Taking a Journey to a Mystical Land

By Kiana Jones

          I was invited by Dr. Megan O’Neil to watch the film, Pan’s Labyrinth. O’Neil is a new addition to the Language cohort of LLP.

In the movie, a young girl moves to Germany with her pregnant mother to her stepfather Vidal’s battle station. He is an evil man who is captain of a troop. She witnesses many cruel acts done by her stepfather and this treatment draws her to Pan's Labyrinth.

There she meets a mythical creature who instructs her to perform many dangerous tasks to help her get home. Pan's Labyrinth was filmed in Spain and directed by Guillermo del Toro. The main actors in the film are Ivana Baquero, who plays Ofelia, Maribel Verdu who plays Mercedes, Sergi Lopez who plays Vidal, and Ariadna Gil who plays Carmen.

Dr. Megan O’Neil

Pan's Labyrinth received many awards such as the Academy Award for Best Production, Academy Award for Best Cinematography, Academy Award for Best Makeup and Hairstyles, Goya Award for Best New Actress, Ariel Award for Best Actress, Ariel Award for Best Picture, BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design.

I liked the film because it gave a clear depiction about what the culture was like in Spanish-speaking countries in the 1940s. For example, women and children were always told “speak when spoken to” or “they are meant to be seen not heard.” In a male dominant society, it is obvious that Ofelia and her mother are seen as inferior and they are only relevant due to the fact Vidal is about to have a newborn baby.

O’Neil says the film provides unique insights into culture, language and history. “It gives people great historical context and helps you get in touch with your adventurous side,” she said.  I highly recommend this film to anyone who is interested in international and/or fantasy films.

Feminism's Advocate: An Interview with Dr. Jennifer Hayes

By Kiana Jones

            Do you know what Eartha Kitt, Maya Angelou, Janelle Monae, and Lizzo have in common? That’s right you guessed it! They are all African American feminists. There are many feminist scholars on the campus of Tennessee State University. I had the privilege of speaking with one: Dr. Jennifer Hayes.

Dr. Jennifer Hayes

            Hayes is a native of Nashville, Tennessee. She teaches upper division courses of African American Literature and Women’s Studies. She is one of six LLP faculty members who also teach women's studies courses.

            Hayes received her Bachelor of Arts degree in English from University of Tennessee. Also she received her master’s from Tennessee State University and doctorate from Middle Tennessee State University. She has been teaching at Tennessee State University for nearly six years.

            One of her inspirations is Dr. Helen Houston, whom she met while pursuing her master’s degree. Poetry and drama are her two specialties, Hayes said.

            Her favorite thing about teaching at Tennessee State University is she loves introducing new texts to students.  “I want my students to know that their experience matters.” 

            She believes literature teaches individuals how to treat others with respect. Also she encourages students to READ, READ, READ! Read newspapers, signs, books, etc. Reading builds better vocabulary and challenges us to be critical thinkers. Literature allows people to have a voice and express themselves, she said. It is important to approach literature with a non-biased mentality. 

            Remember, reading is fundamental!

Poetic Revelations: My Journey into Soul Fire Wednesdays

By Kiana Jones

My poetic debut at Soul Fire

      I had the privilege of attending LLP and Southern Word’s Soul Fire Spoken Word and Poetry Club session this past Wednesday night. This event is held on Wednesdays at 5:00 P.M. in Humanities Room 103 hosted by faculty adviser Dr. Michelle Pinkard and Tia Smedley of Southern Word.
       There were many colorful words spoken in this fiery session from listening about the streets of St. Louis to Dr. Pinkard challenging us with word games to “think about things deep but not profound”. 

       When you first walk into a Soul Fire workshop, you will note a prompt on the board. This week's prompt explored the importance of the process of questioning: “Sometimes the question is the point. Write a poem that begins with a question about your life…see where it takes you."   I felt the best method of observation was participation, so I wrote a poem starting with the question, “Who is Kiana?” Here is my contribution to the spirit of the eveninging:

Hey y’all it’s ya girl Kiana aka KJ aka Fanny Mae aka School Teacher aka the little country bumpkin from Montgomery, Alabama aka Gumptown

Yes I eat white sauce

Yes I shuck corn

Yes I say “Howdy do!” aka “Hello”

Yes I love eating cornbread and greens

Yes I eat honeysuckle

Yes I have wild hair

Yes I love turkey necks

Yes I’m from the rundown part of Montgomery

However don’t take me being country as dumb

No I don’t know any rednecks

No Alabama isn’t full of incest

No I didn’t live on a farm

And no I don’t like the rebel flag

Again it’s ya girl Kiana aka KJ aka Fanny Mae aka School Teacher aka the little country bumpkin from Montgomery, Alabama

I encourage you to come by Soul Fire on Wednesdays.  The conversation is good, the poetry is live, and the snacks are free.  Until then, I will continue to question what deep, but not profound. 

A Conversation with Our Latest LLP Spotlight

Why Choose LLP?

By Kiana Jones

 I had the pleasure of speaking with Tennessee State University’s very own, Alldon Thompson. Some of you may know him as the new LLP spotlight. Thompson is from Atlanta, Georgia and is a junior at Tennessee State University. He double majors in English and Mass Communication with an anticipated graduation in 2021.

Alldon Thompson

 “I naturally chose to be an LLP major because I passionately love language," Thompson says. "(I enjoy) all the creative ways one can use language to convey a story and information.”  His English influencers are Toni Morrison, James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Toni Cade Bambara. They have inspired and encouraged him to employ language as an advocate for causes most important to him. He goes on to say, “Choosing to be an English major allows me to extend my imagination.”

After completing his years as an undergraduate, he plans on continuing a higher education striving for a dual J.D./M.J. in Law/ Journalism. His career goal is to advance his knowledge and creative skills to become one of the best investigative journalists in the news/media industry. Thompson also wants to publish fiction and nonfiction works in the future.

His favorite English class that he is currently attending is Adolescent Literature with Dr. Shafer. He declares, “I enjoy how he advocates for his students to make their academic essays and assignments uniquely their own. His lessons are clear and brilliant. Lastly, Dr. Shafer does not subject Adolescent Literature to merely adolescents, but the effective use of it for children and adults equally.”

I asked Thompson if he had any advice for those who may have a desire to major in English and he replied, “Close readings help a lot with annotating and understanding the material. Most importantly, seek help from professors if the course gets too challenging.”

Tips to help you survive midterms....

Greetings all!

            It is that time of the year! As you all know, midterms are upon us. Some of you may be happy because you realize you are halfway done with the semester. However, I am aware that the rest of you are nervous because this entire week is dedicated to strictly testing. Test anxiety is still prevalent in college. Many can say that college is mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually draining. Trying to balance your time with studying, work in multiple classes, being active in organizations on campus, and keeping track of your health can all be heavy burdens to bare.

            Given that this is midterm week, here are some tips to help get you through the week:

1.    Turn your phone to “Do Not Disturb” so you will not have any distractions during your study time.

2.    Eat a hardy breakfast the day of your midterm. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Your brain needs energy to function properly throughout the day.

3.    Maintain a good sleep schedule for the week.

4.    Make flashcards to help you study better if you don’t want to read lengthy paragraphs.

5.    Ask your professor questions before, during, and/or after class to make sure you are on the right track with your comprehension of the material you are learning.

6.    Utilize your professor’s office hours.

7.    Find an environment to study that works for you. I prefer to study in a place that has a little background noise but no major distractions.

8.    Set aside at least one hour of your day for studying.

9.    Form a study group with your peers.

10.  Study comfortably, but not too comfortable. You wouldn’t want to fall asleep trying to study for a test.

Hopefully these tips helped you in order to have a successful week. Good luck!

Introducing the new LLP Social Media Intern - Fall 2019

Greetings all!

Kiana Jones

My name is Kiana Jones and I am pleased to announce that I am the LLP Social Media intern for the 2019 fall semester. I am from Montgomery, Alabama and an English major with a concentration in teacher certification. Also, I am the first person in my family to go out of state to attend college. I chose to major in English because it has always been my strongest subject in school, and I desire to become a high school English teacher in the future.

The one special person in my life who has inspired me to pursue a career in education is my great aunt, Idessa O. Wherry. She has been a tremendous aid my life and career choices. Her story compels me to continue to study hard and persevere in college. She attended the University of Alabama during the mid-1960s, while segregation was very prevalent in the south. She received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama and master’s degree from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanics University. She was the first African American teacher in Morgan County, Alabama and taught at Hartselle High School for forty years.

My goals for this internship include making sure that I keep you all up to date on all of the events happening within the Language, Literature, and Philosophy Department. I also intend on reaching students of ALL majors in any way I can because I know the struggles of being a college student. I hope to inform my fellow peers about how to make it through the day as a college student from prioritizing school work and study tips to how to dress accordingly for the weather and practicing healthy habits. Again, I am your Language, Literature, and Philosophy Social Media intern and I can’t wait to start working with you all in the semester!

Sincerely,

Kiana Jones
Social Media Intern Fall 2019

English Honor Society

by Barbara Olivis

      The TSU chapter of the English Honor Society (Sigma Tau Delta) will host its annual induction ceremony on April 25, at 2:30 p.m. in Humanities, room 203.  The event celebrates the accomplishments and potential of its major's, says Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis. 

      Sigma Tau Delta has existed since 1924, and is the largest honor society for English majors and minors.  The organization has over 900 clubs within the United States and abroad. At Tennessee State

Morgan-Curtis

University, the chapter for Sigma Tau Delta is called Alpha Alpha Eta.

      When considering joining any organization the immediate question that comes to mind is what does it stand for? Well, Sigma Tau Delta is about showing appreciation. 

      “It’s an organization to reward people who are committed to written and verbal communication and the study of literature,” says Morgan-Curtis. The benefits of joining Sigma Tau Delta include life time membership, publications, closed scholarship opportunities, and opportunities to present at the national conference. “You must be nominated by a professor so it is not just about GPA. You have to have faculty say that you are of character and scholarly potential.” 

       Other requirements for membership include being an English major or minor, having 6 literature course credits beyond the first year, and maintaining a 3.0 GPA or above average in your courses and as your cumulative GPA. There also is a one time $55 induction fee in order to join Tennessee State University’s chapter Alpha Alpha Eta.

       There are several benefits to being a part of Sigma Tau Delta as an English major and minor, so if you happen to be invited to join the organization you should consider investing. 

I Want to Write 2019!

Don’t You Want To Write?
by Barbara Olivis

      Mark your calendars now for the biggest creative writing event that takes place at Tennessee State University: The I Want To Write! Two Day Poetry and Spoken Word Festival. This year’s upcoming I Want To Write event will take place on April 19th and 20th and will have various learning opportunities as well as other fun activities throughout the day. This year will mark the fifth consecutive year that the conference has taken place. The theme is "Poetic Arts as Healing" with the focus of the workshops being about mental health. 

First Year of I Want to Write

      The workshops of I Want To Write are to place on the first day of the conference. The workshops will focus on different aspects of the poetry art form.Dr. Michelle Pinkard explains, “There are some workshops that are geared toward the writing, and other workshops that are geared toward performing because we want students to have a better appreciation art. Spoken word comes from lyricism, language and argumentation.”
     She also explains that this years I Want To Write is introducing a host of new workshops. “This year we have a workshop geared toward the GSA community: Exploring Queer Identities Through Poetry.” The event will also feature two award winning speakers: Grammy award winning producer Shannon Sanders who will lead a discussion titled "Write On to Fight on; and Caroline Randall Williams, whose work Lucy Negro, Redux is currently being adapted as a ballet by the Nashville Ballet, will lead a discussion titled "Poetry to Pirouettes." 
     The second day of the I Want to Write Festival will feature a poetry slam. Individuals who show up with their program can get in free.  Registration for the festival is now open. If you are interested in learning about poetry, or learning more tips about how to write poetry or perform better, then this event would be the perfect time to explore! The event is completely free! Learn more and register here: I Want to Write

A Tribute to Poetry Month: Soul Fire

By Barbara Olivis

Kelly Drew

            The National Month of poetry is upon us! National Poetry Month has been around since 1996, and is designed to give people time to appreciate the art form. Soul Fire is a group that makes time to appreciate the art of poetry every Wednesday at 5 p.m., so there isn’t a better way to kick of National Poetry week than to show them the same level of appreciation that they show to poetry.

            Soul Fire is a group that is very accepting of new members. This past week, there were at least five newcomers and they were all readily embraced and encouraged to be proud of the work that they create. The people that were in the group for longer periods of time greeted and encouraged the newbies to be more confident and share their words with the world, including the group’s faculty adviser Dr. Michelle Pinkard.

            “ I love when someone stands up and you can tell that their piece is coming from their heart,"Soul Fire member Kelly Drew says. "It makes me feel like the world is much bigger than I am.” It is interesting to find that Kelly Drew is a Dental Hygiene Major, because it seems to be a testament of how the love of poetry can bring people together within the group. 

    

        Soul Fire Cordarius Ellis explains, “It’s like the walls from everyday life tear down and I can just be myself. Poetry is just like an escape from the world.” Drew and Ellis have both been members of Soul fires for several years and strongly feel as though Soul Fire is a group that has a strong impact on their lives.

            Soul Fire meets at 5 p.m., every Wednesday, in Humanities 103.  Learn more about the group by visiting them on Facebook: Soul Fire Facebook.

Move Forward, Don’t P.A.S.S On Tutoring

By Barbara Olivis

            Passionate About Student Success (P.A.S.S) Tutoring is offered Monday- Friday in the Student Success Center as well as Boswell and the Avon Williams Campus with tutors in Biology, English, Math, Chemistry, Sociology, and Economics willing to help students succeed. All of the tutors are instructors, including an impressive number for the LLP department. 

            The English tutors of P.A.S.S include Dr. Jennifer Hayes, Dr. Michelle Pinkard, Prof. Marsha Williams, Dr. Rebecca Dixon, and Dr. Kellie Neal. All of these tutors have different times of availability, making it easier to find a time that fits your busy schedule.

Dr. Rebecca Dixon

            Tutoring and office hours are beneficial for various reasons. “I think that when most students

when they hear about tutoring they think ‘I don’t need tutoring’ but any student can benefit from tutoring,” Dixon says. “Tutoring allows students to learn how to get organized and that can help them do better with quizzes, tests, and papers.”

            At some point, every college student has a time where they are completely stumped on what is going on in class. In those times, one may try to search for the answers online and come up with nothing, or one will give websites like Sparknotes a try to see if there is a translation of a text in that is presented in way that actually makes sense.  Yet, studies show, that those who seek help in tutoring generally perform better than those who don't.

        In short, we all get lost sometimes, but when you find that you are getting lost all of the time in a certain subject or class it is important to seek help. We are now past the point in the semester where we can withdraw from classes, so if you find that you are on the edge of a passing grade, or you want to perform at your greatest potential, find a tutoring time that works for you!  It is important to take advantage of these tutoring opportunities when there is still time for improvement!

          

Moving forward while looking back - A moment of reflection before graduation

by Barbara Olivis

            As the school year is coming to a close, I would like to reflect on some of the notable moments that have made my academic career worth having. The last three years have been filled with lots of learning through trial and error. I came into Tennessee State as a scared, out-of-state student that had no real plan of action. And I’m leaving in the spring, admittedly still lacking a solid plan of action, but with an sense of confidence that I can handle whatever life throws at me.

            Freshman English classes were unforgettable experiences. It was the first time that I learned words like "unsubstainability" and how to make an argument in my writing that advocates for environmental stability. It was a different experience to me because it opened my eyes to the fact that without the earth we live on we have nothing, but so many of us have yet to take environmental abuses seriously. It was the first time that I heard someone advocate for the thing that matters most and the realization of this was exhilarating. It was a lesson that I needed to learn, and I am grateful that I did.

            The literature classes that I have taken were undoubtedly my favorite part of my academic experience. I feel like being drowned in reading assignments is what builds character in an English major. I was exposed to so many different authors such as James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Charles Chestnutt, Alice Walker and many more. The essays that accompanied the readings taught me how to look beyond the words and find meaning and now that is something that I find useful within my day to day life. One of my favorite literature classes was African literature because I found the writing to be culturally enriching and to be filled with meaningful themes.

            The writing classes that I have taken have been extremely helpful even beyond my academic career. I now know how to look beyond what I am trying to achieve creatively, and to be mindful of audience in my Writing for Publication Class. In my Critical Thinking class I learned how to analyze writing and make it fit different theories. This class was probably the most challenging class in my academic career but the knowledge I gained was unforgettable.

            The last class that I want to mention is Technical Report Writing. In that class I was taught so many techniques that could help me with my career. Learning how to write resumes, cover letters, make a Linkedin, and how to correspond with employers through emails has prepared me for life beyond TSU.

            There have been so many classes that have touched me as a person, and have changed me into a person that expects more from myself and from the people around me. The professors and students at TSU have made a permanent impact upon my life and I truly feel like this is the place that I have learned the most about myself.

           

What's new with SKETCHES, LLP's Online Literary Journal

 by Barbara Olivis

          LLP’s online creative writing journal SKETCHES is making a come back this year. The journal has been around on and off since 2002, but the new aim is to put out one edition a year. As of now, SKETCHES hopes to be more routine in accepting submissions in the fall and to publish the journals in the spring. The submission period for this semester closed on March 15th, but SKETCHES will be looking for more submissions in next fall, so make sure to be on the look out. They will be accepting submissions only once a year!

Dr. Elaine Phillips

            The SKETCHES journal is a non-theme based creative writing journal that features poetry, photos, and other visual art and short stories. They also accept videos and audios of spoken word. This means that you are unlimited in submitting the work that you would like to share with other creative minds. 

          “I think what we are looking for is just good quality work, whether it is in poetry, fiction or artwork” Dr. Elaine A. Phillips says. “Right now it is open to primarily students. We want to showcase students, but we also have work from TSU faculty, staff and alums coming in.”

            The goal of SKETCHES is to showcase art. “It’s to get students, as well as the TSU community, to know that people are writing and producing in terms of art work and to showcase it," Phillips says. "Ideally, not just for the TSU community, but eventually for the larger Nashville, or even regional community.” 

          SKETCHES has big plans for the future and they will need the help of the students to accomplish their goals. Share your work and inspire others!

View past editions of SKETCHES by clicking here: SKETCHES

What’ Going on in LLP— Foreign Language Edition

by Barbara Olivis

            If you are interested in getting a language minor, flyers are coming soon. The flyers will contain information on how to successfully get a minor in French or Spanish. There will soon be an accelerated program that will allow for language minor completion within two short years. Even if you are not interested in minoring in language, and you just want to explore another language for fun, there are options for you as well.

A photo of my French class at a local
French restaurant last semester

             The language department has several different events that are coming soon that you should look out for. The Spanish and the French classes will soon be doing international movie days. International movie days will feature a novel that is in French or in Spanish— but don’t panic, even if you still aren’t fluent in the language that you are practicing, there will still be captions on the screen to help you out. Madame Roxane Pajoul gave some insight on what the French international movies are going to be based around. “I am trying to show films that are about race in France. I really want to start a discussion because in the fall I am going to teach a class entitled “Race in France.”

            The Spanish Table Talk is a good time to practice your Spanish with other students that are trying to master Spanish. The event takes place every Tuesday from 2:30-3:30pm in room 113 of the Humanities building. Unfortunately, because of the fact that there is only one French professor French Table Talk is not possible. Though Madame Pajoul says she sees it in the French program’s future.

           Acquiring a foreign language is a very beneficial , regardless of whether you plan to minor in it or not. “I have been working on French off and on for 15 years now," French student Brandi Hood says. "I think it is very important to broaden your horizons and learn more about cultures, and language is an easy way do that.”  

What Comes after Graduation - A Conversation with Dr. Jill Rappoport

by Barbara Olivis

            Thinking about life after college can be strenuous. A lot of college students go through feelings of fear upon reentering society and doing what many of us students would call “adulting.” Whether you are afraid that you won’t get into the graduate program that you desperately want to go to, or whether or not you’ll be able to get a job in your career, it is important to know that there are options out there for everyone.

Dr. Jill Rappoport

            Over this past weekend, I had a conversation with Dr. Jill Rappoport, the Director of Graduate Studies at the University of Kentucky. She gave me advice of life beyond college. “Do not go to graduate school unless you can get someone who is willing to pay for you to go,” Rappoport says. 

She went on to inform me that The University of Kentucky has a MFA program that invests in all of their students’ education. I was surprised to learn that there were programs that are willing to invest in graduate students because I was under the impression that all of the scholarship money in college was concentrated in undergraduate programs.

            I was intrigued to learn of all of the possible careers that I could explore after I graduated. “A lot of our students go on to become teachers, do editorial work, presses, digital initiatives, public activism, and of course become writers,” Rappoport says. I was surprised to hear the wide variants within the different careers because I always think of something writing related when I imagine jobs within the humanities.

            I also learned more about what graduate programs look for in their application processes. Many colleges require you to take the GRE General Test, but in the humanities it does not have a large impact in the decision to deny or admit you into their programs. For those who do not know the GRE General Test is a $205 test that is given to test undergraduate students on their ability to do verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.  Rapport emphasized the fact that more weight is placed upon personal statements and your transcript grades in the humanities.

            I was very happy with the information that I received from the faculty of the University of Kentucky. Thanks to Dr. Jill Rappoport, I will be applying to the University of Kentucky’s MFA Program, and I have a much clearer understanding of the graduate application process.

To learn more about UK’s MFA program, click here: UK Master's of Fine Arts

African American Read In Wonderful Salute to Black History Month

by Barbara Olivis

            The annual African American Read In at TSU has come and gone. It was held on February 8th in room 113 of the Humanities Building, and it seemed that the whole English department came out to participate. Every seat in the room was filled, and various students and staff read selections by the African American authors, poets, and the screen writers that inspire them. In short, the event was only an hour, but it was an empowering one.

             Dr. Jennifer Hayes got the event started with a foreword that described the origin of African American Read Ins. She continued with the first reading of the day; Alice Walker’s poem “Outcast.” There was a variation of literature that was read at the read in ranging from monologues, poems, letters, and even children’s literature that was written by TSU alumni. Some students even recited their own poems, or

poems of a friend. Someone even recited a poem that their child had written for a class in school. Other recitations of poems or stories included artists Maya Angelou, Sojourner Truth, Margaret Walker, Gwendolyn Brooks, Mari Evans, Langston Hughes, Nikki Giovanni, Lucille Clifton, Claude Mckay, Kai Davis, Paul Lawrence Dunbar and more.

            The African American Read In is not done without reason. “I think the significance of it is the fact that it exposes African American students and faculty to African American writers.” English major Joshua Bolden says. It is extremely important to honor the memory of African American writers, and it is very fitting for the readings to take place during the month of February.

            The African American Read in did exactly what Bolden said it would for me. I now have knowledge of several different authors that I had never heard works from. I also was informed that African American Read Ins happen all throughout that nation. I had not heard of the Read In before I went to TSU’s Read In. It was an enjoyable experience that was filled with community, knowledge and finger snapping.

P.R.I.D.E Training. What’s it About?

by Barbara Olivis

            If you are a person who is looking to bridge the gap between the straight and the LGBTQ+ community you should look out for the P.R.I.D.E Training event this coming Friday. The event will be led by the Genders and Sexuality Alliance organization in search of their goal of “Pursing Respect, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity.” The three-hour event will be used to build relationships, learn new and correct terminology in regard to the LGBTQ+ community, and to highlight issues in the LGBTQ+ community.

The main goal of the training is to encourage better allyship for the LGBTQ+ community. “In terms of the LGBTQ+, an ally is someone who has identified themselves as someone who has committed to advocating, helping, and learning as much as they can, as well as using their privilege to help the community” Dr. Jill Anderson says. She is the event organizer and an advisor for GSA.

            Attendance of the event is not limited to any gender or sexuality. It is completely inclusive, giving people from different backgrounds and identities the opportunity to engage in the learning environment.

“The program is for everyone. I think that everyone can learn more about advocacy.” Anderson says. “Hopefully, people will come away with some new vocabulary words and a better understanding of some of the issues that people face in the community. They will learn about how gender and sexuality do not exist in a binary.”

            

Mark Your Calendar:

P.R.I.D.E. Training:  9:00am-12:00 p.m., February 8th, Humanities Building in room 113.

African American Read In: 12:30pm-1:30 p.m., February 8th, Humanities Building in room 113.