Honors Wednesday Memo
Opportunities and Information for Honors Students
edited by Lakin Stevens
Volume 4, Issue 16
December 9, 2020
Message from Editor Lakin Stevens
Dear Honors community,
This semester, and this year, have tested us all. The need for patience, empathy, and diligence has been greater than ever. But this hard work and perseverance has paid off. We finally get to call an end to the Fall 2020 semester and, soon, to the end of 2020. Through the stress, the mistakes, and the failures, I know we will come out even stronger in the new year 2021, more equipped than ever to take on daunting challenges. As we progress, we will improve because of the lessons we learn from both our successes and failures. That is what we do in Honors.
As you reflect upon this year and this semester, I urge you to be easy on yourself. Give yourself the same understanding and empathy that you would give to another person. Assess what worked for you and what did not. What can you do to push yourself forward, and therefore, by extension, push those around you—our Honors community—forward? Above all, I encourage you to use this winter break to find time to love yourself, and to nourish your health—both mental and physical.
I want to thank you all for the ability to bring attention to your stories, opportunities, and aspirations, all of which continue to inspire and motivate me, but most of all, make me proud to be a part of this community.
Sincerely,
Lakin Stevens
Editor
Dr. Garrett McDowell’s chicken Jane Jane has had a courageous venture and rehabilitation due to accidentally getting caught in a tree and breaking her foot. Photos above (left to right) show Jane Jane pre-accident, in house-rest for two weeks, and today back outside with the rest of the flock. Jane Jane exemplifies true Honors spirit. Her leg and first steps back outdoors, even though weaker now, will strengthen with time and confidence. The same goes for us in the Honors community. With proper rest and reflection, we can bravely push past discomfort and uncertainty back out to do great things in our community and world.
Upcoming Opportunities:
Dean Jeff is happy to help you apply; send him an email at vahlbuschjb@appstate.edu.
App Builds a Home Letter Writing Campaign
The Honors College is partnering with App Builds a Home (ABAH) for their End-of-Year Letter Writing Campaign. ABAH is the university’s partnership with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity to build safe and affordable homes for local families. The letter writing campaign is a great way to help raise funds to build a home for Appalachian’s own staff member Sheila Potter. Emails can be sent to friends, family members, and neighbors asking them to support ABAH. Send emails until December 31st. Click here for a letter template and contact Mackenzie Millett for any help or questions.
Health Professions Application Prescription for Success
The Office of Health Profession Advising is offering hands-on guidance for students interested in medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, optometry, and veterinary medicine. This information session will help with application readiness, school selection, asking for letters, GPAs for health profession programs, and test prep. Join in December 10th from 10:00 am -12:00 pm. Register and zoom link here.
Abstracts Being Accepted for Appalachian Energy Mid-Year Summit
Appalachian Energy Center invites students to submit an abstract for their energy related research or project for inclusion in the virtual Mid-Year Summit being held virtually on February 11, 2021. Deadline for abstract submissions is December 14th. Click here for more details.
Open Application Spring Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA)
The Office of Student Research is now accepting applications for their Spring 2021 URA program. They encourage applications where students can work remotely with the Faculty Mentor’s project. Applications are due January 15, 2021 and more information can be found here.
2021-22 Presidential Scholar Program
The 2021-22 Presidential Scholar Program at the UNC System Office is a one-year, full-time appointment awarded to three graduates December 2020/May 2021 of UNC system baccalaureate programs. The position is ideal for young professionals passionate about equity-minded change to serve their communities through many avenues such as policy and legislative interventions in higher education. Scholars will research and write policy, and contribute regularly to cross-functional teams. Applications are due by January 28, 2021 and more information can be found here.
Stay in the Know:
Honors June 2021 Seminar: Rhythm & Revolution
This summer 2021 the faculty-led, study-abroad program Rhythm & Revolution: Cuba is being offered. In this program, Honors students will earn 6sh of credits for both HON 2515 and HON 3515 seminars. Students will learn about Cuba’s history from a Spanish colony to a Marxist-Leninist state through immersion in Cuba and its culture. No knowledge of dance or Spanish necessary. Read more here and contact faculty instructors Emily Daughtridge or Joseph Gonzalez with any questions.
Climate Action Plan Draft Open for Comment
The Climate Action Planning Writing Group presents its working draft of AppCAP 1.0: A Vision for Climate Neutrality. This plan serves as a roadmap to guide Appalachian State towards climate neutrality. The draft’s public comment period is your change to engage with the process and make recommendations on the climate action plan. Review here by January 4, 2021.
Spring 2021 Leadership Courses
Open to all students, these leadership studies courses can help you develop life and career skills as well as build a competitive resume. Read more about courses here such as HPC 2700 Principles of leadership, HPC 3539 Leadership for Social Change, and HPC 3540 Leading Change – Campus Activism.
Appalachian Newsletter Every Friday
Get all the latest campus and community news, sports coverage, arts and culture features, and more every week from The Appalachian. Sign up for their Friday newsletter here and follow their social media for regular updates and information: Instagram, Twitter, Facebook.
Across the Disciplines Podcast
Across the Disciplines is an ACT office produced podcast featuring Appalachian professors discussing current issues. In the first episode moderated by Brian MacHarg, Dr. Alex Howard, Dr. Adam Hege, Dr. Mark Bradbury, and Ms. Cara Hagan discuss COVID-19 as it relates to dance, public health, and government. Episode one is now available on Spotify and SoundCloud!
In the Honors Spotlight
Honors Mackenzie Millett Exemplifies Importance of Service
Featured above are Shelia Potter (left) with her grandson and Honors student Mackenzie Millett (right). Photos submitted.
Honors college junior Mackenzie Millett, from Amelia Island, Florida, is one of two student co-directors for the App Builds a Home (ABAH) Project—a campus wide initiative partnered with Watauga County Habitat for Humanity that builds homes for local families. Millett, an exercise major and minor in general business, helped the Honors College once again partner with ABAH this year for their End-of-Year Letter Writing Campaign. For this campaign, money is being raised, and matched up to $5,000 by Habitat for Humanity, for one of Appalachian’s own staff members, Shelia Potter. All money raised goes directly to funding Potter’s home. To get involved, emailed letters asking for donations and support can be sent out until December 31st!
For the full story, read here.
Have news to share? Submissions can be made by emailing honors@appstate.edu. Any content received by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday will be considered for the following week’s issue.
To stay in the know, learn about opportunities, and take part in the Honors community, find us below!