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D.C. students and residents want more, better cultural education

Residents and workers in Northwest Washington D.C. talked this month about their experiences with foreign cultures and discussed their interactions with world cultures.

Taylor Dewey, an American University student majoring in international relations, spent 4 months in Spain and England. She thinks that Spanish people know a lot about the U.S, but she thinks some in Europe dislike a lot about American culture.

Meghan Howie, 17, a high school student from Pennsylvania, stands outside a Starbucks in Washington D.C.'s Tenleytown neighborhood. Photo by Anne Yang.
Meghan Howie, 17, a high school student from Pennsylvania, stands outside a Starbucks in Washington D.C.’s Tenleytown neighborhood. Photo by Anne Yang.

“I think the people here are more naive about other people’s cultures whereas other people are always looking at the U.S. culture,” said Dewey, who like to see more knowledge and understanding of foreign cultures in the U.S.

Meghan Howie, a rising high school senior from Pennsylvania, has taken four years of Spanish plus a World Cultures class, but she thinks it’s not comprehensive of what cultures are. She has some experience visiting an uncle in Germany, but wishes she knew more.

“I feel like I’m not able to understand everyone from different countries,” Howie said.

Joanna Harris is a children’s librarian in Tenleytown and she spent two months in Japan. She was first exposed to Japanese culture by her half-Japanese friend and by watching Japanese anime as a kid.

Tenleytown librarian Joanna Harris hopes for more cultural understanding. Photo by Anne Yang.
Tenleytown librarian Joanna Harris hopes for more cultural understanding. Photo by Anne Yang.

“When I first watched it, I realized it was different from American cartoons, but I couldn’t quite put my finger on it,” said Harris, who also was surprised to see Japanese children wearing uniforms after school and taking classes at other facilities in the late afternoon time.

But Harris questioned how much one culture could legitimately learn about another.

“I think media is really reflective of a culture, but always keep in mind who is telling this story and from which perspective,” Harris said.

Radhika Puri is a 20-year-old student at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee who was born in India. Puri, who speaks fluent Hindi, majors in biology and minors in business and is spending the summer interning for a public policy group. She thinks the world does a better job knowing about U.S. culture than the U.S. knows about the rest of the world.

“You go to India and you go to China, they know how to speak their language and English,” Puri said noting many in the U.S. don’t need to learn a second or third language.

 

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Because People are People- NSLC Edition

From June 28 to July students flooded the American University campus for the second session of the Journalism, Film, and Media Arts session of the NSLC program. Here are some of their stories:

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 “My dream is to become a best-selling novelist and write a book that has an impact on everyone who reads it.” Abby Hadfield, 16

 Coming from rural Pennsylvania, this rising high school junior has awaited the opportunity to attend the Journalism, Film, and Media Arts leadership conference since the arrival of an email in December 2014.

Abby Hadfield is attending the program as a student in the Professional Newswriting class.

While her attendance may show her experience is with news writing; however, her true dream is to “make it” as a novelist or a creative writer.

“Journalism is just a more practical form of writing,” Hadfield said.

 “It’s really hard to make it as a novelist,” Hadfield said later in a brief interview just after the start of her first workshop session.

Beyond the classroom, she is involved with the school newspaper, the school literary Magazine, Girl Up, Girls Room and Interact Club.

Hadfield’s passions truly translate into her dreams for the future.

“My dream is to become a best-selling novelist and write a book that has an impact on everyone who reads it” Hadfield said.

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“I would like to live in Mexico and help my country move forward as a leader.”

~Marina de la Sierra- 16

This student is one of many international students at the leadership conference and has traveled from Mexico to be a part of the leadership conference taking place from June 28 to July 8.

Marina de la Sierra found the program through her American school that encourages the students to look for opportunities to study in the United States.

“I got interested in it because I like writing a lot and I saw there was a journalism program,” de la Sierra said.

Journalism was not a career she had considered before the camp and she wanted to gain some experience.

Her openness to this opportunity has been allowing her to gain whatever might benefit her in the future.

De la Sierra is looking into working for the UN and help those who are impoverished and uneducated in the future.

She views human trafficking as a major world issue and is looking to alleviate it in the future.

“I would like to live in Mexico and help my country move forward as a leader,” she said.

 

“Knowing that everyone has a different mind for a different reason.”

Breezy Culberson, 21 (Not Pictured)

This 21-year-old office staff person of a leadership camp at American University has truly made the most of her opportunities and is continuing her education to attain her own dream.

Breezy Culberson works at the NSLC office and is responsible for some of the coordination and teamwork it takes to pull together such a big opportunity for hundreds of high school students.

Culberson chose to attend the Journalism and Mass Media conference in Berkley when invited, became a Psychology major in college and is inspired by the work she has a degree to do.

When asked how the conference benefited her, she said, “It looked good on my resume.”

The leadership experience was definitely of value to her as a student.

The discovery of her personality tendency, a koala, gave her a better direction as to her college choice and future career.

In the next six months, Culberson will be going back to school to continue her education and earn a master’s in psychology.

Her main reason for her fascination with psychology, “knowing that everyone has a different mind for a different reason.”

 

“You know if I could just play that, I would be really satisfied.”

Michael Silverglade, 17 (Not Pictured)

His experience with the leadership conference began with his sister’s involvement four years ago and now he is gaining experience in the field he enjoys, music.

Michael Silverglade’s letter came to invite him to the camp in December 2014, but his interest in playing musical instruments certainly came before that.

“In elementary school, I played trumpet… it was legit but it wasn’t very good,” he said.

He started playing trumpet in his middle school band and only expanded his involvement as he moved forward in school, adding euphonium and bass by his high school years.

He started self-teaching bass in his freshman year after he saw one of the seniors playing and started listened to more music.

He thought, “You know if I could just play that, I would be really satisfied.”

Now, Silverglade is in his school’s symphonic band, the school jazz band and a rock band made up of a drummer singer and himself on bass.

In the future, he hopes to be able to work on the business end of music by producing it and to continue playing bass.

“It’s just something I really enjoy,” Silverglade said.

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D.C. residents and visitors say SCOTUS same-sex ruling long overdue

Washington D.C. residents and tourists to the city overwhelmingly expressed joy about the legalization of same-sex marriage across America after June’s landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision on the matter.

In more than a dozen interviews across Washington D.C. this week, most were thrilled with only a few expressing indifference. Most declared it was a long overdue decision and those on the other side were hard to find.

Chris Morgan, 25, shared his personal connection to the issue.

Morgan explained that his father is homosexual and can now officially get married to his boyfriend if they want.

“That could potentially be an affect, a pretty profound affect, on my life,” Morgan said.

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Photo courtesy of Associated Press.

Others like Mia Molina, a 24-year-old visiting the National Mall from New York, was born in Spain. She said same sex marriage was legalized there long ago and was surprised when she moved to the U.S. and found it against the law.

“I think it’s a right everyone should have to be able to…love and marry whoever they want.” said Molina

The legalization of same-sex marriage has had a major impact on many people in the country. Not everyone is Washington D.C. has been personally affected by it, but they believe we are now moving in the right direction.

“I’m not surprised that we’ve finally come to this point,” said Maria Crudele, 47, who agreed with the ruling.

 

(Photo courtesy by Associated Press)

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Campus summer programs offer future college insights

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From left to right: Koji Karuhaka, 16, Bina Lee, 16, Taylor Blowers, 16, and Vanessa Ullman, 17, on America University’s campus through a summer program. Photo by Olivia Blackwell

High school students taking summer programs at American University listed their expectations of their future college experiences as taking challenging classes, meeting people and being busy and tired.

In Fall 2014, about 21 million students were expected to attend American colleges and universities, an increase since 2000, according to the National Center of Education Statistics.

For summer leadership and conference participants on American University’s campus this summer, they are receiving valuable insight into taking classes with college professors and living in dorms without their parents around.

Amy-Beth Hoarty, 17, a participant in the National Leadership Conference, said she has experienced being a part of a community with other students she relates to and connects with. Being in class with people who share her interests made it go faster, unlike her school where she doesn’t really connect with others, she said.

Kelsey Lageraaen, 17, a Long Island native enjoys having an experience different than she would at home.

“There is definitely a more diverse group of people because there is people from different states and countries, so you get to see people’s opinions and ideas based on where they are from.”

This encounter, she said, makes her realize this is definitely something she wants to have at her future college.

Amaris Norwood, 19, said she knew what she was expecting before she got to American University because she did a lot of research. When she got here she was not disappointed; the campus was full of diversity and passionate students, she said.

Norwood said she was surprised by how easy sickness spread in close quarters of the dorms.

“Sicknesses get spread easily,” Norwood said. “Sometimes you forget to eat and then you end up getting sick and passing out.”

Lageraaen feels college is a key part of her future.

“You get a lot of new experiences. It’s the first time for a lot of people being on their own and getting to live with themselves and their friends, so they learn to be independent,” she said.

 

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Celebrating America’s birthday in the nation’s capital

WASHINGTON— Students and locals interviewed on American University’s campus Wednesday said they will be celebrating the nation’s 238th birthday this coming Fourth of July with fireworks and barbecues.

D.C. local and American University student, Emily Whitworth, 19, usually has a traditional barbecue with her family, but this year decided to try something different.

Whitworth is going to a rooftop party with friends, and is excited to watch the National Mall firework celebration from the party, she said.

AU student Victoria Prybyl, 20, from Ithaca, New York, has never been in D.C for the Fourth of July, and is excited about celebrating in the nation’s capitol for the first time, she said.

“I am going to the National Mall with the Discover the World of Communication students,” Prybyl said.”[We are going] near the Washington Monument to watch the fireworks.”

American University sophomore Barbara Martinez, 19, plans on spending her Fourth of July by going to a party with her friend from back home in Queens, a borough of New York City.

Martinez, grew up in Queens and remembers previous Fourth of July celebrations spent on top of her apartment building watching the Manhattan Firework celebration, she said. Martinez also bakes with her mom as another part of her Fourth of July traditions.

“She had like this Fourth of July pie specialty,” Martinez recalled. “She made [it] with strawberries and blueberries to look like a flag.” 

Some D.C residents are still unsure of their plans however.

“I have nothing concrete yet,” Steve Cross, an American University alum, said.

Cross will spend his Fourth of July either in his hometown of Baltimore or in D.C, but either way, Cross will still cook Baltimore steamed crabs, his traditional Fourth of July barbecue food, Cross said.

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Steve Cross poses in front of the quad at AU’s campus. Photo by Andrew Gold

In past years, Cross has also traveled between D.C and Baltimore to see firework celebrations. In a “good year” Cross manages to see up to 10 different fireworks shows in D.C or Baltimore, according to Cross.

Fireworks are not for everyone though, according to AU maintenance worker, Ceasar Caicedo, 46. Caicedo does not plan on attending any firework shows or celebrations. Instead, he plans on celebrating the holiday by taking his kids out of town on a camping trip, where they will have a barbecue, Caicedo said.

Jason Lee Carter, a D.C. local, 34, also plans on spending his Fourth of July with his kids and nature, Carter said. He wants to spend his holiday “floating and fishing” along a river located in the D.C area, according to Carter.

For some D.C residents, however, it’s business as usual on the Fourth of July.  AU student, Alanna Holstein, 20, will be spending her holiday working as a sales associate in Georgetown, Holstein said.

Construction worker, Gordon Schaeffer, 54, also will be working this July Fourth, but might have a cookout at the end of the day, he said.

The Fourth of July has a range of meanings for residents across the D.C area, but AU junior Alex Mazzarisi feels that friends and family are an important part of the celebrations.

“The Fourth of July means celebrating our country’s independence and a great time to get together with friends and family,” Mazzarisi said.  “It’s a great bonding holiday for everyone.”

 

 

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Bender Library moves into the future

Entrace of the Bender Library and Learning Resources Center by Claudette Soler
The entrance to the Bender Library. Photo by Claudette Soler

WASHINGTON — The Bender Library and Learning Resources Center isn’t just your regular library. It’s for people who want to sit down and study as well as people who just want drink coffee and have a conversation with friends.

Susan McElrath and Katie Demetri from the library archives opened their doors and shared their knowledge about the history of the library. They provided a series of documents collected by library staff along the years.

The library was housed in Hurst Hall when the American University graduate school opened in 1914. In 1926, the Battelle Memorial Library opened for the undergraduate students, in the mid 1960s, it was expanded and the graduate school’s collection was moved to this building.

In 1971, plans for the construction of a new library began  The project was completed in 1979.

Location on Campus of the old Batelle Library by Claudette Soler
Location on campus of the old Battelle Library. Photo by Claudette Soler

The library takes its name, Jack I. & Dorothy G. Bender Library and Learning Resources Center, from the parents of contractor Howard Bender, who along with his brothers, owned Blake Construction Co. The Bender family donated about $500,000 for the construction of the library.

One of the library’s goals is to provide people easy access to the resources that will be useful and helpful for them. It provides students, faculty and the general public with information in a variety of different formats.

The library provides materials such as laptops and books that will help them get their work done. Library user Mercedes McKeel said she likes “the laptops that you can borrow. It’s really helpful.”

The library remains a source for students even in this age of ever-changing technology, said Overnight Building Supervisor Matt Barry. “The library subscribes to what are databases; also, we get subscriptions to ebooks,” said Barry. The library also has a 3D printer and a poster printer. The library even has new wearable technology for checkout, such as google glass.

Bender Library Before and After by Claudette Soler
Bender Library Before and After. Photo by Claudette Soler

The library can seat more than 1,200 people, and holds more than 450,000 volumes, as well as a Non-Print Media Collection, the Library Archives and Special Collections and a Record-Score collection.

Each floor has a different noise level allowed, which accommodates the amount of noise that people want to be surrounded by. The lower level and the first floor are moderate, talking in low voices in allowed, as well as studying in groups. The second floor is silent, used for individual studying, no talking allowed. The third floor is quiet, little talking is allowed and the floor is used for individual studying as well.

“I come every day,” said American University student Giulia Greig “It’s a good place to concentrate.”

 

 

 

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DWC students harness interviewing and writing skills

This summer students from all around the country participate in a program at American University, Discover the World of Communication, and take classes in a variety of communication areas. Professional Newswriting is designed to encourage students to explore not only their intrest in journalism, but also the people and places surrounding them. Over the last week these students have practiced interviewing skills, photography and writing on a deadline. By visiting various places throughout Washington, including CNN studios and the Newark Street Community Garden, Profesional Newswriting students have been able to get an idea of what it means to be a part of the larger D.C community and what it takes to create a news story.