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Writing@SVSU 2016–2017

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Writing@SVSU 2016–2017 SAGINAW VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY 2016-2017 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 svsu.edu ©Writing@SVSU 7400 Bay Road University Center, MI 48710 CREDITS Writing@SVSU is funded by the Office of the Dean of the College of Arts & Behavioral Sciences. Editorial Staff Christopher Giroux Associate Professor of English and Writing Center Assistant Director Joshua Atkins Literature and Creative Writing Major Alexa Foor English Major Samantha Geffert Secondary Education Major Sara Houser Elementary Education and English Language Arts Major Brianna Rivet Literature and Creative Writing Major Kylie Wojciechowski Professional and Technical Writing Major Production Layout and Photography Tim Inman Director of Marketing Support Jennifer Weiss Administrative Secretary University Communications Cover Design Justin Bell Graphic Design Major Printing SVSU Graphics Center Editor’s Note Welcome to the 2016-2017 issue of Writing@SVSU, our yearly attempt to capture a small slice of the good writing that occurs at and because of SVSU. Whether the pieces in Writing@SVSU are attached to a prize, the works you’ll find here emphasize that all writing matters, even when it’s not done for an English class (to paraphrase the title of an essay that follows). Given the political climate, where commentary is often delivered by our leaders through late- night or early-a.m. tweets, we hope you find it refreshing to read the pieces on the following pages. Beyond incorporating far more than 140 characters, these pieces encourage us to reflect at length, as they themselves were the product of much thought and reflection. Beyond being sources and the product of reflection, these texts remind us that the work of the university is, in part, to build bridges, often through words. Thus, the prize-winning pieces that appear on several of these pages not only provide new insights to readers outside of the authors’ disciplines, but are often intended to serve as models for the students in the same majors. Indeed, whether transactional writing, writing of a more scholarly bent, or writing that is literary in nature, the works that follow show that words indeed matter; texts—tweets, graffiti, haiku, scholarly essays—are ways for writers to actively engage with the larger world. As always, thanks to the deans of SVSU’s colleges who help make this publication a reality, with special recognition for the ongoing financial and moral support of Marc Peretz, Dean of the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences, and his staff. Additional gratitude goes to David Callejo, Cathy Davis, Kim Lacey, and Helen Raica-Klotz for their support and advice. Last but not least, a special thanks goes out to the tutors in the Writing Center who put this publication together throughout the winter and spring months. Writing is indeed a cause for reflection, as well they know from their various roles as writers, editors, and proofreaders. As the tutors and I plan for the 2017-18 edition, please know that we count on your input for students and initiatives to profile. Please send your suggestions to me. Until then, happy reading and happy writing! Chris Giroux Editor, Writing@SVSU In Memoriam Ted (Hugo) Braun (1932-2017) One of the special gifts in life is to be able to reflect with gratitude and affection on people who have walked beside us and left their mark in unique ways: on institutions, such as SVSU, and on us, as individuals privileged to know them. Ted Braun has been one of those extraordinary people. I first met Ted and Ruth in 1995, shortly after I had been hired as SVSU’s first Writing Program Director. To put writing “on the map” at SVSU, I wrote a proposal to the SVSU Foundation, seeking a donor for across-the-curriculum writing awards. Ted and Ruth responded with funding for an endowment, and the Braun Writing Awards at SVSU came into being.1 Established to create incentives for outstanding student writing and opportunities for student writers to be recognized and published, those awards have now been given out annually for twenty consecutive years. Nearly 350 SVSU graduates have been able to put a line on their résumé noting this special Braun Writing Award recognition. The diverse pieces of this year’s winners, found in the pages that follow, continue this tradition. Thus, it is fitting that we dedicate this publication to Ted Braun. A graduate of Arthur Hill High School, Yale University, and the University of Michigan Law School, Ted’s influence was both broad and deep. He served on SVSU’s Board of Control for eight years (1981- 1989). He was succeeded by Ruth, who served sixteen years (1991-2007). In other words, for nearly half of SVSU’s history, our university was an agenda item in the Brauns’ life. In addition to the Braun Writing Awards, their support also established the SVSU Braun Fellowship for Faculty; sixteen faculty members have been privileged to receive these awards.2 It is impossible to imagine the history of this university without the Brauns. In his law practice of fifty-seven years at the firm of Braun Kendrick, and throughout his life, Ted was known for his foresight and integrity, generosity and kindness. His commitment to the community was exceptional: he was president of the Harvey Randall Wickes Foundation and served as president/board chair of many other organizations, including Saginaw Community Foundation, United Way of Saginaw County, and Saginaw General Hospital. Ted received numerous awards, including an honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Saginaw Valley State University, Spirit of Philanthropy Award from Saginaw Community Foundation, Lifetime Community Service Award from Saginaw County Chamber of Commerce, and United Way Outstanding Community Volunteer Award. These community awards are a fitting testimony to Ted’s generous spirit. But perhaps a greater gift was to know him as a friend. I will always remember our last meeting, the week before my retirement, when Ted, in his navy blue blazer, and Ruth, bringing a gift, came to say good-bye. No words were adequate to express my gratitude! For me personally, Ted and Ruth made it possible to achieve a vital goal. For so many SVSU students, the Brauns’ presence at the annual Writing Awards reception has provided ongoing testimony to their commitment to our university. Ted, we remember with great gratitude all you gave to SVSU! Diane Boehm Director Emerita, SVSU University Writing Program 1For more information about the Braun Awards, visit svsu.edu/writingprogram/studentinstructorwritingawards/ braunawards/. 2Information about the Braun fellowship can be found at svsu.edu/academicaffairs/facultyawards/ ruthtedbraunfellowship. Table of Contents Spotlight on… The University Writing Awards “The Changing Independence Day Celebrations of the 19th Century,” by Kaitlyn Farley ......................................... 3 “Hashtag Activism: Counter-public Acquisition of Agency via Online and Digital Tools,” by Kylie Wojciechowski ............................................................................................................................................................ 9 “Music Festivals and the Self-Narrative: Detroit’s Revitalization,” by Zach Vega ................................................. 19 “International Trade and the Environment: A Tradeable Permits Solution,” by Jenni Putz .................................... 27 “Ready… Set… SHORT STORIES!: A Tale on Teaching How to Write Short Stories,” by Marisa VanRyckeghem ......................................................................................................................................................... 34 “The Prevalence, Incidence, Risk, and Rate of Musculoskeletal Injuries and Sudden Illness in Marching Band and Color Guard Members: A Critically Appraised Topic,” by Alissa C. Rhode and Clayton Westdorp ..................... 43 “ADHD in Girls,” by Shannon F. Layton ................................................................................................................. 52 “Knot Theory: Principles and Application,” by Alec Ward and Dylan E. McKnight .............................................. 59 “Unpacking Culturally Relevant Practices in Urban Classrooms,” by Makia Brooks ............................................. 70 “Classroom Portfolio,” by Sarah Stedman ............................................................................................................... 78 “Professional Portfolio,” by Kylie Wojciechowski ................................................................................................. 79 “A Cleaner and Healthier Future: Environmental Waste and Its Impact on Human Health,” by Carson Chapman ................................................................................................................................................................... 80 “Contact,” by Kellie Rankey .................................................................................................................................... 86 “Diaroma Americana,” by Kellie Rankey ................................................................................................................ 90 “A Guide to Being Hamlet,” by Zoey Cohen ........................................................................................................... 94 Spotlight on… The National Day on Writing “Stalker,” by Kellie Rankey ...................................................................................................................................... 96 “Tornado,” by KayLee Davis ..................................................................................................................................
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