A Note from the Editors
By Elizabeth Koele ‘16 & Hannah Marcum ‘18
Dear Readers,
Welcome to the 36th edition of The Writing Anthology.
We are very excited to share this year’s publication with you. After reviewing nearly fifty submissions, we selected the following thirteen pieces to be featured in the anthology. The difficulty of this selection process is a testament to the excellent quality of student writing at Central College, and we are proud to see all the hard work put in by our peers.
Ideas have power. Each of the following essays was written with a unique goal to transform perspective. Through examining relevant questions and proposing solutions, the authors contribute to a broader global discourse. Considered as a whole, we believe this anthology develops a compelling statement concerning our present and future realities.
The first and last pieces in this anthology are natural complements. Both explore the association between humans and their health. Together, they build a framework for the progression of the collection. The first half of the anthology highlights human connection, both good and bad. Central to our arrangement is a philosophy essay that reminds readers of the origins of academic reasoning—a lens through which humans interpret their surroundings. Following this, the anthology’s focus shifts toward meaningful interaction between humanity and the environment, reaching for a balance between the two elements.
Each year the John Allen Award is granted to the author or authors of the best student writing. This year, we are pleased to announce that Dana Wolthuizen and Elizabeth Koele will receive this honor. Dana’s “A Scarlet Sea” threads together travel writing and historical perspective in a poignant memoir which highlights interpersonal connections. Similarly, Liz’s “Learning the Loess Hills” displays an environmental awareness woven into a place essay with historical, scientific, and visual elements.
The editors would like to congratulate all of the student authors: thank you once more for your exceptional work. Additionally, we thank the professors who took notice and submitted these essays to The Writing Anthology. Thanks also to Professor Brian Roberts and all of the talented artists for their outstanding contributions. We would like to recognize all of the glass artists: Ashton Mayer, Sean Robbins, Whitney Sowers, and particularly Melissa Ketchum whose glass piece appears on the cover. Finally, we would like to thank Steffanie Bonnstetter and Lindsey Maurer in Central College Communications.
Most importantly, we acknowledge our faculty advisors, Dr. Walter Cannon, Dr. Joshua Dolezal, and Dr. Cynthia Mahmood. Dr. Cannon was the founding editor of The Writing Anthology in 1981 and has remained a keen and dedicated advisor ever since. His influence can be seen in every edition and will be missed. Walt, we salute you.
Again, thank you to all who made this year’s publication possible. We simply couldn’t do it without you.
Enjoy the 2016 Writing Anthology!