Nonfiction Commons^™

I Remember Walking, Chad Erickstad

Floodwall Magazine

No abstract provided.

Molcajete, Charles Henry

Floodwall Magazine

No abstract provided.

Escaping The Iron Maiden, Drake Carnes

Floodwall Magazine

No abstract provided.

Those Who Fail To Learn, Jasmine Patera

Floodwall Magazine

No abstract provided.

“High Culture As Entertainment”: Hybrid Reading Practices In A Live Book Club, Magnus Persson

Dialogue: The Interdisciplinary Journal of Popular Culture and Pedagogy

The Bushwick Book Club (BBC) is a live book club in which invited pop musicians perform musical interpretations of a predetermined literary work in a nightclub environment. What can a typical BBC show, with its strong emphasis on popular music and performance, teach readers about the uses of literature? This case study will investigate which reading practices are at work and in what ways they challenge traditional ideas of the forms, functions, and values of reading. Another important aspect concerns how the borders between high and popular culture, and between the printed word and other media are renegotiated. Based on …

A Shared Sunset On The Marae, Seneca Schwartz

Missives from Afar: Study Abroad Stories

No abstract provided.

Prague Reflection, Kj Halpern

Missives from Afar: Study Abroad Stories

This summer, I had the privilege of studying at the renowned Film and TV School of the Academy of Performing Arts (FAMU) in Prague through the Emerson College Prague Program, thanks to financial support from the Let’s Go Fund. The program was intense, requiring rapid pre-production, filming, and editing of original short films. I worked on multiple sets, developing key skills in problem-solving and collaboration. Beyond filmmaking, I formed close bonds with fellow students while exploring Prague’s rich culture. I’m deeply grateful to the Let’s Go Fund for making this transformative experience possible.

Sweden Reflection, Ryan Coronado

Missives from Afar: Study Abroad Stories

No abstract provided.

Waking Up Before We Die: Aging And Spirituality, Marcelline Hutton

Zea E-Books Collection

In retirement, I have more time for prayer and reflection, to rest in the Lord, and hence to have my spirit renewed. We choose how we interpret our situations. Positive, spiritual aging ideas enhance our sense of well-being. Of course, the loss of loved ones decreases our sense of self-worth at times, but the Spirit can renew us. As Genesis reminds us, God was still working in the lives of Sarah and Abraham in old age, and they can serve as models for us. Indeed, Sarah laughed at the angels and shows us how humor exists even as we age. …

Pura Vida: Reflections From Costa Rica, Lisette Gonzalez, Carolina Hernandez, Natalia Zevallos, Ailani Anglin, Isabela Jimenez, Melissa Johnson, Isabella Madrid, Xion Nelson, Alexia Pineda, Delaney Rendon, Chaylah Williams, Angel Vilchis

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The First-Gen Voices Journal is proud to feature a special volume dedicated to the transformative experiences of first-generation college students on the recent Study Abroad Social Justice Immersion Trip to Costa Rica. Through this journey, participants gained a deeper grasp of activism and community building while engaging with social justice concerns on a worldwide scale. This volume will demonstrate the tenacity, enthusiasm, and vision of first-generation college students dedicated to societal change.

This issue features embedded film content. Experience the unique blend of text and film by clicking on the front cover image.

La Vida Rica, Angel Vilchis

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Through a first-person perspective, we travel along to Costa Rica with LMU’s First To Go students. Utilizing a long format, home video style, the goal is to communicate the authentic experiences that occurred during the trip. It’s one thing to be a young adult getting the chance to explore new parts of the world, but it’s a different privilege to get to do it with others that you can connect with. So much so that in the couple months preceding the trip, I found myself dealing with that post-trip depression. However, in that state, I found the beauty of being …

On My Heart, Chaylah Williams

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

I never thought that when I would start traveling internationally that it would be alone I always imagined it with my family, but never did I imagine traveling to really interact with the communities either I always thought of traveling as leisure. I guess I could say this impression was not implemented when OI started traveling as I started to notice how I didn’t want to do touristy things and I really just wanted to be. To be there to be present to be aware and I think that is what I enjoyed the most about my trip to Costa …

A Worthwhile Perspective, Delaney Rendon

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Opening your mind to a new wide perspective can shed light onto the knowledge and culture that another country can show you. There is much beauty in Costa Rica but also struggles that need to be shared.

“Feel The Rain On Your Skin”, Alexia "Lexie" Pineda

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

In the face of immense social and global crises, from genocides to overlapping racial, political, and environmental struggles, 19 students chose connection and healing through artistry. This shared experience in Costa Rica was a transformative journey aimed at reigniting hope, compassion, and responsibility.

Leading With Love, Xion Nelson

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The travel experience to Costa Rica, how love is important in these travel experiences. Community is something to be thankful for, being able to learn to protect your communities.

Cries Of Injustice, Isabella Madrid

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

The injustices that occur in Costa Rica, the life that Costa Rica is filled with. Testimonies and tragedies that inspire and stick with you.

Costa Rican Culture Of Love, Melissa Johnson

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This collection of photographs explores how the collectivist and vibrant culture of Costa Rica manifests as a profound sense of love, shared among humans, animals, and the land. This project celebrates the spirit of Costa Rica as a whole, where human connection, respect for the environment, and a genuine sense of community intertwine.

A Story To Tell: My Unforgettable Experience, Isabela Jimenez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

A personal reflection about an unforgettable, eye-opening experience in Costa Rica. Meeting locals in different destinations, learning new lessons.

Global Parallels: A Reflection On Civil Rights And Ethical Consumerism In Costa Rica, Anonymous

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This reflection on the First to Go trip to Costa Rica examines the civil rights issues faced in the country. In particular, it highlights the significant parallels with the United States, especially concerning immigrant communities. During our time there we specifically talked about the exploitation of immigrant labor on pineapple plantations by corporations like Del Monte. This trip underscored my understanding of ethical consumerism and a new approach to mindful purchasing.

What Is A "Pure Life"?, Ailani Anglin

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

A personal reflection about encountering new experiences in Costa Rica. The comparision between living in Costa Rica and the U.S, how fortunate we are to have many opportunities in this country.

Costa Rica, Costa Rica, Natalia Zevallos

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Short poem about the unique experiences while in Costa Rica.

Esa Mariposa, Carolina Hernandez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

This free-write poem was written with a purpose of making meaning of the Blue Morpho butterfly I continuously saw abroad in Costa Rica. Being able to have captivating conversations with locals all while being comforted by the country’s blanket of communal love was an unforgettable experience. As a metaphor for change, growth, and transformation, I found this remarkable butterfly to be a highlight of my time in Costa Rica. As a symbol of my late father, it called for reflection and sitting with suppressed emotions. For that reason, I wanted to depict how its reappearing presence became a hopeful reminder …

Radical Love: Embracing Connection And Dismantleing Shame, Lisette Gonzalez

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

It is essential to maintain love, care, and connection in the face of oppressive systems. There needs to be a call for bravery to get through the challenges that many face, Costa Rica being one of them.

Introduction

First-Gen Voices: Creative and Critical Narratives on the First-Generation College Experience

Inside the introduction of "Pure Vida: Reflections from Costa Rica", readers will find an illustration by Leyna Tran, “Meet the Team” section and a detailed table of contents, guiding readers through this edition.

A Peak Ahead: The Humanity Of Machines, Christine Woodside

Appalachia

No abstract provided.

Books And Media

Appalachia

Reviews of: AMC's Best Day Hikes in Connecticut and Rhode Island, by Steve Fagin, Rene Laubach, and Charles W. G. Smith; AMC's Best Day Hikes in New Jersey, 2nd Edition, by Priscilla Estes and Michael McCormick; The 4,000-Footers of the White Mountains, 3rd Edition, by Steven D. Smith and Mike Dickerman; Arctic Traverse: A Thousand-Mile Summer of Trekking the Brooks Range, by Michael Engelhard; Calling Wild Places Home: A Memoir in Essays, by Laura Waterman; Accidents in North American Climbing, by the American Alpine Club

Old Hutmen And Hutwomen Honor Betsy Byrd, W. Kent Olson

Appalachia

Old Hutmen and Hutwomen, the OHA, honor Betsy Byrd, who spent decades as a secretary to hut managers and Appalachian Mountain Club leaders.

Research: Gorillas On Visoke And Pandas In The House: A Conservation With Wildlife Biologist And Conservationist George Schaller, Douglass Teschner

Appalachia

A conversation with wildlife biologist and conservationist George Schaller.

Research: The Little Insects That Could: New Hampshire's Arctic Butterflies, Gabriella Gurney

Appalachia

New Hampshire’s arctic butterflies, the White Mountain fritillaries.

Alpina: A Semiannual Review Of Mountaineering In The Greater Ranges

Appalachia

Among the many updates on mountaineering in the greater ranges in summer and fall 2023: Samson Zebturiah Barner is arrested near Smith Rock in central Oregon for taking several weapons to a climbing event. Three climbers open a new route on Pik Alpinist in Kyrgyzstan. A brief review of the New York Times article on the discovery of Janet Johnson’s camera on Aconcagua 50 years after she and John Cooper died there. On Everest, 3,600 climbers attempted the peak in 2023; eighteen died, 100 years after the biggest Everest mystery of all: the disappearance of Mallory and Irvine. Three Americans …