Bottom Shelf Review May 1, 2007
V-Tech Vigil at WIlson
Wilson College
Sports
Recycle Mania
Chambersburg, Pennsylvania
Senior Wills Vol. XXXIX, No. 5
THE
WILSON BILLBOARD Voices of the Valley Delights Chambersburg Residents Wilson College Ranks in Top 20 in Nationwide Recycle Mania Competition By Kimberly Maske-Mertz
Professor Cornelius poses with (R-L) Elizabeth Clever, Kim Allen, Kimberly Maske-Mertz, and Meg Oldman.
By Kimberly Maske-Mertz They came. They saw. They were read to! On Friday, March 30th a number of Chambersburg residents were treated to a reading at the Capitol Theater by Professor Michael Cornelius and a select group talented English majors. The group, “Voices of the Valley,” read an eclectic mix of original poetry and prose written by the participants. Poetry selections included a number of spiritual and romantic works by Kim Allen, and “Habakkuk: A Salvific Epic” by Elizabeth Clever. The reading also in-
cluded the short story “The Walk” by Meg Oldman, as well as a creative nonfiction piece, “The Ex” by Kimberly MaskeMertz. Professor Cornelius also treated the audience to an excerpt from his newly-published horror novel, “The Ascension,” which hit book stores on March 31st. “Having Wilson students share their work with the larger Chambersburg community is an amazing opportunity,” says Professor Cornelius. “It allows our campus to reach out to the artistic community around us while putting our best foot forward with some of the most talented writers we have.” The event, sponsored by the Chambersburg Council
for the Arts, was part of the Capitol Theater ’s TGIF Brown Bag Series. The series, which takes place on Fridays at noon, showcases a variety of talent from around the area. Past performances have included the Letterkenny Players and the Wilson College Choir. The proceeds received by the English Department for the event will be donated to the Metropolitan Battered Women’s Program in Jefferson, Louisiana. For more information on the TGIF Brown Bag Series, contact the Capitol Theater at 264-6883 or visit w w w. i n n e r n e t . n e t / councilforthearts.
Wilson College has made considerable progress during the 10-week Recycle Mania competition. The students of Wilson should be proud of their garbage, or at least their efforts to recycle it. Out of the 201 colleges that participated, Wilson was at the top of the heap coming in at 15th place in recyclables and 9th place for Material/Food Service Organics recycled. Wilson students recycled a total of 48.9 pounds
of paper, plastic, and other reusable materials per person, and 19.4 pounds per person of organic material. While exact figures have yet to be calculated, it is estimated that Wilson recycled a total of 15,000 pounds of waste and 10,000 pounds of organics during the 10-week period. Way to go Wilson! You should be proud. With your help, we’ve managed to keep our world a little cleaner, and a little greener!
W HAT ’ S I NSIDE News...............................................Page 1 Features................................Pages 2-3, 5 Senior Wills....................................Page 3 Wilson Moments............................Page 4 Sports.............................................Page 5 Kidz Korner...................................Page 6
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1 May 2007
FEATURES
Editor’s Note
The Price is Right:
Caryn Watson
Handling Your Finances After Graduation By Heather Drumm Buying your own car insurance policy. Figuring how much renters’ insurance you need. Financing a plasma TV. Obtaining an auto loan with a good interest rate. Repaying your student loans. Starting a retirement plan. Selecting the best benefit package at your new job. Using a credit card. How many of these things are you comfortable doing? Do you know what they all are or what purpose they serve? Are they really necessary? Do you know how much you owe in student loans?
As the seniors leave Wilson and the underclasswomen look forward to the day when they move on to the next chapters in their lives, FINANCIAL LITERACY is very important. Up to this point, many of you have likely had help from parents when dealing with many financial issues. It’s time for you to take charge and it is imperative that you protect yourself in the best possible way. Take time to talk to your parents about coverage you currently have. Use the same insurance agents if you are comfort-
able withthem. You will need to get your own auto insurance policy when move from your parents’ house. Do not skimp on liability or underinsured/non-insured coverage. If someone totals your car and they have no insurance, you get nothing! Save money by using the same company or agent to get renters’ or homeowners’ insurance. DO NOT skimp on this! Renters’ insurance is very affordable. When buying either type of policy to protect your home and your belongings, make sure you are insured for REPLACE-
see Finances on page 5
Finally. As outgoing Editor in Chief of the Billboard I am both happy and sad. Happy to be graduating and sad to be leaving behind the opportunity to read, write and report information around campus and in the community. Throughout this year I have worked with great people who were willing to work above and beyond class assignments, fatigue and writer’s block. I hope you enjoyed reading the Billboard.
The Department of English invites you to attend our Senior Honors Presentations…
The Beholder’s Keener Eye By Elizabeth S. Stiles I wish I could read and speak Czech. As recently as a month ago I did not even realize it was a language. It’s not like we are offered courses in French, Spanish and Czech in high school. So, when I started talking with Nikola Grafnetterova, a student from Prague, Czech Republic, my interest in this new language - and the culture from which it came - was sparked. Nikola is quite a writer - in Czech. She has a natural ability to form and create text that is both interesting and rhythmic. Unfortunately, much gets lost in translation from Czech to English. That is why I began to wonder what her words would sound like in her native tongue. Nikola is quite an athlete - in field hockey and softball. She has a natural ability to help stick make contact with ball. Fortunately, this was an area for which she was pegged early in childhood. Her field hockey training began while most of us were still playing freeze tag. Nikola is quite a naturalist - in the United States. She
MENT VALUE. This could mean the difference in replacing at $1000 TV versus getting on $200 towards the purchase of a new one. When applying for loans, whether they are for a car, mortgage, or financing on your new large screen TV, make sure you shop around for the best rates. If you can afford to make extra payments, do so. You will pay off the loan early and avoid paying as much interest.
In the coming year, you will have two great people taking the helm as Co-Editors of the Billboard: Leah Martin and Kimberly Maske-Mertz. Kimberly ’08 is majoring in English Writing. Leah ’08 is majoring in Elementary Education with a minor in Psychology. I have had the opportunity to work with them on this last edition of the Billboard for the semester. Their commitment to get the paper edited and ready for print is an indication of what they will bring to the Billboard in the Fall.
When: Thursday, May 3rd at 3:00pm Where: Warfield Auditorium Who: Presenters will be... SHERI DAVIS Title of Thesis: “If all Men are born Free, howis it that all Women are born Slaves?” - Mary Astell: Defender of Faith, Gender, and Reason Mary Astell (1666-1731), a pious, Tory woman, is often labeled the first English feminist. Whether she was advocating women’s education or questioning women’s role in marriage, at the heart of Astell’s writings is a passionate plea to champion the advancement of women. Armed with a zealous feminist spirit, Astell took seriously her duty to other women, whom she hoped would follow the path she had prepared for them.
Nikola Grafnetterova, a Wilson student from Prague, Czech Republic. loves being outside working the ground and tending the animals. Wilson offers a variety of agricultural and environmental classes and experiences which she enjoys. Nikola is quite an interesting Wilson Woman - in (ternationally) Ha!Ha! - Okay, enough bad jokes. I wish I could read and speak Czech, but for
right now I am enjoying spending time with Nikola and learning more about her and the place she calls “home.”
*** Keep an eye out for another profile in the next edition of the Billboard. It could be you!
ELIZABETH CLEVER Title of Thesis: Dreaming With a Purpose - Three Examinations of the Medieval Dream-Vision This thesis is comprised of three studies that illumine various facets of dreaming in an inherently religious environment. The first argument treats the concept of dream-theory and expounds upon early and medieval theories of dreaming. The second portion examines one of the most popular dream-visions of the Judeo-Christian tradition, that of Jacob and the Heavenly Ladder, and shows its promulgation in medieval art, literature, and architecture. The final argument examines the literary techniques that provide illumination in William Langland’s fourteenth-century dream text, Piers Plowman. These three arguments show the diversity of thought and representations of dreaming during the medieval era.
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FEATURES
2007 Senior Wills Amanda Harrity And to all members of Orchesis: Becky Finch wills to Katrina the desire to dance and miles of To Erin Shaffer, I leave my Clippert the “special” couch, duct tape. Shooters poster... Keep the tragymnastics table and pinwheels. dition of Wilson Wednesday To Sam Campolongo a secret alive! I leave my blow up palm Caryn Watson big/lil’ sister item. To Tiffany tree to Bobbie Ditzler and Holmberg: our super special To the women with children liv- Amanda Price. I leave the recipe handshake; use it well! To Meg ing on campus I will endurance of Riddle Punch to my daughter, Oldman: another “get it girl!” and and an artificial light (at the end Logan Gonella... I know you will lots of light. To Beaver: one more of the tunnel)…it will end! To do me proud! To my other late night food run and walk KYC (and my own daughters) I daughter, Sarah Engelsman, I downtown. To Liz Heyer: flow- will butterfly wings, to explore leave that good old futon passed ers to throw across the table. To with amazement and wonder, the to me from Laura. To Marney Phil Smith: another Thanksgiving uncharted paths you will find your Niland, I leave all of my fortunes, at my house. To Madeline feet on. To V scotch tape for my Guinness lights, and the silly Newell: a push, a dance class at KYC. To TF and LP the author- little man on the back of my door. starbucks and another trip to ity to coordinate attendance at To all of my friends, I will you all NYC (come visit me!) To SuperReader events and to JC of the memories that we have Michelle Ansel: another trip to the ability to not doze at 3:00 am together and the promise of comNYC and an awesome doorman. in the middle of a paper. ing back to visit!! Becky Finch
Darwin Jackson To Deb Clark, I will my love of environmental science. To Cindy Murray and Matt Many congratulations to all of our Steinman I will all of my biodiesel-greased-covered graduating seniors this clothes. To Maria Thorne, my year--job well done! duties in the Spanish Club. Lastly, to Leah Martin and Kim To the benefactors of Maske-Mertz, I will all of the Billboard treasury paperwork... these senior wills, may you proudly accept have fun!
your gifts and do great and wonderful things Michelle Ansel with them in your final To Karen Hively, my golden Isis years at Wilson! wings. And to Amanda Clark, all my PLS knowledge and my dorm in the science center... you will need it!
Bottom Shelf Review
A New Life
Elegy to a Poet
Just
This Feeling
This feeling is so right
By Sherri Peters
By Elizabeth Clever
By Rebecca Cheek
by Kim Allen
And so she blooms full of color and renewed life.
The laurel moaneth, trampled by the Faun.
I’m just a whore wearing clothes…
A faded page quivers; the tomes torn!
Just a wolf in sheep’s disguise.
This feeling Flowing through my body Keeps me warm through the storm But I’m torn between believing and receiving This feeling I feel safe, but at the same time Moving at a fast pace In a race against time Trying to figure this feeling out Before my mind overflows with doubt about This feeling Plus I’m scared thinkin’ about the past Never did last Left my heart in an unseen cast Again, body feeling like it’s movin’ too fast But I’m secure This feeling don’t seem impure Slowly I’m becoming sure
Something I just can’t fight, try not to be uptight Just relax, sit back, and let this feeling Attach my body, all the while being cool Don’t be no fool, stay smart Knowledge saying thinkin’ and feeling are Two different parts of my anatomy But this feeling takes away my gravity Gradually floating higher and higher Feeling so good inside, don’t wanna hide Don’t wanna deny, wanna forget about pride This feeling I’ll open the door if you keep knockin’ Take over my body Make me feel weightless But remember... I’m watching Oh... but this feeling.
Nothing can stop the woman she is becoming. Nothing can change the woman that she was. No one can shadow all of her beauty. Besides she too content to notice if they try. Purposefully she places all of the pieces. Paying no mind to the insignificance of time. One by one, as she spins around in circles, All of her dreams begin to fall in line.
As arson-eyes now desecrate the dawn,
I’m just a babe wearing woman’s skin… Just a weed in flower’s mask.
a fiery blaze consumes the blessed morn. Those musing lips are pursed forevermore; the Harpies gladly claim the rights to song.
I’m just an orphan pretending to be theirs… Just a moth in butterfly wings. I’m just me trying to be you… Just a little girl in your shadow.
The poet trembles on the battered shore; aesthetic Man enjoins the mourning throng.
I’m just waiting, hoping to be loved. Just a nobody in awe of you
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FEATURES Vigil Held in Memorium By Kimberly Maske-Mertz College Campuses across the country held vigils in response to the April 16th tragedy on the Virginia Tech campus where lone gunman Cho Seung Hui killed thirty-two students and faculty including himself. Wilson student Laura Doton ’08 organized a vigil on the Wednesay after the shooting around the campus flag pole. At the event, faculty and students solemnly listened while Mike Albert, Supervisor of Grounds and Maintenance at
Wilson, rang the bell for all of the lives lost at Virginia Tech. Here Doton reflects on the significance of coordinating the event: “I organized the prayer vigil because I felt that there really needed to be a time on campus for the campus community to come together, grieve together, and support each other. I’m from Northern Virginia, and the majority of my high school goes to VT for college. Having a number of friends there (all of whom are fine)
I was profoundly struck by this tragedy. A girl from my high school, who graduated 2 years after me, was killed in the shooting, and she was friends with a number of my friends, so the ripple was huge. I also have 2 friends who graduated with the killer, so again, close to home and the ripple was large. I was deeply touched by the turn out for the prayer vigil- so many people came together- students, faculty, and
staff, and there were so many genuine, heartfelt prayers, it was amazing. Mike Albert and Cheryl Sleboda, Vice President for Finance and Administration, organized the idea to ring the bell for the victims. Mike Albert went out of his way to repair the bell for the vigil, and he was the one who rung it. It was a very poignant moment when the bell rung- it made me realize just how many 33 really is, and each ring wasn’t
Calling All Writers, Photographers, Journalists or Students with a Story to Tell. The Billboard wants you!!!
Hey do you see any parked cars around?
Color the flower !
Use your writing ability to support the Billboard staff while obtaining valuable college writing experience. Email billboard@wilson.edu
just a ring- it was a person, and their life. I got goosebumps, standing in the circle of my peers, faculty and staff, in the presence of God, remembering those lost. It was a wonderful experience, and addressed a huge tragedy in a way that allowed people to come together, support each other, and express their sorrow and blanket each other, the VT campus, and all those affected in prayer.”
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Features
Finances continued from page 2 Consolidate your student loans when you graduate and make sure the company is reputable. Interest rates on student loans are very low right now. You shouldn’t be paying more than 5-6% when you consolidate. Default on student loans is extremely detrimental to your credit scores. If you choose to use credit cards, know the terms and conditions. You may have a 0% interest rate but for how long and what happens if you don’t make a payment on time. Remember that interest on credit cards makes the items you purchase cost a lot more. If you only pay the minimum payments each month, that great $200 jacket will cost over $300 by the time you are done paying for it. A few years ago, a law was passed that entitles everyone to see their credit rating for FREE once each year. Visit www.annualcreditreport.com to see yours. Do not use any service that required you to pay a monthly fee or that makes you enter credit card information to see the report. When you get your first job, find out about retirement
contributions. Many companies match you contributions. It’s free money for retirement so take it!!! Of course it requires that you contribute some of your own money as well. I’m sure you have heard that the Social Security System is unsure that it will have enough funds to pay people what it should as the years progress. Create your own security by starting as early as you can. Also look carefully at the benefit packages that are available. Know what you need and what each package covers as well as what providers are included. Ask questions! Ask questions! Ask questions! The past two weeks have welcomed visitors from PSECU, Orrstown Bank and State Farm, as they assisted students in determining their financial needs and encouraging financial literacy for Wilson’s students. If you missed the presentations, but would like more information, please stop by the CDC to see handouts that were used and to get contact information for the presenters.
of growing and maturing to do. It is a shame however that women fail to realize that we are each other’s best support system. We are all that we have. If we can’t begin to uplift and support each other, who will? I understand that your situation is frustrating, and it can be very annoying to feel paranoid because you think someone is constantly watching your every move. As bad as it may sound, the best advice I can give you is to keep to yourself. Pick and overlooked because my name choose who you tell you personal has been slandered in so many business to, and try your hardest ways. to NOT participate in the gosHow do I handle this? sip. Carry yourself as if you are on a stage twenty four hours a Sincerely, day. Remember, you are the only Disappointed In My Fellow person who can portray a posiPeers tive image of yourself. People will perceive you the way you want Dear Disappointed, to be perceived. I’m so glad you wrote in on the topic of gossip. It truly Always Willing To Help, is something that needs to be Sarah addressed at this campus. The * * * first thing you have to rememSend Questions to “Ask ber is a lot of the young women Sarah” at here on campus are fresh out of billboard@wilson.edu high school and still have a lot
Ask Sarah
Dear Sarah, When I first came to Wilson I was so excited to attend an all women’s college. I thought the experience would be liberating in a sense that I was going to be surrounded by young intelligent women who wanted to make something of themselves. While the experience is still liberating academically, it is frustrating because I’ve realized how much drama there is due to gossip amongst the women on campus. I feel like everything I do is scrutinized, talked about, and embellished. I feel cheated because I thought my endeavors would be supported by my peers. Instead, my goals and accomplishments are
Sports
Wilson Athletes Have AWCC Recognition
By Sara Kann The Atlantic Women’s Colleges Conference (AWCC) has been naming a player of the week in softball, which started on March 20, 2007. Wilson athletes have held that title for 3 out of the 4 weeks. The first player of the week to be recognized was Wilson’s own, Rachel Cline. Cline, a senior from Chambersburg, was recognized for her efforts during the week of March 20. She hit a .450 in six games for the Phoenix, and had a base steal for each game. Cline went 3-for-8 with four runs and three stolen bases at Wilson’s last game against Salem College. The week of March 27 was captured by Hood College’s Jamie Gardner, but was soon reclaimed by the Wilson Phoenix. Cheryl Taylor,
sophomore from Frederick, Maryland, was recognized the week of April 3, with a .94 earned run average in 31 innings pitched. Taylor threw four entire games and struck out 36, walking only 8. Jen Liggett, senior from Warfordsburg, Pennsylvania, was honored during the week of April 10. When Wilson played Mary Baldwin, she went 4-for7 at the plate with a double and a run batted in, scoring three runs. As shortstop, Liggett made 11 putouts and had six assists. These athletes, as well as their teammates should be congratulated as Wilson College currently holds the number ONE spot in the AWCC conference. With its 5 wins in conference games and 9 wins in their cumulative season, Wilson takes the lead.
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Classifieds
THE BILLBOARD STAFF
WC Editor-in-Chief Caryn Watson ‘07
Business Manager Darwin Jackson ‘07
Advisor Laura Wackwitz Sports Editor Sara Kann ‘07
Staff Writers/ Photographers Martine Bourque ‘09 Robin Herring ‘07 Soo Jung Kim ‘08 Elizabeth Stiles ‘09
Associate Editor Lane Wigham ‘07
Assistant Editor Sarah Griffin ‘10
Mission Statement The Wilson Billboard is a tri-weekly student-run newspaper serving the Wilson College community. Its purpose is to relay important information to the campus and provide a forum for democratic discussion. The Billboard strives to encourge communication between student, faculty, staff and administration.