jamia Murray led with twelve kills, #21 Courtney Maxwell led with thirty-three assists, and #5 Emma Chafins led with fourteen digs. Overall, the team ended with fourty-six kills, fourty assists, and fifty digs.

Last Saturday was Senior Day for the Volleyball team, so let’s take a second to recognize these outstanding students. #4 Kayla Boettger is majoring in integrated social studies education and history from Archbold, Ohio. #11 Madison Schoenauer is majoring in business management. #13 Kairston Moorer is a social work major. #22 Katlin Barrett is majoring in forensic science and is also a member of the basketball team. Finally, #25 Hope Yost is a double major in psychology and business administration and was an orientation leader for Defiance College.

The Volleyball team played their final game this season against Mt. St. Joseph and played three sets with scores of 25-13, 25-17, and 23-17, respectively. The Lions took an early lead, but the Jackets responded quickly. The Lions retaliated and won the set 25-13. The second set went back and forth for the first several points, and the Lions slowly built their lead to win the set 25-17. In the final set, the Jackets and the Lions both played hard, and the score was close the entire set, and both teams struggled for the upper hand. In the end, the Lions scored the final point and won the match.

By Caia Bevins

Women’s Basketball started up this week, so let’s get into it. 

Women’s basketball started off their season against Ohio Wesleyan at home and had a slow start. #25 Zadria King was the first to put points on the board for the Jackets, but the Bishops came back and scored 17 points to take a further lead. The Jackets were able to score a few more times, and they went into the second half with a score of 48-14. In the third quarter, Wesleyan continued to dominate, but they were able to rack up another 30 points over the last two quarters, and they finished the game with a score of 101-44. #3 Karrie Smith led with points, #34 Taylor Bates led in rebounds, and #11 Ali Mowen led in assists. Overall, the team ended with a field goal percentage of 26.7%, 25 rebounds, and nine assists.

Women’s basketball played again on Sunday at Heidelberg and started off the quarter strong with points made by #3 Karrie Smith, #30 Teagan Hunt, and #12 Addy Allen. In the second quarter, the Jackets lost a bit of their momentum, and they went into halftime with a score of 38-29. #4 Kaiya Albert was the first to score going onto the third quarter, and #25 Zadria King was the last, and they finished the quarter with a score of 56-45. DC scored another 20 points in the fourth quarter and finished the game with a score of 79-65. #4 Kaiya Albert led with points scored, #25 Zadria King and #34 Taylor Bates led with eight rebounds each, and #25 Zadria King led with four assists. Overall, the team had a field goal percentage of 36.8%, 35 rebounds, and eight assists.

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Dr. Goodrum. He is the Associate Professor of Criminal Justice. He has been working at Defiance College for nine and a half years. When asked the question why he decided to work at DC, he stated “There were a number of factors that made me decide to work at the College. However, the warm, friendly, and welcoming environment I received when I took a tour is what sealed the deal for me.” His favorite part about working at Defiance College is “watching the students grow and move closer to reaching their goals.” Prior to working at DC, Dr. Goodrum worked as a State Trooper for the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 25 years. Dr. Goodrum earned his Bachelor of Art in Psychology from the University of Toledo, followed by his Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security from Tiffin University and then went on to get his PhD in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Public Safety from Capella University.

One movie that Dr. Goodrum could watch over and over again and not get tired of would be Crimson Tide with Gene Hackman. One thing on his bucket list is going back to Alaska and spending more time in the wilderness. Dr. Goodrum likes to listen to hip-hop, country, the blues, and rap music. The best piece of advice that Dr. Goodrum has received is “Trust in God!” Some tips or tricks that he has learned from his career path is “In life there are very few shortcuts. If you want to get ahead, you must do the work. Embrace the grind!” Another interesting fact about him is that his greatest joy in life is being a family man.

Dr. Goodrum’s office can be located in Schauffler 208.

By: David Heidelburg

Lets face it, while we are in school whether you are Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, or Senior the times are only shortening as the days go on. No matter how you think about it. That is the fact. Although college can have some ups and downs whether it is academics or etc.. These are the last few years before getting into the real world. My best advice to you is to make the best out of it.

Not everyone goes or has the opportunity to go to college which is ok of course, but for those that are in school it is also a great step of accomplishment. Some more advice I would give of how to embrace the college life while you can is maybe try events on campus. Since being here at Defiance College I realize that there are a ton of activities here on campus and a lot of them are fun and interesting. I have been to quite a few myself from painting pictures to campus carnivals before the school year begins. And so many more activities on campus just mentioning the few I have been to. 

Another thing I have noticed is that college goes by quickly  weather you believe it or not. It really seems like yesterday that I came here for a visit back in 2021. When I had classes my freshman year, I remember Ms. Lisa mentioning to the Freshman class that it goes by quick. I didn’t believe it at first but when you get through one week it just flies by from there.

I say all of that because I believe it is important that because we pay to go to school at Defiance College you might as well try to make the best of it. Trying new things maybe one step at a time, trying to get out of your comfort zone and meet new people. When my time is done at Defiance College I don’t want to have regrets about what could have been or any what if’s.

By Caia Bevins

This wasn’t a busy week for men’s sports, so let’s talk football.

The football team faced off against Rose-Holman, which had a 6-2 record prior to the game. The Yellow Jackets were the first to score a touchdown and put seven points on the board, but the Engineers quickly responded with a touchdown of their own. Towards the end of the first quarter, Rose-Holman got the ball and was able to score another touchdown. However, they missed the extra point, making the score 13-7. The Jackets scored another touchdown, and the Engineers scored a touchdown and made a two-point play, putting the score at 22-13 going into the second quarter.

Both teams played hard in the second quarter, and Rose-Holman struggled for the majority of the quarter before scoring and the Jackets responded quickly by scoring a touchdown of their own. The Engineers scored again, and the score was 36-20 going into halftime. The third quarter saw a comeback for the Jackets as they scored another touchdown and held back Rose-Holman’s offense, making the score 36-27. 

In the final quarter, the Jackets and Engineers went back and forth scoring touchdowns, and the game ended with a score of 78-54. Despite their loss, the Yellow Jackets played well, and our offense scored more touchdowns than any other team this year. #9 Jordan Ambrose set a career record with seven touchdowns in one game. He threw for 280 yards and made 127 rushing yards, setting a school record. #2 Thomas Coltrain led with nineteen tackles, a career-high, and #4 Jaylen Redd made sixteen. In just a few short days, the Jackets will finish up the season against Bluffton, so make sure you come out and support them against our rival on Saturday 11th.

By: Hanna Young

The Perfect Marriage, by USA Today’s Best Selling Author, Jeneva Rose left me wondering what the heck just happened. This book is set in Washington D.C. where Sarah Morgan lives with her husband Adam Morgan. The book also has scenes set in Prince William County where the pair has a vacation home on a lake. 

Sarah Morgan is one of the best defense attorneys in Washington D.C. and that is not an understatement, she is already a partner at her law firm. Adam Morgan is a writer who started off his career with a debut best seller, but the ship that brought him fame has come and gone. With his writer career struggling and Sarah’s career striving she spends more time at her office than at home. This causes Adam to get bored of their marriage and find someone else, a breath of fresh air. Adam meets Kelly Summers at the coffee shop she waitressed at and they hit it off, both of them being married already and wanting something on the side. The pair start rendezvousing at the lake house. One morning after Adam and Kelly had met at the lake house Adam was arrested for Kelly’s murder. The evidence seems stacked against Adam and as one of the best defense attorneys in town Sarah is Adam’s only hope of getting out of this mess. 

I have a love-hate relationship with this book. On one hand the ending had me completely thrown for a loop, it was something that I was not expecting. On the other hand though, I was left a little annoyed with how much of the book was set up giving background information versus how much was used explaining the court case and verdict as well as explaining the person that committed the crime and why. This was a really good book, it just had a lot of stuff that seemed like filler and a really fast resolution to the book. 

Overall, I gave this book a 3/5. This is because of the proportions of the book. I was really taken aback by the ending, but I just can’t get past the amount of the book that was used just for filler information.

By: Hannah Feldman

The debate over when to put up your Christmas tree is a perennial holiday conundrum that divides households and sparks passionate discussions among friends and families. While some people eagerly embrace transforming their homes into winter wonderlands as early as November, others staunchly believe that Christmas decorations should remain in storage until December. So, when is it too early to put up your Christmas tree?

Traditionally, many people wait until after Thanksgiving to set up their Christmas trees. This practice allows Thanksgiving to be in the spotlight before the holiday season transitions to full-fledged Christmas mode. However, in recent years, the trend of decorating earlier has gained momentum.

The argument for early Christmas tree decoration often revolves around the idea of spreading joy and creating a longer-lasting festive atmosphere. In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming and stressful, the sight of twinkling lights and festive ornaments can provide a much-needed emotional boost. However, it’s hard to deny the excitement of seeing children’s faces light up as they help decorate the tree or the joy of hosting early holiday gatherings with friends and family.

On the other hand, those who prefer to wait until December to put up their Christmas trees argue that doing so too early can lead to holiday burnout. By pacing the festivities and decorations, you can maintain a sense of anticipation and keep the holiday spirit fresh. Additionally, putting up a Christmas tree in November detracts from the significance of other important holidays, like Thanksgiving, which deserves its own time in the spotlight.

Ultimately, the timing for putting up your Christmas tree is a matter of personal preference. There’s no strict rule that dictates the “right” time to decorate, so it comes down to what makes you and your family happiest. Consider factors like the climate in your region; if you live in a place with cold winters, the presence of a Christmas tree can bring a cozy and comforting ambiance.

The question of when it’s too early to put up your Christmas tree is subjective. Some choose to decorate in November to extend the holiday season and create a cheerful environment, while others wait until December to preserve the magic and prevent burnout. Whatever you decide, the key is to savor the moments and traditions that bring you the most joy during this special time of the year. After all, Christmas is a season of celebration and togetherness, and the timing of your tree’s debut should reflect the love and warmth you wish to share with your loved ones.

By: Jessica Reynolds

I would like to introduce you to Professor Salisbury. She is the Social Work Program Director and Assistant Professor of Social Work. She has been working at Defiance College for 10 years. Her favorite part about working at the college is “being able to watch students being successful.” She decided to work at DC because helping people has always been really important to her. She also stated that she works at the college because she is “able to reach more clients if she teaches younger professionals how to help others.” Prior to working at DC she worked in Columbus at the National Youth Advocate Program and she is currently working in a private practice here in Defiance as a therapist. Professor Salisbury attended Bluffton University for her Undergraduate Degree and got her License in Social Work (LSW). She then went on to The Ohio State University for her Master’s Degree and got her License Independent Social Worker (LISW). Professor Salisbury also has her Supervision, so she can supervise professionals that are trying to receive their hours for their own LISW. 

Something that really makes Professor Salisbury angry is when people are unkind to others. Her favorite holiday is Christmas. If she could choose to do anything for a day she would either “fly to Italy or attend a lot of concerts in one day.” When asked the question if she would rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job she said “win the lottery because she is already working at the perfect job.” Her favorite animal is dogs and she loves her own dogs, Titopop and Peekaboo Bumbkins Junior (PJ). Some other interesting facts about Professor Salisbury is she has a 3 year old daughter and is due to have another baby in March. She really loves concerts and Disney World. She used to be a Disney World travel agent and she knows how to play the piano.

Professor Salisbury’s office can be located in Shauffler 205. 

By: Hannah Feldman

As you walk around campus, almost anywhere you are, you will probably see or hear the name “Willy-G.” Will Garlock has become more than just a student in his three years at Defiance College. He has pushed himself to try new things, be kind to everyone, and grow from his time at DC. Getting to know Will is not a hard thing to do as he is extremely open and friendly to all. 

Will is in his senior year and is majoring in history with a minor in sports management. He is extremely involved on campus, as he is the 2023 Homecoming King, a part of the DC Choir, Men’s Choir, President of Catholics on Campus, Vice President of SAAC, CAB, Student Ambassador, Phi-Alpha-Theta, service leader, McMaster Scholar, Student Assistant Coach for Men’s Basketball and Football, part of the Men’s Golf and Cross Country Teams, and Co-President of FCA. With him being involved in so much, Will becomes a familiar face to almost all. 

“My favorite thing about DC is how accepting everyone is. I came in as a transfer, and I could do everything I wanted. No one told me not to try something new. I was able to do anything that I wanted to try, and no one stopped me. Everyone at DC allows for people to push themselves, allow us to do new things, and grow as people,” says Will. After graduating, Will wants to coach basketball at any level and teach. 

Leaving DC will be hard for Will as he has found a home here. He said that he will miss the genuine relationships he has with everyone here. For Will to pick a favorite memory was hard for him, but he said, “Seeing my parents be so proud and come to all my events. Being homecoming king and seeing how excited my mom and dad were for me. Seeing my parents come to just watch me film and support me 100%.” Will said that leaving DC will not be easy, but he knows that Defiance College will always be home. Will leaves us with two pieces of advice: “Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something,” and “Know why you are here, and find your why.” 

Will will always be a major part of Defiance College, and his shoes will be hard to fill. Getting to know Will has been so great, and his last few months as a DC student will be full of more laughs and memories. As you see Will around campus, make sure to say Hi, as his impact on everyone is large!