Professor Gwen Hersha had the opportunity to take her storytelling class on a tour of Jackson’s historic abandoned prison.
Professor Gwen Hersha had the opportunity to take her storytelling class on a tour of Jackson’s historic abandoned prison. Students had the opportunity to learn about different aspects of the prison and what life was like for the inmates. Students could ask questions and got a first-hand idea of how the prisoners lived.
Two students that went on the field trip, Emily Selby and Sarah Williams, share their experiences:
Emily: This field trip was a fascinating experience for me. I enjoyed the trip and got to learn things that I had not known before. The tour guide seemed very knowledgeable and was able to tell us a lot about what the prison was like back when it was functioning. It was interesting to be in the same areas where actual prisoners lived.
Sarah: I went to Jackson’s prison with my Storytelling class and learned so much. I didn’t know anything about Jackson’s prison before we went. I am shocked that the prison was so corrupted in its time. Prisoners were put in terrible conditions. Prison cells were small and the room holding the cells was known for smelling so bad guards would vomit! Then there were factories. The prison exploited the prisoners by forcing them to work in dangerous factories that were similar to death row. My favorite part of the tour was when we went down to the basement and saw the tunnels. They were so creepy. The tour guide said people saw ghosts down there! I had a great time!
The senior art exhibition is April 9th from 4-6pm in the Ganton Art Gallery.
By: Sarah Williams
The senior art exhibition is April 9th from 4-6pm in the Ganton Art Gallery. Attending opening night to showcase their works will be Melayna Stuckey, Emma Hale (previously known as Emma Devries), and Marnie Lillo.
Marnie Lillo’s Welcome To My Mind
Photo of Marnie Lillo with her favorite piece
Lillo is an art major with a concentration in digital art. She plans on becoming an Elementary Art Teacher after graduation. Her exhibition will include pieces she has been working on since Freshman year.
The message she wants the audience to take away is “there is beauty in oddities”. Her theme is imagination. Her art is inspired by stories she has read and cool phases she has heard.
A few weeks before the show, she knew it was time to sit down and create the poster. The sun art ended up being her favorite piece. Sketching the piece took 5 to 6 hours and finalizing took 7 to 8 hours.
Not all her work took roughly 14 hours, however. She is also presenting 3 pieces of skulls that she created in just black ink so the sketching took 2 hours and finalizing took 3 to 4 hours.
Lillo said she is emotionally attached to the original artwork and plans on storing them afterward. However, she will have a binder full of prints of her art to sell at the art exhibition.
Emma Hale’s Our Nature
Photo of Emily Hale provided by herself.
Hale is majoring in art with a double concentration in illustration and graphic design. She plans on going into a career as a graphic designer and/or an illustrator. She has used her skills from her concentrations in making her poster and artwork. She wants her art to show what her time at SAU has produced.
Hale’s theme is nature. She includes nature in the physical environment and human nature. Nature is also her biggest inspiration, along with God’s creations.
“I hope my art spreads a positive message of beauty, joy, and comfort. I hope it is uplifting and inspirational.”
Hale
Hale’s Lake Superior
Hale’s favorite piece is her oil painting of Lake Superior. She started out brainstorming and going through several messy sketches. After catching a good idea, she made a refined sketch and began painting. She added layers and slowly built up the art till she was satisfied. Depending on the size and medium of her artwork, most of her art can take 10 to 50 hours to make.
The Lake Superior painting and other art may be available to buy in prints on opening night.
Melayna Stuckey’s Finding a Home
Photo of herself provided by Melayna Stuckey
Stuckey is majoring in art with a double concentration in painting and drawing. Her goal is to use the exhibition to show what she has been working on for the past 4 years. She doesn’t have a specific theme or message for her exhibition, but she noted there was a tone.
“I came to realize this year that the majority of my art has a very familiar, personal, “home-y” tone.”
Stuckey
She drew her inspiration from significant people in her life and she made a lot of her art for these people. Depending on the size, her art can take 15 to 30 hours to make.
Stuckey’s Barn
Her favorite work is a piece that depicts the view from outside the feed room of her grandparent’s barn. First, she started off by taking pictures. Next, she decided whether to paint or draw. She then choose to work in colored-pencil.
She plans to give away some of her art to the people she made them for. Others she is willing to sell to those who express interest. The art that does not sell will be shipped home.
Come out and support these talented artists on April 9th!
Alumni Jordan Kennedy spoke at Shop Talk last Friday, March 18th, in the Art Gallery Lobby.
By: Sarah Williams
The photo of Jordan Kennedy was provided by the Shop Talk poster.
Alumni Jordan Kennedy spoke at Shop Talk last Friday, March 18th, in the Art Gallery Lobby. Students and professors listened as she described her experience of graduating from college to landing her career as the Manager of Communication and Community Outreach for the Division of Victim Services at Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
In the last ten years Kennedy has:
Worked in the State of Michigan Governor’s Communication Office.
Been named Deputy Press Secretary for both Governor Rick Snyder and the First Lady.
Traveled with the Governor to handle Media Relation events throughout the state.
Served as Communication Lead for several of the administration’s key projects relating to agriculture, transportation, and rural economic development.
Kennedy’s Advice:
“It is really important when you get the internship or job to not be the person who asks the question that could be googled. Being an intern or hiring intern, be someone who is a self-initiator and problem solver.”
“Take every opportunity you have to pursue what you’re interested in.”
“Find what you are good at, leverage what you are good at, and use what you are good at to the point where people notice you are not there because they need you.”
Utilize YouTube, LinkedIn Learning, and other media sites; and teach yourself skills.
If you have the means and abilities and a job that provides health insurance, take time for yourself and visit a therapist. Kennedy says she has been visiting a therapist once a month for years and she regrets not doing it sooner.
Shadowing and internships are important because they provide experience that could change someone’s mind about their dream career.
Kennedy’s Story
Kennedy after the event. The round pin on her suit is her seal pin and it helps security separate the worker from the crowd at events.
Kennedy didn’t know what she wanted to do as an undergraduate. Her first idea was to be a wedding planner and then she wanted to be a journalist. After shadowing a journalist in the field, she decided against it. She became interested in politics.
She described herself as recluse and quiet, but that changed when she was recommended to join the Women and Leadership Conference. She helped with advertising, designing posters, and participated in sections at a conference. She noticed a woman who worked for the Governor’s office there.
“That sounds so cool. I should go and talk to her,” Kennedy told her friends. “I am going to ask for an internship.”
She introduced herself, explained her interest in politics, and asked for an internship. She was connected with one, graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Advertising and Public Relations, and “the rest was history.”
Kennedy thought she was getting an internship in the Communication Office, but she was actually going into Constituents Relations. She described Constituents Relations as a fancy way of saying customer service for the State of Michigan. She handled many complaints about what the Governor signed or vetoed and misdirected complaints meant for other departments. She took on extra responsibilities, like writing letters and “earned her stripes” at the office.
“You wouldn’t believe how many people wanted letters from the Governor for their grandmother’s 80th birthday,” Kennedy said.
After two semesters, she was hired full-time as a Legislative Tribute Editor and Writer. She took every tribute every lawmaker drafted. She would read and edit them and decide whether the Governor should sign them or not.
“I knew my strengths,” Kennedy said. “I knew I was good at writing. I knew I was good at copyediting. I knew I could find a way to leverage my skills to be really useful to them in the small little square of the Executive Office.”
After a couple of years, the Governor had to run again for office and Kennedy volunteered for his re-election campaign. She made many connections and was recommended to work in the Communication Office as well.
She learned how to be assertive when saying “no more questions” at press conferences. She worked with reporters and was interviewed by news stations and radio broadcasters.
She was also asked to work with the First Lady. She hosted large statewide events and created content for Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Survivor, and Campus Sexual Assault Awareness. She found her passion for being a Public Servant and she wanted to make policies that benefited people.
She took a job at the Department of Health and Human Services where she is now. She serves as the Manager of Communication and Community Outreach for the Division of Victim Services.
The next Shop Talk and last one for this semester will be held on April 1st and feature current Seniors and their works. It will be held in the Ganton Art Gallery Lobby from 10am to 11. Drinks, food, and games/prizes will be provided.
Comment your thoughts on internships and plans for after graduation!
The Kahoot event will be held in the Cougar Den on Thursday, March 17th from 8 to 10pm.
By: Sarah Williams
If you were listening to Monday’s Chapel announcements, then you may have heard something about the Kahoot event that has spontaneously popped up. Here is some more information about the event.
The Kahoot event will be held in the Cougar Den on Thursday, March 17th from 8 to 10pm. The theme will be St. Patrick’s day. So, study up! The event is being set up by the Director of Events Caleb Kriesch, plus Bret Bentley and Riley Champion.
Kriesch said that spring break caused a problem with promotion. They didn’t have a lot of time to advertise the event beforehand. Despite the road bump, the event is well on its way. There will be pretzels, other snacks, and drinks provided.
Kriesch and the others wanted to create a fun and relaxing event, while celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
This image was provided by Wikipedia.
Here are some trivia about St. Patrick’s Day from Britannica:
St Patrick’s day is a feast day.
It reached the United States with Irish Immigrants.
It was originally celebrated with religious feast and services.
It celebrated St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
St. Patrick is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland.
Shamrocks were used to explain the Trinity.
This photo was provided by Wikipedia. Did you know that if you find a 4 leaf clover, it is likely there are more 4 leaf clovers in the same bush?
Share your St. Patrick traditions or favorite fact!
Short Film Production (VID372), is a class/club here at Spring Arbor University open to all students. Short Film Production is a class/club for any student interested in creating a film. Whether a student is interested in directing, script-writing, acting, manning a camera, VID372 has a wide range of positions for all skill sets.
This week VID372 has their bi-annual Will Shoot For Credit viewing, where all films created this semester, along with previous productions will be played for the school. Some students like Kyle Koerner, had the pleasure of directing a film this year. “My film Safe and Sound is set in a post apocalyptic future, where the air is toxic and monsters run amuck. Our male lead is on a mission to reclaim supplies from their old shelter, with a romantic subplot. It’s a bit of a western, a bit of a drama. It has a little bit of everything for everyone.”
When asked what his favorite thing about directing was, he had this to say. “It was the first film I ever directed. I enjoyed working with everybody. It felt nice to truly work with a team and for us all to come together to make a product. To see the process from a higher point of view was nice.
Overall I just really enjoyed working with my crew.” I asked Kyle what his favorite on set moment was. “For one of our scenes we were out on a trail by the baseball field. As I yelled action, letting my crew know it’s time to record, I noticed everyone was standing at attention. I looked around and realized, the baseball game began playing the National Anthem. All of the crew besides the actors took off their hats and we stood at attention until the song stopped playing. Once it stopped, we all laughed at the fact that the National Anthem interrupted the film process.”
I finally asked Kyle why someone should consider joining VID372 as a club or credit.
“It’s a great experience to know what it’s like to make a film. We don’t go through the entire process, but it’s very eye-opening to what a real film production would look like. It’s fun, there’s something for everyone, and I think it’s something more people should try out and see what it’s like.”
All films shown at the Will Shoot For Credit viewings are available for the public on Vimeo at vimeo.com/wsfc. This fall semester viewing is limited due to Covid.
If you’re interested in joining as a club or for credit, email Clayton Saren (csaren@arbor.edu) or Dorie Shelby (dshelby@arbor.edu) for more information.
November 30th was the ninth anniversary of GivingTuesday, a movement where the world unites to share kindness through radical generosity.
Radical generosity: “The concept that the suffering of others should be as intolerable to us as our own suffering.”
According to givingtuesday.org, GivingTuesday raised $2.7 billion in the United States. This is a 9% increase compared to 2020 and a 37% compared to 2019. It is estimated that 35 million adults participated in the U.S. That is not the only increase as there was an 11% increase in volunteering and an 8% increase in donations of goods (clothes, food, supplies) compared to 2020. The results were described as “record-breaking”.
The movement is not just about donating. It can be as simple as making someone smile, helping a neighbor, or showing up for an issue they care about.
“Our global network collaborates year-round to inspire generosity around the world, with a common mission to build a world where generosity is part of everyday life”, states the website.
Individual acts of generosity for 2022 can be:
Creating a donation station: “Leave extra supplies (nonperishable food, OTC medicines, cleaning products) for your neighbors in a common area (near mailboxes, building lobby) or create a Little Free Pantry in your community.”
Reach Out to the Elderly: “Call or video chat with an older person in your life. Have a talent? Schedule a virtual performance. Contact a local nursing home to find out what they need. Write a letter to a senior through Love For Our Elders.”
Post a Message of Hope: “Display an encouraging message or inspiring doodle in your window. For those with kids at home, make signs together, then go on a walk to find others around your area. Create your own design or use our template.”
For more ideas for individuals, groups, families, churches, and more visit here.
Participants have shared their act of generosity on social media using hashtag #givingtuesday. The most used hashtag last Tuesday was #givingtuesday2021, which was used around 24,000 times.
GivingTuesday was created in 2012 at 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation and Social Impact in New York City. Today, the GivingTuesday mission is now an independent nonprofit, global movement. The idea was to encourage people to do good.
“GivingTuesday inspires people all around the world to embrace their power to make an impact on the causes and issues they care about, not just on one day but throughout the year,” said Asha Curran who is GivingTuesday’s CEO and co-founder. “With country and community leaders, millions of organizations, and countless givers of all kinds, GivingTuesday provides an opportunity to come together to create a more generous world.”
Are you planning on participating in GivingTuesday 2022?
The Cougar Den will close on December 17th at 3pm and any remaining Cougar Cash in student’s accounts will be gone.
If your account hasn’t already been depleted, you should spend it soon. If you don’t, you may find yourself forgetting about your Cougar Cash till after the semester is over. All that cash will be a missed opportunity.
Last year, I became overworked with my exams and essays, and I didn’t think about my cougar cash. I had stocked up on pop and ice cream in previous years, but I missed my chance that year. I had let about 20 dollars vanish with no treats. This year I am determined to not let that happen again.
If you don’t know what to do with Cougar Cash, here are some ideas:
Christmas Presents: I have brought candy for my family as an extra Christmas present. You can turn treats and drinks into nice gifts.
Give it to a Friend: If you don’t want anything, maybe your friends will. Making someone else happy can be rewarding.
Buy and Save: You may not want anything now, but later in the month, you may crave some ice cream, candy, or nuts. You would be thankful that you had some saved.
Bake: You can buy certain types of candy and bake them into other foods like cakes and shakes.
Here is what’s in stock as of December 12.
There is a lot you can do with your Cougar Cash so don’t let the opportunity go. Also, make sure to purchase the food soon. As the end of the semester approaches, many items will go out of stock.
What do you do with your Cougar Cash at the end of the semester?
I am excited to work for the Pulse! It has grown so much over the years from a newspaper to a website. My favorite part of the Pulse is turning new information into an engaging story for students to read. My main responsibility this year will be copyediting, and I can’t wait to start. I hope to have a wonderful time along with my staff members.
What I’m looking forward to this year being on The Pulse is getting to know a group of like-minded writers that challenge one another, expound the capacity of our writing skills, and push each other to step out of our comfort zone. With this being my first year in college, I want to try new things and discover what God has for me this season!!!
I’m Hanna Ritchey, a sophomore here at Spring Arbor and I’m a photographer for the Pulse! I’ve always had an interest in photography and generally felt drawn to art ever since I can remember. I first started to experiment with photography when I was a freshman in high school. I entered my first photo competition the same year. I’ve entered photos in my hometown fair every year and even worked for my high school yearbook as a photographer. My favorite part about the art of photography is being able to share your point of view to your audience. With photos, you can truly capture the essence of your subject matter. I hope to gain some more photo journalism experience with Pulse and really strengthen my skills as a photographer. I’m so excited to share my passion and continue my journey of photography here with the Pulse!
