Beyond the Writing Center: Abbie Patchen ’24</h1> <article> <h1>Beyond the Writing Center: Abbie Patchen ’24</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 21:35:44 +0000</p> <span>Beyond the Writing Center: Abbie Patchen ’24</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-11-05T16:35:44-05:00" title="Tuesday, November 5, 2024 - 16:35">Tue, 11/05/2024 - 16:35</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Abbie Patchen ’24 is a Juris Doctor (JD) candidate at the University of North Carolina School of Law. While at 91ֱ��, Abbie pursued a minor in <a href="/node/25451">Writing & Communication</a>, and was involved with the <a href="/node/83151">Writing Associates</a> program, where students assist their peers through writing advice and tutoring.</p> <p>Recently, her work was published within the scholarly publishing collaborative <em>WAC Clearinghouse</em>—work that began as an assignment for Teaching and Tutoring Writing Across the Disciplines, taught by Professor of Writing and Communication Laurie Hovell McMillin. Here, she reflects on how her 91ֱ�� courses and professors shaped her approach to learning and writing.</p> <hr class="hr--light" style="margin: 1.5rem 0;"> <p><strong>Walk me through how you became so passionate about writing and tutoring. What sparked this interest?</strong></p> <p>I had always felt confident in my writing ability, even through the first few years at 91ֱ��. However, eventually I felt like I hit a plateau. I was not moving towards the more advanced quality of writing expected in my more challenging classes. I was fortunate to be in a class taught by <a href="/node/5926">Robert S. Danforth Professor of History and Professor of Comparative American Studies and Africana Studies Renee Romano</a>, and she offered to provide me with in-depth feedback on my writing. Her outside perspective gave me new insights into concrete steps I could take to make improvements. After implementing those insights, I felt my writing progress faster than it had in years. Collaborating with someone else was invaluable to my writing journey, and I wanted to provide that kind of support for other students. </p> <p><strong>What was your experience like as a Writing Associate at 91ֱ��?</strong></p> <p>I joined the program in the fall of 2023. I spent the first semester working in the <a href="/node/41931">Writing Center</a>. This was a great experience, and I quickly had to apply the skills I was learning in Teaching and Tutoring Writing Across the Disciplines, the required course for the program. I really enjoyed the variety of assignments and figuring out how to adapt to each student’s needs. Every shift was eventful or provided a new opportunity for growth. In the spring semester, I was a Course Writing Associate for <a href="/node/416606">Assistant Professor of Politics Ali Masood</a>’s seminar on the U.S. Supreme Court. I had previously taken the course and was able to apply my disciplinary knowledge to help students who were writing their required research papers. These different positions gave me experience in both breadth and depth.</p> <p><strong>Were there any classes and/or mentors at 91ֱ�� that helped shape or guide your philosophy or path?</strong></p> <p>Teaching and Tutoring Writing has had the biggest impact on how I approach learning to this day. I had only taken one class in the Writing and Communication department before my senior year, and this course quickly pushed me into the depths of the discipline. I suddenly became uncomfortable with my writing process, which caused me to take a step back and reevaluate how I approached learning from all other aspects. While the first few weeks in the Writing Center felt rocky, and at times in my other classes I struggled to write short papers, I eventually pushed through the discomfort and found a new level. I am a more well-rounded learner because of the program. I knew I would experience a similar discomfort as I started law school this fall, but I also had a new confidence in my ability to thrive in unfamiliar learning environments. Because of my experience with the Writing Associate program, I believe I approach my current coursework in a way that sets me apart from other law students. </p> <p><strong>What was the experience like writing the article in <em>WAC Clearinghouse</em> and getting it published?</strong></p> <p>My original piece was part of my final project for Teaching and Tutoring Writing. I responded to one of the pieces we had covered about the emerging use of artificial intelligence (AI) and how other institutions were implementing it in their writing centers. <a href="/node/6421">Professor Laurie Hovell McMillin</a> encouraged me to find a way to share that piece with a broader audience. She recommended <em>WAC Clearinghouse</em>, which publishes a Tutor’s Column. Since submitting my initial proposal in December and publishing it in October, my piece was completely transformed with the help of the wonderful editors at <em>WLN: A Journal for Writing Center Scholarship—</em>the specific journal where my piece was published. The current form of my article is intended to serve as a reminder of the valuable role tutors serve for students and the intangible qualities they have to offer compared to AI. I am incredibly proud to have worked through this process and to be able to share the values of the 91ֱ�� Writing Associate program with the greater Writing Center community. </p> <p><strong>If you could give one piece of advice to students right now, what would it be?</strong></p> <p>Go to the Writing Center! It is an incredible resource readily available for you, staffed with capable, eager students. Wherever you are in your writing journey, there is always room for growth, and learning how to communicate effectively is an invaluable skill, no matter what you plan to do after 91ֱ��. </p> <p><strong>How did your 91ֱ�� experience lead you towards your current endeavor — pursuing a Juris Doctor?</strong></p> <p>Even before 91ֱ��, my plan was always to go to law school right after graduation. However, I do think the learning experience at 91ֱ�� has uniquely prepared me for my JD. I have already been exposed to new ways of thinking and learned to keep an open mind about all of it while maintaining a critical lens. I believe this will allow me to maintain my values, shaped by my 91ֱ�� experience, as I go through my career in this new field. </p> <p> </p> <hr> <p><em>Passionate about writing and communication? Join 91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/3171">Communication Studies</a> program and turn your ideas into influence.</em></p> <p> </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-11-07T12:00:00Z">Thu, 11/07/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2360">After 91ֱ��</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4263">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laurie-mcmillin" hreflang="und">Laurie Hovell McMillin</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/ali-masood" hreflang="und">Ali Masood</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Abbie Patchen ’24</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Abbie Patchen ’24</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Karishma Kesapragada ’26 on the Journey of Writing at Midstory</h1> <p>lcurtis2 — Wed, 31 Jul 2024 20:31:12 +0000</p> <span>Karishma Kesapragada ’26 on the Journey of Writing at Midstory</span> <span><span>lcurtis2</span></span> <span><time datetime="2024-07-31T16:31:12-04:00" title="Wednesday, July 31, 2024 - 16:31">Wed, 07/31/2024 - 16:31</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><strong>Describe what you’re doing this summer in your internship.</strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Karishma Kesapragada</figcaption> </figure> <p>At Midstory, a non-profit thinkhub and literary publication, I spend my time writing and editing articles! An article starts with a pitch that is then thoroughly researched and outlined — think interviews, databases, and long first drafts. This summer I have been working on an article that centers Cleveland’s iconic West Side Market. I have interviewed vendors at the market and sifted through numerous articles and city pledges regarding the management and future of the market — including a 90-page ledger of the market’s past, present, and future. In addition, I also curate social media posts on historic landmarks and cities of the Midwest and <span style="color: var(--barelynotblack); font-size: 1rem; font-family: var(--mercury-stack);">helped organize an exhibit on Asian identity in the Toledo Public Library.</span></p> <p><strong>How did 91ֱ�� shape or influence you to pursue this internship? (For example – was there a particular class you took or a professor that inspired you? Did you discover a particular area of study you didn’t realize before?) </strong></p> <p>After taking the <a href="/node/25451">Writing & Communication</a> class, Literary Journalism, with <a href="/node/70591">Professor Hal Sundt</a>, I fell in love with creative nonfiction. The class represented a personally unexplored written world that felt truly memorable. Literary Journalism sharpened my research skills, which have become invaluable at a literary publication that often takes a historic lens to its articles, and gave me confidence in my writing which has served me well through what can often be long editing processes. That attitude of being open to edits and learning and changing when it comes to writing is the greatest insight 91ֱ�� has given me. It’s very easy to shut down during the writing process when we see a wall of edits on our words, our hard work. Literary Journalism was a class firmly rooted in optimism: a first draft is a wonderful thing and so are its edits. I feel so lucky to have both a school and an employer that champions optimism in writing.</p> <p><strong>How does pursuing this internship align with your post-college life and career goals? </strong></p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Photo courtesy of Karishma Kesapragada.</figcaption> </figure> <p>In my post-college life, I want to work for publications centered around culture and history as I feel we have the most to learn from those areas. Midstory’s commitment to telling the stories of the Midwest, to giving back to its community, is a core value of mine that I want to carry with me into my career. In addition to appealing to personal values, Midstory has also given me the space to get the hang of more journalistic writing. I’ve spent a lot of time honing my writing skills in analytical and creative writing so expanding my writing repertoire has been such an interesting learning experience.</p> <p><strong>Is there anything you’ve learned this summer from your internship that has been particularly noteworthy or surprising?</strong></p> <p>A huge part of my internship has been about exploring Toledo: its lush Metroparks system, its Picasso-laden art museum, and its humming coffee shops that are perfect for young writers. I find my love for a city where I’ve only spent a summer to be quite pleasantly surprising.</p> <p><em>If you're interested in a summer internship, connect with</em> <em><a href="/node/4521">Career Exploration & Development</a><em> t</em>o learn more about exploring career interests, gaining real-world experience, and developing a professional network.</em></p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2024-07-31T12:00:00Z">Wed, 07/31/2024 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Communications Staff</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Karishma Kesapragada ’26 recognizes the importance of process, even when it’s messy. As an intern at Midstory, she has spent a lot of the summer in the process of writing and editing; she attributes her comfort level with this to 91ֱ��.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4097">Internship+ Program</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=4096">Summer Internships</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2403">Career Exploration & Development</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/hal-sundt" hreflang="und">Hal Sundt ’12</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Karishma Kesapragada '26 at her internship at Midstory in Toledo, OH.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Karishma Kesapragada</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>From Classroom to Community (and Back Again)</h1> <p>tapplega — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 19:30:06 +0000</p> <span>From Classroom to Community (and Back Again)</span> <span><span>tapplega</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-18T15:30:06-04:00" title="Tuesday, April 18, 2023 - 15:30">Tue, 04/18/2023 - 15:30</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>91ֱ��’s <a href="/node/55501">Bonner Scholars</a> program has been connecting classrooms to communities for more than 30 years. Operated by the <a href="/node/4416">Bonner Center for Community-Engaged Learning, Teaching, and Research</a> and supported by the national <a href="http://www.bonner.org/">Bonner Foundation</a>, the scholars program provides four-year community service scholarships to approximately 60 91ֱ�� students who are the first in their families to attend college or come from underrepresented populations. Bonner Scholars participate in intensive, developmental community-engagement experiences throughout their time at 91ֱ��.</p> <p>Each year, approximately 15 incoming first-year students are selected as Bonner Scholars. Their experience is guided by designated student leaders, who lead community projects and engage with the entire campus community about service opportunities. Fourth-year Bonner leader Sadie Owens ’23 is a <a href="/node/3391">politics</a> and <a href="/node/3201">philosophy</a> major with a minor in <a href="/node/3171">writing and communication</a> and an integrative concentration in <a href="/node/25226">education studies</a>. She’s completing her Bonner experience as the leadership team’s coordinator for first-year Bonner Scholars. During her time as a Bonner Scholar, she has also served as a tutor to local high school students with the <a href="/node/56206">Ninde Scholars program</a>, as a creative writing mentor to incarcerated youth through <a href="/node/76356">91ֱ�� Writers in Residence</a>, and with the Stark County YMCA near her hometown of Canton, Ohio, where she’s been supporting children’s education since high school.</p> <p>We caught up with Owens to learn about her Bonner experience and how she fosters service at 91ֱ��. Learn more about getting involved in community-based initiatives at the <a href="/node/4416">Bonner Center website</a>. </p> <p><strong>Can you describe the Bonner Scholar program to someone who is unfamiliar?</strong></p> <p>The Bonner Scholars program is a collection of like-minded, service-oriented students with first-generation and/or low-income backgrounds coming together to make a difference in their community.</p> <p><strong>How has your service with Bonner corresponded to social issues you care about?</strong></p> <p>Access to education is the most important and closest issue to me. As a first-generation student, it has been a privilege to be able to work with other students applying to or entering college for the first time.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-right"> <figcaption>Owens helps out during Bonner's First-Year Trip<br> Photo Credit: courtesy of Brittnei Sherrod</figcaption> </figure> <p><strong>How have your Bonner experiences related to your academic or professional interests?</strong></p> <p>My goal is to work with students and to uplift students of different backgrounds. Being able to do so in Bonner through my service, as well as participate in a community that has lifted me up in similar ways, has prepared me for a career in this field and modeled how I can make a difference.</p> <p><strong>What do you enjoy most about your Bonner experiences?</strong></p> <p>I enjoy how much of a tangible difference I am able to make. As a Bonner leader, I am given the opportunity to participate in planning, organizing, and shaping this program for the Bonners below me, and for future scholars to come. It’s so rewarding and truly special to be able to see my ideas come to life and to know that I am making a difference to people whom I share so much in common with. </p> <p><strong>What have you learned about the 91ֱ�� community through your service?</strong></p> <p>I’ve learned that the 91ֱ�� community is full of vastly different people, from different backgrounds and with different beliefs. The 91ֱ�� community is a rich and often unexplored tapestry of ideas, insights, and specialized knowledge that the college can truly benefit from, and that has definitely taught me so much.</p> <p><strong>What is unique to you about the Bonner Scholar community?</strong></p> <p>The Bonner Scholar community is unique, to me, in its ability to foster intimate conversations and relationships. In a place so fast-paced as 91ֱ��, I admire how slow-moving and close-knit the community feels.</p> <p><strong>Can you share a fond Bonner memory?</strong></p> <p>My favorite Bonner memory was the All-Bonner Retreat last fall. I remember sitting at a table with fellow Bonners and reflecting on our time at 91ֱ��, and realizing how much we had all learned and grown, and in particular the ways in which Bonner has allowed us to develop and become who we are.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">For Bonner Scholar Sadie Owens, the best lessons come from teaching others.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-20T12:00:00Z">Thu, 04/20/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tyler Applegate</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2381">Bonner Center</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2382">Community Service</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25406">Philosophy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/philosophy" hreflang="und">Philosophy</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Sadie Owens</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>A Voice for the Voiceless</h1> <p>anagy — Fri, 07 Apr 2023 19:19:26 +0000</p> <span>A Voice for the Voiceless</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2023-04-07T15:19:26-04:00" title="Friday, April 7, 2023 - 15:19">Fri, 04/07/2023 - 15:19</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Sydney Allen graduated from 91ֱ�� in 2019 with a major in English and minors in rhetoric and history. She worked at the <em>91ֱ�� Review</em> for four years, serving as editor-in-chief her senior year. A student-athlete, Allen was a member of the varsity women’s lacrosse team. She was also a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/pal">Peer Advising Leader</a> (PAL), Peer Listener in the Peer Support Center, <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/soar">Sophomore Opportunities and Resources Program</a> Facilitator, and worked with the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/wap">Writing Associates Program</a>. </p> <p>A native of Indianapolis, Allen has held internships with <em>Indianapolis Monthly</em>, the <em>Chronicle-Telegram</em> in Northeast Ohio, and her hometown congressional representative in Washington, D.C. In 2019, she was selected as a two-year <a href="https://www.shansi.org">91ֱ�� Shansi Fellow</a>, which took her to Yogyakarta, Indonesia, to teach writing and introductory journalism courses at Universitas Gadjah Mada. In June 2021, she began a position as an associate editor and Green Voices coordinator at Global Voices Online. </p> <p>We caught up with Allen to learn more about her path in journalism.</p> <p><strong>What was it like traveling across the world after graduation and immersing yourself in Indonesian culture as a Shansi Fellow?</strong></p> <p>Shansi does a great job at preparing the fellows, letting people know what to expect, and sharing tips on how to get acclimated. It was definitely a challenge, but I clearly loved it because I’m still in Asia now. When I first moved to Indonesia, I studied Bahasa (a language in Indonesia) for two months, which was excellent. That really gave me the foundation I needed to continue learning Bahasa. </p> <p><strong>How did working in leadership and mentorship roles at 91ֱ�� prepare you for teaching students at an Indonesian university?</strong></p> <p>The Writing Associates Program helped me communicate more effectively and give feedback in ways that are kind and compassionate. There’s a pretty clear trajectory between my roles at 91ֱ�� and how my career has progressed so far. I see a very direct link between the skills I learned as a writing associate and the work I’ve done. Also, PAL was helpful in establishing connections with students who are interested in different subject areas, as well as learning how to mentor younger students. The Writing Associate program and PAL gives students a different side of 91ֱ�� and provides a lot of value. </p> <p><strong>Tell us about how you found work as an associate editor and Green Voices coordinator at Global Voices Online in Indonesia.</strong></p> <p>Shansi Executive Director <a href="https://www.shansi.org/executive-director">Gavin Tritt</a> informed me of this remote position that matched my interest in advocacy-related journalism. It’s turned out to be incredibly fulfilling and an endless supply of perspectives. Green Voices is a collective of journalists and researchers who mainly write about the Global South—a region that’s been overlooked by mainstream media. Most writers are volunteers, citizen journalists, and people who have been overlooked by larger outlets. We have 40 languages that we translate to bridge linguistic silos, so many people have accessible information. </p> <p><strong>What kinds of stories have you worked on at Global Voices Online?</strong> </p> <p>I’m editing and writing news stories about Indonesia, Hong Kong, Southeast Asia, the Pacific, and Central Asia. I’m also coordinating Green Voices, which is a group of environmental journalists around the world. This is a support mechanism to meet once a month and discuss the heavy topic of environmental issues while also forging connections. Mutual understanding and support between journalists can be really uplifting.</p> <p><strong>Can you provide some advice for 91ֱ�� students interested in journalism after graduation?</strong></p> <p>Get involved in as many things as you possibly can. It’s worth it to take advantage of many opportunities and go outside your comfort zone. See what appeals to you and push yourself to try new things. Getting into college is only a quarter of the battle. Finding out what’s important to you is a major part of your career journey. Find out what you like, and learn how to talk about it. I got this job through Shansi because I have always been vocal about what I’m interested in. Getting people to know about your interests and being able to talk about what you want in a way that is clear, concise, and confident is important.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Advocacy journalist Sydney Allen shines a spotlight on underrepresented regions.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2023-04-07T12:00:00Z">Fri, 04/07/2023 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Ava Miller '25</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Since graduating, Sydney Allen has worked remotely for a global news outlet while traveling around Southeast Asia. Read more about Allen in this After 91ֱ�� Q&A.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2397">Shansi</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2377">Arts & Humanities</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=3887">SOAR</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2771">Athletics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2418">Student-Athlete</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25381">History</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/english" hreflang="und">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Sydney Allen '19 is an associate editor and Green Voices coordinator at Global Voices Online.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">courtesy of Sydney Allen</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Arman Luczkow Receives Fulbright to Taiwan</h1> <p>anagy — Fri, 03 Jun 2022 20:06:14 +0000</p> <span>Arman Luczkow Receives Fulbright to Taiwan</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2022-06-03T16:06:14-04:00" title="Friday, June 3, 2022 - 16:06">Fri, 06/03/2022 - 16:06</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Spring graduate Arman Luczkow will combine his interests in teaching and East Asian culture with a desire to improve his knowledge of Mandarin as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan. </p> <p>Luczkow will be placed in the school system in Chiayi, Taiwan, beginning this August. He plans to spend his Fulbright year exploring as much of Taiwan as possible and learning from his students. </p> <p>A <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics">politics</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/english">English</a> major with an <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies">East Asian studies</a> minor and <a href="/international-affairs">international studies</a> concentration, Luczkow studied Mandarin at 91ֱ�� for one year, and he hopes to develop his language skills further in Taiwan. </p> <p>“My time at 91ֱ�� has always encouraged me to try many different things, and I can truly say I’ve been a part of all of the groups and projects that I have wanted to,” says Luczkow, who is a resident of Hastings on Hudson, New York. “In Taiwan, I’m hoping to embrace this same 91ֱ�� mentality of not shying away from new experiences, even if that can be a little uncomfortable at first.”</p> <p>In the summer before his sophomore year, Luczkow studied away at the National University of Singapore with a scholarship from the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs. There, he took courses on public health in Asia and economic development in East Asia. </p> <p>“My mother grew up in Singapore and my grandfather still lives there, so I stayed with him. After that trip and the courses I took there, I knew I wanted to live and learn in Asia again after graduation.”</p> <p>At 91ֱ��, Luczkow has been engaged in a variety of leadership and service roles: as a member of 91ֱ�� Student Senate, he was chair of student life, health and wellness, and disability equity working groups; he was a member of the Student Finance Committee; he was founder and co-chair of the Multiracial Students Association; he served as president and vice president of the 91ֱ�� College Fencing Team and led a fencing <a href="https://oberlinexco.org/">ExCo</a> for five semesters. He also held positions with the <em>91ֱ�� Review</em> student newspaper for two years.</p> <figure class="captioned-image obj-left"> <figcaption>Luczkow was a teaching assistant for Professor of Writing and Communication Laurie McMillin. Photo by Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</figcaption> </figure> <p>In the classroom, Luczkow was a politics research assistant to Assistant Professor of Politics and comparative American studies <a href="/jenny-garcia">Jenny Garcia</a>, and he worked in the Writing and Speaking Center as a Course Writing Associate and Speaking Associate. In the 2019-2020 academic year, he was selected to the <a href="/career/set/obs">Ashby Business Scholars</a> cohort. </p> <p>Through all of these experiences, Luczkow says he has learned how to work in a community: “listening, sharing ideas, and valuing varied positionalities. I think these skills will be especially valuable.”</p> <p>Luczkow’s current post-graduate goals include law school or pursuing a master’s in international studies from an institution in Taiwan or China. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-subhead field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Luczkow has studied English, East Asian studies and international studies at 91ֱ��.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2022-06-07T12:00:00Z">Tue, 06/07/2022 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2391">Languages & Literatures</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2377">Arts & Humanities</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=245971">International Affairs</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25416">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25336">East Asian Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25346">English</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laurie-mcmillin" hreflang="und">Laurie Hovell McMillin</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jenny-garcia" hreflang="und">Jenny Garcia</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/english" hreflang="und">English</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/politics" hreflang="und">Politics</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/east-asian-studies" hreflang="und">East Asian Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Arman Luczkow is a 2022 Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Taiwan.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Truman Scholar Plans to Challenge Systemic Injustice in her Community</h1> <p>ygay — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 16:10:32 +0000</p> <span>Truman Scholar Plans to Challenge Systemic Injustice in her Community</span> <span><span>ygay</span></span> <span><time datetime="2021-07-08T12:10:32-04:00" title="Thursday, July 8, 2021 - 12:10">Thu, 07/08/2021 - 12:10</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Iesha-LaShay Phillips ’22 applied for the <a href="https://www.truman.gov" target="_blank">Harry S. Truman Scholarship</a> because of its emphasis on public service and vast network of scholars motivated by a desire to create change. As a Truman recipient, she hopes to pursue a law degree that will allow her to have a deep impact in her community.</p> <p>In addition to $30,000 for graduate school, Truman Scholars participate in several programs, including a leadership week, a three-month summer institute in Washington D.C., and other programs that support Truman scholars throughout their public service careers. This year, leadership week will be conducted remotely, and the in-person summer institute will take place next summer.</p> <p>Phillips, a double-degree <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/africana-studies" target="_blank">Africana studies</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/law-and-society" target="_blank">law and society</a> major with a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/rhetoric-and-composition" target="_blank">rhetoric and composition</a> minor, plans to apply to law schools in the fall. With a doctor of law degree she hopes to expand her impact in her indigenous communities by representing indigent people in court, advising them of their rights, and challenging systemic injustice in the criminal justice system.</p> <p>“The United States has an incarceration crisis. In Oklahoma, we have the highest incarceration rate of women in the world,” says Phillips, a resident of Tulsa, Oklahoma. “Ultimately, I want to fight the over-incarceration of women because it leads to the over-incarceration of youth. I hope to do this through working as a public defender for low-income women, then shifting my focus to impact litigation to change entire systems.” </p> <p>Phillips’ first contact with public service workers began at New Hope Oklahoma, a program for children with incarcerated parents. Workers there supported her single-parent family by providing them with basic necessities. “Every year since I was four, they bought Christmas presents for me and my siblings because they knew my mother could not afford any gifts,” Phillips explains. </p> <p>“Through the compassion of their volunteers, New Hope instilled hope, strength, and self-worth in my life. These gestures filled me with a passion to serve my communities and make the same difference in children’s lives. I honestly cannot imagine a life where I don’t serve my community and make life better for those who come after. This is why the Truman Scholarship is so important to me. I was also drawn to Truman for its professional development opportunities and vast Truman Scholar network, which includes change agents like Michelle Alexander, Stacey Abrams, Justice Gorsuch, and more.”</p> <p>Phillips currently volunteers at juvenile detention facilities throughout Ohio with Writers In Residence, which also piqued her interest in juvenile justice. At 91ֱ��, she is a member of the Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee, serves as an associate at the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/wap" target="_blank">Writing Center</a> and <a href="/arts-and-sciences/resources-and-support/wap/speaking-center" target="_blank">Speaking Center</a>, and is a writing tutor at 91ֱ�� High School, among other campus involvement. </p> <p>Besides the Truman Scholarship, Phillips is also the recipient of several other awards this academic year, including the <a href="/news/iesha-lashay-phillips-22-awarded-frederick-douglass-global-fellowship-study-abroad-dublin-0" target="_blank">Frederick Douglass Global Fellowship</a> and <a href="/news/campus-compact-names-iesha-phillips-22-newman-civic-fellow" target="_blank">Newman Civic Engagement Fellowship</a>. Other honors include the Nancy K. Rhoden Memorial Undergraduate Prize, Student Excellence in Community Engagement Award, and Mvskoke Mvnettvlke Onaya (Youth Visionary) award. Philips was also featured on the <em>Today Show</em>’s special about Toni Morrison in 2020. She is a SEO Law Catalyst Scholar, QuestBridge Scholar, Bonner Scholar, and Law and Justice Scholar. </p> <p> “I have always been a go-getter, but I have my mom to credit,” says Phillips. “Most of my life, she has been a single mother, but that didn’t stop her from making me the fierce and headstrong young woman that I am today. She taught me that I can do anything I set my mind to as long as I don’t give up, and she’s completely right! I haven’t had an easy life. I am a first-generation, low-income Black and Mvskoke woman who grew up with an incarcerated parent. I’ve survived all of these struggles that life has thrown at me through the support of my mom and my communities. This drives me to serve my communities and make life better for children in the same predicament.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2021-07-08T12:00:00Z">Thu, 07/08/2021 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2381">Bonner Center</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=4821">Africana Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25396">Law and Society</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/africana-studies" hreflang="und">Africana Studies</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/law-and-society" hreflang="und">Law and Society</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Iesha-LaShay Phillips ’22</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Writing in the Time of Crisis: Incoming First-Years Published in Away Journal</h1> <p>anagy — Fri, 21 Aug 2020 16:21:17 +0000</p> <span>Writing in the Time of Crisis: Incoming First-Years Published in Away Journal</span> <span><span>anagy</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-08-21T12:21:17-04:00" title="Friday, August 21, 2020 - 12:21">Fri, 08/21/2020 - 12:21</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>The five students, Hazel Feldstein, Benjamín López Díaz, Cecil Pulley, Auden Friedman, and Maya Rogers, participated in 91ֱ��’s innovative eight-week remote course, Uncovering COVID-19: Critical Liberal Arts Perspectives. </p> <p>McMillin lectured on “Writing in the Time of Crisis,” which focused on nonfiction personal accounts of COVID-19 and the pandemic. </p> <p>“For this session, we read a number of examples of how people were grappling with the liminality of the pandemic and lockdown in nonfiction writing—dispatches, linear essays, diaries, fragments, and experimental forms,” McMillin says. “As part of this, students were invited to write about their own experiences. For the final project, using the variety of examples and approaches we'd looked at as inspiration, some students opted to create their own accounts.”</p> <p>McMillin says she enjoys these pieces as a collection because they “demonstrate the ingenuity of the writers—their willingness to explore nonfiction writing in ways that represent their experience. I love that they are so varied in tone, scope and medium. And I really love the ways they work within and push the limits of the genre of nonfiction writing.”</p> <p>This special issue of <em>Away</em> is an outgrowth of a series called “Sheltering in Place,” based on people's experience of the pandemic and lockdown. “This particular collection from the virtual COVID-19 class adds depth and breadth to that series.” </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-08-20T12:00:00Z">Thu, 08/20/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Amanda Nagy</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p><em>Away Journal</em>, an online space for compelling stories about travel edited by Professor of Rhetoric and Composition <a href="/laurie-mcmillin">Laurie McMillin</a>, published a special issue on the pandemic that includes pieces submitted by five incoming first-years. </p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2363">Academics & Research</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2377">Arts & Humanities</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/laurie-mcmillin" hreflang="und">Laurie Hovell McMillin</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">"Into the Storm," created by Maya Rogers '24.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Maya Rogers</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-flex-content field--type-entity-reference-revisions field--label-hidden vertical-spacing--basic field__items"> <div class="field__item"> <div class="field field--name-field-bio-card-el-biography field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> <div class="biography-card"> <figure> </figure> <div class="biography-card__content"> <h2><span>Laurie Hovell McMillin</span> </h2> <ul class="item-list list--clean" style="margin-top: 0px;"> <li class="professional-title">Professor of Writing and Communication</li> <li class="professional-title">Director of Writing Program</li> </ul> <a class="view-more" href="/laurie-mcmillin">View Laurie Hovell McMillin’s biography</a> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Hayley Segall ’20 Awarded Jacobs Prize for the Study of Religion</h1> <p>hhempste — Tue, 28 Jul 2020 18:01:42 +0000</p> <span>Hayley Segall ’20 Awarded Jacobs Prize for the Study of Religion</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-07-28T14:01:42-04:00" title="Tuesday, July 28, 2020 - 14:01">Tue, 07/28/2020 - 14:01</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Hayley Segall, a <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/religion">religion major</a> from Potomac, Maryland, has been awarded the Jacobs Prize for the Study of Religion.</p> <p>The Jacobs Prize for the Study of Religion is made possible by Tilia Jacobs ’88. The award recognizes one graduating religion major who gives the best answer to the question, “Why is the academic study of religion important?” with a $25,000 award.</p> <p>“The Jacobs Prize itself seemed a bit surreal,” says Segall. “It provided an open opportunity to reflect on my field with the possibility of an incredibly generous award. While the essay prompt seemed, on the surface, simple, I stared at a blank page for literally months trying to figure out how to articulate what the study of religion is and means to me. Regardless of whether or not I won the prize, the challenge to write out an answer was a meaningful process in and of itself.”</p> <p>Segall was encouraged to apply for the prize by professors and peers. “Trying to write a substantive piece with so few guidelines, and with a substantial award at stake, felt intimidating to say the least,” she says. “The support and inspiration I garnered from <a href="/cindy-chapman">Cindy Chapman</a>, my capstone professor, and my religion major peers were essential in my decision to apply.” </p> <p>Segall will use the award money to support her graduate studies at the University of Chicago Divinity School, where she will pursue a master’s degree in divinity. After graduate school, she hopes to begin a career in interfaith dialogue and diplomacy.</p> <p>Outside of the classroom, Segall cites the invaluable encouragement and support she received from her housemates, friends, and teammates. “They constantly hyped me up and challenged me to be my best self throughout my entire 91ֱ�� experience: academically, athletically, and personally. I’m very lucky to have such strong Obie support systems that consistently build me up in the moments I need it most.”</p> <p>At 91ֱ��, Segall was a participant and facilitator for the Barefoot Dialogue Program, and she worked for the <a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/rhetoric-and-composition">Department of Rhetoric and Composition</a> as a speaking and writing associate. She was also a member of the 91ֱ�� College Field Hockey team for three seasons.</p> <p>When thinking about how the award may affect the pursuit of her studies, Segall says, “I hope this prize allows me to continue to challenge ingrained assumptions and push forward in respectfully learning about and appreciating others’ cultural and spiritual beliefs and experiences.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-07-28T12:00:00Z">Tue, 07/28/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2373">Awards and Honors</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25421">Religion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/cindy-chapman" hreflang="und">Cynthia (Cindy) Chapman</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/religion" hreflang="und">Religion</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Religion major Hayley Segall ’20.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Courtesy of Hayley Segall</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Hal Sundt on Writing About Pythons and Amusement Parks</h1> <p>hhempste — Wed, 15 Apr 2020 20:06:44 +0000</p> <span>Hal Sundt on Writing About Pythons and Amusement Parks</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-04-15T16:06:44-04:00" title="Wednesday, April 15, 2020 - 16:06">Wed, 04/15/2020 - 16:06</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p><a href="/hal-sundt">Hal Sundt</a> ’12, visiting assistant professor of rhetoric and composition, teaches literary journalism and academic essay writing, and his writing has appeared in publications including the <em>New York Times Magazine</em>, the <em>Ringer</em>, and the <em>American Scholar</em>. Sundt writes about topics as disparate as python hunting and the world of amusement parks, and his most recent essay ‘‘<a href="https://bittersoutherner.com/pythons-of-the-everglades">Pythons of the Everglades</a>’’ takes readers along on a journey deep into a swamp with a python hunter. Another piece detailing the <a href="https://www.theringer.com/movies/2020/2/20/21142856/disney-star-wars-rise-resistance-amusement-park-future-universal-hagrid">state of amusement parks</a> was recognized on <a href="https://longform.org/archive/writers/hal-sundt"><em>Longform</em></a>, an aggregator of top literary journalism stories.</p> <p>We asked Sundt about his inspiration for writing about these topics. </p> <p><strong>Your writing covers a wide range of subject matter: pythons, orchids, amusement parks, and even Norman doors. How do you choose your topics?</strong></p> <p>My favorite book is <em>The</em> <em>Orchid Thief</em> by Susan Orlean. I picked up the book after graduate school, when I was having a crisis of interest. I used to love basketball; it used to be my life. Then, by the time I was around 25, my interest was starting to wane. I didn’t really know what I was interested in—which is a problem when you want to be a nonfiction writer and don’t have strong interests. A professor recommended that I read this book, which I was initially skeptical about, because I don’t have a particular interest in flowers. But it’s actually about a writer who’s trying to make sense of the fact that they don’t know what their passion is.</p> <p>In the book, Orlean says, “I read lots of local newspapers and particularly the shortest articles in them, and most particularly any articles that are full of words in combinations that are arresting.” What she does in her writing is look for tension—something that doesn't quite belong. So I’m drawn to subjects that at first glance don’t seem super important but that I can find meaning in.</p> <p><strong>What made you want to write about pythons?</strong></p> <p>I took Susan Orlean’s advice and went looking through local newspapers online for “words in combinations that are arresting.” I found a story about a woman in Northeast Ohio who had a boa constrictor that attacked her. I first tried pursuing a story about it, and at that time the story didn’t take. A few months later, I went to the swamplands to write a story about orchids, and the guide I was with mentioned pythons in the swamps, and I thought, ‘snakes keep coming up.’ Then, what really sealed it was a meeting with Professor of Biology <a href="/mary-garvin">Mary Garvin</a>. I had a question for her about something flower related, and Mary mentioned a python link in the conversation. I thought, OK this seems interesting and unusual. It percolated, and then I decided to pursue it. </p> <p><strong>What was it like going to the Everglades to find pythons?</strong></p> <p>It was pretty scary. I didn’t really know at first what I was getting into. It wasn’t until the morning of my flight that I thought—’what does someone do when they go hunting for pythons in the Everglades?’ I think why I write about topics like these is that it makes me a more adventurous version of myself. I’m introverted, but when I’m working on a story it gets me to talk with people whom I wouldn’t normally talk with or it takes me to new places. </p> <p><strong>What makes for a story that’s worth pursuing?</strong></p> <p>For me, a topic should have lots of different dynamics. For the story about amusement parks, there’s the history of theme parks, the designers, what it’s like to visit one—there are lots of dimensions to it. But the number one thing is, and the students in my class will know that I’m going to say this word, is that a great subject has tension. It doesn’t mean that there’s tension in a negative way, it just means that there are two things that don’t seemingly connect or make sense at first glance. </p> <p><strong>What are you working on right now? </strong></p> <p>I’m working on pitching this story about this really old plane developed for the United States Air Force, the A-10 Thunderbolt II—nicknamed the “Warthog.” The military has been trying to replace it for a while, but they haven’t been able to because it’s still really good at its job. I’m really interested in it as a relic. It’s nearly 50 years old and continues to be successful. I’m particularly interested in the engineers who help maintain it; the engineers use 3D modeling to keep this old plane up in the air. I’m interested in the tension between old and new.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-04-15T12:00:00Z">Wed, 04/15/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2414">Faculty</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/hal-sundt" hreflang="und">Hal Sundt ’12</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Hal Sundt ’12, visiting assistant professor of rhetoric and composition</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Tanya Rosen-Jones '97</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Podcasting 91ֱ�� News Develops Students’ Audio Storytelling Skills</h1> <p>hhempste — Thu, 30 Jan 2020 20:59:41 +0000</p> <span>Podcasting 91ֱ�� News Develops Students’ Audio Storytelling Skills</span> <span><span>hhempste</span></span> <span><time datetime="2020-01-30T15:59:41-05:00" title="Thursday, January 30, 2020 - 15:59">Thu, 01/30/2020 - 15:59</time> </span> <div class="text-content field field--name-body field--type-text-with-summary field--label-hidden field__item"><p>In Podcasting 91ֱ�� News, students are introduced to the history of the emerging podcasting industry and then are charged with creating their own podcast episode.</p> <p>Led by <a href="/jan-cooper" target="_blank">Jan Cooper</a>, John C. Reid Associate Professor of Rhetoric and Composition, students in this project delve into podcasting as a medium and develop the skills of storytelling, interviewing, audio recording, and editing. At the end of the project, the students’ final deliverable is a podcast episode that includes stories of interest about, and for, the 91ֱ�� community.</p> <p>For first-year Owen Anderson, his interest in various forms of storytelling made the Podcasting 91ֱ�� News project an ideal fit for his Winter Term. “I listen to podcasts all the time when I'm traveling, and I've always wanted to create one and experiment with it as a storytelling medium.”</p> <p>In addition to creating an episode of a podcast, Cooper says that she also hoped to learn more about how the town would receive the medium as a news source. “Personally, I also wanted to explore whether or not podcasting might serve well for supplying local news in a town where the sources of news have shrunk over the past couple of years.”</p> <p>In preparation for making the episode, the students first became familiar with the various techniques that go into producing a podcast, such as interviewing. “We’ve employed the practices of community-based learning from the <a href="/bcsl" target="_blank">Bonner Center</a>, along with the tools we gathered from the Winter Term History Design Lab Institute run by professors <a href="/tania-boster" target="_blank">Tania Boster</a> and Tamika Nunley, which gave the students a great introduction to interviewing and recording community members,” says Cooper.</p> <p>The students then came up with four topics to research and interview townspeople about. They divided themselves into four groups of three people to carry out all the background research, interviewing, and production. To assist in the technical aspects of production, Kyle Hartzell, an instructional technologist and lecturer in cinema and art, led a workshop on how to refine editing and mixing to give their recordings better sound using open source editing software such as Audacity, along with Adobe Audition.</p> <p>Through the process of making the podcast, the students took class time to workshop their projects. Cooper emphasizes the value of this in the creation of multimedia projects. </p> <p>“Workshopping is a fundamental tool in our writing classes in my department, but it works equally well when trying to improve scripts, interviewing techniques, and audio mixing. We sit in a circle and listen to scripts being read or ‘tape’ being played, then every member of the group gives constructive feedback on what they heard. It’s immediately useful in making the project better.”</p> <p>For Anderson, the most memorable experience was when his podcast group was first able to use the recording equipment and hear audio of themselves. “We got very excited,” he says. “The second-most memorable moment was when Professor Cooper sent us all outside on a rainy day to find people in 91ֱ�� willing to be interviewed, right on the spot. I should add—I had more fun than I expected.”</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-type field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item">News Story</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-date field--type-datetime field--label-hidden field__item"><time datetime="2020-01-17T12:00:00Z">Fri, 01/17/2020 - 12:00</time> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-author field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Hillary Hempstead</div> <div class="text-content field field--name-field-intro-text field--type-text-long field--label-hidden field__item"><p>Winter Term project immerses students in podcasting as a medium; fosters storytelling, interviewing, audio recording, and editing skills.</p></div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-tags field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2402">Winter Term</a></div> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?tag=2379">Student Life</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-programs field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/news?program=25451">Writing and Communication</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-faculty field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/jan-cooper" hreflang="und">Jan Cooper</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-departments field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__items"> <div class="field__item"><a href="/arts-and-sciences/departments/writing-and-communication" hreflang="und">Communication Studies</a></div> </div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-caption field--type-string-long field--label-hidden field__item">Students interview Kim's Grocery & Carryout owner, Ms. Kim, for their podcast assignment.</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-pin-school-page field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">Off</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-photo-gallery-top field--type-boolean field--label-hidden field__item">false</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-image-credit field--type-string field--label-hidden field__item">Yvonne Gay</div> <div class="field field--name-field-news-media field--type-entity-reference field--label-hidden field__item"> </div> </article> </main></body></html>