FALL / WINTER 2014
The YouTube
REVOLUTION p.10
How to Start a Student Organization p.9 From Physicist to Published Poet p.12 Escape to a Donut Paradise p.18
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
EDITORIAL
Editors’ Notes CO-EDITORS IN CHIEF
Pushing the Creative Envelope
Nadia Kaczkowski Matt Tennyson
EDITORIAL SPECIALIST Georgina Cammayo
WRITING STAFF
James Mason, Laura Milcarzyk, William Martin, Hope Vergauwen
PRODUCTION SPECIALIST David Williamson
PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Daniel Mele, Sydney Gaeth
PHOTOGRAPHY EDITOR Joshua Eller
FRONT PAGE PHOTOGRAPHY John Morin
CONTRIBUTED PHOTOGRAPHY
Carolyn Jones, Kristin Little Photography, RachelSimmons.com
ART DIRECTOR Faras Aamir
CHIEF DESIGNER John Parks
DESIGN STAFF Laurise McMillian Jennifer Lewis
Inspiration lies everywhere. It’s found within our musical expressions and even on a battlefield. Inspiration is the driving force of creativity. For this creativity issue, inspiration has played an important role. Without inspiration, there would be no creativity, and no eye for art. Creativity is what allows people to invent and improve upon existing ideas; it’s part of music, dance, visual art, and literacy; it’s why we have almost any tangible thing imaginable. Creativity is an imperative part of society and change, and we should do anything possible to help each and everyone to see our creative potential. Inspiration for our national anthem was found during a heroic battle right here in Baltimore (pg. 5). HCC students in Art 208: Digital Foundations II were challenged to see just where their creative potential would bring them when asked to construct a sculpture with only three items from the Dollar Store (pg. 6-7).
Faras Aamir, a Mass Communications major at HCC, channels his self-expressive creativity into music that attacks negative cultural and social stereotypes (pg. 10-11). A retired Army colonel and Ph.D physicist rediscovers his literary creativity and passion for poetry and becomes a published poet (pg. 12-13). Pushing the creative envelope of the magazine even further, we have the launch of our new Facebook page set in unison with this issue. Check us out at www.facebook.com/ OwlMagazine to see bonus content, videos, pictures, and creative expressions of our latest articles. Creativity is essential to our lives. We hope to ignite the creativity of our community by highlighting some of its notable accomplishments.
DESIGN SPECIALIST Brianna Breece
BUSINESS MANAGER Rachel Mitchell
CHIEF ADVISER Claudia Brown
TECHNICAL ADVISER Philip Roszak
PRINT PUBLISHER
Stockson Printing Company
NOW ON FACEBOOK
facebook.com/OwlMagazine
The YouTube Revolution
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An HCC student matches media with media to end discrimination.
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Healing History’s Wounds
Authors, students, and county residents gather at HCC in an open discussion on racism.
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Dollar Store Art
From the minds and imaginations of HCC art students come creative projects on a dollar store budget.
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Escape to a Donut Paradise
Paradise Donuts glazes the competition with dozens of fresh pastries and a seven-foot tall mascot.
Birth of an Anthem
5
Baltimore celebrates the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
How to Start a Student Organization
9
Are you interested in starting your own student organization like the Actors Guild pictured above? Learn how.
Also Inside: One Pen to a Thousand Minds p.8 From Physicist to Poet p.12 Become a Better Writer p.14 Live at HCC p.20
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
BOOK NOOK
Healing History’s Wounds By Laura Milcarzyk | Owl Staff
Reader Reactions “This book reflects HCC mission and value statements to embrace differences with respect. I hope people will have open hearts, open minds and keep dialoguing until it is resolved.” –Sharoll Love Student Diversity Specialist
Authors Sharon Morgan (left) and Thomas DeWolf (right).
“I learned a lot. In history class, they skim over slavery. For instance, I did not know that 95% of slave trading was between the islands. This was a stimulating conversation.” –Brittany Martin Psychology Major
“There is a huge disconnect with young people today. Young people don’t realize the effects of the trauma or that everyone is still dealing with it. It trickles down to us young people from grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles and it does affect us. It would be good to have conversations like this in our high schools.” –Ozioma Onyekwere General Studies Major
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Thomas Norman DeWolf is a descendant of the richest slave trading family in America. Sharon Leslie Morgan has lived with racism most of her life. Together, they co-authored the book Gather at the Table, chronicling a journey that brings healing from wounds left by generations of slavery and racism. For three years they immersed themselves in each other’s worlds, traveling through 27 states and overseas, visiting historical sites and relatives’
At the discussion, Morgan and DeWolf share tidbits from their book. DeWolf is honest about his lack of understanding as a white man, concerning the struggles of African Americans. “I still don’t feel what Sharon does,” says DeWolf. “I can’t. I have no idea what it is like to be black. Her history, her experience, her inheritance, her anguish… are foreign to me.” After growing up hearing and seeing the violent racial conflicts towards her entire family and even experiencing it
“My greatest hope is that my descendants… will inherit a better world than mine.” homes. Throughout their journey, they discuss, argue, laugh, and listen, but most importantly, they communicate. In the end, they find healing by overcoming racial divides and developing friendship. In a visit to HCC, DeWolf and Morgan shared their experiences, hoping to create a dialogue that will start the healing process. Sharoll Love, who coordinated the event, says, “Ready or not, we need it. People may come timidly, but they will come. Some may not want to talk about it and that is okay. But some are ready to take it on.”
herself, Morgan admits to carrying a gun when she is on the road. “I’ve been told point-blank to be very careful when wandering about the South on my own.” The authors realize there is a tremendous need in America for healing of racial wounds born out of slavery. Morgan says, “My greatest hope is that my descendants, my one son and two grandchildren, will inherit a better world than mine… As I walk this road with Tom DeWolf, I sincerely hope I am building a legacy of hope, justice, mercy and peace.”
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
Birth of an Anthem
HISTORY
Celebrating 200 Years of “The Star-Spangled Banner”
Article & Photography by Joshua Eller | Owl Staff “O say can you see by the dawn’s early light” were the first words written by Francis Scott Key following the British attack on Baltimore during the War of 1812. Key never knew one day those words would become the United States’ national anthem. This year, Baltimore celebrates the bicentennial of the valiant defense that gave birth to the anthem. When the British attacked Baltimore, Key was with the British Fleet to negotiate the release of American prisoners taken during the burning of Washington, D.C. On the morning of September 13, 1814, British ships rained rockets and cannon fire on Fort McHenry for 25 hours. As the British cannons fell silent, a 30 foot by 42 foot American Flag was raised over the fort inspiring Key’s famous four-stanza poem. It was printed in a Baltimore newspaper on September 20, under the title “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” Key’s poem was set to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a popular British drinking song at the time, and renamed “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Following the destruction of Washington D.C., Key’s song became
In September, reenactments at Fort McHenry commemorate the Battle of Baltimore.
popularity at public events over the years. Tim Ertel, Chief Musician of the Fort McHenry Fife and Drum Corp says, “At the time of the battle, the country had no anthem. As the flag was raised each morning over the fort, ‘Yankee Doodle’ was played.” In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson made “The
McHenry and the anthem was sung while ships from around the world, including British warships, peacefully came to the city to celebrate. Before the Battle of Baltimore, the flag was only used to identify American ships and forts. Through his creativity, Francis Scott Key not only gave us
“Following the destruction of Washington D.C., Key’s song became a symbol of pride for America during that uncertain time.” a symbol of pride for America during that uncertain time in our nation’s history. Chief of Interpretation at Fort McHenry, Vince Vaise says, “What happened at Fort McHenry and in Baltimore is very important. If it wasn’t for what happened here, Baltimore would have suffered the same fate as Washington, and the nation may have fallen.” After the war, the song grew in
Star-Spangled Banner” the official song for military and appropriate occasions. On March 3, 1931, President Herbert Hoover signed a bill making “The StarSpangled Banner” the official anthem of the United States of America. In September of 2014, a variety of events commemorated the defense of Baltimore and the 200th anniversary of “The Star-Spangled Banner.” A hand-sewn replica of the original United States flag was flown over Fort
the words that would become our national anthem, but also helped the flag become recognized as a national symbol. Today, one of Key’s original handwritten copies of “The StarSpangled Banner” is displayed at the Maryland Historical Society in Baltimore while the original flag that inspired Key is at the Smithsonian Museum of American History in Washington, D.C.
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FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
CRITIC’S CORNER
Dollar Store Art Creativity On A Budget By James Mason | Photography by John Parks | Owl Staff With three items: an iPhone case, an iPhone charging dock, and a waffle (yes, a waffle), HCC student Austin Emge designed the “iWaffle” as part of his art assignment. “Art really can be anything,” according to Emge. Along with the rest of his Art 208 Digital Foundations II class, Emge and fellow students were put to the test to see if they really could make art out of anything. In the spring of 2014, Professor Kenneth Jones had his students produce a sculpture that would be displayed in Joppa Hall at Harford Community College. For this project, Emge shares that he and fellow students were to take “three random
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things and make art out of it.” The students were allowed to use any three things they wanted as long as they came from the Dollar Store. Emge wanted to be even more creative with his sculpture, so he gave his iWaffle “functions.” He states that the purpose of the iWaffle is “a new way of preserving and serving waffles to everyday consumers. The case is to protect the waffle… [and] the docking station preserves the waffle, giving it life and energy to stay edible.” Others in the class took this assignment as an opportunity to make a statement
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
CRITIC’S CORNER
about present-day society. Artist Bethany Carty made the “Tipped Trashcan Barbie.” She comments, “I don’t believe that Barbie would be bad if she didn’t look so much like an actual person. Unfortunately, she looks a lot like a real person and this can be destructive to a girl’s, and even a woman’s, self-esteem.” The class expressed their appreciation for this assignment. “I truly enjoyed this project,” Carty says. “It was amazing to see the pieces that we were able to create when we had such limited resources. I feel that sometimes we forget to challenge ourselves as artists. We tend to focus on one or two areas that we feel comfortable with and wind up growing complacent with our work.”
Once the students had their final products completed and approved, the art was displayed in Joppa Hall. Taylor Rhodes, a history major, was fascinated with how creative and unique all of the sculptures were. “I couldn’t get over how original the ideas of the students were… I never would’ve thought of these things,” Rhodes states. “These pieces of art really showed me a different perspective of what art could really be.” Creativity is something that many people think is lacking in today’s society. These particular art students, however, showed that no matter what the circumstances may be, everyone possesses a creative side.
“Art really can be anything.” Projects created by students in Art 208 included Austin Emge’s “iWaffle” and Bethany Carty’s “Tipped Trashcan Barbie.”
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FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
COMMUNITY
From One Pen to a Thousand Minds
A Poet Laureate Speaks to Students By William Martin | Owl Staff on who poetry is truly meant for. What is a Poet Laureate, you may ask? It is the title granted to a poet officially appointed by the government or an established institution. The Poet Laureate is required to compose work for special occasions or events, often nationally, to better the public’s appreciation of poetry as a valid art form. At the highest level of importance is the United States Poet Laureate, but every state has one. Plumly, appointed by Governor O’Malley in 2009, has taught at more than a dozen universities and given an estimated 25,000 readings. Among the collection of his own poetic works are Out-of-the-Body Travel, Boy on the Step, and Orphan Hours.
writing them until they’re right. It has to work for the audience; it has to be art… and art demands an audience.” Plumly is not the only local expert to emphasize the importance of this art form. Professor Colleen Webster, who teaches Poetry I, II, and III at Harford Community College, enjoys poetry as “a distillation of experience in original and vigorous language, as an art form,” echoing Plumly’s words. My own experience as a writer, however, has demonstrated that people will not investigate and become fascinated by such art if they are unaware of its existence. Here at HCC, we have a new registered student organization called the Ink Blot Club. According to faculty advisor Laura
“[Do not] give up on writing good poems, which means rewriting them until they’re right.” Plumly was appointed Maryland’s Poet Laureate by Gov. O’Malley in 2009. All of you struggling poets out there have likely drawn influence from a number of sources, those household names of great historical significance. And, indeed, there is a lot of fulfillment to be gained through studying their work. However, “the trouble with life is that we imagine a fulfillment we can never have.” Maryland’s Poet Laureate Professor Stanley Plumly used this T.S. Elliott quote to explain his thoughts
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As a speaker who has visited various universities and schools from varying demographics, Plumly is surprised by “how fascinated they all are for this kind of thing, and it had nothing to do with my writing.” He adds, “You really have to be fascinated by this kind of language,” implying that whether or not his poetry in particular is influencing our perception, poetry is a language that requires a particular finesse. We all have that one piece that really speaks to us. Plumly states, “[Do not] give up on writing good poems, which means re-
Fox, the club is “…a student writing group whose purpose is to support and encourage each other. All writers are welcome.” The club focuses on fiction, creative non-fiction, poetry, and plays. To find out more about this organization, check out “How to Start a Student Organization” on the next page. As we go about pursuing our poetic aspirations, I highly recommend Plumly’s work and ideas. He offers a perspective that goes beyond the names we’ve all heard, but captivates us in all the same ways.
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
COMMUNITY
How to Start a Student Organization from Scratch By Hope Verguawen and Nadia Kaczkowski | Owl Staff
Registered Student Organizations
Phi Theta Kappa members clean up Cool Spring Road for an Adopt-a-Road event.
The Anime Media Society, The Rainbow Alliance, The Outdoor Adventure Club, and The Math Club are just a few of the diverse range of registered student organizations (RSO’s) offered here at Harford Community College. If none of the RSO’s listed speak to your interests, Student Activities has procedures on how to start your own. STEP 1: Gather a group of at least four students on campus currently enrolled in credit courses and one RSO advisor. The RSO advisor must be at least 25 years of age and a full-time exempt employee of Harford Community College. Step 2: Fill out the appropriate Student Organization Registration form and submit to the Office of Student Activities located on the first floor of the Student Center on campus. Step 3: Once the registration form has been received and approved, your new RSO will be given a constitution template. The constitution is formed in order to clarify the purpose of the organization.
Step 4: Once the constitution template has been completed, it must be submitted back to the Office of Student Activities for review. Student Activities will notify the RSO advisor as to whether or not the constitution has been approved, and if it needs any further revision. Step 5: Once approved, the SGA Liaison will be assigned to the RSO and the new Registered Student Organization will have full access to the privileges of recognition. Please note that the entire process can take up to eight weeks.
Actors Guild ASID Student Chapter (Interior Designers) Anime Media Society BCAT Campus Lions Club Delta Alpha Pi International Honors Society Engineering Club Future Educators of America Gamers Guild History Club Improv Club Inkblot Club Journalism Club Lambda Epsilon Chi National Honors Society (Paralegal Honors) Math Club Multicultural Student Association Outdoor Adventure Club Paralegal Club Phi Theta Kappa (Honor’s Society) Political Awareness Club Rainbow Alliance Social Empowerment Club Student Ambassadors Student Art Gallery Association Student Athlete Advisory Club Student Government Association Student Health Association Student Nurse Association The Warriors Veterans Club
INTERESTED IN STARTING YOUR OWN RSO? Contact Sharon Adams, Office of Student Activities 443-412-2140 A step-by-step process is always a great start, but you may also be wondering what the deal is with the different organizations that already exist. To find out more about the already established RSO’s here at HCC, go to www.harford.edu/student-services/student-activities/student-organizations.aspx.
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The YouTube
Revolution Using Social Media for Social Change By Faras Aamir | Photography by John Morin | Owl Staff Immediately after the crowning, the 2014 Miss America pageant winner, Nina Davuluri, was harassed across many different social networks by dozens of Americans simply for being an Indian-American. Tweets and racial posts were sent out by outraged viewers, mostly reminding everyone that “this is America,” even though Davuluri was born in New York. Others even called her names like “Miss Al-Qaeda.” Davuluri is one of many South Asians who have been discriminated against and has had her cultural and religious background mistaken for another.
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The times when Arabs, Indians, or Pakistanis are actually brought up in the media often has to do with some sort of link to terrorism instead of the beauty and uniqueness in their nations’ people and rich cultures. Similarly, it is no secret that when playing the latest Call of Duty game or watching the latest war movie out in theaters who the game developers and directors depict as the enemy. To change people’s mindset and show true and untold stories, a few individuals, including myself, are finding creative ways to fight this negative notion through social media.
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
FEATURE Humble The Poet, or Mr. Kanwer Singh, is an elementary school teacher, a Toronto bred MC and a spoken word artist who tours the world and entertains millions on YouTube. Through his spirited music and intellectual poetry, he is able to shake people’s minds with his incredible knowledge and outlook on the world. The best part is that he does all of this with a turban around his head and a beard on his face to show people the peace and uniqueness that he brings with the image
I recently started posting videos on YouTube in hopes of entertaining my friends. Little did I know that by sharing my thoughts and visions I would attract a much larger fan base who feel influenced and proud to share a similar ethnicity, religion, or just simply the same view as me. I took on the challenge and responsibility to promote the change this world needs by humbly doing my part. Recently, I got to visit the beautiful country where I grew up and I had an amazing time exploring the different cities
“I took on the challenge and responsibility to promote the change this world needs by humbly doing my part.” instead of the false symbolism that is often linked with the Sikh religion and Indian background. He often reminds us to be logical in judgment regarding other human beings, with clever sayings such as, “remember, beards are softer than stubble.” Yousef Erekat, a Palestinian Muslim, is another YouTuber who is one of the most influential people on the site with over two million subscribers. Since he started the channel, “fouseyTUBE,” back in 2011, Yousef has been pushing for social change by doing experiments in public to see how bystanders react. Some of his most popular videos include “The Bullying Experiment,” “The Kidnapping Children Experiment,” and “The Terrorist Hijabi Experiment.” All of these videos capture how many people are seen staring at something they know is wrong and continuing to do nothing about it. Yousef knows how powerful his role is and explains, “My story ain’t the only one I’m tryna’ tell.” My name is Faras Aamir, but I also go by the name “Farosty.” I promote social change and open-mindedness through my art on various social media outlets. I am an American Muslim who was born and raised in Pakistan for five years. I am an entertainer and producer, but more importantly, a dreamer and creator. Through music and art, my YouTube videos have landed me on multiple international TV spots and even earned me a Youth Excellence Award from Governor Martin O’Malley.
and landmarks from the raw streets to the tall mountains. Pakistan is nothing like they show on the news or in movies, which makes sense because “a good day in Pakistan” is not something that is going to make headlines or catch anyone’s attention. I decided I was going to use the little bit of recognition I was getting to make a music video there in order to show the true beauty in the art and people which make the land what it is. I titled the song “We BeLong.” It tells a story of a country that has not truly been seen by the world before. The music video went on to land me a few interviews on TV and for newspapers while I was filming it, and some more international coverage in New York and Washington, D.C. when I came back to the states. My goal is not just to distinguish the difference between a few bordering countries with their diverse religions and cultures, or only to eliminate the discrimination and racism towards them. It is also to open people’s minds and help them realize the individuality and uniqueness we all have independent from all that we come from. No matter what God we may (or may not) believe in, we are all a part of one world and one family. And we all belong.
ine az ag lM w /O om .c ok bo ce fa on ry More from this sto Follow the Artists
TUBE
Farosty | Humble The Poet | fousey
FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
From Physicist to Poet A Student’s Journey By Nadia Kaczkowski | Photography by John Parks | Owl Staff
Mark Melanson deferred his dreams for 30 years before writing his poetry-themed murder mystery.
A retired Army colonel, Ph.D Physicist, aspiring novelist and poet may seem like an unusual combination, but Mark Melanson, an English Major at HCC, completes the trifecta. He affirms, “I am about as ‘non-traditional’ a student as
and enhancing the poems that I have come up with.” Melanson explains, “I have always wanted to be a writer ever since I was in second grade. A visiting poet came to my elementary school and read a
to take a poetry class here at HCC in January of last year,” Melanson recalls. Since he hadn’t written poetry for several decades, Melanson decided to take Poetry I with Professor Webster. Upon completing the first course and
“My inspiration for my poems comes from a lot of different places... Some just come to me based upon things that happen or things that I see or feel.” you get!” As non-traditional as he may be, he is nothing short of spectacular. Melanson has had three of his poems published in the Fall 2013 issue of East Fork Journal, which is a student literary journal of Clermont College, University of Cincinnati. The three published poems were all created during Melanson’s time in HCC Professor Colleen Webster’s poetry classes. Melanson shares, “This practice has been very helpful in getting into the groove of routinely writing poetry
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haiku I wrote; he told me I should keep writing poetry.” He deferred those dreams until the summer of 2013, when he retired after 30 years and decided to enroll in classes at HCC. His goal was to eventually pursue his graduate studies in poetry and fiction. “The story of how I came to enroll in poetry classes here at HCC is an interesting one: I am currently writing a novel; a murder mystery. The serial killer in my book is female and she leaves clues in poetry. Hence, I decided
rediscovering his love and admiration for poetry, he has subsequently taken Poetry II and Poetry III as well. “My inspiration for my poems comes from a lot of different places,” says Melanson. “Some arise from reading poems of published poets and doing apprentice poems based upon their styles. Others come from life experiences, present and past. Some just come to me based upon things that happen or things that I see or feel.”
September
Golden rays mute in denim skies as a whispered coolness sickles the air In front of Wal-Mart beach chairs and gas grills huddle together like trembling refugees While everywhere wary children in pretty, shiny clothes assemble on street corners hugging uncracked books For you see bold and noble August has fallen torn and toppled His page sea-sawing downward to join its discarded siblings on the stony floor Feeling again a harbinger breath, I dismiss the chill Only to resume my poetic duty, cataloguing each veiled and vexing sign
Secret Lives of Poets
I’ve often wondered, you know what they are really like these elusive, reclusive versifiers
Too bad I can’t fire up the remote go to the poetry channel then watch the all telling documentary So, I guess I’ll simply have to wonder about the veiled rites and rituals behind their literary enchantment Do poets travel alone like noble, solitary bards or gather in flocks, herds, or prides and it’s covertly called “a reading of poets” When it comes to mating is it Iambic pentameter foreplay tickling punctuation drawn out spacing lingering licentious line breaks Then crescendoing twitch and stutter sputtering ink sheets of wet, dripping parchment feathering to the floor in a heaving pile of sighs
Sombernay Grey Concrete clouds crush heavy upon the sky pressing everything into drizzling melancholy wine I sip its sorry vintage never a good year salty and chilled drenching my heart in dourness Funny how it works this tragic magic eclipsing all hope of bright summer days Catapulting me upended into heaving waves of sorrow allowing me neither to swim nor drown So, here I mope at my streaked pane manning a poet’s post with glum quill in hand savoring my sombernay grey
While rearing their young do they begin nursing them on Shelley, Keats and Byron then shift to more erudite delights Hoagland, Collins, and Bukowski when they’re old enough for more solid things to chew on Behind their gifted poeting do they sit on Tuscan terraces gaze upon clear Italian pools of reflection sipping hot licorice tea peering at the world through forever kaleidoscopic spectacles You might ask what prompts such wild poetic imaginings all I can say for certain is when adrift in their verses I tingle from within as their souls brush mine But sadly, I fear their reality is much, much more prosaic littered and mired with real jobs, bills, doubts, and neuroses just like me
Three Poems by Mark Melanson Originally published in East Fork Journal
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FALL 2014 | Owl Magazine
BEYOND CAMPUS
ASK RACHEL Become a better writer with the help of a Teen Vogue blogger, best-selling novelist, and founder of the Girls Leadership Institute. 14
“Tell it like it is, and be vulnerable.” By Laurise McMillian | Owl Staff
Being a writer isn’t as easy as it may seem. It requires revisions, honing, and most importantly, help. As an aspiring writer who wanted to improve, I turned to writing pro Rachel Simmons for expert advice. Simmons is most known for her incredible contributions to “girl world.” Through her organization, The Girls Leadership Institute, Simmons empowers, educates, and inspires young women to be bold, brave, and proud of who they are. Simmons also supports the female
community through her advice column on TeenVogue.com. She offers insight on everything from college transitions to body peace. In addition to her column, Simmons has also penned numerous novels, including Odd Girl Out – a bestseller that was later transformed into a Lifetime Original Movie. As you read on, this entrepreneur sounds off on what she thinks it takes to become an awesome writer.
Take charge
Pursue your dreams regardless of other people’s expectations of you (even your parents). “Once you leave school you are on your own, and you are the one who has to go to work everyday, not your parents. You’ll have to make a life of the major that you choose, and you will have to use that major to create your own path. If it’s not a path that you feel good about, it’s going to make that journey so much more stressful, painful and challenging.” If you want to be a writer, become a writing major – not a medical major. It may be easier said then done, but it’s worth it in the end.
Set realistic goals
“A lot of people set themselves up for failure because they are so ambitious and they are passionate about making a change, but you have to be realistic and realize that you have to dedicate yourself to small incremental change.” “I think that writing is a muscle, and when you’re trying to develop a muscle you can’t do it all at once. You can’t just start bench-pressing 300 pounds as soon as you hit the gym. My advice would be to start writing for 15 minutes a day for a week, and then the following week try for 25 minutes.”
Get a mentor
“I never went to any kind of writing program or joined any writing group, but I did have support from an older woman in my life who was an editor. She was willing to help me – she believed in me,”Simmons shares. Don’t be afraid to reach out to your writing professors or even professionals who are working in the industry. Utilize social media and follow your favorite authors and journalists. It’s important to seek feedback and receive insight from people who have been in your shoes.
Become well-rounded
Take interest in other artistic mediums. Simmons says, “I’m very passionate about music. Music is a place where I unleash some of my energy–even if that just means finding music that speaks to me.” Get into a beginner’s painting class or try hip-hop dance. An ulterior outlet will keep the creative juices flowing, and may even contribute to your writing.
Dedicate yourself
“The most important thing you can do if you want to improve your writing is write everyday. An advice column for Teen Vogue might just be 300 or 500 words, but a book may be 80,000 words. Sometimes you’ve got to commit to doing something for a long period of time, and you’ll end up going through a journey that’s very up and down. Practicing will make you a better writer; it will make you a more disciplined writer. It will teach you to stick with it even when you don’t want to – and I think that’s a big part of becoming a writer.”
Be genuine
“Over the last few years I realized that people really like hearing my own story, and that really surprised me! I always thought that as a writer that I should be a vehicle for telling other people’s stories, but now I think people want to hear mine just as much. I want to be an authentic voice for women and girls because the reality is that a lot of people don’t talk about what’s really going on in their lives. My goal is to tell it like it is, and be vulnerable so that other people can connect and be vulnerable as well.”
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Fall 2014 | Owl Magazine
PROFILE
Escape to a Donut Paradise Articles & Photography by Matt Tennyson | Owl Staff Fruity Pebbles, S’mores, French Toast, and Maple Bacon are just a handful of the tasty and unusual flavors that can be found at Paradise Donuts in Bel Air. Once you step inside the shop you will be greeted by a tropical surf theme that is reminiscent of a beautiful summer day at the beach. The next thing that may catch your eye is the plethora of assorted donuts, coupled with a variety of mixed pastries.
Ranging from 89¢ to $1.19 (plus tax), the donut varieties are quite enticing. Upon my visit I discovered the delicious dynamic duo of chilled milk and a Coco Pebbles flavored donut – a great combo for a Coco Pebbles lover on the go. “It took three visits just to be able to get a donut from this shop because of how busy they are and how quickly they sell out,” says customer James David. “I was in paradise after one bite so the donuts live up to their name!” The pastries are $1.59 with flavors ranging from the traditional Cinnamon Bun to an inviting Apple Strudel. Sausage breakfast sandwiches made
from unsweetened donut dough can be found for $1.99 as well. To wash it all down, you may pick from a selection of freshly brewed coffee, frozen drinks, water, soda, juice, and milk, all ranging from about $1 to $2 depending on the size and drink. All of the donuts are made fresh each day. The remaining donuts, if any, are then given to homeless shelters. Whether you like donuts or not, Paradise Donuts offers a treat that everyone can enjoy.
Sculpting Sammy Sprinkles Meet Sammy Sprinkles. He is a seven-foot yellow donut. Created by HCC student Joshua Finch, Sammy Sprinkles welcomes customers to Paradise Donuts in Bel Air. Finch has created other large sculptures including a three-foot octopus tentacle that was featured in the Harford Community College art exhibit. When Art instructor Jim McFarland was asked to find a student for the donut sculpture, Finch was one of the first that came to mind. “Josh is a creative, intelligent and hard working art student who likes challenges,” said McFarland. “I knew that if Josh talked to the owner and decided to pursue the project, he would figure out all of the problems – design, material and logistical – and complete the project for the client,” McFarland adds.
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Finch began construction in April 2014 and used a variety of substances including metal, paper mache, cardboard, and fiberglass to complete Sammy Sprinkles about two months later. Finch states that he has future plans for a three-foot metal Pegasus sculpture in Palm Beach, Florida. He aspires to continue a career in making a variety of artistic sculptures as he goes along. Finch intends to pass down the experience and knowledge he accrues from working as a sculpture to coming generations of aspiring artists. “I thank all the people that help me go forward to achieve my dreams and effect the world with a positive influence through my art,” shares Finch. Joshua Finch constructed Sammy Sprinkles using metal, paper mache, cardboard, and fiberglass.
Owl Magazine | SPORTS
Get The Led Out October 25 @ 7PM APG Federal Credit Union Arena Assigned Seating, $20-$35 Rent September 12, 13, 19, 20 @ 8PM September 14, 21 @ 3PM Chesapeake Theater Curious George September 26 @ 7PM Amoss Center The Midtown Men September 28 @ 7:30PM APGFCU Arena Sunday Afternoon Concert September 28 @ 3PM October 26 @ 3PM Joppa Hall, Recital Hall #1 Wild Animal Adventure October 3 @ 7PM Amoss Center An Evening of Jazz October 17 @ 8PM November 7 @ 8PM December 12 @ 8PM Joppa Hall, Recital Hall #1
Harriet’s Happiest Halloween October 16 @ 6PM October 17 @ 5:30PM & 8PM, October 18 & 19 @ 1PM & 4PM Chesapeake Theater
Tenth Avenue North November 7 @ 7PM APGFCU Arena
Capitol Steps October 25 @ 7:30PM Amoss Center
The Nutcracker December 5 @ 8PM December 6,7 @ 1 & 4 PM Amoss Center
New Orleans Legends October 28 @ 7PM APGFCU Arena Rocky Horror Picture Show October 31 @ 8PM and 11:59PM APGFCU Arena Cat on a Hot Tin Roof HCC Actors Guild November 7, 8, 14, 15 @ 8PM November 9, 16 @ 3PM Chesapeake Theater
To Kill a Mockingbird November 19 @ 7:30PM Chesapeake Theater
Joe Gransden Big Band December 14 @ 7PM APGFCU Arena The Gifted Program HCC Actors Guild January 23, 24, 30, 31 @ 8PM January 25, February 1 @ 3PM Black Box Theater, Joppa Hall
Visit tickets.harford.edu for additional performances and more information.
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