Many of us have passed the Office of Undergraduate Enrollment in Nethery Hall, never once suspecting that within its walls, helping new students register for classes, answering questions and the like, sits a master storyteller. Aaron Moushon, assistant dean for undergraduate education and head of the Explore ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ program, works hard to ensure that new students at ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University are all set when it comes to classes, registration and paperwork. His passion for helping students begin their college journey likely stems from his own fond remembrances of ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University from when he was a student. One of those fond memories is of Moushon’s time writing for the student paper.
Now, many years later, we are calling back the man, the myth and the legend to once again transport us into the world of his masterful writing and storytelling. So snuggle up and enjoy the first installment of Storytime with Aaron Moushon, “A Winter’s Tale.”
“It’s a cold morning in mid-December 2019, and I’m driving up 196 to Holland, MI, for a day of hymns and caroling. I’m admittedly not much of a singer, but an acquaintance convinced me this event was just my vibe. It was a busy day downtown Holland, so I had to park a decent walk away from the meetup. Earmuffs, scarf, gloves and thermos in tow, I walked through the cold until I saw a small gathering of folks. Mostly elderly and skewing female, I could hear excited voices and feel the cheer from a block away. All I had left to reach my destination was to avoid the angry mobs, hop around the state police barriers, and sneak past the Secret Service. Did I mention I was there to sing protest hymns and carols for the Vice President of the United States?
“Winter is an interesting time in the presidential political cycle. Many of the most important events in the political calendar happen in cold weather. Primaries, voting and inaugurations are winter events. With political campaigns come lots of promises, heavy-handed rhetoric and, unfortunately, a lot of hostility towards those with whom we disagree. Often, groups will show up at political events to support and protest candidates. That’s what brought me to Holland on a cold day in December. Now back to the Vice President.
“About a week before the VP was scheduled to speak in Holland, his boss said some disappointing things about immigration. As the progeny of immigrants myself, I was disappointed with the words spoken. As the week progressed, groups both for and against the administration made plans to let their voice be heard. I found a third option to my liking and planned to take a day off work and take a little drive. Arriving at the corner where we were to meet, I could feel a little tension in the air. The roads were all closed, leading to the intersection and the police had everyone separated. The Secret Service and presidential motorcade were on the corner with the venue. The other corners were filled with 3 distinct groups. Corner One was filled with a lot of camo and cargo pants, assault rifles and Confederate flags. Corner Two had a lot of people wearing skinny jeans, black hats, and holding Anarchy flags. Corner Three was filled with instruments, cookies and hot drinks. My people! As day turned to night, our little corner sang songs, enjoyed each other’s company, and talked about ways to make the world a better place. In the midst of conflict, we found a way to spread a message of joy and hope.
“Right now, we’re in the middle of a political transition. Every day, news hits our feeds and impacts our society and our world. Sometimes we’ll agree, and many times we will not. What I hope for is that we can find a way to come together peacefully, reason with each other and find common ground. If you think of yourself as liberal, be kind to those who think of themselves as conservative. If you’re conservative, take the same high road and be kind. Political movements rise and fall. How we conduct ourselves during these movements defines who we are. Don’t be angry with each other. Find some common ground, be understanding and maybe sing a song. Even in dark times, there’s hope in the future.”
“Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. For the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:19-20
—Aaron Moushon
The Student Movement is the official student newspaper of ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University. Opinions expressed in the Student Movement are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the editors, ¶·Å£ÆåÅÆ University or the Seventh-day Adventist church.