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.