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| Photo by LINDA DE ROSA Junior communications major Erica Clarke. |
The World Journalism Institute is an international organization that aims to recognize Christian student journalists and help move them forward in the professional world of journalism and broadcast news media. Wesleyan junior Erica Clarke, copy editor and staff writer for The Marlin Chronicle, will be attending the African-American Christian Journalism Conference, sponsored by the organization. Held at Moorehouse College in Atlanta, Ga., the conference will run from April 15 to 18.
Clarke was one of only 25 students chosen to attend the conference, which draws hundreds of applicants from all over the United States. Syndicated writers from such big-name papers as The New York Times and The Washington Post will be on hand to give lectures and seminars. Classes and workshops geared toward training black journalists for upcoming careers will be held as well. The weekend will culminate with a job and internship fair where Clarke and other attendees will get the opportunity to present their resumes to representatives from hundreds of newspapers and other media affiliates.
"I am really excited to just get to represent little VWC," said Clarke. "It is good to know that we are considered part of the best of the best." Clarke expects to graduate in May 2005 with a degree in communications and a dual concentration in media studies and journalism.
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| Photo by JENN ALBRECHT Several members of the newly founded Step Team practice their moves in Eggleston Commons. |
After being miserable without stepping in her life, freshman Maerine "Mimi" Mitchell decided to form a step team. "It's truly a form of expression,” said Mitchell, “and after taking a leadership class here at VWC, I really became inspired to form the team." Mitchell, a native of New York, stepped throughout her high school years while attending The Heights of Graphic Communication Arts School in Manhattan.
"Because I stepped in high school and grew so fond of it, I just really wanted to bring it to the campus community," said Mitchell. "I see stepping as a family thing because I viewed my step team members like my second family." The art of stepping began with groups of men singing a cappella, when groups like the Temptations and the Four Tops were popular in the fifties and sixties. African American males then began to mimic their steps. This was how it evolved and why it is called Stepping today. At around the same time as the Black Power Movement in Africa centered movements of the 60's, stepping started to flourish with the incorporation of some traditional African ritual dancing. Over the years, stepping has become very intricate and demanding incorporating props, high levels of gymnastics and other elements commonly found in team sports.
"Most of all, stepping really helps you gain rhythm," said Mitchell. "Because when I first started I was rhythmless. It also sharpens your listening skills." The team is currently made up of 15 students who meet for practice on Mondays at 8:30 p.m. in Eggleston Commons. "We don't have special requirements and all, including guys, are welcome to join," said Mitchell. "However, if you haven't had any previous experience it might be hard to catch the steps in the beginning when you first start."
The step team may be performing for Spring Fling this semester and by next fall, depending on how things continue to go, may be able to perform during sport functions. "Were just taking things one day at time and enjoying ourselves along the way," Mitchell said.
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| Photo by BEN RUEHLMANN The Red Cross blood drive, held in the lobby of the Batten Center was sponsored by the Alpha Sigma Alpha sorority. |
Wesleyan's own Student Counseling Services and the Center for the Study of Religious Freedom provided students information about their programs, and the medical staff provided free shampoo and information about the importance of sunscreen. Alpha Sigma Alpha members volunteered to run the American Red Cross Blood Drive.
"The girls helped out with registering donors and made sure they were all right to leave," said sophomore Nichol Moeller, who organized the volunteer work for the sorority. Sorority members signed up to run the event for one hour out of their day. So why attend Wellfest? "It was educational, and I even found a dentist!" said sophomore Angie Hunt. The event was not only fun and informative, but also provided students and the Wesleyan community with a helpful and healthy outlook for their future as well.
Site created and maintained by Linda De Rosa.