Things Are All Right When Different Worlds Unite

By: Georgia Trevor

Unity-The state of being one; a whole or totality as combining all its parts into one.

Thursday afternoon, Avila University held an event called International Day where international students from different parts of the world came together in a way like none other. They all pitched in and cooked lunch for everyone to try and enjoy. What better way to get to your heart than getting to your stomach first? It was a huge success, of course! Everyone came out to sample foods from around the world made from students with different cultures. Having witnessed this grand event, you could guess how thrilled I was to write about it.

“It’s a good thing, that way races can unite and sample a part of a different culture. It’s fun, the food is sooo good and everyone’s having a great time coming together! Ms. Ollie Thibeaux wasn’t the first proclaiming this about the event and surely wasn’t the last!

 “We like the idea of cooking for you all. We cooked it and everyone is eating,” China native student, Jiaqi G. told me with great enthusiasm.

“I and my friend cooked. I really like this idea. It’s so fun and we can try many foods from many cultures as well as the fun in cooking the dishes! Vietnam native student, Anh Nguyen stated.

“We think it’s great to show people what a Kansas City tradition is by serving some Jack Stacks Barbeque Beans. It’s a great way to introduce cultures and for international students to cook for us as well,” said Nurse Carol Frevert and Ms. Debbie. USA.

All the excitement was whirling in Avila’s Cafeteria and everyone was welcome! Students, Faculty and Commuters joined together to share laughter, smiles, fun and food. What better kind of party could it have been?!? We had China, Vietnam, U.S.A., Japan, Taiwan, and Saudi Arabia in the house representin’. From mariachi performers to flags from all over the world to cultured music, Avila was how you’d say CRACKIN!

“It’s interesting how there’s different cultures and people that usually clash together, coming together eating and having a good ole’ fashioned get together,” student, Jordan T.A. Stephens boomed.

Remember Like It Was Yesterday…

By: Georgia Trevor 

Close your eyes and picture this:

A little girl in class with friends doing what normal third grade students do; work, joking etc. Suddenly, the teacher gets called from her room to talk with another teacher. Worry and confusion etched on the little girl’s face because she’s only hearing bits and pieces of the conversation; ear hustler. Teacher comes in and announces in a way the kids could all understand, that something big has happened, yadda, yadda… New York City… blah blah… Planes Crashed… Building. When all was said and done, that’s all the little girl heard before her heart started to race. Next thing she knew, she was en route home to be with her family who were worried and concerned. You see, this little girl had family all over and her most favorite aunt happened to live right near Manhattan. No one heard from this aunt nor knew anything of her whereabouts. This news was threatening to ruin everything she had come to love. That little girl was me.

Open your eyes.

Everyone can recall if not everything, something that they remember about September 11, 2001.

Smoke filled streets, yelling, searching, noises, cries, tear streaked faces, firemen, policemen, loved ones, shattered buildings; shattered hearts. All of this is what took place and sadly, will forever replay its dreadful memories inside everyone’s heads who hearts jerked when it happened.

The world stopped and came together to reach out to those in need.

“I was in class when it happened; Bronx, New York, about seventh or eighth grade. A teacher came to privately speak with my teacher outside the classroom. I could see that the teacher was crying. We [students] began to worry that maybe someone died in her family. The school announced to us that something had happened in Manhattan and we were to be dismissed early. All I saw was teachers around crying while we [students] looked on, confused and not understanding what was truly going on,” student, Reginald Addy recalled. “When I got home, I looked outside my window and could see the smoke and dust.”

“I was in Haiti in high school when it happened. Teacher was talking then all of a sudden another teacher came into the classroom and turned on the news for us all to see how the event of things happened. I saw the World Trade Center and the news line read something about an attack. Everyone began panicking because we all knew or had someone that lived in New York. School was let out early for us to reflect on this day,” Mr. Jacobs Anonymous recalls. “It’s a huge reminder of how efficient it is to have cover ups and be on your toes!”

Clearly this wasn’t just something you could or even would want to ignore. It hit close to home all over the world.

“I just wanted it to all be a bad nightmare. My sister could have been in harm’s way. She was right there and I was here. Helpless. My heart goes out to all who were affected,” Linda Trevor, recalled.

Many are left empty and many others are stuck with the memories that invade their minds. One thing is for sure, we all can remember it like it was yesterday…

What was it that you remember about 9/11? Go ahead and comment below so you too can share your story.

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Guess Who?

By: Georgia Trevor

As many know, the AU Kickoff for Avila University was held August 30^th. Many vendors came and helped make it yet another success as previous years. Many organizations as well appeared to be present on this beautiful eventful day. You name it; they were most likely there to get their names out to those who didn’t know about them. All the groups were dandy and all but there was one particular group who didn’t make an appearance. Puzzling. Who was that group? Why were many possibly disappointed? Why was Avila University student, Georgia Trevor an unhappy camper? Well, Avila’s student literary magazine, Sound And Fury was not in attendance. *insert sad face* What’s the Sound & Fury all about, one might ask if they’re absolutely positively Ray Charles to Awesomeness? Well, the Sound & Fury is a magazine that publishes poetry, short stories, short plays, and essays. The magazine is edited by students under the supervision of Avila’s Artist in Residence, Professor Stanley Banks. A brief interview via email with Professor Banks told everything one needs to know if they want to be part of this staff.

 Q: Please state your name and your title pertaining to the group.

 A: I  am  the  Advisor  for  Sound  And  Fury  which  is  Avila's  student  literary  magazine.

       Q: Where does your organization hold its meetings?

 A: We  hold  our  meetings  in  various  places  on  and  off  campus. 

       Q: How long has your organization been running?

 A: Avila has had a literary magazine since the 1990’s.

      Q: Are there any special qualities that one needs to join?

A: If  a  student  is  interested  in  joining  the  Editorial  Staff,  they  must  enjoy  and  appreciate  Creative  Writing.

      Q: When are your issues published and out to the public?

A:  Sound  And  Fury  is  usually  available  to  the  Avila  University  campus  and  the  public  in  April  of  every  year.  The  deadline  for  submitting  Poetry,  Short  Stories,  Essays,  and  Short  Plays  is  by  February  15th  in  the  Spring  Semester. Finally, students can submit their Creative Writing to Sound&fury@avila.edu.

      Q: If you could sum up your staff in the organization in one word, what would that word be & why?

A: The students who help put together Sound and Fury are very committed. 

      Q: Last Question. Million Dollar Question. Why wasn’t your organization at the AU Kickoff trying to get their name out to those who weren’t aware of your organization?

      A: Simple answer to your question; we couldn't get anyone to be at our booth.

     Well there you have it! The guessing game is over and spirits are a little bit up given that the Million Dollar question was answered. If you want to know more that possibly wasn’t answered, check out the site and or hit Mr. Banks up and you too can be part of this Frawesome organization.

      **Frawesome- Freakin Awesome. J **

Professor Stanley Banks

AU Peeps Get LICENSED

Georgia “G. Trev” Trevor

What an eventful and busy day for Avila University August 30^th!

Not only was the weather beautiful but the happiness was spread across campus.
The amount of activities and organizations that attended was a great turn out!
Almost bigger than Catalina Wine Mixer!
There were organizations informing students on what they’re about and trying to recruit those interested, food and many outside vendors.
Vendors including a balloon artist, music, caricature artists and air brush tattooists- Just to list a few of the many vendors.
It ALMOST made one forget about the sun beating down, showing close to no mercy!
What stole the show?
What made many forget about the sun beating down?
The license plate makers.

"I got my license plate! Who wouldn't get one, girrrl? They're fun, flashy enough and free! The 3 f's every cool college student like myself would want." -Sohomore, Alexis Lampkin

The line never died down, there were pages and pages of names and sayings that people wanted on their very own plate.

"I had team meetings, so I couldn't get one. I'm pretty sure the line was long because they're pretty damn long everytime they come." -Junior, Kadeem Hobson

Who wouldn’t want a plate with your choice of the state and what it says!?!
It got so popular that there was a cutoff list that a load of people were not able to get theirs made due to its demand against the time allotted to stay for what the university paid for.
Talk about stealing the show and leaving with a bang!

"I think they're cool keepsakes from the school my daughter goes to. But I had her wait in in the heat and got mine hand delivered to my home of residence. *grins mischieveously* -Deidra Wroght, Avila Student's Parent.
Let’s hope they make another appearance some time this year.
Eventually, everything died down and students and faculty returned to their lives and busy schedules.
An awesome way to kick off the year for Avila University!