Allie Martin
Southern Region Associate Student Representative, 2011-2012
Freed-Hardeman University
Fifteen hours in a packed Toyota Camry was not my idea of a great trip. Nevertheless, three other English majors from Freed-Hardeman University, our faculty sponsor, and I wedged ourselves into the car and headed toward Pittsburgh, PA, for the 2011 Sigma Tau Delta English Convention. This was my first convention, and I did not know what to expect.
When the convention committee chose Pittsburgh as the site for this year’s convention, they definitely knew what they were doing. I don’t know if I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting a city with so much culture! Several times my group went to Market Square to eat lunch or supper during our breaks. Restaurants around a quaint square with its cobblestoned streets, Market Square stood in stark contrast to the skyscrapers surrounding it. My Philly burger at The Primanti Brothers’ restaurant was my favorite meal: the famous Primanti Brothers’ offering with slaw and French fries ON the sandwich.
My group was also able to meet up with students and faculty from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, to ride the Incline up the mountain. I’d never been on a lift like that before, and although the new experience was exhilarating, I was hardly able to revel in that for being distracted by the incredible view. The Ohio river encompasses the triangular tract of land that houses the downtown area, and bridges of various sizes and grandeur lead from the residential areas to the sky scrapers. The students and sponsor from my school and the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire students have been involved in a collaborative project for the last six months, and getting to share this moment with fellow English majors (whom we had not meant in person before this convention) was gratifying.
Lorene Cary, author of the convention’s common reader Black Ice, spoke Thursday night, and hearing her accounts of teaching in the Pittsburgh prison system was inspirational. I’ve never considered teaching in any capacity in the future, but many of the audience members asked her questions about this work and mentioned they were looking into similar activities. In fact, many of the sessions I went to advocated world literacy. So many English majors at the conventions cared about sharing their passion for English with the world.
I didn’t know what to expect as our small group from western Tennessee set out towards Pittsburgh. What I found was a sense of camaraderie unparalleled by my previous experiences. Everyone who attended the Sigma Tau Delta convention had a zeal for literature and the English language. I was blessed to be elected as Associate Student Representative for the Southern Region. The next year ahead is sure to be a learning experience, but I am thrilled to be a part of it.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Convention Stories
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Scholarship and Academic Award Applications Now Open
Sigma Tau Delta is pleased to announce that active members are able to apply for Scholarships and Academic Awards for Fall 2011. Students and alumni will use the new Scholarship and Tracking Review System (STARS Online) to apply. Instructions for our online application process and a link to STARS, to enable students to begin applying, is now available at: STARS Application Process.
The submission deadline is Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
Thanks for your attention,
Dr. John Kerrigan
Chair, Scholarships and Academic Awards Committee
The submission deadline is Tuesday, November 8, 2011.
Thanks for your attention,
Dr. John Kerrigan
Chair, Scholarships and Academic Awards Committee
Convention Stories
Sarah Faulkner
Far Western Region Student Representative, 2011-2012
Chapman University
I was thrilled when I heard that my critical paper had been accepted to the 2011 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention. I was even more excited when I confirmed that the papers and creative works of thirteen of my peers had been accepted as well, and that eleven of us would be flying to Pittsburgh in late March. This would be my first Convention, my first presentation of an accepted paper, and my first experience in such a large community of driven and talented English scholars.
The preparations were hectic. Trying to find funding, helping people book flights and hotel rooms, and comprehending that Philadelphia was not the same place as Pittsburgh consumed much of my time prior to convention. When I showed up to my group’s meeting spot at 4AM on March 23rd to wait for our taxi, I was nervous about the week ahead. The flight was long, and we landed into chaos. Pittsburgh was in the midst of a great storm, and we were delayed on the tarmac for an hour and a half, only to be welcomed into the airport by TVs flashing with tornado warnings. After another grueling hour of collecting bags and waiting for our shuttle, I was having my doubts about the wisdom of going to the convention.
We were awed on first emerging from the airport into Pittsburgh. Its impressive skyline and high population of yellow bridges struck me as different from anything I’d seen before. We were shuttled to the Grand Wyndham in Downtown, a beautiful and extremely accommodating hotel. With so much travel trauma, we had missed that day’s registration and decided to venture out in search of food. We stumbled upon Primanti Bros., where I experienced a sandwich containing two fried eggs, cheese, coleslaw, and fries. I was officially in Pittsburgh.
The week quickly turned into one of the best of my life. The Student Leadership Workshops were extremely useful and fun, and I discovered many brilliant ideas and people from across the nation. We then did more exploring of Pittsburgh, including riding the tram up the hill to Mt. Washington and exploring Station Square. It was also on this day that I attended the unofficial regional caucus and debated if I should run for Student Representative and was, of course, persuaded to do so by the amazing opportunities and possibilities for growth.
On Friday, I attended the Scholarship/Awards Ceremony to discover that I had received the Far Western Regent’s Scholarship, a very pleasant surprise. We then moved to the Regional Caucuses, where I was elected Student Representative for the Far Western Region. As all the representatives met for lunch in the Executive Suite (which I had been eyeing from the 24th floor for a while) I began to get truly excited about the Student Representative position and its potential. The day continued with an amazing trip to the Andy Warhol Museum, dinner with my chapter, and hearing Kay Ryan read her soothing and inspiring poetry.
Saturday opened with the nervous excitement of presenting my paper. After listening to my best friend read her creative piece at 8:00AM, I felt a little easier, and we presented next to each other at the 20th Century British Lit. Critical panel at 9:30AM. After my paper on Yeats was delivered, I traveled all around the Wyndham with my chapter to see five different presentations, including the brilliant panel on Harry Potter.
The women from my chapter and I then got ready for the Gala, putting on our finest black and red dresses. We sat at dinner with our chapter, awaiting the announcement of the convention winners. One of the graduate students from our chapter won second place in original fiction, news which was met from us with a great roar of cheers. We enjoyed the sense of community and accomplishment felt throughout the room filled with over 1000 dedicated leaders and scholars. After the Gala, we heard Dave Eggers give a marvelous talk about his life and work, and the Convention was officially ended. I said goodbye to the wonderful new friends I had made throughout the week and prepared to make the trip back to California.
The four days I spent in Pittsburgh at convention were amazing. The week was filled with opportunity, knowledge, growth, and truly inspiring people. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend, and I look forward to implementing the positive ideas and attitude I gained into my own chapter and my own life. I am very much looking forward to the next convention in New Orleans! Until then, I will remember convention as one of the best experiences of my life.
Far Western Region Student Representative, 2011-2012
Chapman University
I was thrilled when I heard that my critical paper had been accepted to the 2011 Sigma Tau Delta International Convention. I was even more excited when I confirmed that the papers and creative works of thirteen of my peers had been accepted as well, and that eleven of us would be flying to Pittsburgh in late March. This would be my first Convention, my first presentation of an accepted paper, and my first experience in such a large community of driven and talented English scholars.
The preparations were hectic. Trying to find funding, helping people book flights and hotel rooms, and comprehending that Philadelphia was not the same place as Pittsburgh consumed much of my time prior to convention. When I showed up to my group’s meeting spot at 4AM on March 23rd to wait for our taxi, I was nervous about the week ahead. The flight was long, and we landed into chaos. Pittsburgh was in the midst of a great storm, and we were delayed on the tarmac for an hour and a half, only to be welcomed into the airport by TVs flashing with tornado warnings. After another grueling hour of collecting bags and waiting for our shuttle, I was having my doubts about the wisdom of going to the convention.
We were awed on first emerging from the airport into Pittsburgh. Its impressive skyline and high population of yellow bridges struck me as different from anything I’d seen before. We were shuttled to the Grand Wyndham in Downtown, a beautiful and extremely accommodating hotel. With so much travel trauma, we had missed that day’s registration and decided to venture out in search of food. We stumbled upon Primanti Bros., where I experienced a sandwich containing two fried eggs, cheese, coleslaw, and fries. I was officially in Pittsburgh.
The week quickly turned into one of the best of my life. The Student Leadership Workshops were extremely useful and fun, and I discovered many brilliant ideas and people from across the nation. We then did more exploring of Pittsburgh, including riding the tram up the hill to Mt. Washington and exploring Station Square. It was also on this day that I attended the unofficial regional caucus and debated if I should run for Student Representative and was, of course, persuaded to do so by the amazing opportunities and possibilities for growth.
On Friday, I attended the Scholarship/Awards Ceremony to discover that I had received the Far Western Regent’s Scholarship, a very pleasant surprise. We then moved to the Regional Caucuses, where I was elected Student Representative for the Far Western Region. As all the representatives met for lunch in the Executive Suite (which I had been eyeing from the 24th floor for a while) I began to get truly excited about the Student Representative position and its potential. The day continued with an amazing trip to the Andy Warhol Museum, dinner with my chapter, and hearing Kay Ryan read her soothing and inspiring poetry.
Saturday opened with the nervous excitement of presenting my paper. After listening to my best friend read her creative piece at 8:00AM, I felt a little easier, and we presented next to each other at the 20th Century British Lit. Critical panel at 9:30AM. After my paper on Yeats was delivered, I traveled all around the Wyndham with my chapter to see five different presentations, including the brilliant panel on Harry Potter.
The women from my chapter and I then got ready for the Gala, putting on our finest black and red dresses. We sat at dinner with our chapter, awaiting the announcement of the convention winners. One of the graduate students from our chapter won second place in original fiction, news which was met from us with a great roar of cheers. We enjoyed the sense of community and accomplishment felt throughout the room filled with over 1000 dedicated leaders and scholars. After the Gala, we heard Dave Eggers give a marvelous talk about his life and work, and the Convention was officially ended. I said goodbye to the wonderful new friends I had made throughout the week and prepared to make the trip back to California.
The four days I spent in Pittsburgh at convention were amazing. The week was filled with opportunity, knowledge, growth, and truly inspiring people. I am so thankful for the opportunity to attend, and I look forward to implementing the positive ideas and attitude I gained into my own chapter and my own life. I am very much looking forward to the next convention in New Orleans! Until then, I will remember convention as one of the best experiences of my life.
Monday, September 26, 2011
Convention Stories
Joseph Asbury
Far Western Region Associate Student Representative, 2011
Utah State University
Beyond Words. That could be an appropriate description of my experience at the convention. The members of our chapter had never been to the convention before, so we really had no idea what to expect.
Our brave troop went on to enjoy the four day convention.
I attended the Leadership Workshop, and I could not be more pleased that I did. The workshop gave me a lot of ideas about how to make the Rho Tau chapter more active in the community and within the English majors and minors.
The Bad Poetry Contest was a highlight. All three students from our chapter presented a poem. I enjoyed the contest in its entirety. I can see why the contest is a favorite from year to year.
The panels enlightened me. I had no idea that there would be such a selection from which to choose. The topics appealed to people from across all disciplines of English.
The experience I had at the convention allows me to extol the virtues of Sigma Tau Delta. Seeing the society operate as a worldwide community helps me better clarify to my school why Sigma TD is such a great organization. People come to discuss and present what interests them. Opportunities abound for making new friends and new insights into the world. If all that fails, being a member of an international honor society looks good on a resume.
Far Western Region Associate Student Representative, 2011
Utah State University
Beyond Words. That could be an appropriate description of my experience at the convention. The members of our chapter had never been to the convention before, so we really had no idea what to expect.
Our brave troop went on to enjoy the four day convention.
I attended the Leadership Workshop, and I could not be more pleased that I did. The workshop gave me a lot of ideas about how to make the Rho Tau chapter more active in the community and within the English majors and minors.
The Bad Poetry Contest was a highlight. All three students from our chapter presented a poem. I enjoyed the contest in its entirety. I can see why the contest is a favorite from year to year.
The panels enlightened me. I had no idea that there would be such a selection from which to choose. The topics appealed to people from across all disciplines of English.
The experience I had at the convention allows me to extol the virtues of Sigma Tau Delta. Seeing the society operate as a worldwide community helps me better clarify to my school why Sigma TD is such a great organization. People come to discuss and present what interests them. Opportunities abound for making new friends and new insights into the world. If all that fails, being a member of an international honor society looks good on a resume.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Southwestern Call For Papers
Sigma Tau Delta
Call For Student Papers
Southwest Region Conference
November 4-5, 2011 in Archer City, Texas
Theme: Faces of the West
Guest Artist: Texas Poet Laureate
Dr. James Hoggard
All student members of Sigma Tau Delta are invited to submit papers for the upcoming SW regional conference. We hope to offer sessions in the creative writing of short fiction, poetry, and non-fiction AND in the critical analysis of literature of all kinds (including non-print media such as film, TV, and videogames). Your essay does not have to address the conference theme in order to qualify for presentation.
Please keep your submissions to 10 pages or fewer. You may send paper copies or submit electronically by e-mail attachments. Send paper copies to the following address:
Sigma Tau Delta Southwest SR Jolie Hicks
c/o Dr. Victoria Gaydosik
SWOSU Language and Literature Department
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
For e-mail submissions, attach a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file to an e-mail message and send it to victoria.gaydosik@swosu.edu .
You may also submit your name to participate in a workshop session if you wish to attend and do not have a completed paper in hand. Send an e-mail message to the address above.
Chapter sponsors may join a sponsor workshop with President Sidney Watson. Send an e-mail to the address above to join the sponsor workshop.
DEADLINE: October 21, 2011
Participants selected must be members of Sigma Tau Delta and must pay a registration fee of $20 to cover materials and a conference luncheon. Lodging in Archer City is limited to the Lonesome Dove Inn or the Spur Hotel. Additional lodging is available 25 miles away in Wichita Falls, TX. Everyone who submits papers will receive additional information about schedules, lodging, dining options, and conference activities.
Hope to see you in Archer City!
Call For Student Papers
Southwest Region Conference
November 4-5, 2011 in Archer City, Texas
Theme: Faces of the West
Guest Artist: Texas Poet Laureate
Dr. James Hoggard
All student members of Sigma Tau Delta are invited to submit papers for the upcoming SW regional conference. We hope to offer sessions in the creative writing of short fiction, poetry, and non-fiction AND in the critical analysis of literature of all kinds (including non-print media such as film, TV, and videogames). Your essay does not have to address the conference theme in order to qualify for presentation.
Please keep your submissions to 10 pages or fewer. You may send paper copies or submit electronically by e-mail attachments. Send paper copies to the following address:
Sigma Tau Delta Southwest SR Jolie Hicks
c/o Dr. Victoria Gaydosik
SWOSU Language and Literature Department
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
For e-mail submissions, attach a .doc, .docx, or .pdf file to an e-mail message and send it to victoria.gaydosik@swosu.edu .
You may also submit your name to participate in a workshop session if you wish to attend and do not have a completed paper in hand. Send an e-mail message to the address above.
Chapter sponsors may join a sponsor workshop with President Sidney Watson. Send an e-mail to the address above to join the sponsor workshop.
DEADLINE: October 21, 2011
Participants selected must be members of Sigma Tau Delta and must pay a registration fee of $20 to cover materials and a conference luncheon. Lodging in Archer City is limited to the Lonesome Dove Inn or the Spur Hotel. Additional lodging is available 25 miles away in Wichita Falls, TX. Everyone who submits papers will receive additional information about schedules, lodging, dining options, and conference activities.
Hope to see you in Archer City!
Labels:
Calls for Submissions,
Southwestern Region
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
Midwestern Region Call for Submissions
Midwestern Region
Journal Title - Ex Medio
Call for Entries
Submission Due Date: January 6, 2012
The 2012 edition will be electronic and is open to original poetry, artwork and (NEW this year) flash fiction from members of Sigma Tau Delta's Midwestern Region. Contributors are welcome to submit up to three entries from each category. If submitting multiple entries, each must be sent as a separate email.
Journal Title - Ex Medio
Call for Entries
Submission Due Date: January 6, 2012
The 2012 edition will be electronic and is open to original poetry, artwork and (NEW this year) flash fiction from members of Sigma Tau Delta's Midwestern Region. Contributors are welcome to submit up to three entries from each category. If submitting multiple entries, each must be sent as a separate email.
Friday, September 2, 2011
Convention Stories
Sigma Tau Delta International Convention 2011: Beyond Words
By Katherine Williams, Associate Student Representative: Southwest Region
On an uncharacteristically chilling week of spring, yellow bridges dotted the Allegheny and Monogahela rivers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As silvery air-filled pillows floated effortlessly in the Andy Warhol Museum, countless thousands of college students dotted the downtown business district of the former industrial city, but rather than wearing the colors of yellow and gray of the city, they chose to wear cardinal and black to show off their pride in Sigma Tau Delta. On the last full week of March, Sigma Tau Delta members from chapters across the country met at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh hotel and convention center to present papers, attend student leadership workshops, and meet other like-minded college students for this year’s theme, “Beyond Words.”
By Katherine Williams, Associate Student Representative: Southwest Region
On an uncharacteristically chilling week of spring, yellow bridges dotted the Allegheny and Monogahela rivers of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. As silvery air-filled pillows floated effortlessly in the Andy Warhol Museum, countless thousands of college students dotted the downtown business district of the former industrial city, but rather than wearing the colors of yellow and gray of the city, they chose to wear cardinal and black to show off their pride in Sigma Tau Delta. On the last full week of March, Sigma Tau Delta members from chapters across the country met at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh hotel and convention center to present papers, attend student leadership workshops, and meet other like-minded college students for this year’s theme, “Beyond Words.”
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Far Western Call for Papers
Hello Sigma Tau Delta Leaders!
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. This is Sarah Faulkner, Sigma Tau Delta’s Student Representative for the Far Western Region. It is my responsibility and pleasure to be of any and all assistance to the Far Western chapters, including organizing regional events, preparing publications, and this year, assisting with a regional conference!
All chapters in the Far Western Region are invited to Pilgrimage West, Sigma Tau Delta’s Far Western Conference hosted by Chapman University in Orange, CA, November 12, 2011.
I hope you are enjoying a wonderful summer. This is Sarah Faulkner, Sigma Tau Delta’s Student Representative for the Far Western Region. It is my responsibility and pleasure to be of any and all assistance to the Far Western chapters, including organizing regional events, preparing publications, and this year, assisting with a regional conference!
All chapters in the Far Western Region are invited to Pilgrimage West, Sigma Tau Delta’s Far Western Conference hosted by Chapman University in Orange, CA, November 12, 2011.
Labels:
Calls for Submissions,
Far Western Region
Friday, August 26, 2011
Call for Papers
Language & Linguistics Student Conference
Saturday, November 12, 2011
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma
Conference Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Submission Deadline: Monday, September 12, 2011
Acceptance Notification: On or before Monday, September 26, 2011
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 10, 2011
150 Word Abstracts are invited from undergraduate and graduate students for 15-minute presentations including, but not limited to, relationships between and among language, linguistics, and their many applications:
Saturday, November 12, 2011
University of Central Oklahoma
Edmond, Oklahoma
Conference Date: Saturday, November 12, 2011
Submission Deadline: Monday, September 12, 2011
Acceptance Notification: On or before Monday, September 26, 2011
Registration Deadline: Monday, October 10, 2011
150 Word Abstracts are invited from undergraduate and graduate students for 15-minute presentations including, but not limited to, relationships between and among language, linguistics, and their many applications:
Labels:
Calls for Submissions,
Southwestern Region
Monday, August 22, 2011
Convention Stories
It takes a village…Beyond Words 2011
Alexandra Reznik
Pi Delta Chapter
Duquesne University
Student Advisor 2011-2012
I was so excited that the Sigma Tau Delta International Conference, Beyond Words 2011, took place in my hometown of Pittsburgh. After growing up in the ‘Burgh, attending undergrad at Chatham University, and deciding to pursue my MA in English Literature at Duquesne University, I am proud to say that I share the same inspirational place as writers August Wilson and Willa Cather. The many communities I have fostered in Pittsburgh have inevitably expanded to an international level with my involvement in Sigma Tau Delta.
Alexandra Reznik
Pi Delta Chapter
Duquesne University
Student Advisor 2011-2012
I was so excited that the Sigma Tau Delta International Conference, Beyond Words 2011, took place in my hometown of Pittsburgh. After growing up in the ‘Burgh, attending undergrad at Chatham University, and deciding to pursue my MA in English Literature at Duquesne University, I am proud to say that I share the same inspirational place as writers August Wilson and Willa Cather. The many communities I have fostered in Pittsburgh have inevitably expanded to an international level with my involvement in Sigma Tau Delta.
Friday, August 19, 2011
Convention Stories
MeKoi Scott
Southern Student Representative
Omicron Psi
Auburn University Montgomery
2011 Convention Experience
The day before my chapter flew to the convention, the manager at the Learning Center, where I tutor, asked me if I was excited about the convention. I told her I was neither excited nor unexcited. Definitely, I was appreciative for the opportunity to attend the event, but, to my mind, I had little to anticipate that would create excitement. I had never been to convention before, so I could not draw upon previous experiences to formulate what would possibly be in store for me. Only vague notions about what a convention offers could I conjure, especially about an English convention. Besides the opportunity to present academic or creative works and meet people who also enjoy literature, what else could the Sigma Tau Delta convention offer? As I found out, it can offer more enriching and motivating experiences that one could anticipate.
As I listened to students present their works during the various sessions and also read their inventive poetry during the bad poetry contest and on open mic night, I was infused with added desire to hone my own craft and to find compelling ways to express my own ideas. Not that my desire lacked before my ears were tickled and stimulated by words that pleased and ideas that provoked, but these words and ideas made my desire the more intense. Now I carry with me this inspiration as I push myself to improve.
In addition to being inspired by other students' works, I was also giddy with the inebriating pleasure of being immersed in literary discussions. One of the members in my chapter told me about an instance he had experienced at the previous convention: he encountered a conversation weighing the merits of the characters in Stephen Crane's "The Open Boat." When I heard his story, I thought it would be nice to be among a large group of people who knew such topics or, at least, would be genuinely interested in such topics. However, from his story, I could not have anticipated the culminating effect of being in one stimulating discussion after another. It was as if I had stumbled upon a magical place, and once I crossed its threshold, everyone there greeted me with "Welcome! We have been waiting for you."
This sense of community and the added inspiration sent me staggering away from Pittsburgh in a euphoric bliss.
Southern Student Representative
Omicron Psi
Auburn University Montgomery
2011 Convention Experience
The day before my chapter flew to the convention, the manager at the Learning Center, where I tutor, asked me if I was excited about the convention. I told her I was neither excited nor unexcited. Definitely, I was appreciative for the opportunity to attend the event, but, to my mind, I had little to anticipate that would create excitement. I had never been to convention before, so I could not draw upon previous experiences to formulate what would possibly be in store for me. Only vague notions about what a convention offers could I conjure, especially about an English convention. Besides the opportunity to present academic or creative works and meet people who also enjoy literature, what else could the Sigma Tau Delta convention offer? As I found out, it can offer more enriching and motivating experiences that one could anticipate.
As I listened to students present their works during the various sessions and also read their inventive poetry during the bad poetry contest and on open mic night, I was infused with added desire to hone my own craft and to find compelling ways to express my own ideas. Not that my desire lacked before my ears were tickled and stimulated by words that pleased and ideas that provoked, but these words and ideas made my desire the more intense. Now I carry with me this inspiration as I push myself to improve.
In addition to being inspired by other students' works, I was also giddy with the inebriating pleasure of being immersed in literary discussions. One of the members in my chapter told me about an instance he had experienced at the previous convention: he encountered a conversation weighing the merits of the characters in Stephen Crane's "The Open Boat." When I heard his story, I thought it would be nice to be among a large group of people who knew such topics or, at least, would be genuinely interested in such topics. However, from his story, I could not have anticipated the culminating effect of being in one stimulating discussion after another. It was as if I had stumbled upon a magical place, and once I crossed its threshold, everyone there greeted me with "Welcome! We have been waiting for you."
This sense of community and the added inspiration sent me staggering away from Pittsburgh in a euphoric bliss.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Job Opening, Communications Specialist 4
Boeing Commercial Airplanes is seeking experienced candidates for a Communications Specialist position at its Everett site. This position will create employee-focused communications that highlight how people and teams are contributing to the success of the Commercial Airplanes business unit. The communicator must have strong writing, reporting and story-telling skills, results-driven project management experience and demonstrated ability to work with all levels of an organization. On-camera video experience is preferred.
For more information, go to https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobView?reqcode=11-1016215
Monday, August 8, 2011
Book Jobs
http://www.bookjobs.com/ is a great site for anyone interested in working in the publishing field. For those who do not know much about publishing but are vaguely interested in it, the site provides basic information about the book publishing industry, including commonly used words and terms, department descriptions, and companies. Not only does the site have an organized comprehensive list of publishing internships (this is where I found my last internship with a literary agency in NYC), but for those who have graduated, it allows you to choose specific departments and provides a list of available jobs based on your specifications. Publishing is an evolving and engaging field and in need of talented English majors, so if you are contemplating your career plans, you should definitely explore this website.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Convention Stories
by Sean Cullen
Kappa Pi Chapter
On March 25, 2009, I embarked on a plane ride to an international convention that quickly established itself as the highlight to my final semester as an undergraduate. The convention was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at The Hyatt Regency, for Sigma Tau Delta members, the International English Honor Society founded in 1924.
When I first thought of any English Honor Society I usually imagined a room full of pipe-smoking white-bearded snobs. During my stay I failed to see even a single pipe, and a diminutive number of beards in white or any shade for that matter. What I discovered was an atypical assembly of students, scholars, and others who all shared the common interest of reading and writing.
This mix of people along with the thought-provoking sessions and presentations, the bad poetry contest, the speakers, the assortment of note-worthy restaurants, and the really big mall made the Sigma Tau Delta convention an experience guaranteed to please. I particularly enjoyed hearing stories of Sigma Tau Delta past, and how the society is moving forward each year. The featured speakers were my favorite part of the convention. Speakers were Alexandra Fuller, Neil Gaiman, Michael Perry, and Chris Crutcher. I was the most enthused by the lectures by Alexandra Fuller and Michael Perry. I felt that their lectures were each notable in their own distinctive ways.
Fuller had the ability to speak of a childhood that was chaotic at best in Africa, and she now lives as a liberal-minded female writer in conservative Wyoming. Through all of her personal struggles and the struggles she has seen and written about, Fuller was able to make jokes, but still got a strong message across to me.
Michael Perry’s life is much different than Fuller’s. He has a degree in nursing and was writing while having a mix of odd jobs that included being a truck driver, cowboy, music roadie, and firefighter. During his lecture he stayed true to himself and his unique stories. I went to Perry’s question and answer period where I was lucky enough to have my question answered.
I asked Perry if staying true to his sense of style had ever run him into any troubles while attempting to get any of his works published. He then told us of how his father had always stressed the importance of being who you are. He took that advice to heart and truly believed that if he had not been himself he doubted his career would be going where he would like it to be headed. He told us of how when his first book tour was being scheduled he changed the agent’s plans so that he could drive himself around to places that people were more likely to relate, buy, and enjoy his books.
The featured speakers may have been my favorite, but other components of the convention will remain with me for years to come. The bad poetry contest, the t-shirt skits, and the creative nonfiction sessions were three other focal points of the convention. The bad poetry contest not only allowed me to finally let out my true feelings for Professor DeMeo, but also allowed me to see how talented some of my fellow Sigma Tau Delta members were when it came to their own terrible works of poetry. Before coming to the convention I had heard stories about this contest. I can now proudly say that I have participated in it.
The t-shirt skit was one of the easier skits to write. Dr. DeMeo’s choice of t-shirt design practically wrote our skit for us. I enjoyed being on the stage with other members of our chapter. Writing the script and performing it brought our group closer together. I am still delighted that we tied for second for our t-shirt skit.
An experience that I would not want to overlook was having the opportunity to see the city of Minneapolis. All of the people whom I had the pleasure to talk with were incredibly friendly and helpful. I mostly stayed in our area by the hotel. The Newsroom was an attention-grabbing restaurant. All over the restaurant were enlarged newspaper clippings that had some significance in world history.
Unfortunately, the convention had to finally come to an end. It was not until after I was blessed enough to make some new friends, grow closer to older ones, and listen to excellent stories and presentations. I only hope that I will be in a position that I will have the opportunity to go to the convention next year. Until then, I will continue to share my stories of this convention. As a speaker quoted Polly McGuire at the awards banquet, “Stories are like fairy gold; the more you give away, the more you have.” I feel that this captures the significance of having a convention like Sigma Tau Delta’s. It is necessary to share stories in order to grow as a writer, a reader, and as an individual.
Kappa Pi Chapter
On March 25, 2009, I embarked on a plane ride to an international convention that quickly established itself as the highlight to my final semester as an undergraduate. The convention was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, at The Hyatt Regency, for Sigma Tau Delta members, the International English Honor Society founded in 1924.
When I first thought of any English Honor Society I usually imagined a room full of pipe-smoking white-bearded snobs. During my stay I failed to see even a single pipe, and a diminutive number of beards in white or any shade for that matter. What I discovered was an atypical assembly of students, scholars, and others who all shared the common interest of reading and writing.
This mix of people along with the thought-provoking sessions and presentations, the bad poetry contest, the speakers, the assortment of note-worthy restaurants, and the really big mall made the Sigma Tau Delta convention an experience guaranteed to please. I particularly enjoyed hearing stories of Sigma Tau Delta past, and how the society is moving forward each year. The featured speakers were my favorite part of the convention. Speakers were Alexandra Fuller, Neil Gaiman, Michael Perry, and Chris Crutcher. I was the most enthused by the lectures by Alexandra Fuller and Michael Perry. I felt that their lectures were each notable in their own distinctive ways.
Fuller had the ability to speak of a childhood that was chaotic at best in Africa, and she now lives as a liberal-minded female writer in conservative Wyoming. Through all of her personal struggles and the struggles she has seen and written about, Fuller was able to make jokes, but still got a strong message across to me.
Michael Perry’s life is much different than Fuller’s. He has a degree in nursing and was writing while having a mix of odd jobs that included being a truck driver, cowboy, music roadie, and firefighter. During his lecture he stayed true to himself and his unique stories. I went to Perry’s question and answer period where I was lucky enough to have my question answered.
I asked Perry if staying true to his sense of style had ever run him into any troubles while attempting to get any of his works published. He then told us of how his father had always stressed the importance of being who you are. He took that advice to heart and truly believed that if he had not been himself he doubted his career would be going where he would like it to be headed. He told us of how when his first book tour was being scheduled he changed the agent’s plans so that he could drive himself around to places that people were more likely to relate, buy, and enjoy his books.
The featured speakers may have been my favorite, but other components of the convention will remain with me for years to come. The bad poetry contest, the t-shirt skits, and the creative nonfiction sessions were three other focal points of the convention. The bad poetry contest not only allowed me to finally let out my true feelings for Professor DeMeo, but also allowed me to see how talented some of my fellow Sigma Tau Delta members were when it came to their own terrible works of poetry. Before coming to the convention I had heard stories about this contest. I can now proudly say that I have participated in it.
The t-shirt skit was one of the easier skits to write. Dr. DeMeo’s choice of t-shirt design practically wrote our skit for us. I enjoyed being on the stage with other members of our chapter. Writing the script and performing it brought our group closer together. I am still delighted that we tied for second for our t-shirt skit.
An experience that I would not want to overlook was having the opportunity to see the city of Minneapolis. All of the people whom I had the pleasure to talk with were incredibly friendly and helpful. I mostly stayed in our area by the hotel. The Newsroom was an attention-grabbing restaurant. All over the restaurant were enlarged newspaper clippings that had some significance in world history.
Unfortunately, the convention had to finally come to an end. It was not until after I was blessed enough to make some new friends, grow closer to older ones, and listen to excellent stories and presentations. I only hope that I will be in a position that I will have the opportunity to go to the convention next year. Until then, I will continue to share my stories of this convention. As a speaker quoted Polly McGuire at the awards banquet, “Stories are like fairy gold; the more you give away, the more you have.” I feel that this captures the significance of having a convention like Sigma Tau Delta’s. It is necessary to share stories in order to grow as a writer, a reader, and as an individual.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Greetings Fellow Sigma Tau Deltans!
Summer is here and we are set to begin “experimenting” with our blog, not to mention we are also looking forward to next year’s convention in New Orleans. The convention will take place February 29 – March 3, 2012. As you may recall, our theme for that convention is “Reawaken,” and the common reader is Natasha Trethewey’s Bellocq’s Ophelia. The planning stages are well underway, and we look forward to seeing many of you there. Convention is such a wonderful experience and a great opportunity to be around fellow, like-minded devotees of English talking shop and being all literary.
Speaking of convention, we asked your newly elected SR’s and ASR’s to write down their experiences from this year’s convention in Pittsburgh. We have collected those stories and would like to start sharing them with you now. This will be the first of many feature presentations on our new blog.
If you have any ideas or suggestions for the blog, we would like to hear from you as well. Please feel free to email them to Jarrod (sigmatd.sa1@gmail.com) or me (sigmatd.sa2@gmail.com). We will gladly give you positive feedback on your idea. Please keep in mind that this is a blog, and we are looking for “blog-type” postings: “informal write-ups, reviews, personal stories.” Your SR’s and ASR’s have submitted many suggestions, and we will continue to experiment and let your blog transform and grow into a blog we all will want to follow. I think Ralph Waldo Emerson said it best, “Do not be too timid or squeamish in your actions. All life is an experiment. The more experiments you make the better” (Journals, 11 November 1842).
So please sit back, relax, and enjoy the first story from Amy L. Woody, Student Representative for the Eastern Region.
Sincerely,
Corey Hamilton
Student Advisor
From “Beyond Words” to “Reawakening”
Amy L. Woody
Student Representative
Eastern Region
This was my first Sigma Tau Delta International Convention, and it exceeded my expectations in every way. Arriving at the Wyndham Grand Pittsburgh Downtown, I was more than pleasantly surprised by the interesting architecture and even more interesting people that Pittsburgh’s Cultural District had to offer. It was the perfect setting for feeling inspired, and Jacqueline Woodson was the perfect opening-night speaker to kick that inspiration into overdrive.
Thursday, I found myself surrounded by the best people that English Departments all over the world have to offer. I spent the morning listening to our Student Leaders give advice about publishing and grant writing. I met more people waiting for the elevator than probably any other time during the conference, and though I was annoyed to be waiting at the time, I would not trade those five-minute elevator conversations for anything. When else do you get to meet people from all over the world who are happy to laugh at your literary jokes or join you in writing a poem about the way you almost got smashed by the elevator doors?
The energy was ever-palpable. Even at my 8:00 a.m. presentation, the students were engaged and interested in the work I had created. It was not a typical educational experience; the people there were so committed to excellence in their craft. Even the “bad poets” read with a commitment unparalleled, that I could not help but want to give something back to them, represent them. I had considered running for Student Representative before I left for the convention, but, it being my first convention, I wanted to see what it was all about first. While there, I realized that I wanted to be more deeply involved with the organization and its people, and thus I decided to run for Student Representative of the Eastern Region.
I was nervous. I wrote and rewrote my speech. But standing up in front of all the students, who in so many ways were just like me, felt more like being at home than running for office. Hearing our former SR, Sean, announce my name was a pivotal moment in not only the convention, but also in my educational career. (A little assuming goes a long way.)
There were more panels and more speakers and more moments to be had on the elevator. Saturday, I attended a panel on graphic narrative and left with a sincere interest in visual literacy. I listened to other members of my chapter present their works, and felt a deeper connection to them as people and academics. Students from the Eastern Region were coming up to me all day Saturday to congratulate me, and I was more than thrilled to have the opportunity to start to get to know the population that I’m honored to be representing. And of course, listening to Dave Eggers speak was not only inspirational, but instantly fruitful. My chapter is already talking about the possibility of a service project involving the Boston branch of 826 National.
Sitting in a shaky sky-bus on the way home, I had visions of New Orleans. I know it’s a year away, but I am enthusiastically looking forward to next year’s “reawakening”!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Summer Fun- Alpha Nu's 10 Best Film Adaptations from Literature
by Ellie Francis Douglass
Associate Student Representative for the Southwestern Region, 2010-2011
These are ten of the films that the Alpha Nu Lambda chapter deemed to be the best ever made. There order is random (it is too hard to pick between them).
1. Everything is Illuminated- “Although the movie only covers about one-third of the book, it really captures the spirit of it.” –Gloria Adams-Hanley
2. Pride and Prejudice- We are talking about the long BBC version with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy of course. If you haven’t seen it, it is far worth the five hours.
3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest- “This film approaches the story in a different way. It is more subtle than the book, but still great.” –Jake Ryan McCoy
4. Fight Club- “A really good adaptation of the events in the book.”-Nicole Wolt
5. A Streetcar Named Desire- Marlon Brando screaming “Stella!” from the bottom of the staircase was enough to make this a great film, but on top of that everyone else in the film does a knock-out performance.
6. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy- These films are not only well casted and beautifully shot, they have amazing special effects and keep you at the edge of your seat for hours on end.
7. Macbeth- Roman Polanski really took advantage of this amazing play when he directed his film. The characters, the danger, and the tension in this movie are amazing authentic.
8. The Glass Menagerie- “The performances are very strong.” –Gloria Adams-Hanley
9. Sense and Sensibility- Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson are rock star actresses; getting them together in this film was ingenious. Also, possibly the best romantic comedy that Hugh Grant has ever made.
10. Hamlet- Kenneth Branagh never fails in his Shakespeare films but he takes it to the next level in this full-length version of one of the world’s most beloved plays. He is amazingly convincing as young Hamlet, and Kate Winslet breaks your heart as Ophelia with one of the best mental breakdown scenes ever.
Well, what do you think? What films do you think should make this list?
Associate Student Representative for the Southwestern Region, 2010-2011
These are ten of the films that the Alpha Nu Lambda chapter deemed to be the best ever made. There order is random (it is too hard to pick between them).
1. Everything is Illuminated- “Although the movie only covers about one-third of the book, it really captures the spirit of it.” –Gloria Adams-Hanley
2. Pride and Prejudice- We are talking about the long BBC version with Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy of course. If you haven’t seen it, it is far worth the five hours.
3. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s nest- “This film approaches the story in a different way. It is more subtle than the book, but still great.” –Jake Ryan McCoy
4. Fight Club- “A really good adaptation of the events in the book.”-Nicole Wolt
5. A Streetcar Named Desire- Marlon Brando screaming “Stella!” from the bottom of the staircase was enough to make this a great film, but on top of that everyone else in the film does a knock-out performance.
6. The Lord of the Rings Trilogy- These films are not only well casted and beautifully shot, they have amazing special effects and keep you at the edge of your seat for hours on end.
7. Macbeth- Roman Polanski really took advantage of this amazing play when he directed his film. The characters, the danger, and the tension in this movie are amazing authentic.
8. The Glass Menagerie- “The performances are very strong.” –Gloria Adams-Hanley
9. Sense and Sensibility- Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson are rock star actresses; getting them together in this film was ingenious. Also, possibly the best romantic comedy that Hugh Grant has ever made.
10. Hamlet- Kenneth Branagh never fails in his Shakespeare films but he takes it to the next level in this full-length version of one of the world’s most beloved plays. He is amazingly convincing as young Hamlet, and Kate Winslet breaks your heart as Ophelia with one of the best mental breakdown scenes ever.
Well, what do you think? What films do you think should make this list?
Friday, May 13, 2011
Deadline Extension
The deadline for submissions to Sigma Tau Delta's prestigious Rectangle and Review journals has been extended through Sunday, May 15, 11:59 CST! This is a great opportunity to be published. Any active student member may submit. If you experienced technical difficulties submitting the first time or if you didn't quite get your piece polished in time, this is your second chance! For more information, go to http://www.english.org/sigmatd/publications/journals/guidelines.shtml
Labels:
Calls for Submissions,
News,
Society Wide
Monday, May 2, 2011
Boeing Job Opening, Communications Specialist 3
Boeing is looking for a Communications Specialist for their Seal Beach, CA location. Applications close next Monday, so if you're interested you should hurry!
For more information go to https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobView?reqcode=11-1008569
This position requires a high energy and versatile team player who will provide strategic communications support to the Space & Intelligence Systems (S&IS) and Network & Tactical Systems (N&TS) organizations, which are a part of the Boeing Network & Space Systems business unit. The qualified candidate will have experience in employee communications and media relations, and will write press releases, stories and articles, executive messages and speeches, employee announcements, executive biographies, website updates, communications materials for satellite launches, contract awards, and industry forums. The candidate will also support the business with knowledge of social media and online communications channels, technology and requirements, and other areas such as webcasting, pod casting, and blogs.
For more information go to https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobView?reqcode=11-1008569
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Boeing Job Opening, Communications Specialist 4
Boeing is looking for a Communications Specialist in Renton, WA
For more information go to https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobView?reqcode=11-1008149
This position supports 1) strategic and tactical media relations in support of Boeing's business interests in Asia, with direct responsibility for South and Southeast Asia; 2) internal communications in support of Sales & Marketing; and 3) support of global communications initiatives such as first deliveries and other Seattle-based international media events. Specialist reports to the Asia communications manager.
For more information go to https://jobs.boeing.com/JobSeeker/JobView?reqcode=11-1008149
Monday, April 18, 2011
SLW Grant Writing Breakout Session
Labels:
Convention,
Fundraising,
Service,
Society Wide
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)