Introducing a Visiting Writer

It’s been a while since I’ve posted, and of course, college being fairly busy and fast-faced, a lot has happened in that time! One of the things that stands out most, though, is that I got to introduce a visiting writer.

Susquehanna’s writing department brings in a series of visiting writers each year, spanning across genres. These writers do Q & A sessions with students in the afternoon and then have a reading in the evening. At each reading, a selected creative writing student always introduces the author before they take the stage. I was surprised when I received an email from the head of the department asking me to introduce Alison Stine.

Alison Stine is a poet who has had two full-length collections and one chapbook published. For my Advanced Poetry course, we read her book Ohio Violence, which I enjoyed. Though I was honored that my poetry professor had thought to refer me for this task, I was also very nervous! I still don’t feel as if I’m very articulate when discussing poetry, and I felt like I had no idea what or how much to say. Thankfully, the introduction started to shape up when I began thinking about my personal connection with Stine. Stine, particularly with her first collection, explores some teenage female experience, and in interviews, had really embraced a young readership. I loved that. I, too, write about young female experiences. In my collection for Advanced Poetry right now, I sometimes examine figures of teenage pop culture (Nick Jonas, Corbin Bleu, etc.). Other poems are inspired by my experiences, as a teenager and as a young adult, of trying to measure up to standards of what a “good Christian girl” should be. These aren’t necessarily the topics poetry critics are always interested in—but Stine’s work reminds me that I don’t need to write for them and that these youthful experiences can be imbued with beautiful language and complexity. Finding this connection allowed me to tap into a passion that I think, judging by some of the comments I received after the reading, really came across in my introduction.

Because I was introducing Alison Stine, I was invited to go to a dinner before the reading with her and some of the Creative Writing faculty at BJ’s. This was a bit nerve-wracking for me because I’m not the most extroverted person. However, I think it went well. I also was able to bring a friend with me (who is much more extroverted than me fortunately), which made it more comfortable.

This scenario, along with this whole semester, has led me to reflect more on what it might be like to pursue poetry professionally. Though I’ve been growing more and more comfortable considering myself a “poet” as my time at Susquehanna goes on, I think this semester I have spent much more time imagining being a professional poet as a possibility. One day—possibly—I could be the person giving a reading and being introduced by a student. Over winter break, I plan on going through the poetry I’ve written for my Advanced and Intermediate poetry workshops and finding poems I think might be ready to be sent out to magazines. In the world of poetry, you usually need a number of poems published before you can pursue chapbook-length or book-length publication, so this is an important step. 

I have one poem that is forthcoming in an issue of a small journal called the Saint Katherine Review, which I look forward to seeing in print. Last year, my Intermediate Poetry professor recommended the journal as a place to submit one of my poems. The editor of the review is Scott Cairns. Just recently I picked up some of his poetry from the library, and I am loving it so far! He tackles religious and spiritual subject matter in a beautiful way. It’s exciting to know that someone whose work I admire has read my work--and it's particularly exciting to think about a future where there may be many more people who read my work (even if that poetry audience is quite smaller than fiction or nonfiction's).   

"Why You?"

Why you? 

Why you instead of some other honors student with a great GPA and extracurricular activities?

These were the types of questions posed at my on-campus interviews for postgraduate fellowships. The fellowships I applied to--the Rhodes scholarship, the Mitchell scholarship, and a Fulbright grant--would all allow me to pursue graduate work abroad with full funding. All three fellowships are competitive, and tackling the application process felt like a long and stressful process.

This process began last spring semester when I went to talk to our postgraduate adviser, Dr. Fourshey, about possibly applying for a Mitchell scholarship (to earn a one-year masters degree in Ireland) and a Fulbright award. There are Fulbright grants available in multiple countries, so I had to narrow it down to the award I wanted. I was drawn to a program in Finland and a program in Scotland, but decided, ultimately, to apply for the award in Aberdeen, Scotland.

This summer, while I stayed on campus to work for University Communications, I got a start on these applications, but not as much of a start as I probably should have. There was still a lot of personal statement writing and editing to do once the school year started–as well as securing recommendation letters!

When I was talking to one of my professors about my plans for these fellowships, he strongly suggested I apply for the Rhodes scholarship. It felt like a long-shot, but at his recommendation, I decided to give it a chance anyway. I am very much a believer in the There’s no harm in applying maxim. Of course, I didn’t have as much prepared for the Rhodes as I had the awards I’d been planning on applying to for months. I had to do my research, write more, and get some additional recommendation letters.

On top of having to get these applications completed, I also had to do an on-campus interview for each of the three fellowships. These interviews were conducted by our postgraduate adviser and other faculty and staff members. The main purpose of these interviews was to help our adviser write a letter of endorsement for us. For all these fellowships, an applicant needs the approval of their university to really be considered for the award. The interviews also served as a time to get feedback on how our proposals are perceived and as a way to practice for the interviews we might get if we make it to the semi-finalist or finalist rounds of the application processes.

The question of “Why you?” was really at the heart of all these interviews—and I’ll admit, it was a consistent challenge to answer.

For all three awards, I’m looking at masters programs related to religious studies and theology that would serve as preparation for a Ph.D. and an eventual teaching career. They could also lead to work in church or non-profit leadership. I feel capable and well-suited for all three programs and believe I’m a great student….but still wasn’t sure why I should get the awards over anyone else.

Through this process, though, I have gained some insight into that “Why you?’ question. During the Rhodes application process, for instance, one of my professors helped me realize something unique I can bring to the table as a theologian: my perspective on evangelicalism. Many people are solely interested in bashing or defending evangelicalism, but I am of a small circle that is interested in engaging constructively with evangelicalism. He also helped me see the broader context in which my work in that area might be important. Evangelicalism is a significant demographic in terms of Christianity and in terms of America, and evangelical theology has a tremendous impact on the political, social, etc. choices of its adherents.  Through my other applications and interviews, I began seeing some of the ways I’ve been a leader on campus. While I may not have racked up many titled leadership roles, one professor helped me see the ways I’ve functioned as a leader in the classroom. I’ve also come to realize some of the ways I’ve exhibited moral leadership. The comments and questions at the Fulbright interview also helped me articulate my personal passion and connection with the topic I'd be exploring in church history. 

From the beginning of the application process, our postgraduate advisor has mentioned how many students feel as if they know more about their selves and what they want for their futures after going for these awards, whether they win  or not. I am hoping that this consideration of the “Why you?” question, and the reflection it has prompted, will be of some use to me, whether or not I receive any of these fellowships.

I am grateful that now these applications are all finished. It felt very hectic while I was working on them, but things got done! Now I just need to work on my U.S. grad school applications (a post about that will be coming in the future) and wait.

Rivercraft, Grouplove, and Bongo Bongo Dip--An Overview of the Past Few Days

The past few days have been quite busy, but some fun and exciting things happened that I feel like sharing!

Last night was the launch of one of the main on-campus literary magazines, Rivercraft, which was exciting since I had my poem, “Wings,” published in it. I submitted to the magazine both my freshman and sophomore years, but this was my first year getting into the magazine. I was one of the students who read at the launch. I don’t know why I find it so nerve-wracking to read my poetry in front of other people, but it was—even though I had already read this poem previously at an open mic of a university poetry society while I was abroad. I now have a copy of the magazine, and I’m excited to be able to look through the work of my peers when I have the time.

The night before, Sunday, I joined the honor society for Religion students, Theta Alpha Kappa. Because the Religion major is small, the society itself is also very small, so we didn’t have a big initiation like some other honor societies have. Instead, we had something that I think was preferable. The new members, as well as the one previously inducted member, went to dinner with two members of the religion faculty.

We went to BJs, which is probably the most popular restaurant in downtown Selinsgrove. Students go there a lot, but I had actually never been there before. Everyone was astounded that it was my first time and made sure that we ordered Bongo Bongo dip, one of BJ’s signature foods, as an appetizer. It was delicious, as was the Club Chicken Sandwich I ordered. During the dinner, we were given certificates of membership for Theta Alpha Kappa. While we there, the university’s president, President Lemons, also happened to be at BJs for a dinner. He stopped by and congratulated us. All in all, it was really nice to be able to have this dinner (which was free—always a big plus for a college student) with some of my fellow Religion majors and two of my professors whose classes I really enjoy.

After the dinner, a friend and I headed over to Susquehanna’s spring concert at TRAX, the campus night club. The band performing was Grouplove, who is most known for their song “Tongue-Tied.” We missed the opening act, but I’m very glad that we went anyway. I didn’t know most of Grouplove’s songs, but I was very impressed with them and enjoyed myself a lot. It was also a free show for Susquehanna students, which made it even better.

On Saturday I was a small group leader in Lutheran Youth Day, an annual event where Lutheran middle and high school students visit campus to study the Bible, worship, etc. This was my third year volunteering at Lutheran Youth Day and it was a fun experience, just like the two previous years. It was also exhausting since the day runs from about 10 a.m. to past 5 p.m. In addition to leading a small group of high school students, I was also a part of a skit with a religious life group called Acts 29 that does drama and children’s ministry.

Other than some fun events here and there, it’s that time of semester where there’s just a ton of work! Hopefully that won’t get too heavy and I’ll be able to enjoy the last few weeks as a college junior.

Professor Accessibility...It's True!

Something cool about Susquehanna University is the accessibility of professors.  This is something I heard a lot about as a prospective student and perhaps something I have taken for granted thus far (especially when, at some schools, most of your interaction is with TAs!), but it really hit me yesterday. 

For the first time, I attended a Bible study hosted by two of Susquehanna’s religion professors, one of whom teaches my Applied Biblical Ethics class.  This Bible study happens every other Sunday and is currently exploring questions about God and human suffering.

A few friends and I met up with fellow students behind the Degenstein Campus Center, where we divvied ourselves into two cars.  We then drove over to the house of these professors which is located pretty close to campus.  The group, which I sensed was larger than their usual crowd, sat in their living room to discuss some of the book of Job.  There were also cookies and juice, a pet cat, and an enthusiastic dog they were pet-sitting. 

I really enjoyed the Bible study—even if my introverted self barely talked—and am definitely planning on attending again.  It was one of those instances when I thought to myself that what they say about Susquehanna, those things you suspect might be just to sell you on the school, are really true.    

Even the president himself seems more accessible than presidents normally are considered to be, whether that’s in reading ‘Twas a Night Before Christmas to a group of students in pajamas before Winter Break or whether that’s in shaking his hand during a chapel service earlier that Sunday.