PHOTO STORY: THE LIFE OF A CORNERSTONE RA

Every Monday morning, Alexis Hart, Sophomore and Cornerstone University Residential Assistant, starts her week off with her two favorite things: Her section and the Bible. "We have a small group bible study together as a section once a week. We help each other through life's trails and triumphs. These girls have really taught me a lot about life, trust and faith and I am so blessed to have them in my section," Hart said.



Hart has done gymnastics since she was four years old. She is seen doing a handstand in her hallway that she decorated for her section. "I put the same energy into my section and friends as I do in my gymnastics. You've got to give it your all."


"If I could give advice to anyone about anything, I would sum it up in one word: laugh," Hart said. "My favorite thing in the world is to laugh. I probably should love something that I do all day, everyday right? Laughter solves everything."


"We have way too much fun," Hart said. She is seen in the back with a few girls from her section, who she likes to refer to as her best friends. They dressed up like cowgirls and put on a dance for everyone to watch.


Along with a 24/7 job as an RA, Hart also works in the campus cafeteria, serving ice cream and cleaning dishes. She takes time to laugh at work as she rides the conveyor belt before the dishes come in.


Hart has become the "heart" of her section. For her birthday, her section known as C2E, threw her a surprise party. "Lex is probably the coolest girl I have ever known. She is beautiful inside and out and makes every person she is around enjoy life a little bit more," Lauren Larson, C2E resident said.


"Yeah I'm a 20-year-old little kid who likes to color. Life is too fun to take it seriously and I really enjoy the little things," Hart said.


Hart encourages her section to be encouraging. She often takes them on "Section Sneaks," where "we do the most random, outrageous events, but that's why its fun," Hart said. She is pictured above giving Anna Overway a double high five after Overway earned her first strike for "80's Bowling night".


"I learn by reading God's word. It has been such a privilege to be a part of all these beautiful women's lives this year and been able to watch them grow and just be there for them. God has taught me so much and I want to continue to seek his will,"
Hart said.


Hart recently applied to be an RA again for the following school year. She received her letter of acceptance in the mail yesterday. "I can't wait to see what God has planned for me next," Hart said.

PORTRAITS

Lydia Brower, 4 of Traverse City, laughs with water droplets on her face as she lies on the beach with her family for National Cherry Festival.


Julianna Standfest, 5, eats ice cream at Downtown Disney in Florida during spring break. Brower recently underwent head surgery, as a result her mom has been letting her eat a lot of ice cream.

Newborn, John-Mark Brower is held by father Benjamin Brower, as his father lightly kisses his cheek. The fifth child is just as exciting as the first child Ben said.

Jamie Marsh, of Marsh Brothers Automotive in Traverse City, stands in the middle of his car lot, examining his few cars left after Marsh Brothers recently went out of business.

Youngest avaitor in the history of Northwestern Michigan College to fly a plane solo, Ryan McCullen, 17, is privileged to stand behind a "Pilots Only" sign.


Abigail Witt, 7, holds her favorite camera from her and her dads camera collection. "I like this one because the photo shoots out right away," Witt said. Her dad mentioned that Witt aspires to be a photographer when she grows up.

SPORTS

The Bay Shore Marathon held each Memorial Day in Traverse City, Michigan, features over 20,000 runners. The run is considered one of the most beautiful marathon runs in Michigan, as runners run along the Traverse City Bay.

Two cups to suffice his thirst, Jay Fabrini struggles as he enters his 17th mile for the annual Bay Shore Marathon. This was Fabrini's first marathon, but he commented that he felt great and cannot wait to do it again.

Traverse City's minor league baseball team, the Beach Bums, attempt to tag the opponent out at second base during the Summer 2009 season.

With over 20,000 runners at the Bay Shore Marathon about 950 volenteers handed out water and Gatorade at various spots to help hydrate the runners.


The Red Wings made it to Game Seven on the Stanley Cup Final last summer. In Traverse City, fans came from all around to watch the game on the local theater big screen. The Red Wings struggled the entire game to make a goal and when they finally did, fans rose from there seats in excitement and cheer.

OTHER

Firefighters, paramedics, and police scanners buzzed with the news of a plane crash and rushed to the scene. As his plane engine failed, Gary Harlock crashed into a forest last summer in Traverse City. Harlock was hospitalized for trauma and but was luckily injury free. This was his first crash although he has been flying planes for over 50 years.


Cornerstone students cheer as girls who live in Pickett Dorm, perform in there own talent show and dance under the lights in the Corum.

After Haiti's major earthquake on January 12, 2010, Cornerstone University decided to take action by raising funds, holding seminars and collecting survival supplies to send down with a mission trip.


"'Dancing with the Sections' is a big deal, and we won," Javier Nieves laughed about dancing to a Jonas Brothers song for the annual event. They used Guitar Hero plastic guitars and lipsynced like rock stars to score the gold medal.

FEATURES

Siblings, Mark, 7 and Joyanna, 4 play on the beach during the summer months in Traverse City. Mark sneaks a look to see if his mother is watching before he squirts his nervous sister with his water gun.

Its the summer season and in attempts to brighten up the downtown streets, flowers were hung from every lamp post. Workers are hired to water and maintain them each morning.

Sailing classes are offered during the summer months in Traverse City, Michigan. Heather Freely stands and watches for the protection of the young children out sailing alone.

Over 12 acres are filled with Iris's each season by a family who owns the Iris farm for over 200 years. They open it to the public and allow visitors to pick there own flowers and buy Iris seeds.

Best Friends Jamie Elkey, 8, and Miranda Foster, 8, test the waters as they sail together for the first time in there sailing class in Traverse City, Michigan.

Three sisters sit on the edge of a warm dock as they splash each other on East Lake while enjoying the hot summer months in Northern Michigan.


Kelly McRoy, graduating senior at Traverse City Christian High School takes time to pray before the ceremony starts.