Hurricane-Proof

Natalie George

When I was younger I would watch the oak trees creak and sway during a summer storm

I would cower before them Just a child watching as nature fought to survive or die in the torrent

My parents would soothe me Saying that this was their test If the trees can survive this storm they’ll survive it all

The greatest hurricane won’t be able to bring them down because they’ll have grown roots to keep them sturdy for years to come

So now when I look to us I know that we’ll survive when our hurricane comes

We are oak trees who have been through storms that made us bend but we did not break

We built our roots deep and I know that we are ready to grow taller than my childhood trees for we are stronger than hurricanes

Nature has always been about survival of the personal relationships. In this piece of poetry, I looked to explore the connection between the two in relation to events from my childhood.

EDITOR BIOGRAPHIES

Siobhan Cooney ’22 | Co-Editor-in-Chief

Siobhan Cooney, 21, is a double major in English and Communication Studies with a minor in Spanish. She has served as Brushing’s Editor-inChief for the past three years. Ending her tenure in the role on such a momentous occasion has its pressures, but it is also an honor. Knowing that she has contributed to such an important campus legacy has been incredibly meaningful, entwining her personal narrative with the college’s history and sharing the stories of other members of the Rollins audience. A graduating senior, she is preparing for a career in the publishing and media communications industries. After hitting the books, Siobhan hits the stage as an Open Championship Irish step performance experience under her belt, she is now

Sara Mehdinia ’23 | Co-Editor-in-Chief

Sara Mehdinia is a computer science major and creative writing minor. She served on Brushing both a reader and a copyeditor, and this year she has been honored to step into the role of Co-Editor-in-Chief. She writes summer, she will be working as a researcher studying arctic river hydrology. She would like to thank her family for their support. Lastly, she would like to express how proud she is of Brushing’s th anniversary edition.

DESIGNER BIOGRAPHIES

Jaianne Gilkey ’22 | Co-Designer

Jaianne Gilkey, 22, is a Theatre Arts major with an emphasis in performance and a double minor in Film Studies and Studio Art. She is extremely thankful for her experience with Brushing and is honored to be involved for creative expression and inspiration that she will carry with her for years to come. She is preparing for a career as an artist and storyteller, whether it be in front of or behind the camera, through music or radio, or creating physical or digital media. Above all, she’s eager to branch into as many creative areas as possible. After three years of experience working for WPRK, she has developed a deep respect and passion for radio broadcast. She’s also come to appreciate the inner workings of the radio station, putting on concerts, communicating and collaborating with other creatives, hosting a DJ show, and being involved with marketing and music. She hopes to continue this in the

Dassika Gilkey, 22, is a Theatre major with a concentration in Performance, and a double minor in Film Studies and Studio Art. She holds the position of Music Director at WPRK 91.5 FM and is the Co-Designer for Brushing. She’s also been a designer / artist for The Independent and an artist / photographer for The Sandspur, completing her relationship with Student Media at Rollins. Dassika is a graduating senior and she’s excited to open a new chapter while still holding onto her passions for visual art and radio.

Dassika Gilkey ’22 | Co-Designer

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS editorial staff

special thanks to

READERS

Seaneka Collie Angel Colon Alexandra De Felice Lorenzo Naimoli Isabel Polanco

COPY EDITORS

Hannah Butcher Aqsa Hasan Taylor Ingrassia Peyton Poitras Fatima Sani ART EDITOR

Zach Taylor

Greg Golden

Department of English

Director of Student Media Faculty Advisor

Librarian Expert