Uncertainty for November: How and/or Will Witt Students Vote?

         On Tuesday, the advanced news writing class at Wittenberg University discussed the upcoming presidential election and whether or not students plan to participate in the election and/or their thoughts on the issues the nation faces.  Out of the four students interviewed, three stated that they plan to vote absentee and the fourth is unsure about his actions.  The general consensus that was gathered from the students is that this election is difficult for students to both understand and formulate a concrete opinion for either candidate. Some students agreed that the whole political campaign  feels more like an act rather than the candidates' genuine concern for the nation's future.  Particularly, one student mentioned the campaign advertisements on television seem more like personal attacks on the other party rather than focusing on what they will do if elected. It was also interesting to acknowledge what students did not say regarding issues most important to them.  Popular responses included healthcare and women's rights.  However, one especially prominent and influential issue our entire nation is facing that was not mentioned was the economy.  Perhaps this is suggesting that college students are not feeling the effects of the economic crisis? However, I find this difficult to believe because so many students are paying their way through college or at least having to pay some expenses.  Come November, it seems unsure of how students will vote or if they will even vote at all.

Walking Past Witt

         Incoming freshmen and Wittenberg students alike are often times hesitant to leave campus and see what Springfield has to offer.  Over the summer, I participated in an internship through Wittenberg that opened my eyes to a different side of Springfield that I had never seen before.  I ate at many local restaurants; most of which were better dining experiences that what I have had on the infamous Bechtle Avenue or as many Witt students know it as the Mecca of American fast food and chain restaurants.  I also learned about the history of Springfield at the Heritage Center in downtown; something I recommend that every student go explore.  So many opportunities to explore Springfield are within walking distance from Wittenberg's campus but are rarely taken advantage of.  I am hoping that this article will bring awareness of the great local events and locations Springfield has to offer to Wittenberg students and hopefully draw them outside of the Wittenberg bubble.  Examples of these events/locations include the Farmer's Market on Saturday mornings; the Clark County Library; Un Mundo Cafe; Coffee Expressions; Fountain on Main.

Thoughts for the Semester

        Today was the first day of my advanced news writing class for the fall semester of my senior year.  I am excited to be in a more writing intensive course where  the work we produce could potentially be published in The Torch or in other news publications.  I also see myself as more of a feature writer so I am excited to challenge myself and learn more about news writing and the different writing style required.  I am hoping to write for The Torch as much as I can this semester working with my volleyball schedule; however after taking this course, I think I will be even more prepared to write consistently for The Torch in the spring semester.  The variety of assignments and stories that we will be writing will keep the class interesting and fresh.  Also having taken the introductory jounralism course at Wittenberg in my sophomore year, it will be good to review the basics of journalism and build on those skills.