The Optimist
You are here: Home / Features

Fagala finds passion in yoga benefits

by

Though her yoga classes start with energetic chaos as people shuffle into a downtown studio, Sarah Fagala's emphasis on abiding peacefully transitions her attendees into a restful, calming mindset. The junior English teaching major form Borne started participating in Yoga as a form of self-care. At first reluctant to find a physical outlet to ... [Read More…]

Abilene Resident handles snakes to raise awareness

by

Abilene resident, Maxwell Hicks, is a snake handler for Big Country Snake Removal and owner of Max’s Morphs. The 24-year-old, bearded vagabond makes his living breeding and safely evacuating reptiles and other animals from private properties across Abilene and the rest of the Big Country. Primarily in ball pythons, he specializes in creating ... [Read More…]

A career to remember: Owens reflects on her friendships and achievements in her final season

by

Despite competing in her final home game, senior midfield Dylan Owens continued her successful career on the field at the Southland Conference Championship last weekend. Owens, a senior advertising and public relations major from Willard, Missouri, began playing soccer at five years old, sparking her passion for the sport. Dylan's mother was the ... [Read More…]

Veterans still fighting battle in school, Abilene

by

Two students enlisted in the military–one enlisted to escape his hometown, while the other was following in the footsteps of his family members who served in the military. However, they now fight the battle of transitioning into a civilian lifestyle. David Sirchia and Rowdy McElfresh are two student veterans, who said they find little help at home ... [Read More…]

Obituary: Clark remembered for accomplishments

by

Mary Frazier Clark died at the age of 95 on Oct. 20. Clark was the first female member of the board of trustees and an ACU alumna, graduating in 1944. Mary Frazier Clark was born to W.G an Mintie Frazier in Levelland, TX, on Jan. 31, 1932. She married John D. Clark in 1946 in Sundown, who died in 1977. When she attended ACU, she was ... [Read More…]

Peak performance: Vestal seeks professional career after college

by and

Since she was 3 years old, Sam Vestal has enjoyed the simplicity of kicking a soccer ball on the freshly cut, dew-covered grass. Though the road to professional athletics ends for most in high school, Vestal said she desires to continue after college. Vestal played on the varsity team all four years of high school at Permian High School in ... [Read More…]

Interior Design surpasses reaccreditation standards

by

After years of preparation, Interior Design was recently reaccredited by The Council for Interior Design Accreditation (CIDA). Because accreditation involves extensive preparation, the art and design department has been preparing for six years–the standard time frame for accreditation. To be accredited, the department is required to provide ... [Read More…]

You are here: Home / Features