The Sycamore

The Sycamore

The Relationship Issue

WELLS COLLEGE’S STUDENT MAGAZINE / FALL 2009

CONT

/// FEATURES /////////////////////////////////

20 | 28 | 36 | 46 | 48 |

Institutional interrelationships

A look at the connections between faculty, staff, and students at Wells College by Emily Ambrose, Kathryn McNamara, and Courtney Kasche.

Lake views

Cayuga Lake’s role in Wells’s past and present, with sections by David Foote, Kaitlin Hollrah, and Ann Locke.

Through the lens

Molly Cichy displays a photo essay highlighting the bonds between humanity and our natural surroundings.

Past & present

A timeline of Molly Cichy’s photographic growth with tips on some photography basics.

LITERARY LIAISONS

Ana Giovinazzo, Creative Writing Editor, provides a discussion of links between the narrator and narratee and how they interact, relate, and connect.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////// Cover photograph by Alex Schloop. Designed by Chelsea Eriksen.

Modeling by Audrey Wojtkowski and Katie Prichard.

2

contents

/

photos by molly cichy

TENTS

/// CONSTANTS //////////////////////////////

6| 10 | 11 | 12 | 16 |

Health

Stress, optimism, and roommate crises, with articles by Health Editor Courtney Kasche and Ana Giovinazzo.

Music for you

Music Editor Chelsea Eriksen highlights bands that will expand your listening horizons.

The latest

A survey of upcoming bands that are worth a listen by Chelsea Eriksen, Music Editor.

Close-up

Chelsea Eriksen conducts an informal interview with Tim Deaux, bassist for The Whigs.

Style

The fashionable Kate Dingley writes on the street chic of Paris, exploring and blurring the lines of gender through clothing.

18 | 51 | 56 | 57 | 60 |

Film

Film Editor Josh Wilmott reviews French and American films ranging from the 60’s to the 90’s.

Short story contest

“In the Eyes of the Beholder: A Manic Minuet in Three,” by Anna Feldman, winner of the short story contest.

Quill contest

A villanelle by Katie Yates, winner of the first Quill Contest.

Dear minerva

Wells’s resident goddess answers students’ burning questions.

Photography contest

Caitlin Bradley, our photography contest winner, displays both human and natural relationships.

//////////////////////////////////////////////////// The Sycamore / Fall 2009 3

The Sycamore WELLS’S STUDENT MAGAZINE / fall 2009

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ STAFF \\\\\\

\

ALEX SCHLOOP ANA GIOVINAZZO MOLLY CICHY CHELSEA ERIKSEN COURTNEY KASCHE MINERVA JOSH WILMOTT KAThryn MCNAMARA EMILY AMBROSE DAVID FOOTE KAITLIN HOLLRAH JAMES HOWARD ANN LOCKE ASHLEY MERCURE Kate dingley LOEY ROTCHFORD STEPHANIE MARVIN DANIEL RENFROW

Editor in Chief Layout Editor Chief Copy Editor Creative Writing Editor Graphics Editor Music Editor Health Editor Advice Editor Film Critic Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Writer Staff Designer Guest Writer Secretary Treasurer Advisor

//// CONTACT /////////////////////

4

WellsSycamore.tumblr.com WellsSycamore@gmail.com

WEB E-MAIL

The sycamore Attn: Alex Schloop 170 Main Street Leach Building: Office A Aurora, NY 13026

Office

staff

/

page design by molly cichy

In keeping with our mission, The Sycamore prints on environmentally-friendly paper and uses non-toxic ink.

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\ Editor’s Note \\ This issue’s statement of purpose and more

by Alex Schloop, Editor in Chief

This issue covers relationships, specifically administration/faculty/staff/student relationships; Aurora’s social, physical, and economic relationships with Cayuga Lake; the relationship between a narrator and narratee; and a photographic perspective at what relationships actually look like. By focusing on these topics, we are asserting that the connections in our lives are important and are worth examining more closely.

An inspection of how individuals interact in relation to their positions provides interesting and significant material. This brought about the subject for the feature on page 20. As a community, we often take our beautiful lake for granted. We asked the question in one of staff meetings, “How would Wells and Aurora be different if it weren’t for the lake?” This relationship is examined on page 28.

Content aside, design is a major focus of our energies, but it can sometimes be overlooked in conversations about The Sycamore. A magazine is an opportunity to present content in a highly styled, glossy context. Little subtleties like whitespace, kerning, and ragging take no less time or effort than choosing which words best describe the lake. In viewing The Sycamore, I hope that you not only read the articles but also look at the layout and design of the pages.

Considering the theme of the issue, it is important to note the relationship between the members on our staff. The Sycamore continued to grow this semester, and our returning staff has wholeheartedly welcomed David Foote, Kaitlin Hollrah, James Howard, Ann Locke, and Ashley Mercure. Their insights and work have been extremely valuable, and I appreciate each of them. I speak for the staff when I say that we are excited to see even more new faces in the spring.

It is unendingly amazing to me to have such a talented and lively staff. Their energy and enthusiasm keeps me confident that the print industry will always have a strong core of supporters. I would like to stress that our staff members received no academic credit or monetary compensation this semester; the material on the following pages was created through genuine interest. (I do hope, however, to offer The Sycamore as academic credit in future semesters.)

We are a staff of diverse interests and perspectives that are constantly reaching out to the community for input, ideas, and (hopefully constructive) criticism. We truly take this to heart, as evidenced this semester through our print sale, short story contest, Quill Contest, photography contest, and Dear Minerva box

drive. We have also collaborated with our sister publication, The Onyx, in sponsoring two visiting writers with the English department.

If you find something in these 60 pages that you strongly dislike or would like to see more of, please e-mail me at SycamoreChiefEditors@gmail.com. I don’t expect or even necessarily want everyone to agree with the conclusions that the following articles will draw. As the author Stanley Schmidt said, “Usually if nobody hates a piece, nobody loves it, either; and a magazine which sets itself the goal of provoking thought is not doing its job if everybody agrees with what it does.”

I am thankful for the time that a magazine allows a writer to really get their knees deep in research. This issue is a testament of that, from David’s dialogue with the Cayuga Watershed Network to Chelsea’s interview with The Whigs. This time allowance lets the Sycamore staff totally immerse itself in what we conclude is relevant and interesting to the Wells community. No other print media affords this luxury.

I am grateful, as well, for the opportunity that Wells allows The Sycamore. That is, not many magazines in the “real world” are handed their funds from a non-profit organization that expects no say in the magazine’s content. Starting next semester, I hope to enrich The Sycamore’s staff experience with an effort to raise money through outside advertisers in preparation for the real state of print media in our society.

Despite funding, there is urgency in publication membership at Wells. Many publications on campus are finding themselves short-staffed, and it worries me that some might not have a viable future. The value of working on a publication and its affinity to the mission of the liberal arts is immeasurable. This semester, our staff has had the opportunity to explore areas previously left unrecognized, reap the benefits of this knowledge, and learn to communicate effectively their findings with the community.

Each publication on campus offers its own advantages, and I encourage all students to recognize the worth of being involved.

Thank you for your support, and happy reading. •

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 5

STRESS T STRUGGLE Finding balance in college life

By Courtney Kasche

6

health

/

hree exams, two papers, and four more assignments to finish before the workload ends... this week. College students are certainly all too familiar with stress. Many experience stress without being able to properly vocalize what it is that may be upsetting them. Stress is the body’s way of dealing with some sort of threat, whether it is physical or mental. The fight-or-flight system is built into the body in order to defend itself from stressors. This system gets you through the “tough times.” However, once the system is active for too long, it takes a large toll on the body. It can affect almost every aspect of your life before you know it.

Unfortunately, stress can affect one’s health in a multitude of ways.

It is believed that stress makes a person more susceptible to catching the common cold or the flu. A stressed-out individual will most likely feel intensified symptoms, and the illness tends to last longer.

Stress can cause issues such as high blood pressure, pain in various parts of the body, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, excessive sleepiness, and heart complications.

Although college is supposed to be the best time of our lives, it can be a huge stressor as well. Some other common stressors include financial difficulties, being overworked and overwhelmed, pessimism, and unrealistic expectations. Some college students struggle with which major to choose. Others are dealing with stress at home while trying to manage stress at school. Stressors are, of course, different for everyone. Too many stressors can potentially lead to a burnout.

Procrastination also causes a great deal of stress. Leaving four chapters of your thesis for the night before is certainly not going to help you relax. Use your time wisely. Do some extra chemistry problems in that hour between seminar and dinner. The more things you leave for the last minute, the more panic you may save for later.

Some individuals do not even realize they are stressed, but there are some symptoms that are common among the stressed-out crowd, such as constant worrying and abnormal pessimism. If you are finding yourself extra moody, overwhelmed, unhappy, fighting colds more frequently, and having unexplained physical problems, you are most likely a victim of too much stress.

Finding a balance of stress that works best for you will be helpful in enjoying a healthy lifestyle. Finding a group of friends or family to act as a support network is almost essential to managing stress. These people are here to help you through difficult times. Even when it may be a struggle to find the time or the energy to sit down and chat, it may be just what you need to get back on track.

It is crucial to know that you are in control of your thoughts and attitudes. Try not to burden yourself with excess worry and negative thoughts. Find quotes that inspire you and put them where you can see them in your dorm room, car, or as a greeting on a cell phone.

Commit to doing one thing for yourself daily. This can be something as simple as taking a walk to Dorie’s or taking a much-deserved afternoon nap. Yoga is largely recommended for stress relief; however, it is not for everyone. Writing in a journal, taking a walk, or watching your favorite episode of Grey’s Anatomy may be just what you need.

Sometimes calling an old friend to catch up can actually remind you what it is that has you so stressed to begin with. This can be helpful if you have difficulty identifying your stressors.

Stress is not going anywhere anytime soon. But with the proper tools, smaller levels of stress can be healthy. Ultimately, it is most important to take care of yourself. Listen to your body, your mind, and your needs. •

INFO FROM HTTP://HELPGUIDE.ORG/MENTAL/STRESS_SIGNS.HTM#

A Ray of Sunshine Learning how to stay positive and have fun in the process

By Courtney Kasche

C

ollege is meant to be a time of hard work, but also a time of fun. The pressure of courses, having a roommate, and being away from friends and family may make the college years a bit more stressful than some students would like.

In a survey of 12 students, 9 had visited the counseling center in the Community Medical Center located on the corner of Wells campus in order to find help in pursuing happiness. One of these students stated, “I feel like I just go to class and to work.

I just want to be a real college student, just for once.” The academics are demanding here at Wells College, which is why it is equally important to focus on taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, and socially.

Positive psychology is one tool that students can use to create a better outlook on life. Every individual has the ability to choose his or her attitude each day. When you wake up, it is a good idea to avoid hitting the snooze button. You are just prolonging the inevitable. The day is going to start with or without you, so you may as well get a head start and make use of your time. Telling yourself that today is going to be long or that you are too tired to do work is just setting yourself up to fail. Wake up with confidence and know that you can—and will—get things done. If this is difficult for you, try finding a quote or image that you can hang somewhere in your room to encourage yourself.

Finding a way to be optimistic often provides students with

the energy they need to get through the day. Optimistic individuals tend to believe they have more control over their fate, and therefore, they are more likely to feel as if their work makes a difference.

It is easier to be optimistic if you have things balanced within your life. Having a great support network of friends, adequate time for social activities, and the ability to budget the essential time you need to get work done will eliminate many of the typical daily stressors of the college student. It is important not to dedicate too much time to just one area. This can be the tricky part. Learning how to say “no” could save you a great deal of hassle in the long run. If your schedule does not permit you to do something or if you are just not up to it, simply say you cannot do it.

And last but not least, keep in mind that it may be difficult to have a different outlook overnight. Set small but obtainable goals each day. At the end of the day, go over what you achieved and what you did not achieve. Don’t beat yourself up if you were unable to achieve all your goals. It just gives you something to work towards the following day.

Remember, only you can create your own great day! •

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 7

\

Roommates:

Rumors, Ruminations, and Resolutions

Combating conflicts at college and beyond

By Ana Giovinazzo

M

ost people have heard the horror stories. “When I was in college,” says your mother, “my freshman roommate was out until four AM partying every night of the week.” There are the roommates who are too quiet, roommates who crunch potato chips while you’re trying to sleep, and roommates who bring their significant other to bed with them at the most inconvenient times.

And throughout the whole pre-college experience, you probably have a thousand people warning you, “Be honest on your housing application form, or else you could get stuck with someone terrible.” With this choir of cautionary tales, how could anyone possibly look forward to having a roommate?

Incoming first-year students are all faced with the same situation after they’ve been accepted to a college. They look forward to getting away from home and moving into the dorms, but don’t have any idea of what to expect when it comes to rooming. They know there is the strong likelihood of getting placed with one roommate, but there is also the chance that they could be put into in a room of three or more people. The only thing they know for sure is that they are supposed to fill out a housing request form on which they list their sleeping tendencies, studying habits, and personal tastes. This form is supposed to prevent roommate mismatches, but does it?

“My first-year roommate and I got along fine, but we couldn’t have been more different,” said one upperclasswoman about her first-year living experience. “Our schedules were all over the place, we had different tastes in everything from decorating to extracurricular activities, and we didn’t have a single common interest.

We made it work for a while, but we never advanced beyond the ‘acquaintance’ level. The only thing the housing request form did for me was made sure I didn’t live with a smoker.” Another student complained that his first-year roommate was a total slob and had ridiculous sleeping habits. “I could never stand to be in the room,” he moaned. “I’m just glad not to live there anymore.”

It’s certainly true that not every story is a success story, but other students have found their roommate pairings to be ideal.

“My roommate and I share everything. It’s like having a live-in best friend,” said one happy first-year student. Another upperclasswoman said, “My roommate and I have lived together since 8

health

freshman year. I wish she weren’t going abroad next semester!”

Other pairings may not be perfect matches, but function just as well—or better—than pairings where the roommates are close friends. “I never see my roommate at all,” said one student, “and I prefer it that way. I get much more work done because he’s not in the room.” Whether your roommate relationship is a close, personal one, or whether you and your roommate are simply cohabitants, the important thing is that your rooming situation functions well for you.

But sometimes, a freshman rooming situation can evolve from a dream into a nightmare. “I’m not sure what happened,” remarked one student of her first-year roommate. “We used to stay up at night, talking about all sorts of crazy stuff, but then everything just got kind of bad between us. After a while, I started sleeping anywhere but my room.” This conflict does not occur in every roommate relationship, but it does happen more often than it should. Fortunately, there are ways to handle these situations, such as talking with Resident Advisors, Hall Directors, or the heads of Residence Life. In the case of severe conflicts, Residence Life can help students to switch rooms after a certain amount of time has passed. Ideally, Residence Life will aim to resolve the conflict so that unnecessary room changes do not happen. No matter what the case, though, no resident should ever feel like ze has to leave hir room because of a conflict with hir roommate.

Some incoming students attempt to avoid roommate hassles

by Facebook messaging and arranging roommate pairings before getting to college. Though this can eliminate some of the mystery and anxiety from the process, it’s important to remember that a lot of people have different personas online from those they have in real life. “My first-year roommate and I met online and figured it’d be a perfect arrangement because we were a lot alike,” said one student, “but by the second week, he was waking me up to ask me strange questions in the middle of the night, and by the end of the first month, he dropped out of school. He was nothing like I expected.”

With the first-year rooming experience being so notoriously topsy-turvy, a lot of students think they’ll have some relief once they’re able to choose their own roommate. Many people go into room draw with the intention of living with their best friend, but

few people recognize what a disaster this can be.

When two best friends decide to live together, they often automatically assume they will be able to get along just because they have a lot in common. Sometimes this is the case, but a lot of best friends neglect to take into account that living with someone they know well is much harder than they might think. Sure, they can name each other’s favorite bands and they know the basics about one another’s lives, but they often forget to discuss the details that make a roommate relationship work.

Though it can be a difficult conversation, it’s important to talk about things such as sleeping habits, sharing items in the room, and visitors. Ideally, this conversation should happen even before agreeing to be roommates. There’s nothing worse than getting into your new room and realizing that even though you and your roommate like all the same movies, you can’t stand listening to her late-night phone conversations with her long-distance boyfriend. Or maybe the problem is that you’re a clean freak, but your roommate doesn’t ever wash his socks—or pick them up off the floor.

There are hundreds of ways a rooming situation could go wrong, but there are also quite a few methods that will help to ensure a better way of living. At the end of the semester, when you agree to live with someone the following year, discuss all the possible problems you might have. If you know your roommate has a significant other who comes to visit a lot, set up some rules.

For example, you might agree that ze may visit on the weekends, but only with a couple days’ warning so you can make other sleeping arrangements. Or if you know your potential roommate is a slob, you might arrange a weekly cleaning day to make sure things stay tidy.

But if you’re too afraid to bring up these concerns with your roommate ahead of time, there is a helpful tool to talk about potential issues before they pop up. At the beginning of every year, Residence Life staff requires residents to fill out roommate agreements. These forms address topics such as handling gossip, acknowledging pet peeves, and discussing general living compatibility. This form doesn’t guarantee roommate bliss, but it can help in case of a conflict. If you and your roommate begin having a problem, you can bring up the issue to your Resident Advisor, who can give you advice or help to mediate the issue by examining your roommate agreement and figuring out the best way to approach the issue. This is why it is essential to take this form seriously. If your roommate agreement says that you intend to duel with pistols at dawn every time you have a disagreement, your RA will have a difficult time helping you out.

It’s also important to keep in mind that a friendship can change once two people decide to room together. This change is not necessarily a bad thing; in fact, it’s sometimes so subtle that it’s barely even noticeable. “My roommate and I are best friends, but now if I’m talking about her to someone else, I refer to her as ‘my roommate’ instead of ‘my friend,’” said one resident. Another confessed, “Since [my best friend and I] started rooming together, we don’t spend as much time hanging out. We sort of take each other for granted.” There are a few solutions to these minor problems, though. Remember to spend time together both in and outside of the room. Have stay-in game nights with some mutual friends or go see the latest blockbuster film together. Little efforts like these can help remind your roommate that ze is a friend in addition to the person who lives with you.

But what if you go to room draw without a roommate picked

out, then can’t manage to get a single? It’s always wise to choose a backup roommate—preferably someone who is also aiming to get a single—but if you end up without a roommate, it isn’t the worst thing that could happen. Most likely, you will be put into an empty double (commonly referred to as a “dingle”) until a roommate is placed in with you—if anyone is placed in with you at all. Some students in empty doubles receive a roommate immediately, while others go for the entire semester or year without getting a roommate. If you are placed with someone, it’s essential that you try to make hir feel welcome. Even though you may not be thrilled about living with someone you don’t know, things will be all the rockier if you can’t learn to get along. No one wants to live in a room where ze doesn’t feel comfortable.

If living with one person is difficult, living with more can be even harder. Incoming students are occasionally placed into triples or quads, but generally, current students elect to live in these larger-capacity rooms with several of their friends. This can be a wonderful experience, but there is a delicate balance that must be maintained in a triple. “It always seems like somebody gets left out,” said one resident. “I was in a triple before, and one of my roommates and I started out really close. But after a while, I got to be so busy that I started feeling like the outsider.” Another student mentioned, “It’s definitely possible to make the triple dynamic work; it’s just a little bit harder because there are so many people using one shared space.”

If space is an issue but you’re still interested in having multiple roommates, the few quads available on campus offer another option. These rooms essentially consist of two doubles, but are connected by some shared area, such as a hallway or a lounge space.

This arrangement gives residents a way of living with multiple friends while still maintaining some personal space and a more balanced relationship. Four-person housing is also available off campus in Fairlane Apartments, but each apartment is equipped with a kitchen and living area in addition to the bedrooms.

Yet rooming concerns don’t always end with roommates. Noisy neighbors can make for a difficult rooming situation as well. In many buildings, residents don’t have control over who will be living next to them, but in Dodge House, residents are given the opportunity to pick the people living in their suite. This allows students to choose not only their roommate, but also the people surrounding their room. Though this setup is not exactly the same as living with someone, this does not mean the decision should be taken lightly. Students should select their suitemates as carefully as they would choose a roommate; after all, members of a suite will see each other regularly, will share a bathroom, and will most likely be able to hear things from the other rooms in the suite. So before agreeing to live in the same suite as someone who plays loud music until five in the morning or knocks on your door all hours of the night, consider your ideal living conditions and decide upon your suitemates accordingly.

Having a roommate can be one of the worst episodes of your college experience, but it also has the potential to be one of the best. If you go into college living with a bad attitude, you may never be content until you manage to get a single. But if you are mature and willing to communicate openly, then you will most likely be able to have a successful roommate relationship that could easily turn into a lifelong friendship. And if nothing else, living with a roommate in college is certainly good practice for when you graduate and may find yourself sharing not only a room, but also the rent. • The Sycamore / Fall 2009 9

I f y o u l i k e

Beck, Animal Collec-

tive, or RJD2, listen to White Flight, started by Justin Roelofs as a solo project. His only album, White Flight, was released in 2007. White Flight has a psychedelic-meetsIndie-meets-hip-hop sound. Roelofs is a highly experimental music artist, and the integration of sounds from his album is sensational. Listen at myspace.com/whiteflightsounds.

I f you l i k e Ima Robot, Teddybears, or Passenger, listen to Arsenal. Arsenal is a Belgian band that combines rock, pop, and dance music. Their standout song is “Switch” off of Outsides, released in 2008. The dance-beat background music and hushed, sweet vocals combined with the edgy guitar and bass creates an intense and airy rock sound. Hear them on iTunes.

white flight arsenal

music for you

10 music

/

Rodrigo y Gabriela

From Bubblegum to Sky

If you like Jesse Cook, Loreena McKennit, or Rafael Canizares, listen to Rodrigo y Gabriela. They have released six albums, with their most recent in 2009, entitled 11:11.

“Tamacun” is the standout song on the album. They cover a lot of old school rock and metal music, but change the sound entirely with their Latin roots and acoustic guitar.

You can find out more at rodgab. com.

If you like The Raveonettes, The Black Lips, or The New Pornographers, listen to From Bubblegum to Sky. Mario Ishii Hernandez is the one-man mastermind behind the music. His latest album, A Soft Kill, was released in 2008. His music is considered indie-pop. It combines bleak and dismal lyrics with poppy, cheerful melodies. Find out more at frombubblegumt o s k y. com.

by chelsea eriksen

the latest////////////////// New artists worth noticing

By Chelsea Eriksen The Plastiscines The Plastiscines are a four-member, all-female French punk/pop/rock band. Katty Besnard sings and plays guitar, Marine Neuilly plays guitar, and Louise Basilien plays bass while Anoushka Vandevyvere keeps the beat on the drums.

Besnard, who sings in both French and English, has a voice reminiscent of Debbie Harry’s from Blondie. Their first album, LP1 came out in 2007, and their latest album, About Love came out in June 2009. The Plastiscines are a part of “les bébés rockers” (Parisienne teenage bands) and are well known within that scene. They have been featured in Nylon and have been signed to Nylon Records. To find out more go to www.myspace.com/plastiscine.

Band of Skulls Band of Skulls is comprised of three musicians and songwriters. Russell Marsden plays guitar, Emma Richardson plays bass, and both do vocals. Matt Hayward accompanies them on the drums. They originated in South Hampton, England, and consider their sound to be alternative rock. They released their debut album, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, in March 2009. The melodic structure of the album is very rich, and the vocals are strong, sounding like garage-rock-meets-indie. The sound of their grungy, bluesy instrumentation paired with female and male voices is comparable to The Kills. iTunes also recently selected their song “I Know What I Am” as their free single of the week.

For more information, go to www.bandofskulls.com.

The Whigs

The Human Value The Human Value has three band members. Turu plays the keyboard and sings, Hiram Fleites plays guitar and does vocals, and Tim Bolish plays the drums. They released their debut album, The Human Value in 2005, and their second album, Push and Pull in 2008. They consider themselves to be indie/alternative rock. Their music has eerie undertones, which are only embellished by Turu’s sonorous and rough voice. Their combination of 80’s electro and 90’s grunge makes their sound akin to that of the Queens of the Stoneage. Turu’s vocal experimentation is reminiscent of Karen O. from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Two of their standout songs are “Kill Pangs” and “Give Me,” both off of their first album. To get more information, go to www.thehumanvalue.com.

The Whigs consists of three members: Parker Gispert, Julian Dorio, and Tim Deaux. Gispert covers the lead vocals, guitar, and keyboard, Dorio plays the drums, and Deaux plays the bass. Gispert’s voice has a strong, shaky, and poignant, honest quality. The straightforward rock paired with Gispert’s gut-wrenching voice creates a sincere sound. In March 2007, Dorio was given an Esky award by Esquire magazine for “Best Drummer.” Rolling Stone compared The Whigs to The Strokes and My Morning Jacket and named them the “best unsigned band in America.” In 2008, they made appearances on The Late Show with David Letterman and Late Night with Conan O’Brien. They have recently been on tour with the Kings of Leon. To find out more, you can check them out at www.thewhigs.com or read their interview right here in The Sycamore. •

Photo courtsey of the plastiscines

/

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 11

Close-up: THE WHIGS An interview with Tim Deaux, bassist for The Whigs

By Chelsea Eriksen What is the dynamic within the group?

To give you background, there are three of us. Three is a pretty interesting number in relation to four or five or six. Collaborating on things can be more difficult to sort out, more complex. We have the most basic arrangement. You can vote on things and you always get a 2-on-1. It’s the most fundamental number. Our music is pretty simple: drums, bass, guitar.

How does this affect your music?

It’s hard for us to be real complicated. We have four elements: bass, drums, guitar, and vocals. We try to fill in as much space as we can. It’s a challenge, in a way. We each have a lot of pressure to fulfill the role. The whole band will suffer if one person messes up. Each part is very important. We all really love that: the simplicity. We have freedoms as a three-piece as well. There’s only so much space you occupy. We all really dig having a three-piece. In a way, it’s pretty unique. I don’t know; we have this whole mock-trio thing going on that we enjoy.

Has being in a romantic relationship affected your music?

I was wondering when that question was going to come up. [Laughs.] You know, it’s an interesting life. Romantic relationships are tough, being in the situation that we are in. Right now we’re all single, but that’s sort of rare with us. We usually have girlfriends. It’s different now. But the older you get when you’re on the road and you meet someone you’re interested in, you always remember 12 music

/

Photos courtesy of the whigs

that you have to leave and not see this person again. I think all three of us will eventually get married. I really look forward to kids and a family. I don’t know when that will be managed. We all share the same goals of making this band the best band it can be. We need to tour; we love touring.

But as for the idea of the future, the dream of family needs to be put on the back burner. I’ve met a lot of pretty girls and a lot of really weird girls. [Laughs.] I would say, as with any other art form, love is always huge, you know? It’s on the mind of everyone; we’ve all gone through it. Any band on the road has to deal with the girlfriend on the road. There’s so many problems with that on the road. But these things happen. That’s all part of rock ‘n’ roll, and always will be.

Who are you on tour with now?

The Dead Trees in L.A. and The Features in Nashville. We’re having an awesome time.

So you’ve toured with the Kings of Leon?

We have been on a few runs with them this year. Getting a tour with them was the highlight of our year. Getting to pal around with real, true rock stars was a lot of fun. And we’re thankful for all that they’ve done for us!

Describe the relationship in the band.

Parker and Julian actually grew up at the same high school in Atlanta, so they knew each other longer. I’m kinda the new guy; I only came in a few years ago. But that didn’t affect the relationship at all. Their relationship has more history, but we all get along great. We are all fairly different, but we all have a good sense of humor and have good time. It’d be tough if we didn’t get along. I’m lucky to be with two guys I really enjoy being around. We all really respect each other as people and musicians. Nobody is a real jerk. No one has a real serious problem. You hear about those bands where there’s this guy who goes on a drug binge or does real crappy things, but that doesn’t happen with us. We all love music and partying and sports and listening to music really loud. We all just really love what we’re doing. We all share the same goals. Like in any other relationship, you assume your role. In general, I guess I am—this might sound self-indulgent—I tend to be the guy that wants to make everyone happy. Julian is a very logical, methodical, and rational-thinking kind of guy who has tons of energy and is sort of on top of everything and is a great mutli-tasker—which is good for playing the drums; he can keep track of a million things. Before we were established, we had no tour manager, and Julian was a great bookkeeper and booked shows. The band wouldn’t have gotten nearly anywhere without him doing those things. Parker is the main lyricist. He may not be the kind of guy to check numbers or keep books, but he’s creative. I am the wild card. I don’t really know what I’m good at. I like everyone getting along. I guess I’ve assumed the role of peacemaker and mediator. •

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 13

Perfect “Lately,” by Krissy Tuxbury

We asked students to submit their “perfect playlists,” or collections of songs that exemplify a mood or mentality. In this way, we explore the relationship between music and mind.

Lost in You, by Three Days Grace Paper Planes, by M.I.A. Dear Agony, by Breaking Benjamin Birdhouse in Your Soul, by They Might Be Giants Savior, by Rise Against You and I, by Jason Mraz Pretty Girl, by Sugarcult FNT, by Semisonic Crash and Burn, by Savage Garden Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, by Cage the Elephant Sweet Child O’ Mine, by Guns N’ Roses I Stand Alone, by Godsmack Nas Ne Dagoniat, by t.A.T.u I Wanna, by All-American Rejects Dysentery Gary, by Blink 182 Wasteland, by 10 Years Your Winter, by Sister Hazel Back Here, by BBMak Tubthumping, by Chumbawamba

“Days of Quiet Contemplation,”

by Emily Schlick The Sound of Silence,

by Simon and Garfunkel Morning Has Broken, by Cat Stevens Hey There Delilah, by Plain White T’s Reading Time with Pickle,

by Regina Spektor Wish You Were Here,

by Rasputina (Pink Floyd cover) You and I, by Ingrid Michaelson The Chain, by Ingrid Michaelson The Boxer, by Simon and Garfunkel Tire Swing, by Kimya Dawson Samson, by Regina Spektor Hallelujah, by Jeff Buckley Blackbird, by The Beatles I Understand,

by Freddie and the Dreamers Hide and Seek, by Imogen Heap The Christians and the Pagans,

by Dar Williams Casimir Pulaski Day, by Sufjan Stevens Giving Up, by Ingrid Michaelson I Will Follow You into the Dark,

by Death Cab For Cutie Moonshadow, by Cat Stevens Norwegian Wood (This Bird Has Flown),

by The Beatles 14

music

/

compiled by chelsea eriksen

“Sleepy Time Playlist,” by Amanda Kelly I’ll Meet You There, by Owl City Vanilla Twilight, by Owl City Existentialism on Prom Night, by Straylight Run Bittersweet Symphony, by The Verve Konstantine, by Something Corporate Clair de Lune, by Claude Debussy Kiss the Rain, by Yiruma Love Me, by Yiruma Love Hurts, by Yiruma Lullaby, by George Winston The Garden, by George Winston Stars, by George Winston Moon, by George Winston Sea, by George Winston Canon in D, by Johann Pachelbel Victor’s Piano Solo,

by Danny Elfman (Corpse Bride Soundtrack) The Piano Duet,

by Danny Elfman (Corpse Bride Soundtrack) The Lion Fell in Love with the Lamb,

by Carter Burwell Bella’s Lullaby, by Carter Burwell

Playlist

Editor’s Choice

My Perfect Playlist, by Rachel A.K. Snyder

“Goosebumps,” by Chelsea Eriksen

I Believe in a Thing Called Love, by The Darkness I Wanna Dance with Somebody, by Whitney Houston Too Much, by Dave Matthews Band White Winter Hymnal, by Fleet Foxes Take Me Home Tonight, by Eddie Money Kids, by MGMT Sparks, by Coldplay Remember When It Rained, by Josh Groban The Way I Are, by Timbaland feat. Keri Hilson Here Is Gone, by Goo Goo Dolls I Want to Break Free, by Queen All These Things That I’ve Done, by The Killers Whiskey Street, by Big Leg Emma Ecstasy, by Rusted Root Ramble On, by Led Zeppelin I’m On a Boat, by The Lonely Island Respect, by Aretha Franklin

There are some songs that you can just feel in your gut; they hurt, but in a good way.

This playlist consists of songs that have really touched me, made me ache. Enjoy!

Captain Crash & the Beauty Queen from Mars, by Bon Jovi

Somebody Like You, by Keith Urban Boondocks, by Little Big Town

Avril 14th, by Aphex Twin Goodnight Bad Morning, by The Kills Little Shadow, by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs Knocked Up, by The Kings of Leon Like a Vibration, by The Whigs Black Balloon, by The Kills Hospital Beds, by The Cold War Kids Highschool Lover, by AIR Needle in The Hay, by Elliot Smith Kill Pangs, by The Human Value Porcelain, by The Red Hot Chili Peppers Ceremony, by New Order I’ll Believe in Anything, by Wolf Parade King of the Rodeo, by The Kings of Leon Maps, by The Yeah Yeah Yeahs

“Mellow Playlist,” by David Foote In recent years, I’ve managed to dig out a small collection of pleasant, mellow songs from the indie and alternative scenes. Whether I’m studying, relaxing with friends, running errands, or taking some time to myself, these songs just keep playing.

Darling, Please Come Home, by Math and Physics Club Shadow Stabbing, by Cake Be Gentle with Me, by The Boy Least Likely To Will My Feet Still Carry Me Home, by Elf Power Asleep on a Sunbeam, by Belle and Sebastian Independence Day, by Elliott Smith The White Tambourine, by Pale Sunday You’re So Good to Me, by The Beach Boys Time You Have Been Wasting, by The Salteens Between the Lines, by Sambassadeur Ego Tripping at the Gates of Hell, by The Flaming Lips Painting by Chagall, by The Weepies 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy), by Simon and Garfunkel Long Drawn Sunday Night, by The Orchids F***ing in Rhythm and Sorrow, by The Sugarcubes Ghost in You, by The Psychedelic Furs Sunday, by The Cranberries Sally Cinnamon, by The Stone Roses The Sycamore / Fall 2009 15

\\\\ Street Chic\\\\\

By Kate Dingley

T

he designers for Paris-based brand The Kooples take their inspiration from a variety of places, as they noted in the side quote: rock music, street fashion, and most importantly, couples. In fact, the name “Kooples” is a play on the French pronunciation of the word (which sounds like a funny, accented version of the English word “couples”). All of their advertising consists of simple, flash photographs of real-life couples—be they heterosexual or homosexual—wearing clothing that looks effortless and a little androgynous.

The Kooples designers very intelligently noted the fact that couples love to borrow clothing from one another (look at the success of items such as the “boyfriend jean”); so the men’s and women’s clothing is very similar. They use the same materials and almost identical cuts and designs in neutral colors that anyone could pull off, encouraging partners to frequently raid one another’s closets.

The clothing itself is a collection of simple, sophisticated pieces with small details that make each item unique. The jackets and sweaters have buttons with tiny skulls, and the dresses are monotone but have embroidery, a silver chain, or multiple fabrics that draw attention subtly instead of obnoxiously.

While The Kooples line is beautiful and sophisticated, their prices are likely far too high for the average college student. But one can find inspiration in their look and philosophy—here is a list of ideas that might help make your wardrobe a little more chic.

/////

Borrow clothing from your boyfriend/girlfriend/roommate. If you are not the same size, trade accessories. Scarves, bracelets, or hats can completely change an outfit.

///// Spruce up a piece that you already own. If you love that grey cardigan but it could use a little something extra, go to a fabric store or thrift store and find some interesting buttons to sew on. Even the extremely sewing-challenged are capable of sewing buttons, and it can make that cardigan much more interesting.

/////

Make sure your clothes fit you well. It sounds obvious, but spending an extra twenty dollars to have a tailor hem some pants or take your blazer in just a little bit makes your clothing look custom and expensive.

/////

Mix clothing that you do not normally think would work together. For example, a pair of big, clunky boots with a light, feminine dress can be stylish and comfortable. If you are lacking inspiration, just go online and look at some designer websites to see how they are mixing items, and then look for similar pieces in your closet to create your own version of the look. •

16

style

/

quote & photos courtesy of thekooples.fr

\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

“It’s the return of street chic, a Paris-London spirit, a musical inclination, a manifesto of fashion, and a cloak room for two.”

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 17

\\\\\\\\\\\ A Woman Under the Influence (1974) Jules and Jim (1962) François Truffaut’s international hit, Jules and Jim, is widely considered to be a masterpiece. Among many other themes, it explores obsession, friendship, love, and sorrow. It spans 25 years in the life of three passionate young adults.

Jules and Jim are two best friends who do everything together.

However, this becomes a problem when they both fall in love with Catherine, an attractive and sweet young woman who shares their enthusiasm for life. What ensues is one of the most captivating love triangles displayed in cinema. While the film begins on a happy note, it slowly descends into sorrow. However, we never lose hope for these three lovers, and throughout the whole film, we continue to believe that everything will be fine in the end.

This is considered by many to be one of Truffaut’s best films.

Jules and Jim transcends the silliness that some films of the same genre fall into. It instead becomes a penetrating look into the nature of loyalty, freedom, and above all, love.

18

film

/

images courtesy of google

A Woman Under the Influence is a milestone in independent film.

Its creator, John Cassavetes, is one of the most important filmmakers in American cinema (and probably the most important figure in the independent film movement). His work has been a source of inspiration for countless filmmakers. A film by Cassavetes is like no other in its handling of actors, its treatment of mise-en-scène, and its attitude towards collaboration. It is these qualities that make Cassavetes’s work both strong and fresh.

A Woman Under the Influence is possibly Cassavetes’s best picture (although an argument could be made for Opening Night).

Because Cassavetes funded the film himself, he had complete artistic freedom. This is a large reason the film is so unique in all regards. The film is about a woman named Mabel (played by Cassavetes’s wife Gena Rowlands, who won an Oscar nomination for her performance), her husband Nick (Peter Falk), and her three children. The plot focuses on the problems experienced between their extended family and immediate family. To say more would spoil much of the film’s charm, which is the uncertainty of what is going to happen. A Woman Under the Influence is what other independent films aspire to be, and yet so seldom succeed.

\

\

film reviews film reviews film reviews film reviews film reviews

By Josh Wilmott

Naked (1993)

Before Sunrise (1995)

Mike Leigh’s Naked presents a bleak view of the world that is hard to watch at times—not for lack of realism, but perhaps because of too much realism. The film’s central character is Johnny (David Thewlis), an educated man who has had his understanding of the world built up through books instead of feelings. He has just arrived in London after stealing a car and having rough sex with a sobbing girl in an alley. From here, the viewer follows Johnny as he tries to connect emotionally and intellectually with other people. As the film continues, the viewer slowly realizes that Johnny may, indeed, be very intelligent, but he lacks the will to keep going in a world as bleak as this.

This film was created (as many of Leigh’s films are) in an unconventional way. Leigh does not work with a script; instead, he gathers his actors, presents them with a genre and characters, and together, they build a screenplay. Some viewers may find this film hard to watch because its structure is not built around a three-act system. It does not present a play, but rather attempts to reflect real life. Just like life, this film has no concrete plot—just characters, settings, and stories. This is a hard film to “like” because it is filled with unlikeable people, but it is nonetheless a very good film.

Richard Linklater’s Before Sunrise is one of the most realistic films dealing with the subject of budding relationships. Our two “heroes” are Jesse (Ethan Hawke) and Celine ( Julie Delpy), two twenty-somethings who meet on a train traveling through Europe. Jesse is an American who is heading to Vienna to catch a flight home, and Celine is a Parisian studying at the Sorbonne.

After hitting it off, Jesse asks Celine if, instead of just parting ways and never seeing each other again, she will get off the train with him in Vienna and spend the rest of the day and night walking around and getting to know one another. Thus begins the film.

Before Sunrise is filled with conversations and character development. What do they talk about for the 105-minute run time?

Anything and everything. These conversations are so realistic that you will find yourself rehashing them with other people just to fill in your own answers.

The film plays like a documentary in that the conversations, performances, and progression of the story are so realistic that you forget you are watching a movie. This is a sweet film about life, death, and everything else, but most of all, young love. • The Sycamore / Fall 2009 19

||||| ||||| ||||| 20

features 

Wells:

Institutional Interrelationships The Sycamore / Fall 2009  21

Stephan Gilchrist, Director of Institutional Diversity 22

features

/

photo by molly cichy 

faculty / faculty

By Emily Ambrose and Kathryn McNamara

I

n a college environment, especially on a campus as small as Wells, relationships amongst college students are frequently analyzed, explored, and discussed. Everyone—from The Princeton Review, to parents, to incoming students—wants to know how students interact, live, learn, and cope with each other. From friendships to romantic relationships to relationships between classmates, the way college students relate and bond with each other is a frequent topic of discussion. However, there is yet another relationship dynamic that is often ignored, or pushed to the back burner in a college environment, and that is the one between the professors, administrators, and academic staff who teach students, handle administrative duties, or hold both positions. This type of relationship is just as significant as those between students, because without the guidance of deans, professors, and other administrative staff, a college would have no need for students in the first place.

Disagreements, different points of view, and contention are always risks when more than one individual is needed to make a decision. However, these road bumps seem to be fewer and more far between than could be expected when professors, faculty, and administrators work together at Wells. One professor at Wells stated that, in her experiences, the faculty at the college have all been very supportive, collegial, and accepting, and “genuinely enjoy working with each other.” Although she attests to the fact that there are disagreements, and contention between departments due to sometimes-limited resources at Wells, there is also a genuine degree of respect amongst the leaders and teachers at the college. Cindy Speaker, Associate Dean of the College, believes that because of Wells’s relatively small size, it is easier to see how interactions and relationships occur across different areas of responsibility and expertise, and that there is much variability amongst these relationships. However, she also believes that this variation brings a richness to the experience of teaching and administrating (both of which are roles with which Dean Speaker is familiar). Dean of the College, Leslie Miller-Bernal believes that faculty members want what’s best for their department, which does lead to disagreement, but said, “There will always be points of friction, but these respectful exchanges of views are healthy.

Disagreement leads to the exchange of ideas.”

According to administrative staff and faculty alike, the sense of community is what they find most important at Wells.

Like students, those in charge of making sure the college runs smoothly—both academically and otherwise—agree that the most important aspect of their relationships at Wells is the ability to get to know those with whom they work and live. Dr. Steve Gilchrist, Director of Diversity at Wells, believes that those in administrative positions at Wells have great working relationships. He also points out that because of Wells’s size, administrators and professors work more closely together and have a greater sense of empathy for those in different positions, or with different responsibilities. He believes that from working together on committees, faculty and administrators tend to take a more holistic, balanced perspective toward problem solving and working together. Even as a new faculty member, Kate Dimitrova,

Professor of Art History, felt a strong connection with the school during her interview, and found the people she met while visiting to be “down-to-earth and supportive.” One of the reasons she chose Wells was because she “felt a real sense of community” when visiting for her interview. Dean Miller-Bernal agrees with Dr. Gilchrist and Professor Dimitrova about the positive nature of interactions overall amongst faculty and administrators, noting that she has been both a faculty member and a dean, and believes that relationships between faculty and administration have been better or worse at different points in time. Right now, however, she believes that the college is “at a good place” in this respect.

Although these relationships may not be immediately relevant to those who do not take part in interactions between faculty and administrative staff, no one can argue with the fact that, simply said, things are better when everyone gets along. •

students / faculty

By Courtney Kasche

B

efore making the ultimate choice of pursuing your degree at Wells College, this is the information you are given to aid your decision: “The community of Wells is close-knit and connected. Professors know their students personally and truly care about their success, staff are generous with their time and eager to help problem-solve, alumni find internships and make real-world connections for students, and every fellow student is a potential lifelong friend. At Wells you’ll never be a number or get lost in the crowd. Our ultimate goal is the same as it has been for a century and a half: to help our students be caring people, concerned citizens and true scholars.”

You are welcomed to the Wells community annually with the Welcome Back Barbeque. Although it was held inside of the dining hall this year due to weather limitations, this event enables students to mingle and introduce themselves to the world of Wells. While you may not realize it at the time, you are meeting your future faculty, staff, deans, and fellow classmates. In speaking with several students, it is obvious this event is one that is unique to many colleges. Students at other universities have said that the first time they met their faculty members was on the first day of classes.

In July 2008, in a session at the Wells Warm-Up day, Dean Speaker stated, “Wells is a place to step outside of your comfort zone.” She reminded students that the faculty at Wells is here to help you succeed in doing this. That year, as well as this year, the orientation theme was “transcending boundaries.” Part of transcending boundaries is meeting that whole new world of people when you arrive here at Wells. From the time you arrive on campus, Campus Involvement and the other organizations reach out and let you know that they want you to be involved. They want to know you.

Wells College is extremely unique in the sense that students are given the opportunity to get to know all of the members of campus. From the time students enter campus for the Wells Warm-Up day through the day of their graduation, they are given endless opportunities to work side by side with the campus community. Because of the relatively small number of students on campus, it is simple to e-mail Dean McCarthy, Elly Ventura, The Sycamore / Fall 2009 23

24

features

/

photo by molly cichy

Cindy Speaker, Associate Dean of the College The Sycamore / Fall 2009  25

“With one professor for every nine students, it is difficult not to get to know a majority of your professors.” or one of your professors to set up a meeting to discuss concerns or just introduce yourself. Even if you choose not to do so, your professors find other means of getting to know you. For example, Professor Collmer takes photographs of her introductory biology course each year, labels the names of the students in the picture, and places the photos on a poster. This helps to quickly and efficiently begin learning about the students in her course. Professor Morfei regularly assigns writing responses to readings in her courses, and students often use personal stories to relate to the readings. It’s simple; Wells is small. Students stand out, whether they want to or not.

The town of Aurora is a fascinating asset to Wells College.

Many of our professors, faculty, and staff live in Aurora, including Professor Bruce Bennett of the English department, Professor Catherine Burroughs of the English department, Elly Ventura, Dean Lundquist, and Chris Richardson. These individuals and many others often attend campus productions and events. It is obvious that working at Wells is much more than “just a job” to them. A current junior English major, Chelsea Eriksen, said, “The faculty members at Wells, for the most part, seem to really enjoy what they do, and seem to enjoy communicating with the students. I feel close to a few members of the faculty because of their good nature and feel all the happier at Wells for having such wonderful people around me!”

The communication between students and faculty is an important one at Wells. Last semester, the department of Residence Life was searching for a new director to replace Trina Nocerino. The Residence Life staff was encouraged to meet the final candidates and give opinions and feedback about their visits on campus. “Our feedback was taken seriously; it was nice to know that our opinion matters,” stated one of the Main Building Resident Advisors. The Residence Life staff also works closely with students living in the dorms. The staff meets weekly to go over concerns and ideas, and the Resident Advisors bring concerns from their floors to Joel McCarthy, Malindra Ratnayake, and the two Hall Directors, Brianna Taylor and Aleris Pizarro-Lopez.

The staff spent two full weeks this summer training and working together on how to best serve the students living in the residence halls and how to help first-year and returning students adapt to campus life.

But the advantage to a Wells education doesn’t stop with its 26

features

current faculty, staff, and students. The connection with alumni is a wonderful example of the relationships that one builds at Wells.

There is a great amount of alum support through various means.

Internships are a key part of the experiential learning portion of the curriculum. Many wonderful alumni provide invigorating internship opportunities. The Wells ring is a symbol of connection that brings alumni together in various parts of the country and the world. Current students are encouraged to speak to past students, and our President, Lisa Marsh Ryerson, is a member of the class of 1981.

There are no doubts that Wells has experienced many changes since the co-education decision. An alumna located in Ithaca, New York, anonymously stated, “Wells did not listen when we spoke out about the decision. The administration is tainted for allowing such a wonderful place to admit male students.” Several felt there were concerns that were not addressed in the co-education decision. Ultimately, the Women’s Resource Center located in the basement of Main Building shows that the concerns were, indeed, heard. It is essential to bring concerns to the table, just as students are encouraged to do. It is very unlikely that every student and alumna/us will agree with every decision the administration makes. However, students, faculty, and staff cannot let this limit the voicing of their concerns.

Various departments frequently hold open forums to discuss concerns of students. This semester, the student body came together after hearing that our beloved college was in financial danger. Representative Council that evening was filled with students who went to listen to a speech delivered by President Ryerson. Collegiate Cabinet Recording Secretary Alex Schloop stated, “This was an example of Wells students coming together for Wells.”

With one professor for every nine students, it is difficult not to get to know a majority of your professors. Students willingly attend professors’ office hours simply to talk about their progress in a course or the happenings of their day-to-day lives. The dorms are small enough and close enough that you may befriend the person across the hall as easily as you would a person in a building across campus. Alumni are always happy to advise or direct current students or even offer internship possibilities. There is no doubt about it; the connections one builds at Wells are relationships that are lifelong and inspiring. •

A student in the registrar hallway, viewing a bulletin board.

Photo by Molly cichy

/

The Sycamore / Fall 2009  27

28

features

/

photo by molly cichy

lake views: Cayuga’s Role in Wells’S Past and Present.

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 29

|

|

|| || Scenic Spending

By David Foote

C

ayuga Lake has always been connected to the development of the village of Aurora. Ever since the fertile land and picturesque shoreline originally drew people to the eastern shore of the lake, generations of villagers have kept their home in the strategically placed town. Remnants of Aurora’s longstanding relationship with the lake can be seen in the remnants of the old gristmill behind the inn, lines of docks that define the length of the village, and photographs of the railroad tracks that used to run along the water’s edge. Today, Cayuga Lake keeps the groups of cottages along the shoreline full of visitors and tourists throughout the vacation season.

As Wells students, most of us only get the chance to experience the village during its quietest months. It is likely that most of us assume that without the benefit of our student population, Aurora is fairly quiet. In fact, after the snow melts and most of the geese move on, things get much busier. “You see a lot more people walking the street,” said Bruce Bennett, Professor of English. “There are two or three weddings every weekend.” The upswing in the populace is due to the local scenery and popularity of Aurora as a sort of small-scale resort town. Aurora’s scenic beauty 30

features

and rich history are indicated by its selection by travel author Patricia Schultz for her 1,000 Places to See before You Die and listing in the National Register of Historic Places. Many people own or rent summer housing along the shore for a weekend, a few weeks, or the whole summer. The quaint groups of cottages, just out of sight between the lake and Route 90 on the drive down to Ithaca, are just beginning to lose their light coating of dust when Wells students are finishing exams and packing for vacation.

In contrast to the frequent campus complaints of “nothing to do,” the local community offers summer events for vacationers and year-round residents that even draw crowds from Ithaca, Lansing, and Auburn. These events are “aimed at locals, but they bring in some of the cottage people, too,” said Professor Cynthia Koepp. Aurorafest, an annual summer event held in the village (including the front lawn of Wells), celebrates the culture of the village and its advantageous connection to Cayuga Lake. The festival involves a local “Battle of the Bands,” a 5k run, a somewhat shorter swim from a dock near Dorie’s to the inn, raffle tickets, and a Saturday morning event called the “Blessing of the Boats.”

Around 40-50 sailboats, motorboats, and even kayaks gather around a dock while a minister offers a blessing on the boats and onlookers celebrate with bottles of champagne.

“Taste of Aurora,” a part of this celebration, also brings people from nearby areas to the village. Local merchants, restaurants, and wineries set up their products for attendees, demonstrating the best of the village economy. Local crafts and kids games are available during the day, and a parade and fireworks keep the crowd around until the evening. The fireworks, food, and live music take place on the lawn in front of Main Building. Through the celebrations, those that might not see the village as significant

||

|

|

||

||

Beyond the Shore

|

during the rest of the year get to experience the value of Aurora’s location and businesses.

One of the most notable structures in Aurora and an important factor in local tourism is the startlingly photogenic Aurora Inn. E. B. Morgan, a friend of Henry Wells and significant figure in the history of both Aurora and Wells College, established the inn as the Aurora House in 1833. When Henry Wells joined the community in 1850, his friendship with the Morgans contributed significantly to the development of ties between the school and the village, and in 1943, the inn was deeded to Wells College. Though it has recently had to adjust its schedule to seasonal interests, the inn is still booked fairly solidly through the summer months.

Other Aurora landmarks also keep running throughout the warmer months. The E. B. Morgan House, former mansion of the co-founder of Henry Wells’s American Express and of the New York Times, attracts those looking for a resort-like atmosphere. The Morgan Opera House keeps a summer schedule, bringing in visitors and entertaining villagers with both musical and dramatic performances. The Fargo and Dorie’s also benefit from vacation crowds with money to spend as opposed to the budget of the average thrifty college student.

Lake geography, tourism, and economics are also tied together in local boating and fishing opportunities, wineries, and walking trails. These are the basis for New York’s attraction as a relaxing, scenic vacation spot, and the fact that venues for these activities surround Aurora makes it is a popular spot for vacationers.

When scenic charm and a friendly community combine with warm weather, Aurora is, perhaps not surprisingly, a lot more interesting than many of us think. Wells students, loaded with books, notes, and lengthy to-do lists, often miss chances to take advantage of local culture, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that there isn’t any to be found. •

By David Foote

T

he natural beauty of Cayuga Lake is one of the most strikingly scenic aspects of the local landscape. Henry Wells himself commented that Cayuga was even more impressive than Lake Como, a popular scenic resort in Italy. Any student looking to send a postcard home has probably picked from a great variety of sunsets as seen from the boathouse.

Both students and faculty grow so accustomed to near-daily interaction with the lake that it easy to imagine it being under the direction or discretion of the college (like most of the rest of Aurora). Of course, we are not the only people that appreciate the lake, rely on its resources for business and personal use, or affect its overall health. Cayuga has over 95 miles of shoreline and a watershed spanning approximately 864 square miles.

A watershed, for those unfamiliar with geology, is the physical area around a body of water that contributes to it through streams and storm runoff. For Cayuga Lake, this means seven surrounding counties and all of their inhabitants. While Wells students may see the lake as relatively untouched outside of a few warm-weather boating classes and occasional bits of litter, we use it to a far smaller degree than many local communities. Cayuga Lake is affected in many ways that are difficult to imagine when one looks over the peaceful shoreline. Popular conceptions of pollution usually reference industry or urban areas as sources of significant environmental damage. These factors are relatively rare, though, in our watershed. Most of the issues that Cayuga Lake faces are the result of less localized sources, like fertilizer and pesticide use on farms, erosion from fields, animal wastes, or chemicals washing into storm drains. It can be difficult to specifically address these things, since there is not one clear culprit or solution. We can, however, identify the specific factors that most often cause these types of pollution.

Two of the strongest threats to the health of the lake are sediment and phosphorus. Erosion of land around the lake, including natural processes like the ones that created Ithaca’s gorges, is also influenced by farming and development of areas around the lake.

As sediment washes down from streams or paved areas, it affects the treatment of drinking water supplies and carries other particles with it. While testing in 2008 found the water to be easily within New York state regulations for drinking, there were levels of microbes, lead, copper, nitrate and nickel that can be linked to The Sycamore / Fall 2009 31

32

features

/

photo by molly cichy

The Sycamore / Fall 2009  33

erosion and sediment pollution.

The lake is also affected by phosphorus. Fortunately, this is not caused by agriculture or community growth to the same degree as in other areas. According to a report by the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network, testing of Fall Creek in Tompkins County found only about 20% of phosphorus contamination that could be attributed to agricultural fertilizer use. The highest percentage of phosphorus is the result of naturally existing mineral deposits; recent cultural awareness of environmental concerns have limited the presence of pollution and effected an improvement in the ways that local communities interact with the lake. Organic farms and vineyards and changes in the processing of waste water have had a significant positive impact on phosphorus levels.

The loss of important wetlands from the southern part of Lake Cayuga has also affected water quality. Besides often being home to threatened species, wetland ecosystems contain organisms that help to naturally leach contaminants out of groundwater, slow erosion, and regulate water temperature. Because these spots were undervalued in the history of local communities, many wetlands have shrunk or been built over. Recent recognition of their importance has slowed their decline, but in most cases, there is no sure way of protecting or replenishing Cayuga’s wetlands.

In the long term, our treatment of the watershed can cause negative conditions that compound themselves. The interconnected and competitive nature of life in the lake makes it important to pay attention to the health of a variety of factors. For example, if too much fertilizer were to wash into the lake, algae could multiply, draining resources that other plants need to survive. If flora levels were reduced, then fish and other organisms that rely on them would suffer, leading to an additional lack of resources for fishes higher in the food chain. Flooding, erosion, and changes in air quality as a result of negligent social practices also change the environment, and even small factors can affect the health of the entire lake, causing changes that would not easily be rectified.

On a more personal level, the health of Cayuga Lake matters because of Wells’s role in the collection and distribution of local drinking water. Water from the lake is collected, filtered, purified, and stored in a pair of tanks that hold 300,000 gallons and 150,000 gallons, respectively. Both the campus and the village of Aurora use this water. While the 2008 quality report for this water found contaminant levels to be well below threat levels, the water that we use still contains lead and copper from household plumbing systems, barium and nickel from refineries, nitrate from fertilizer runoff, and byproducts of water chlorination.

Since concerns over the health of the lake have been raised, a number of groups have organized local protection efforts, supported helpful regulation, and taken steps to inform communities of these concerns. Members of the Cayuga Lake Watershed Network and the Cayuga County Soil and Water Conservation District have taken action to protect the lake’s ecosystems. Through

efforts like the distribution of educational materials and campaigns to promote changes in the use of resources, these groups have done much to raise awareness of and concern for Cayuga Lake. Their efforts are not only to safeguard the lake, but also to work towards restoration of the natural habitat so that the lake will survive unchanged for years to come.

The most significant and important contributions, though, are those of individuals. Anyone within the area of the watershed can take an active part in safeguarding Cayuga Lake. At home, residents can practice better methods of lawn care, make a project or hobby out of the creation of a rain garden, compost in order to reduce the amount of both waste and fertilizer that are added to the environment, research alternative cleaning products (which can often be inexpensively made from common ingredients), and be careful about the disposal of harmful materials like batteries, old cell phones, and automobile oil. On the community level, our area offers frequent farmers markets and a few community-supported agriculture projects that give locals the chance to promote organic and environmentally-friendly farming while giving them a closer connection to the source of their food.

Even as students, we can work on our own habits related to the use of water and disposal of trash and take a role in educating ourselves and those around us about the lake’s ecological concerns. Protection agencies are always in need of volunteers, and it may be a rewarding way to fulfill an internship credit. With our support, the local scenery will remain the same for future students as it looked for members of the first class in 1868 and for those of us who still depend on it today. •

Our Lake, Our Life

By Ann Locke and Kaitlin Hollrah

C

ayuga Lake has always been an important part of Wells College. Everyone has heard the popular stories about the lake: how seniors jump in after convocation, or how if the lake froze over it meant that someone in the first-year class was not a virgin (presently this story is turned around so that the lake freezing over means everyone in the firstyear class is a virgin), or even just how the lake has always been an overwhelming influence to the success of Wells College. We all know and treasure these stories already, but it is also important to consider the ways the lake personally affects members of the Wells community.

features

|

|| ||

| 34

Since the current first-year students have only been here a single semester, they have a unique perspective of how the lake affects them and the college. McKenna Kelly, a potential English major from Minerva, NY, was asked how often she goes to the lake. She replied that she does not go very often, but she has been three or four times. Kelly likes the lake and thinks it is “really pretty,” but she is not looking forward to the snowy, cold winters the lake will cause. She added that she enjoys watching the sun set over the lake with friends while singing songs. This shows one way the lake serves to bring new Wells students together: by giving them a place to convene after classes.

Another first-year, who wishes to remain anonymous, related a story that may ring true for many members of the Wells community. One Tuesday morning after studying all night, the firstyear and her friends decided to relieve their mid-term tensions.

At 4:30 AM, they sneaked down to the dock and jumped into the frigid waters of Cayuga Lake. In her words, that is an experience they “will never forget… or regret.”

Whether first-years enjoy the lake through silent reflections or crazy escapades, the lake has already influenced them.

Jackie Kolb, sophomore and English major, stated that the proximity of the college to Cayuga Lake was a huge factor in her decision to attend Wells. She fondly reflected on her first year at Wells, when she and her friends often went down to the dock to swim and draw. Though the lake is unbelievably close, difficult courses and extracurricular involvement can make it difficult for a student to find leisure time down at the dock. Kolb admitted that, unfortunately, she did not make it down to the lake much this semester. Despite that, she still loves the lake’s peaceful presence. She loves how clear the lake is and the beautiful view throughout the campus. She remarked that it would always be an inspiring and important part of her college experience.

Professor Linda Lohn of the English department has a very interesting perspective of the lake. Not only is she a professor here, but she also lived in Aurora, right on the lake, for ten years.

Her love of the lake is obvious; by walking into her office, one can see that she has set her desk to face the lake so that she may always take in the view. During her time spent living beside the lake, she swam and “walked beside it.” It brought her a “sense of peace.”

Living on the lake was always an experience for Professor Lohn. One time during a storm, her kayak that was sitting by the lake blew up the hill, across Route 90, and landed all the way at a neighbor’s porch. On a more fearful occasion, she was sitting in the dock outside her house when a “sea monster” came into sight.

She was frightened, but later, she realized it must have been a six-foot-long carp. Even though Professor Lohn no longer lives in Aurora, the lake’s great presence in her life remains. “While driving,” she said, “I automatically take my foot off the gas pedal in certain places because of the view.”

“I would like to travel back to 1868 to see what it was like when Wells first started,” Professor Lohn said, referring to the relationship between Wells and Cayuga Lake. Being a professor, she has the advantage of seeing how the lake affects the students and the college. She believes the lake is an important asset to the success of the college and thinks it will be “very important for Wells’s future.” She also made note of the students’ academic relationship with the lake. Whether a science major using the lake for environmental research, or an English major being inspired by the lake, she believes it affects all the students here.

Yet in addition to recognizing the practical benefits of the lake, Professor Lohn also harbors feelings of sentimentality toward it. The lake gives her a sense that “there must be order and predictability in the world.” In her closing comments, she reflected, “I wish students would come back for a weekend in July because it is so beautiful.”

Since Wells’s founding over a century ago, so many community members have had incredible experiences with the lake. Students at Wells have the ability to take a sailing class, to be right on the water—close enough to drag their hands along the surface as the wind guides the sailboat while the sinking sun caresses the water and the sail. Countless others sit by the dock to read, admire the beauty, or to watch the sun sink below the horizon.

Whether the lake is experienced through a brief eight-semester stay as a Wells student, or by anyone who calls Aurora home, the comforting atmosphere of this small town is welcoming to all its residents and visitors. •

||

|

|

||

|||

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 35

] ] Through

the Lens

Interpretations of relationships, from connections through different aspects of humanity to interrelationships in nature.

By Molly Cichy

36

features

“Perspectives” Dapingcun, Sichuan, China August 2009 The Sycamore / Fall 2009 37

38

features 

“Sheri Speaks with a Villager” Dapingcun, Sichuan, China August 2009 Sheri Liao, director and founder of the Global Village of Beijing, speaks with an 87-year-old villager working in the fields.

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 39

40

features 

“Friends” Dapingcun, Sichuan, China August 2009 The Sycamore / Fall 2009 41

42

features

“Mother and Baby Rhinoceroses” Tala Game Reserve, South Africa January 2008 The Sycamore / Fall 2009 43

44

features 

“Perspectives” Oswego, New York July 2008 The Sycamore / Fall 2009 45

\\\\\\\\

&

p st present A timeline of growth, and how my friends helped

By Molly Cichy

June, 2005

I started out taking “snapshots”; I didn’t really think before pressing the shutter button. In the image on the left, the point of focus is right in the middle of the frame (which is not good; see bottom of page). In the middle image, the water line divides the picture into two uninteresting halves. And in the last image, the sky is bleached out and there is a parking lot in the background. I could have fixed this by repositioning myself.

August, 2006

I wasn’t aware of any compositional guidelines when I began, but a year later, photography was something I enjoyed, if not an actual hobby. I suppose that by doing something enough on one’s own, what looks good and what doesn’t becomes more apparent. I started noticing color and shapes a bit more.

//////// How-to: Composition Our eyes are naturally drawn to certain shapes and patterns. Photographers have figured out how to apply this to their work.

1) Rule of Thirds - Imagine your image is divided into nine squares by two vertical and two horizontal lines. Focal points should be placed on those lines, or on the point where they intersect. In the bottom right photo above, the flower is at the upper right point, and the dragonfly at the lower left. Some cameras allow you to set your viewfinder to this grid pattern to make composing in-camera easier.

2) Leading Lines - Diagonals or curves that start in a lower corner of the image and move to an upper corner draw the eye into the frame, but be careful not to let the line exit the frame. In the first photo in the second row above, the stairs lead the eye to the upper right corner but then are cut off; this photo is almost compositionally sound.

46

features

May, 2007

The particular instance that kickstarted my interest in photography was a first-year meander down to the lake with a couple of friends. I took a fair number of unprofessional photos and brought them back to my room, not really knowing what to do with them. I oversaw my friend Anna Feldman ’10 using Picasa and tried it myself with the image on the left. I thought selective color was way cool, until another friend, Oren Robinson ’09, showed me how much more I could do with Adobe Photoshop. I downloaded the 30-day trial version of Creative Suite 2 and created my first-ever Photoshop image, shown on the right, of a photo taken the same day.

Check out melissaclifton.com/tutorial-pentool.html to learn how to use Photoshop’s essential pen tool ////////////

March, 2008

Fall 2007 brought me a new camera: the Canon Powershot A640. Now is when I enter my “It is not a good image unless I’ve Photoshopped it” phase. Note the excessive and often unsuccessful use of the Gaussian blur filter on the right. I’ve made it look like the girl is floating in air somehow. I’ve also employed selective coloring again in the picture on the left. This looks great in ice cream ads, but not really anywhere else.

How-to: Smooth skin in Photoshop ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////// Open up an image of a person’s face in Photoshop. If you don’t have Photoshop, consider downloading the 30-day trial from www. adobe.com/products/photoshop/photoshop or see an art professor to get permission to use the Morgan computer lab. In your layers palette in the lower right corner, you can duplicate your layer. Do this by right clicking on it, then selecting “Duplicate.” Type “Blur” as the name and click “Okay.” Now under the “Filter” menu at the top, go to Blur>Gaussian Blur. Set the radius to 3 pixels. You may have to adjust this depending on the size. (If you need to re-do the blur step, go to Edit>Undo Gaussian Blur.) In your layers palette, you will see a half-moon-cookie-shaped icon at the bottom. With your blurred layer selected, click this icon. This applies a very useful layer mask.

Only the part of the mask that is white will reveal the “Blur” layer. Make your active color black by pressing “d” on your keyboard. Type “k” to enter the paint bucket tool. Click on your image once. It should come back into focus. Now, reverse your colors by typing “x,” and enter your paintbrush tool by typing “b.“ At the top of the screen, you should see “Brush” and a drop-down menu. Open the menu and set your Master Diameter to 200 and Hardness to 0. Also at the top is a drop-down menu for “Flow.” Set this to 30. You should adjust this as you work, as different parts of the image require different strengths of blur. Now, paint on your image where you want the blur to appear. Key areas are the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Adjust the size of your brush with the bracket keys (“[“ and “]”). Save your image as both a .psd file (to save your layers) and as a .jpeg file (to share or print it). • The Sycamore / Fall 2009 47

Literary Liaisons Exploring narrator-narratee relationships through various genres

By Ana Giovinazzo

W

hen you’re writing an essay for an English class, you probably wouldn’t resort to the disgustingly colloquial, “I think Lord Byron writes really good.” In an instant message to a friend, you might not use words like “aforementioned” and “notwithstanding.” This is not to say, of course, that there aren’t people who write in these ways, but simply to point out that we’re generally aware of the appropriate tone for a situation, even if we don’t always consciously recognize it.

However, what we often don’t consider is the way this tone affects us, both as readers and as writers. Tone is one of the most important qualities of a work; it is the way the writer establishes a connection with the reader, or the way the narrator connects with the narratee. Just as in a conversation, the tone of a work can be formal, informal, friendly, harsh, sarcastic, patronizing, or described in any number of ways. And also like a conversation, the reader or auditor will either be attracted or repelled by the speaker’s choice of tone. A disinterested reader won’t put up with a boring narrator for long, and even the driest subject matter can be moistened by a particularly vivacious narrator.

In strictly academic writing, there are few ways to describe the relationship between the narrator and the narratee, mostly because it explains itself; the narrator is the writer of the paper, and the narratee is the intended reader. In creative writing, the narrator-narratee relationship is varied, depending on the plot, characters, and the form. Each genre has its own methods of creating this relationship, and there may be overlap between genres.

Formal Writing

T

he basics of formality are easy to understand, but formal writing goes beyond remembering when to use “whom” and not ending your sentences with prepositions. In formal papers, there is an unspoken relationship between the narrator and narratee in which the position of authority is clearly defined.

For example, if you are a student writing a paper for a professor, the most important thing for the student is gaining approval form the professor. The student is attempting to assert his or her understanding of the subject, but simultaneously trying to impress the reader, since the reader has control over the student’s grade. Because of this, the writer is in a position of trying to appeal to a higher authority.

However, formality means something entirely different to literary critics or scientific journalists. In this situation, the formal 48

features

voice is one that is used to educate and to show that the writer has taken the work seriously. Writers of these types of papers are typically people who have done a lot of research to argue a thesis or have conducted a number of experiments to prove their theories. And, as such, these writers have achieved positions of authority. Though their peers will undoubtedly assess their writing, they are not writing solely to be evaluated in the way students generally are. They are writing to share new ideas and to teach.

Therefore, they have power over the reader.

Informal Writing

O

n the opposite end of the formality spectrum are personal letters, e-mails, and any other type of written communication between friends. In this type of writing, the writer intends to create a feeling of familiarity and intimacy. The relationship between the writer and the reader is a strange one here. Seldom do narrators have the advantage of knowing their narratees personally. In this case, determining the appropriate tone is easy, since it’s based off of knowledge of the narratee. A simple “hey” can be used in lieu of an awkward “dear so-and-so.”

A clumsy “sincerely” can be replaced by a “see you soon,” or the valediction can be omitted entirely. In this case, the narrator has no fear of being judged by the narratee for informality. Of course, traditional letters have mostly been replaced by e-mails nowadays. So, even in the most formal correspondences, the important element is no longer the tone, but the spell check button.

Fiction

I

n most creative writing, one of three perspectives is used: firstperson (where the narrator is “I”), third-person (where the narrator is not a character in the story), and second-person (where the narrator tells a story where “you” are a character).

The first-person narrative voice is arguably the most distinct of the three main styles, as it is generally the voice of a character in the story. Though a third-person voice can be distinct, the advantage of a first-person perspective is the ability to create and use an authentic voice of a character as the narrator in the story.

This voice can be muted with a style practically indistinguishable from that of a straightforward, factual third-person narrator.

Or, like in Anthony Burgess’s A Clockwork Orange, the narrative voice can be so strong that the novel will never be mistaken for

|||||| any other book. On only the first page, the narrator, Alex, writes: “Our pockets were full of deng, so there was no real need from the point of view of crasting any more pretty polly to tolchock some old veck in an alley and viddy him swim in his blood while we counted the takings and divided by four...” Alex’s narrative is full of long sentences and violent imagery that is conveyed in spite of (or perhaps because of ) the abundance of invented slang.

While some narrators neglect to address the narratee at all, others employ straightforward storytelling techniques. Throughout A Clockwork Orange, Alex addresses his readers with interjections of “O my brothers” and refers to himself as “your Humble Narrator.” The same type of addressing of the narratee is used in the opening line of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. The narrator, Holden Caulfield, says: “If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you’ll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don’t feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth.” Immediately, the narratee is able to get a sense of Holden’s conversational manner of speech. This addressing of the narratee, however, is not to be mistaken with a second-person point of view, which will be discussed later.

The third-person narrator is significantly less personal than the first-person narrator. Whereas the first-person narrator has the opportunity to create a rapport with the narratee, the thirdperson narrator is more like a camera. Unless the writing is entirely objective, the narrative may still contain elements of bias, but these ideas are stated as facts instead of as assumed opinions of a character. However, the writing still has the ability to be vivid and interesting, in part due to the advantage of omniscience.

A first-person narrator is only able to have one perspective: his or her own. But in a third-person point of view, if the author so chooses, he or she can employ narrative omniscience. This gives the narrator the ability to see into the minds of any character, to describe any event, and to depict any scene. This gives the narratee (who, in this case, is generally the reader) the ability to witness all perspectives and get a more complete, balanced picture of the story.

Third-person narratives offer another option as well: subjectivity. The third-person limited point of view might not allow the reader to have clear-cut information on every character, but it may leave a few more inches of room for narrator partiality. A limited point of view causes the third-person narrative to focus

on one character’s actions and thoughts, which gives the narratee a perspective closer to that of the first-person point of view without one of the characters actually telling the story.

It’s important to remember, however, that even though the third-person narrator may not have a particular persona, this still does not mean that the author is the narrator, nor does it guarantee that the reader is the narratee. A narrator, whether third- or first-person, does not necessarily express the views of the author.

And, though it seems the reader of a third-person novel would always be the narratee, there may easily be exceptions to this rule.

The second-person narrator is a perspective that is not seen as frequently as the first- and third-person styles. In this unusual point of view, the narratee is a character in the story that is being addressed by the narrator. Oddly enough, many people’s first encounter with this perspective may have been in the Choose Your Own Adventure books popular among children. In this series, and in others like it, the reader is addressed as “you” and is considered to be a character in the book. The reader then makes decisions that redirect the story and eventually draws it to a unique conclusion.

But the second-person narrative is also seen in a wide range of works, from pieces of serious, postmodern literary fiction to young adult novels. In Patricia McCormick’s Cut, the narrator (a girl with self-mutilating behaviors) is telling her story to “you.” In this case, the “you”—the narratee—is not the reader. Instead, the narrator, Callie, is telling her psychologist about her problems. It is clear, however, that there is a bridge between first- and secondperson narratives. Callie is the first-person narrator in the story, but the narrative is told in the second-person to an auditor, her psychologist. This mode of fiction enables the creation of a narrator who is not the author and a narratee who is not the reader.

Though discussions of the narrator-narratee relationships in novels are potentially endless, we cannot possibly depart from the realm of fiction without addressing one final perspective: the unreliable narrator. The unreliable narrator is exactly what it sounds like: a narrator whose perspective cannot be taken as the absolute truth. This is the ultimate in biased perspectives, and the narrator’s unreliability is often only revealed gradually throughout the narrative.

This creates for an interesting relationship between the narrator and the narratee, especially if the narratee is the reader. Most of the time, the reader accepts the narrative voice as authoritative, but as the unreliable narrator drops hints of his or her own unThe Sycamore / Fall 2009 49

trustworthiness, the reader must begin to wonder what actually happened.

One of the most well-known unreliable narrators in fiction writing is Humbert Humbert from Vladimir Nabokov’s Lolita.

In Lolita, the narratee lies somewhere in between the lines of character and reader. That is to say, Humbert may intend to use his written account as proof of his innocence (or guilt), but as readers, we become the “[l]adies and gentlemen of the jury” as he invites us to “[l]ook at this tangle of thorns.” The reader is welcomed to investigate the veracity of this love story between a middle-aged scholar and an adolescent “nymphet.” In another of Nabokov’s works, Despair, the unreliable narrator constantly refers to his narratee as “gentle reader,” reminding us of his insincerity and his connection to us.

Creative Nonfiction

T

here is a strong variety in narrator-narratee relationships in fiction works, many of which are strongly dependent on the author’s decision on point-of-view. Because the author has control over the choice of narrator, he or she also has the choice of the narratee. In creative nonfiction, generally speaking, the writer of the book is also the narrator, and any “I” present in the book represents the author. It is possible for the author to tell a nonfiction story from another person’s perspective, but many nonfiction works are about the author’s life, using the author as the central character. In this case, the narratee is typically the reader, though some creative nonfiction pieces may be addressed to a specific narratee, usually someone whom the author knows.

Because the subject matter is true, there is something of a confessional relationship between the narrator and the narratee in creative nonfiction. There is a trust between author and reader, one in which the reader is interested in—and possibly sympathetic to—the author. The narratee is treated more like a friend than a reader, even if the narratee is never directly addressed.

In David Sedaris’s creative nonfiction essay collections, he attempts to relate to the reader through his use of comedy. In “The Smoking Section” of his latest book, When You Are Engulfed in Flames, Sedaris writes, “When New York banned smoking in restaurants, I stopped eating out. When they banned it in the workplace I quit working, and when they raised the price of cigarettes to seven dollars a pack, I gathered all my stuff together and went to France.” Sedaris’s humor creates a comfortable rapport with the reader, so even if the reader is not directly addressed, he or she still feels like a part of the narrator’s life.

In memoirs with more serious subject matter, the author-narrator may seek sympathy or empathy from the reader-narratee through emotional, image-rich prose. In Aleida Rodríguez’s “My Mother in Two Photographs, Among Other Things,” she tells a story through specific images, and in doing so, evokes emotion. She writes, “In two days, my grandmother will die, and on the right side of the photograph, directly opposite her, forming a Rorschach double, lurks the dark figure of the guide who came to lead her away.” This dark, descriptive narrative voice conveys the sadness of the situation to the reader-narratee, who is thus able to feel more of what the narrator feels.

50

features

Poetry

O

ne of the most common forms that writers use to convey feeling and connect with readers, however, is poetry.

Poetry can be a mix of creative nonfiction and fiction, narrative and description, or a separate genre with none of these qualities. Poetry is extremely diverse, but there are a few common narrator-narratee relationships that are easily identifiable.

The use of apostrophe in poetry is when a poem is addressed to someone in particular, or when there is a “you” present in the poem. In this way, the narrator in the poem addresses the technical, true narratee—the person for whom the poem was written.

The reader of the poem is something of a secondary narratee; he or she may read the poem, but the poem is not written solely for the reader.

In some cases, if the narrator is actually the author, the narratee may be a person in the author’s life for whom the author wrote the poem. In other cases, the narratee may be an object, like in John Keats’s “Ode to a Grecian Urn.” And in still other cases, such as in a dramatic monologue, the narrator is not the author, and the narratee is not the reader.

There are three central properties of a dramatic monologue as defined by M.H. Abrams, which are here simplified to: 1. A speaker in a dramatic situation who is not the poet; 2. An implied auditor who does not speak during the poem; and 3. The revelation of the speaker’s character by means of the poem.

This relationship is exemplified in several pieces of Robert Browning’s poetry. One of Browning’s most well-known poems, “My Last Duchess” is written from the perspective of a Duke who is showing off a portrait of his deceased wife to a guest in his home. The turning point in the poem comes when he says, “Oh sir, she smiled, no doubt,/Whene’er I passed her; but who passed without/Much the same smile? This grew; I gave commands;/ Then all smiles stopped together.” Here, we see the direct address of the emissary (“Oh sir”) and the revelation of the true circumstances behind the duchess’s death (“I gave commands;/Then all smiles stopped together.”) This form, derived from monologues in plays, creates a fictional narrator and narratee, but like in all written works, the outside connection between the writer and reader still exists.

T

his is true for all works, whether fiction, memoir, or poetry.

The author of each may have control over the narrator and narratee relationship, but there is no way to deny the fact that there are two roles that cannot be eliminated: the reader and the author. Though this relationship is not as clear-cut or as easily-investigated as that of the narrator and the narratee, it is possibly one of the most important relationships in writing, especially from a social perspective. The relationship between a narrator and a narratee can be a window into the writer-reader relationship, and this helps investigate the author’s purpose, and thus, the true meaning of a work.

So, next time you pick up a book, ask yourself: what is your author trying to tell you? And if you’re doing some creative writing, yourself: who is your narratee? •

Check out full-page editions and more at wellssycamore.tumblr.com.

The Sycamore / Fall 2009  51

In the Eyes of the Beholder: A Manic Minuet inThree

By Anna Feldman

52

CREATIVE WRITING

She kept telling them she didn’t live alone. They didn’t want her alone where she could be a danger to herself, they said, but she kept saying over and over that she didn’t live alone. Ryan was there. Ryan could take care of her, she told them, because he loved her and had promised he’d always be there for her. I had never met Ryan myself, but from the way Eleanor talked about him, it sounded like he really loved her.

A man I recognized as one of the doctors from the Hillbrook Home and a woman who looked like she could be Eleanor’s mother practically dragged her out of the apartment as she screamed and cried and promised Ryan she would always love him no matter what anyone else said. I wasn’t the only one who stood in the doorway of my own apartment, watching the scene in front of me and wondering how much I didn’t know. Even Sam, who was so old he had trouble walking from his bedroom to his front door to collect his newspaper every morning, stood staring at Eleanor.

The woman who was probably Eleanor’s mother said something about not taking medication and the man said he thought they’d had a deal.

Eleanor just cried. “I never agreed to anything!” she wailed. “I didn’t do anything wrong. Where are you taking me?” I felt sorry for her even though I’d only spoken to her a handful of times. She didn’t come out much and I figured she liked to keep to herself.

The few times she did talk to me, all she talked about was Ryan and how one day they were going to get married.

“Where are you going to go?” I had asked her once.

“Hawaii,” she said with a dream in her eye. “I know that’s where everyone goes when they get married,” she had said, “but Ryan and I have always wanted to go there together.”

I told her it sounded sweet, that they sounded like a great couple and I’d love to have them over for dinner sometime. Eleanor had smiled and said she’d be happy to if Ryan agreed to it, but the next time I saw her she had dark circles under her eyes, her skin was pale, and she said that Ryan didn’t like the idea of eating at someone else’s home, even if it was just next door.

“Maybe you could come over sometime,” she’d said halfheartedly. That was the last thing she’d said to me. Now she was being torn away from the man she loved because someone thought she was living alone and was liable to hurt herself, and it didn’t sound like Ryan was fighting very hard for her. I don’t think he said anything at all.

If at any point I had really, truly been worried about Eleanor and Ryan, I could have taken my master key and let myself into her apartment, but even after that time I saw her looking for all the world like she hadn’t slept in weeks, I didn’t think I needed to intervene. But the night after she was taken away, I still hadn’t heard anything from Ryan, and I didn’t feel good about it.

I knocked on the door first and didn’t hear anything, not even blankets rustling or feet walking warily near the door. I knocked a little louder and there was still nothing, so very slowly, I drew my key into the lock and turned it. The door opened easily, and

I called out. No answer. Louder—is anybody home? Still no answer. I had a bad feeling, settling in the bottom of my stomach and resting there like too much fast food. If Ryan was there, he wouldn’t be in good shape, and if he wasn’t there... well, that alternative didn’t make too much sense. Nobody had left the apartment since Eleanor. *** Eleanor Louisa Kerrigan, 26: involuntary check-in at 4:17 PM, April 23, 2006. Accompanied by mother (Christine Kerrigan) and psychiatrist Dr. Lawrence Bideau. Patient agitated and antsy; mother said she was screaming and crying en route. Patient obviously upset but no longer screaming. Continuously mentioned a man named Ryan. Patient appeared tired and weak; skin was pale and eyes were sunken. Was very thin and hair was messy. Was not unclean, but was slightly disheveled. Appeared intelligent and able to answer questions but refused. Dr. Bideau took her immediately for a consult.

“Eleanor, do you remember me?” I positioned my notepad in my lap.

“Of course I remember you. You just dragged me here, didn’t you? You’re the one who came to my fucking apartment with my fucking mother and took me away from my fucking boyfriend!”

I sighed. It was hard to tell whether she was being sarcastic or whether she really had no long-term memory of me. “No, Eleanor. I mean, do you remember me from before that? Did I look familiar to you when you saw me at your apartment?”

Eleanor squinted at me and cocked her head to the side, but the frenzied expression in her eyes never changed. “Maybe.” She said it in a sing-song, like she was the one in control. She had no idea what she was talking about, but she wasn’t stupid, either. I had to hand her that.

“Listen to me, Eleanor. My name is Dr. Bideau. You saw me two months ago when your mother was worried about you, remember? We had a deal. We agreed that you could continue to live on your own as long as you took your medication.”

5-Axis DSM-IV Diagnosis by Dr. Lawrence Bideau, April 23, 2006.

Axis I Clinical Disorder: Paranoid Schizophrenia, moderate to severe. Patient refuses to talk about anything other than her boyfriend Ryan, whom her mother has expressed is a hallucination. Patient is also convinced that her food is being poisoned by an unknown higher power. When asked who was poisoning her food, patient responded that “Ryan says it isn’t safe... everything’s poison.”

Axis II Personality Disorder: Schizotypal Personality Disorder.

Mother reports that patient exhibited paranoid behavior and eccentric patterns of thinking throughout much of her childhood but did not seem to be upset by it.

Axis III General Medical Conditions: None. Patient appears to be in good physical health.

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 53

Axis IV Psychosocial and Environmental Problems: Patient has not held a job for longer than four to six months at a time since age 16, at which point she worked in a bookstore for two years during high school. Completed high school and two years of college; left when she became convinced that other students were sneaking into her room at night and stealing from her.

Axis V Global Assessment of Functioning: 10 (very low). Patient can be a charming, intelligent woman; mother reports that at one time patient was given medication and that it seemed to work very well, but that patient refused to take it after some time. However, when not medicated, patient is agitated, angry, and paranoid. Would not be able to hold a job in her present state. When asked about her living situation, patient said it was “fine” and that she was happy. Previously told mother that she was living well with boyfriend, but mother recently found out that patient was living alone in a small apartment with minimal furniture and very little food.

“I did take my medication. It made me crazy.”

“Eleanor, you didn’t stay on your medication. It’s supposed to help you. Your mother tells me you’ve been hearing voices again.

The medication makes the voices stop. You know that.”

“Ryan says the pills are poison.”

Ryan was awfully domineering for someone who wasn’t real.

“Let’s try something else, Eleanor. We’ll try a different medication and I promise that this one is not poisonous. It’s called Olanzapine. I promise that once you start taking it, Ryan won’t bother you anymore.”

April 25, 2006: Patient has been on Olanzapine for 36 hours.

While it is not expected that it would take effect so quickly, patient became aggressive during group therapy and had to be removed. Is convinced that the food is poisoned and that Ryan is coming any minute to rescue her. Patient is currently in isolation; she poses too much of a hazard to the other patients on the ward. Is thin and slight, but is also very strong and could easily injure someone.

April 30, 2006: Patient has had little to no improvement. We have switched medications; patient is now on Risperdal in hopes that this will help. Patient still speaks almost exclusively about Ryan. Other patients dislike her and find her irritating. Keeping her in isolation is likely for the best currently; Dr. Bideau comes by daily to speak with her.

“These pills are fucking poison!” Even in a locked, isolated ward, Eleanor did not improve. It didn’t make any sense to me.

Both Olanzapine and Risperdal had good reputations, and neither seemed to be doing anything for her. I ducked as the pills left her hand and flew toward my head.

54

54

CREATIVE WRITING

short story contest

“Eleanor, you need to calm down.”

“You need to leave me the fuck alone! Where’s Ryan? Why won’t you let me see him?”

They say every case is different, but I had never seen one quite like this before. This woman only hallucinated in situations where it would actually make sense to have a boyfriend present. Trying to convince her that there was no Ryan would have been pointless; she’d have none of it. Eleanor Kerrigan was hardheaded and stubborn, but she was also extremely fragile. She was the kind of person who, when provoked even in the slightest, would lash out and hurt someone. Her mother once told me that when Eleanor was in college, her roommate’s loud music bothered her one night. She repeatedly asked her to turn it down, but the girl never did, so Eleanor punched her in the mouth and gave her a bloody nose.

“Let’s make another deal.”

That got Eleanor’s attention. People making deals with her meant that people were interested in operating on her terms.

“What kind of deal?”

“You take your pills every day this week, we’ll move you out of this isolated room, and we-we’ll see about letting Ryan visit.”

It killed me to say it, but there was no other way to get her to take her medication. If she stayed on it long enough, she’d hopefully forget about Ryan and then this would all be a moot point anyway.

She considered me briefly, twirling her hair around her finger.

“Okay.” *** Ryan how could you just let them take me away like that I thought you loved me you said you would always be there for me.

After everything I did for you I gave you everything I had you live in my apartment and you didn’t even try to stop them when they came. And now I’m all alone in a little tiny room with white walls and a white bed and a white ceiling and they won’t let me out except to go to the bathroom. I started out in a regular room with another woman but nobody listened to me when I said the food wasn’t safe to eat and I kept saying you were coming to save me because you always do you’re my white knight you always save me Ryan I love you. They gave me pills and said if I took them I wouldn’t miss you anymore but I don’t want to not miss you anymore because I love you and if I don’t miss you then I won’t care about seeing you again and you’ll get mad and really leave me. But it doesn’t matter anyway because the pills don’t work I still miss you I think I miss you more than I did before so I bet the doctors feel really stupid now their pills didn’t do anything.

Ryan come save me from this place the food isn’t safe like it is at home they don’t keep the food in containers like we do I bet they’re the ones poisoning it.

It’s lonely and boring here and they won’t let me out of this room unless I take pills they said will make you not want to be with me anymore and the only people to talk to are the ones who want to keep me in this room and nobody wants to hear about you but I want to talk about you because I love you and everyone should know and we’re going to get married in Hawaii and I think people deserve to know that. Remember our neighbor the one who wanted us to eat at her apartment but you said it wouldn’t be safe, remember her, I told her about us getting married in Hawaii and she was excited for us so why can’t the people here be nice like that. *** My hand hesitated just for a second before hitting the light switch. I don’t know what I had been expecting to find, but what I did find was not it. Eleanor’s front hallway was empty save for a few pairs of shoes and a light jacket in a heap on the floor. The kitchen was cleaner than mine had been when I’d first moved into my apartment. There were no pictures or papers on the refrigerator, no magnets, no anything. Out of pure curiosity I opened the fridge, and inside were stacks upon stacks of Tupperware containers, each containing minute amounts of food. Even things like crackers and cereal were sealed tightly inside the plastic boxes. There wasn’t anything fresh—no fruit, no vegetables— just dry foods, soup, and deli meat. I didn’t have to look in the cabinets to know they were empty.

The living/dining area was even stranger. The only furniture was a chair and a low coffee table, neither of which looked like they had been used in a while. It was the walls, though, that made me fear for Eleanor the most. I stared at them for what felt like hours, trying to find a pattern. She had tacked newspaper cutouts and pieces of mail all around the room and had highlighted what seemed to me like random sentences that didn’t mean anything. In the margins she had written “poison” over and over and over. Was this why she wouldn’t come to dinner? She and Ryan thought I was going to poison them?

I peeked into the bedroom—just a futon on the floor and a pile of clothes, plus some more newspaper articles on the walls.

Ryan wasn’t in the bathroom, either.

I tried to put Eleanor and Ryan out of my mind, and eventually I stopped thinking about them. It wasn’t until several weeks later that Eleanor’s mother came by again. I greeted her and asked after her daughter.

“How’s Eleanor doing?” I asked her. “Is she all right? Would you like me to get her mail for you? Let me give you the key to her apartment.” She had the same tired, pale look I had seen on her daughter that one time.

“Thank you,” she said weakly. “I’m just here to clean out the apartment. Eleanor died last week.”

“That’s awful,” I gasped, and I was going to leave it there, but then the woman started to cry so I invited her in.

As much as I wanted to know exactly what had happened, I didn’t even know this woman’s name. I made tea and we drank it in silence, save for the occasional whimper and sniffle from Eleanor’s mother. There were so many questions I wanted to ask, but instead I blew on my tea and let them steep. I felt tears in my own eyes as the woman began to cry again.

“Does Ryan know?” I asked. That was a question I could handle. “Would you like me to call him for you?”

She just smiled, the saddest smile I’d ever seen, and shook her head.

Ryan wasn’t in the bathroom.

Ryan wasn’t anywhere. *** May 18, 2006: Patient has committed suicide; hanged herself with her shirt from an overhead pipe. She was found by nurse Leslie Perez.

Patient had not expressed any intention of harming herself and was therefore not assessed to be a danger to herself. Patient’s mother has been notified. *** Ryan why haven’t you come yet don’t you love me anymore why won’t you at least send me a letter I thought you loved me. I see how it is now you don’t care about me anymore because I’m not there and if you can’t see me it’s like I’m not real or something.

But you still love me, you have to love me because I love you Ryan, I love you more than anyone else in the world.

I can hear your voice in my head, you want me to come to you. You’re telling me I should come to be with you that makes sense I guess I’m the one who left in the first place so I should come back to you. I can hear you Ryan I can hear you so close... take off your shirt Nellie you’re saying...rip the collar harder rip it harder harder...that’s it that’s my girl I love you Nellie...now wrap it around your neck and then you’ll be able to see me and be with me forever...that’s it...tighter...tighter...come on...tighter... •

THE SYCAMORE / FALL 2009

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 55

55

I.

The whole day—even the sand—was unctuous but, by God, we were happy to be alive.

The hot wind of Summer left us functionless, but in night, on cold sheets, we coalesced— just in time for the June bugs to arrive.

The whole day—even the sand—was unctuous.

Aspic humidity rendered us loveless but all twenty fingertips fucked just fine.

The hot wind of Summer left us functionless, but all the hours felt elastic because we didn’t give a damn about the time.

The whole day—even the sand—was unctuous.

I’m sure those tourists had enough of us on the white shore where the pelicans thrived.

The hot wind of summer left us functionless— Except in the coldest parts of the ocean, where we hid to let our bodies be alive.

The whole day—even the sand—was unctuous The hot wind of Summer left us functionless Katie Yates

56

quill contest

Dear Minerva Wells’s resident goddess addresses your burning questions.

photo by molly cichy

/

THE SYCAMORE / FALL 2009

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 57

57

Dear Minerva,

Dear minerva,

Dear Minerva,

What do I do if there is someone making me feel uncomfy? He crosses boundaries, and is known to be violent. I don’t want to make him angry, but I want him to go away.

My boyfriend recently broke up with me.

I was really caught off guard by it. For the first time, I really felt like I fit. I feel like I have no closure; it was great and then it was over. I know that I can’t contact him or hope for a reconciliation because he will never change and will always try to cause problems and drama, but I’m scared. I haven’t been single in years and I’m terrified that I can’t be strong enough on my own.

Do you have any suggestions on how to get out of this slump and move on?

Why do I love video games more than my girlfriend?

Dear Crowded and Concerned, It is always best to try to confront the situation head-on by having a conversation with the person in question to let him know how you are feeling. However, if you are worried that he might be violent, you could have a third person act as a mediator or witness. Before taking a more serious route and reporting him, try talking to him. If he still does not respect your space afterward, then you should report him immediately. Remember, your RAs are trained to handle situations such as this, and could also serve as a mediator for your talk.

Dear Minerva, There’s this girl who keeps talking smack about me behind my back and giving me dirty looks. I’ve done NOTHING wrong!

How can I get her off my back?

Sincerely, Victim of a Hater Dear Hated and Hurt, Sometimes people decide they dislike others with no reason whatsoever; such is life. There is nothing that you can do to change her mind and she is entitled to her own judgments. Rise above the situation! If you do not respond, she’ll move on. Create your own defense mechanism; instead of being hurt by her immature behavior, be amused! Don’t let her get to you. If you think about it, the fact that she is spending so much time and energy hating on someone she doesn’t even know is pretty pathetic.

Dear Broken by Boyfriend, It’s okay to be terrified and to be scared. If you know that he is not going to change and that you can’t be friends, take away any temptation you have to contact him. Get away from your phone, Facebook, or AIM. Get out and stay busy. Sounds like you’re in a much better situation than he is, so at least be glad of that. If he was only going to continue creating problems and drama, be happy that you got out when you did! It’s scary to feel like you have nothing to fall back on, but you have to be able to fall back on yourself! Maybe single time is exactly what you need, so take advantage of it.

Make a list of all the great things that you’ve wanted to do and actually do them. Get silly, go out, and live! Life is what you make it, and if you want happiness you can have it. It’s that simple. Good luck!

Dear Games Over Girlfriend, Video games allow one to escape one’s world, and this can become very addictive. Perhaps it’s not that you love these games more than your girlfriend; maybe you just love the escape.

Whenever you’re feeling overwhelmed, you can count on the fact that you can slip away into a consistent, dependable, goal-centered world.

Why don’t you try including your girlfriend in a game where you can both participate?

Maybe you could even try a role-play-based video game. In this way, you can still find your escape, but include your girlfriend, too.

Dear Minerva, My boyfriend has an issue with video games. How do I get him to pay more attention to me instead of the fictional characters on his games?

Dear Perturbed Partner, Video games are highly habit-forming. People who are most likely to become dependent on video games are those who are bored, stressed, or overwhelmed by life. A couple of things you could try to help get your boyfriend to focus on you would be to come up with something fun to do, or to find ways to help him de-stress. This could include giving him a back rub, or even going on a walk. If this doesn’t work, then you should either accept it or join in. At least if you try to get in on the games, you’ll be spending time with him and you won’t feel so neglected.

Do you have a question that you want Minerva to answer?

Submit it to The Sycamore and see it in the next issue!

58

dear minerva

Ask me anything.

Dear Minerva,

Dear minerva,

DEAR MINERVA,

There is someone whom I have liked for a long time now but I just can’t get up the nerve to really talk to them. We have had small conversations about classes or clubs we are in together but I just have no idea how to break the ice beyond that and start a real relationship with this person. What is some advice you could give me to take the relationship beyond casual?

My roommate just got the flu and let me know that I’m not supposed to sleep in the room. What am I supposed to do? I’m mad at her for kicking me out of the room, but she’s sick. How can I react appropriately?

I was studying with a friend in my room the other day when he accidentally knocked over a ceramic pot that was on my desk. He didn’t mean to do, but didn’t offer to replace it. Would it be rude of me to ask him to?

Dear Ruffled Roommate,

Dear Ceramic Compensation,

There is no reason that you should have to leave your room. If your roommate is sick and needs to be isolated, she should not be staying in your room. If you do not feel comfortable confronting your roommate, or if confronting your roommate does not seem possible, talk to your RA about your situation. If this problem persists, contact a member of the Residence Life staff and explain your difficulty. It’s not fair of your roommate to leave you dispossessed, nor should she have the power to do so.

Your friend may feel that it is unfair of you to ask for hir to pay for the ceramic pot, because it was an accident. However, if you really feel strongly about being refunded, you should ask your friend to do so politely. If your friend refuses, you have to decide whether the matter is important enough to let it get in the way of your friendship.

Thank you, Shy and Awkward Dear Self-Conscious and Shy, Do some research and find out what ze likes.

For example, let’s say you know that ze wants to see a particular movie. Bring it up in conversation and make a plan to see it together.

Having this one-on-one time will help you get to know each other and will help you to feel if there are any sparks.

Dear Minerva, Why do these people look at my scepter and keep staring at my long black hooded “dress”?

Sincerely, Death Dear Diffident Death, First of all, Death, when did you trade your scythe in for a scepter, and your cloak for a dress? Perhaps this change in style is merely confusing people. However, it is possible that they are simply jealous of your distinctive fashion. I’ve noticed that Wellsians tend to go to great lengths to appear unique, so it is more than likely that they are simply admiring your unconventional apparel.

Dear minerva, Sometimes I find myself so overwhelmed with clubs and other responsibilities that I slack on my schoolwork, but I don’t want to give any of my commitments up. How can I remedy this?

Crushed by Commitments, Unfortunately, there is no real way to remedy this without cutting back on something.

Schoolwork should be your first priority, but as for your other commitments, you need to decide what is most important to you. You do not necessarily need to quit any of your extracurricular commitments, but taking on a position with less responsibility should be a big help.

Dear minerva, I’m so frustrated with the apathy that many students seem to have. Is there any way to get them interested in SOMETHING? Dear Disconcerted by Disinterest, People can be fickle. If you want to get their attention you have to work for it! Do some research and see what they respond to. Don’t just give up. Once you catch one person’s interest it can spread rapidly. Although students may claim to be interested in something, don’t expect them to go out of their way to participate. You have to make it seem advantageous to them.

It may be frustrating, but if you are up to the challenge, there’s a good chance you will succeed! •

Send questions to SycamoreAdvice@gmail.com.

The Sycamore / Fall 2009 59

CAITLIN “TANK” BRADLEY ’12

Tank’s photo shows good technicality and aesthetic.

Shooting into the sun presents the photographer with a difficult situation; several tonal values are present in the frame, including pure white and near-blacks, which make exposure tricky. Tank successfully overcame this by choosing to allow the kayakers to become silhouettes, thereby providing a resting point for the eye, and shifting the focus to the colors in the water. The image also speaks poetically about a very significant relationship: that of people and nature.

Molly Cichy Graphics Editor