Skye Van Schetsen is homeless.

Although she has lived in Canada for a number of years now, she still feels the displacement of an international student and doesn’t anticipate that she’ll feel different any time soon. Van Schetsen was born in Belgium, grew up mostly in South Africa and eventually came to live in North America. But for her, the word “home” is almost incomprehensible, like another language.

“It’s difficult because I don’t really have a place to call home,” she said. “I’ve always considered South Africa my home because that’s where I’ve done all my developing and ‘becoming me’ (but) BC is my adopted home. I feel more at home here because it’s the only place I’ve chosen for myself to live.”

Melissa Kuenzi

The sushi sat next to the mashed potatoes on the long tables stretched out in the Fraser Lounge as Trinity Western University’s international student community celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada.

The event, hosted by the International Student Program and the Trinity Western University Student Association, took place from 5-7 pm on Thursday, Oct. 4th. International students, their Friendship Partners, ISP student leaders and several TWU staff got together to enjoy a traditional Canadian Thanksgiving.

Peter Licata and Lauren Thompson

Over two dozen sharply dressed students leaders sat praying in RNT 125. After a chorus of “amens,” the Trinity Western University Student Association’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) began in earnest. On the night of October 11, hundreds of thousands of tuition dollars have been allocated to various budgets for the 2007-2008 school year.

It was a year of unfortunate traditions. Once again, council had to deal with significantly less student fees, with $211,560 coming in from its largest revenue source. Also, carry over from last year fell from over $30,000 to just $3,542. This leads to a total main revenue drop from $257,500 to $215,100.

Todd Foley

After its first attempt last year, the Freshman Academy is once again offering an academic alternative to students. The program serves as a buffering year for students who do not meet Trinity Western University’s admission standards in its entirety. Last year the program, under the Global Learning Centre, saw completion by the majority of its attendees. 25 students enrolled last year, with 19 finishing the program, and 28 students are registered for the 2007-2008 year.

Hannah Jenkins

“Has he told you about how he’s a Burmese Prince yet?” asks a passerby within the first few minutes of our interview. I eye Keharn Yawnghwe quizzically. “I’m not a prince,” he laughs. “Well, not really. It’s complicated.”

Keharn, a third year student studying Communications and Political Science, transferred to Trinity Western University from McGill University a year and a half ago.

On the short walk from the cafeteria to the Atrium five people said “hi” to him. It’s no surprise that Keharn has a lot of friends – he’s an SOS leader, member of the English Students’ Society, and volunteer with Streetlight ministry.

Every weeknight at 9:00, the Lower Mainland can tune into The Standard on Omni.10. Many Trinity Western University students will instantly recognize the host of the show, Peg Peters, also known as Randall Mark, a Philosophy and Religious Studies professor at TWU.

The Standard is a daily television show that promotes “a spiritual angle on the headlines of today.” As Peters says, most news stories and current affairs have a religious base, but many people do not want to talk about the religious aspect. The Standard is dedicated to bringing forward the faith behind the stories.

Peter Licata

Ashley Crozier is a third-year International Studies student with a mission. That mission earned positive recognition this September as Crozier was selected as a recipient of the 2007 McGraw-Hill Ryerson Student Scholarship Award.

The award is valued at $1000, and honours students who stand out in terms of integrity, initiative, and their overall impact on campus. Crozier has clearly met all three criteria since she has come to Trinity Western University. Professor Paul Rowe nominated her for the award during the 2007 spring semester.

Gabby Labastida

An additional Trinity Western University campus is now up and running as of last month, with a smooth start to the new year for both the students and the new campus programs.

The facility, located in Bellingham, Wash., joins the Laurentian Leadership Centre as TWU’s two satellite campuses.

So far, the university has 22 students enrolled, which is not as many as hoped for. Despite the small size, Dr. Dan Sanford, Bellingham campus director and part-time professor for the past three years at TWU, is excited for the new opportunities this campus will offer older students wanting to finish their degree.