Writing Samples

Imagine dedicating your academic career to a department where you do not have the same opportunities because of your disability.

Daija Coleman, a recent graduate of the Washburn education department, used her capstone to raise awareness for the inequities that those with physical disabilities experience at Washburn University.

Coleman’s senior capstone project was creating awareness for accessibility issues, specifically within the education department at Washburn. Read more…

If you haven’t heard the name Virgi Scardanzan, you have now—and you might want to remember it.

On June 27, Virgi Scardanzan, Italian international student and pole vaulter at Washburn University, finished second at the 2021 Italian National Championships in pole vault, clearing 4.30 meters (14’ 1 ¼ inches).

“I knew there was a chance of getting to the podium,” Scardanzan said. “I just focused on myself and everything worked out.” Read more…

Japanese Club is a new student organization at Washburn, founded by two students who want to share their love for their country, Japan.

Japan is an island country located off the east coast of Asia. Those who know a little bit about Japan might know that its culture is very different from that of the United States, however, Japanese culture has become a part of America through the popularization of sushi, anime, manga and other Japanese trends. Read more…

Fibromyalgia is not an easy disease to cope with. Although you have a name for what you’re going through, your pain is unexplained. You may be able to identify triggers, but this kind of pain doesn’t come with an explanation.

I haven’t always exercised restraint when coping with my pain. I eat unhealthy food, and too much of it. I spend money on things that I don’t need or things that will temporarily relieve my pain. Read more…

Warm up your vocal chords and practice those high notes because “The Voice” is coming to Washburn with the chance to win $1,000.

The adapted competition will look similar to the popular television show, but will allow Washburn students to showcase their vocal talents. Those who want to compete must sign up in the Office of Student Involvement and Development (OSID) which is located on the main level of the Memorial Union by Sept. 29, 2021. Read more…

Sev Ohanian, award-winning producer, and producer of “Judas and the Black Messiah,” will be speaking to the Washburn Filmmakers Association (WFA) via Zoom on May 27 at 4 p.m.

Although the event is hosted by WFA, it is free and open to the public. Those who wish to attend must sign up via eventbrite.

Matthew Nyquist, assistant professor of mass media at Washburn University, was able to create this opportunity for students because of his connection with Ohanian through the University of Southern California. Read more…

It has been over a year since COVID-19 initially came to the United States, yet the 2019 novel coronavirus still remains at large. As time has passed and more information has become available, our procedures for handling COVID-19 have evolved.

The Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, also known as MMWR, shared a study that found that “double-masking” (wearing two properly fitting masks: one medical and one cloth) could decrease exposure to infectious aerosols by about 95%. Read more…

You’ve most likely heard of the rumored stimulus checks that will be sent to Americans in response to the coronavirus pandemic. An extra $1,200 sounds like a great deal, right?

For some, it will be – but there are a lot of strings attached to that money.

The rules sound simple at first. All American adults get $1,200 from the government and an extra $500 for each dependent. Not quite. It turns out that many college students and other adult dependents won’t be eligible for any money at all. Read more…

Valerie Peckham is a newly hired professor of psychology at Washburn University, but she has been involved with Washburn long before becoming a professor here. However, Peckham hasn’t always pursued her passion in psychology.

“I’ve had several different jobs and I’ve pursued different careers and would find myself getting bored a year or two into a job,” said Peckham. “I had always been interested in psychology, and then it occurred to me: how could you ever get bored studying people?” Read more…