There is a hidden gem on North Roan Street in Johnson City called Washington County Animal Control Center. Here, loving families and college students needing volunteer hours alike can assist the wonderful workers in taking care of majestic, domestic fur-creatures. Being careful with my severe allergy to feline friends, I stayed in the large section of the shelter dedicated to what appeared to be 90% pit bulls and 10% dogs that are scared of pit bulls. Volunteers are expected to clean up any misplaced excrement, spilled food, and dog-less sweaters (yes, the dogs there have sweaters). Other than basic cleaning, we were to walk the dogs and show them the beautiful world outside those cold walls and cage doors. Most of these canine companions were very lovable and enjoyed the attention. Some expressed great interest in the taste of human flesh, so I tried to stay clear of those interesting few. The experience was very fun, as hours flew by. Below is the dog that I am certain my friend Alicia and I will end up adopting and secretly keeping in her apartment. That is all on the animal adventure. Stay tuned.
-JD
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One of the perks of going to ETSU is that they host big-name concerts every semester, and students can take advantage of the opportunity to see some great live music in an exciting environment close to "home." This fall, we were lucky enough to have Billy Currington come perform, and I, along with some friends, had an excellent time. We did not push our way through the sweaty crowd, so I could not get a good quality photo, but I was able to capture the stage from a distance and the people around it, showing what the experience was like from my point of view. As someone who grew up out in the country outside of a small town, I listened to country music frequently. I noticed over the years, while attending a school closer to the large city of Chattanooga, TN, that the area was filled with many transplants, people who were moved from all over the United States to fill positions in growing companies. Because of this, the crowd hardly consisted of the happy, humble country folk I had called my neighbors for so many years. The people had diverse interests in many things that I was not used to, and one difference that stood out to me was a strong opposition to country music. I was happy to see, after moving up to Johnson City, that people here are in touch with their local culture as Appalachian-southern people, and the concert was an absolute success. I also attended another performance to support a good friend of mine, Jonathan Ferret. He is part of a trombone ensemble here at ETSU, and they had an excellent performance, playing very moving songs and showing the talents of many young Bucs. Following the recital, a band played, and all of them were using brass instruments of some type. This was very entertaining, as these unique individuals put on a one-of-a-kind show. The photo below is from the middle of one song. Yes, that is a man on the ground. He was quite enthusiastic. Overall, I enjoyed seeing all of these performances, and I look forward to seeing many more in my time here at ETSU.
I will add more as the adventures happen. -JD I went with my friend Jonathan to the Reece Museum to look at some of the art exhibits they have here on the ETSU campus this semester. Much attention was drawn to the Fletcher Exhibit, which had many pieces concerning controversial social and political topics. War, gender equality, and suicide were such topics inspiring many creations with meaning far beyond a simple view of the piece. Thankfully, descriptions of the artists and the meaning behind their works were provided by kind and knowledgeable museum staff members. With a relatively neutral position on all things even remotely controversial, the Fletcher Exhibit was not my favorite part of the museum. The other section was an exhibit I thoroughly enjoyed called The Best of Tennessee Craft. Included in this display are paintings, furniture, and sculptures, all masterfully created by local artists. I was mesmerized by the textured style used in two paintings of beautiful mountainous scenery that I would not hesitate to put in my home, should I come across enough money to purchase them. A curious looking chair and a beautifully crafted box containing drinking glasses, all hand crafted from local materials, added an antique feel to the array of displays. My favorite part, however, was a pair of reflective sculptures that brought a contrasting, modern element to the exhibit. The Reece Museum is a place I highly suggest visiting when on the ETSU campus if you are looking to see incredible art.
I will post more about campus activities activities in the future. -JD In the finale of this three part series, we, the Colloquians of UHS '20, gathered once more to discuss an important question. This question decides our major, what school we attend, what we will do in four years. After we all finish our undergraduate degrees here in the University Honors Program at ETSU, us students can go many places. Hedden, the supreme leader of the Colloverse, posed the question, "Where Are You Going?"
I had recently discovered my true interests, and I was very prepared for the question (mostly because it was on the syllabus, and I did some pre-Colloquium navel-gazing). I discovered, and I do not remember how, the basics behind the science of reading and interpreting micro-expressions. This practice can be performed anywhere with human interaction, and I was (and still am) amazed with what one can learn without the observed person speaking a word. I bought two books by Dr. Paul Ekman, the psychologist who discovered the ability and potential of reading micro-expressions. This science is very useful in reading deception, and it has become more commonly seen in law enforcement. This is where I started considering different occupations relating to my interests. I thought to myself, "What is a career that involves behavioral and psychoanalysis, reading deception, and would never get old?" After doing some research, I discovered that I wish to pursue the position of a profiler in the Behavior Analysis Unit of the FBI. To do this, I will finish my undergraduate degree in Psychology, then apply for graduate school to pursue a Masters/PhD in Experimental Psychology. I will need a few years of professional work experience, so I plan to get involved with research while getting my PhD, and once I am eligible, I will apply for the FBI as any agent would. After years in a local field office, I could be selected to work in the BAU, my end as far as changing positions. If I don't die in any sort of fiasco over the years, I would like to finish my career by teaching at Quantico. That, my friends, is where I am going. -JD |